Vibrant Bhaderwah Winter Festival Sparks Culinary Entrepreneurship, Transforming Lives of Local Women
From Snow Meadows to Culinary Success: Bhaderwah's Women Entrepreneurs Redefine Tradition and Tourism
Bhaderwah, 09-01-2024 : The picturesque snow-covered landscapes of Bhaderwah in Jammu and Kashmir are not just drawing tourists for their scenic beauty but are also becoming a source of empowerment for local women. In recent times, destinations like Guldanda on the Bhaderwah-Pathankot highway and events like the ‘Vibrant Bhaderwah Winter Festival’ have not only boosted the local economy but have also provided a platform for women to showcase their culinary skills.
Local cuisine, featuring renowned items like the GI-tagged rajma, sarson ka saag, makki ki roti (cornbread mustard greens), knoll khol pickle, and shatloi (local noodles), has gained significant popularity among tourists. The Bhaderwah Development Authority’s Chief Executive Officer, Bal Krishan, revealed that around 20 women have set up food stalls at various locations, such as Guldanda, Qilla, and New Bus Stand, serving authentic Bhaderwahi food.
This emergence of women entrepreneurs in the culinary domain is seen as a groundbreaking phenomenon in the traditionally conservative society of the hilly Chenab region. Bal Krishan expressed his enthusiasm about this development, stating that the participation of women in showcasing their culinary skills commercially is a major highlight of the festival.
The newfound success is not just limited to admiration but has also translated into brisk business for these women. One such example is Shakuntla Devi, a 67-year-old from Bheja village, who started serving sarson ka saag and makki ki roti at Guldanda meadow. The unexpected success of her stall has not only brought financial relief but has also instilled confidence and self-respect in her.
Similarly, Anuradha Katal, a 32-year-old from Katyara village, faced economic struggles due to road closures after November snowfall. However, the rush of visitors has revitalized her livelihood, and she has been serving GI-tagged local rajma and rice, along with knoll-khol pickle, to tourists. The positive feedback has encouraged her to consider cooking as her permanent profession.
Tourists, who have been flocking to Bhaderwah since the first snowfall on October 19 last year, are delighted with the zing of ethnic Bhaderwahi food. Simran, a tourist from Uttar Pradesh, expressed that after the mesmerizing landscapes, the local cuisine is the second best memory they will carry with them from their visit to Bhaderwah. This confluence of tourism, local culinary expertise, and women’s entrepreneurship is creating a unique narrative of empowerment and economic growth in the heart of Jammu and Kashmir.
#BhaderwahCuisine #WomenEmpowerment #VibrantBhaderwah #LocalFlavors #TourismImpact #SnowyLandscapes #CulinaryEntrepreneurship #GI-TaggedRajma
