Sabala food festival draws 50,000 visitors in Visakhapatnam

The second edition of the Sabala Bhojanala Panduga, a community-led food festival centred on natural farming and sustainable living, was held from April 1 to 5 at the Simhachalam Goshala in Visakhapatnam, drawing an estimated 50,000 visitors over five days.

Launched in 2024 under the initiative of Vijay Ram, an advocate of natural farming and organic food systems, the festival draws inspiration from agriculturist Subhash Palekar. Farmers from Visakhapatnam, Vizianagaram and Srikakulam districts have been central to the initiative, which aims to create awareness and address misconceptions surrounding traditional food practices.

Many people assume that natural foods are difficult to cook or inaccessible, a hesitation that has adversely affected farmers who have shifted to organic methods, said Chalapathi Rao, a member of the organising team. He added that the festival was conceived to bridge this gap and foster a direct connection between farmers and consumers.

A diverse range of dishes prepared using indigenous ingredients, including millets, grains, lentils and vegetables, was served during the festival. Organisers said more than 50 varieties of traditional seeds and rice were showcased through the menu, with different preparations introduced each day. The food was served free of cost, with visitors encouraged to make voluntary contributions.

Visitors said the festival offered both culinary and educational value. Dabbada Aswini, an employee of the Greater Visakhapatnam Municipal Corporation Engineering Department, said they came to know about the festival through social media and recommendations from friends abroad, adding that it was their first visit and a very good experience. Pidintla Pravallika, who works in the Home Department, said the sessions provided valuable insights into bio salt, its preparation, benefits and methods of making it at home, and noted that the explanations were clear and engaging.

Around 30 stalls were set up by farmers to sell natural and organic produce. Seed conservation was a key focus, with experts from Maharashtra and Telangana participating in discussions. Organisers emphasised the importance of farmers retaining and regenerating seeds after each crop cycle instead of purchasing them repeatedly.

The festival also featured demonstrations on sustainable living practices, including bamboo craft, palm-leaf bedding and pottery, along with indigenous healthcare systems such as Ayurveda, Siddha and Homoeopathy. Native cattle breeds were displayed, and folk performances from the three districts added a cultural dimension.

Organisers said the initiative aims to strengthen local food systems while supporting farmers adopting sustainable practices.