Anand Mela celebrates Bengali cuisine, culture

Indore: Aromas of traditional Bengali cuisine filled the air at Navlakha on Friday evening as the two-day Anand Mela began at the Bengali Club, drawing food lovers from across the city.The Anand Mela, part of the Sharadotsav celebrations, showcases a rich variety of Bengali delicacies, both vegetarian and non-vegetarian. Over 50 stalls offer dishes such as Bhapa Ilish, Bhedki Machher Chop, Fish Cutlet, Golda Chingri, Chicken Biryani, Mutton Curry, Rasgulla, Mishti Doi, Sandesh, and Lanchha Gulab Jamun. Chefs from West Bengal have been specially invited to ensure the authenticity of the flavors, delighting visitors with every bite.The festival was inaugurated by Ranjan De Sarkar, president of the puja committee this year, who cut the ribbon to mark the start of the culinary extravaganza. Families, couples, and groups of friends explored the stalls, sampling dishes and sharing their experiences. "Every dish tastes just like it does back home in Bengal. The flavors and presentation are exceptional," said Subrat Mitra, joint secretary of the committee.The festival will continue on Saturday evening from 7:30 pm to 11 pm, with all stalls set in a water-proof pavilion, allowing visitors to enjoy the culinary offerings without concern for weather interruptions. Beyond being a food festival, the Anand Mela is a celebration of Bengali culture, bringing together the community through shared tastes and traditions.This year's Anand Mela has truly turned the Bengali Club into a hub for food enthusiasts, reaffirming the city's love for authentic regional cuisine.