MUMBAI, March 9: It is food time after the films in this season of festivals. Women employees of Mantralaya have taken it upon themselves to showcase the spice of Maharashtrian dishes in a two-day food festival scheduled for next month.Eager to popularise the variety of native cuisine beyond the shores, the state government will invite foreign visitors, consuls and ambassadors, while others would be able to attend the meet on April 25-26 only as special guests.Cultural Affairs Minister Pramod Navalkar, the brain behind the meet, said, ``The Maharashtrian food not only tastes good but is nourishing also. Unfortunately, not many foreigners know about it.'' On the choice of over 100 women workers from Mantralaya, the minister stated, ``Professional cooks could have easily prepared the food but the participation by government employees will add a different spice.''Preparation for the festival has begun in earnest. While a promotional logo for the event is being designed by experts, special letterheadsand invitation cards will be printed soon. Foreign visitors put up in hotels across the city will be put on the mail list for the festival open between 10 am to 3 pm and 5 pm to 9 pm. The Police and Navy bands will welcome the guests and provide musical accompaniment while they enjoy the food sitting in eating places designed as huts to give a rural ambience.As the Cultural Affairs department is unable to bear the cost for the festival, the money is being raised from various sponsors including cooking utensils manufacturers and some hotel groups.Shailaja Gharat, deputy secretary and president of the Mantralaya Karmachari Mahasangh,said, "To ensure quality food, we will send them to the government catering college, where they will learn how to cook the dish to be served at their stall.''
