Being a physical and psychological need food is an integral part of our lives. And eating food during travel becomes very unique. It reflects a perfect blend of a nation’s cultures and civilisations. The food tourism similarly in India is increasing and have also the scope of becoming an indispensable part of the future tourism of the country. Being one of the largest sectors of our nation the travel and tourism industry contributes 9.2 % GDP of Indian economy according to the data of 2018. Enriched with the rich cultures, natural beauty, and ancient heritages and monuments, India is one of the attracting and leading tourist destinations in the world. But due to this pandemic COVID 19, it has seen a catastrophe and has been affected mostly. Now the intense possibilities should be taken to revive the tourism industry from this situation. To establish the Atmanirbhar Paryatan Or Self sufficient tourism initiated by our government , the culture of India will play a great role. And being a part of that culture, the traditional cuisine of India will be a great weapon that always enriches and influences the tourism sector.
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Cuisine as a Component of Tourism
Cuisine is a very important component in tourism. Traditional cuisine of any region serves as the significant aspect while travelling. Cuisine becomes an excellent tourist attraction in India. When the tourists travel in rural destinations in India food gets an integral part of the travel experience and entertainments. Food of a particular region is an art. The style of presentation , use of ingredients in dishes, and welcoming the tourists of any community are somewhere unique than other regions of India that draws the tourists’ attention. The sole aim of this article is to explore and bring the traditional and regional cuisine in limelight and to make it the prime focus in the tourism system.
Benefits of Indian Cuisines
The unmatched variety of traditional cuisine in India gets very popular not only domestically but internationally also. Food has been used at the destinations as a main attraction and can be used as a tool of marketing strategy of travel and tourism industry. If we focus on the various aspects and characteristics of Indian cuisines , we can see that Indian food is not only rich in taste but it has also its medical benefits because of its use of so many spices and herbs that also boost the immune system of human body which are very necessary in the current scenario.
Traditional Indian cuisine is an amalgamation of vegetables, ghee, spices such as black pepper, red chilli, turmeric, cinemon etc. which have a multiple nutritious value and health benefits.
Some traditional Bhartiya cuisines include North and South Indian food that use lot of spices. Northern India starts with Kashmir where Rogan Josh is very popular. Kashmiri cuisine was Some traditional Bhartiya cuisines include North and South Indian food that use lot of spices. Northern India starts with Kashmir where Rogan Josh is very popular. Kashmiri cuisine was influenced by Hindu and Buddhist. Mughlai food also is very opulent in North. Rajma Chawal is very traditional dish in Delhi. Many food festivals have also been arranged throughout country. In West India Gujarati food festival offers traditional items like Jalebi, Surati Daal, Dhokla etc. Daalbarti churma is very popular dish in Rajasthan. The southern India offers mouthwatering dishes such as Idli, Masala Dosa, Bisi Bele Bath etc. in Karnataka, Vindaloo, a popular fish curry in Goa. A full course ‘Sadhya’, served on a plantain leaf, is a ceremonial meal of Kerala specially in occasions like Onam, Vishu. Eastern states like Bengal offers Charbya, consisting rice, milk, fish, vegetables, and sweets is very traditional. The tourists can be attracted towards each others’ regions through the cuisines.
Role of Government
The project ‘BHOG’ (Blissful Hygienic Offering to God) initiated by the Government also helps to maintain food culture in India. (FSSAI, Government of India)2 A large number of tourists are attracted towards Bhog, food that is served as Mahaprasad at religious centers. FSSAI has initiated the project to maintain food safety and hygiene in preparation for bhog. Many state governments like Tamil Nadu, Uttar Pradesh, Gujarat, Maharashtra have come forward to implement that project which will attract a lot of spiritual tourists.
Recommendations and conclusions
The local culinary tradition of India is the treasure of our country through which the Atmanirvar Paryatan can be developed.. The domestic survey of leisure travelers in India found that 37% engaged in culinary related activities as food can never be excluded from Indian lifestyle. So, in such scenario, the hygienic condition of food should be maintained. The storage, presentation and distribution of food should be maintained as per the government’s protocols. Secondly, the Government of India can arrange numbers of food festivals at the Iconic sites so that it attracts the tourists towards both that destinations and the traditional cuisines of India. The state governments also can arrange the food festivals to promote their regional and traditional cuisines to tourists and where the tourists also have the opportunity to learn the recipes of that dishes. This will not only enhance the authenticity of India and entertain the tourists but the locals will also be benefited economically. If the governments can focus on the rural tourism where the traditional dishes can be explored and the tourists can experience the natural organic food. Through these potentials the initiative of this self sufficient tourism in India can be implemented. Indian cuisine culture can be a strong enhancer and force multiplier of tourism sector.
References
1. Jaganmohan, Madhumitha. Total Contribution of Travel and Tourism to GDP in India 2013-2029.(2020). https://www.statista.com>
2. Eat Right @bhog : Eat Right India. https://fssai.gov.in>eatrightbhog
Author:
Ms. Rimpa De
rimpade79@gmail.com
