PIONEER EDGE NEWS SERVICE /Dehradun
The Uttarakhand administration is providing traditional foods of mountainous areas prepared by local women’s self-help groups to the pilgrims visiting the Char Dham Yatra at the Rishikesh transit camp.
The pilgrims visiting the transit camp are enjoying a variety of local delicacies such as Urad Dal Pakoras, Kapli rice, sesame chutney, Jhangora ki Kheer and Mandua ki Roti. “These are not just tasty but also nutritious and they help the pilgrims stay energetic during their long journey,” said an officer.
“We are relishing the unique highland cuisine specific to Uttarakhand. This is a part of its great culture,” one of the pilgrims from Bihar said.
The food is being prepared and served by the women from 12 self-help groups. “This has also created employment opportunities for local women and helped them become self-reliant. The initiative is proving to be an important step towards promoting self-reliance and supporting local communities. We are all happy running food stalls here and providing the pilgrims a culinary pleasure,” a senior member of a SHG said.
The district magistrate, Savin Bansal said that this initiative is not only improving facilities for pilgrims but also supporting local women and boosting the local economy.
