Saraswat cuisine fest has Goans in finger-licking mood

     Panaji (Goa): A festival of Saraswat cuisine in Goa is attracting a large number of visitors. Generally visitors to Goa tend to think of Goan food and drink as being limited to the famous fish, curry, rice and feni package, and it is a fact, that for most,. And for most, fish, curry and rice are the three basic necessities. They combine to make a heavenly daily meal for the average Goan. But Goan cuisine, like the land itself, has many flavours and tastes with its vast treasure trove of culinary delicacies. People got an opportunity to taste different types of goan cuisine at a food festival,which is showcasing the culinary repertoire of the Saraswat Brahmin community of Goa. Saraswat Brahmins are considered to be a minority in Goa.The first Brahmins to settle in Goa, were called Saraswats because of their origins from the banks of the River Saraswati, an ancient river that existed in Vedic times. The subsequent drying up of the river caused large scale migration of Brahmins to all corners of India. Visitors are thronging in large numbers to these stalls to give their taste buds a new experience. "Its a very good concept that Goan has come up with for past several years and we get to know lot of authentic dishes of Goa in this festival.Very tasty dishes especially the crab,prones etc," said Sanji D'Costa, a visitor. "All the communities and region have their own specialities,so are the Saraswat.Their cuisine basically have three ingredients- fish,coconut and rice," said Shanu Pai Panandekar,Member of the Organising Committee.

     Goa is very near to the Arabian Sea that is why fish forms an integral part of Saraswat cuisine."Sungata Danger" or "Prawn Cutlets","Xacuti."Kismar" or a dish of fried dry fish have on display in the festival. Dishes prepared from crabs and chickens are also being served. Some of the stall owners are using the money that they collect from this festival to donate for survivors of the December 26 tsunami menace. "I am a caterer from Goa.We have been running this business for last ten years. I felt that the tsunami is a big tragedy, and therefore, I would like to give my profits for the welfare of tsunami victims," said Fondekar, a stall owner. Goa has always attractedpeople from home and abroad because of its beaches and fun-filled lifestyle.And this kind of festival surely will help to enhance Goan tourism.
-Jan 31, 2005