In the mood for a local food festival?

As Himachal Pradesh gets ready to host a two-day apple festival, we take you on a trip across India and the many annual food festivals it hosts. Along side, take a look at some of the most interesting food festivals and food fights from across the world too...
Many countries around the world, including India, have festivals to celebrate harvest time or promote local produce, leading to events with food as the focus. If you’re planning to travel to any of these places and want to indulge in some culinary adventure, make sure you book your tickets around the time of these festivals.
Apple festival
Where: Himachal Pradesh
When: From September 25 The two-day fest at Shimla will comprise an exhibition on the fruit varieties and dishes made from apples.
Pineapple festival
Where: Manipur
When: August The two-day fest, organised since 2008, sees a contest for pineapple farmers as well as a fruit eating session aimed at creating a world record.
Mango festival
Where: Delhi
When: July This two-day annual event held in the Capital since 1987 is a mecca for mango lovers and retailers with more than 550 varieties of this succulent fruit showcased here along with events like mango eating competition, mango slogan writing, etc.
Jackfruit festival
Where: Kerala
When: June An annual event taking place at Thiruvananthapuram, you can gorge into payasam, cutlets, sandwiches, dosa, halwa as well as ice cream churned out from jackfruit at this fete.
Cashewnut and coconut festival
Where: Goa
When: May A staple of every Goan’s food fare, the state government decided to host a festival earlier this year focussing on the uses of cashew nuts and coconuts.
Chikoo festival
Where: Maharashtra
When: February Started in 2012 in Dahanu, a coastal city in Maharashtra, the two-day Chikoo utsav features chikoo safari as well as an exhibition of the products made from the fruit along with dance performances by tribals.
Interesting food festivals from Around the world
Onion festival
Where: Weimar, Germany
When: October Celebrated since 1653, tourists throng to around 500 stalls that sell an array of cakes, breads, soups and stews, all made up of onions.
Garlic festival
Where: Gilroy, California
When: Last weekend of July The pungent spice has been celebrated in this town since 36 years now. Apart from other recipes, you can sample exotic creations like garlic ice cream or even take part in the great garlic cook-off at this fest.
Frog legs festival
Where: Fellsmere, Florida, US
When: January Having started as a fundraiser in 1990 to cater to the recreational needs of kids in the area, the popular festival comprises different recipes made up of frog legs, the traditional Old Florida speciality.
Shrimp Festival
Where: Delcambre, US
When: August Located in Louisiana, the town is home to one of the area’s most productive shrimp fleets and has been celebrating this festival since 1950. You can gorge on boiled and fried shrimp or enjoy a shrimp cook-off through the weekend.