It was a cultural bear-hug. Never before was the cultural calendar of the city so packed. And perhaps never in recent times have Hyderabadis been so spoiled for choice.
The Telangana formation day fete really pulled the citizens by their shoe-strings. Be it appetising food or entertainment, there was plenty to satiate the palate and the senses. While Ustad Ghulam Ali, cast a spell with his soulful numbers at Charminar, the delectable spread at People’s Plaza, Necklace Road had the foodies asking for more.
The typical Hyderabadi fare — naan and paan — only added to the Jashan-e-Telangana flavour. The ‘Naan and Paan’ festival organised by Hyderabad Tourism in association with the Telangana Tourism Department had the distinct Hyderabadi touch about it.
The man behind it was M.A. Basith, a software engineer turned hotelier. Along with K. Srinivas of Dimmy Paan Mahal, he conjured up the unique food festival.
There were a variety of naans and paans to choose from at City Centre Mall, Banjara Hills, the venue of the festival.
Sample these: Shahi Naan, Chironjee Naan, Ajwain Naan, Ghilafi Kulche, Khameeri Roti, Dil Naan, Lachchha Parata, Galauti Kebabs . Of course they came in all shapes and sizes. Basith also came up with a tantalising range of succulent kebabs and curries to eat the naans with. The best thing was the delicacies were affordable.
For Hyderabadis no meal is complete without the heart-shaped betel leaf. Not just a social indulgence, over the years it has evolved into a culture of its own. Paan chewers had difficulty deciding which paan to try. The syrupy menu really made the mouth water. The variety was mindboggling — Meenakshi Laddu Paan, Kulfi Paan, Milk and chocolate Paan, Ice-cream Paan, Honeymoon special, Axe Paan. The cheapest, Sada mein Sada paan, was priced at just five rupees while the Dimmy Special came for Rs. 1001.
Those shopping at the City Centre couldn’t resist the appetising aroma wafting around and willy-nilly gave into the temptation.
A sliver paandaan was also placed on the stage complete with elaichi, laung, supari, other ingredients and sarota (nut cracker). Some couples came forward to make paan and present to their spouses to express their love.
Foot-tapping paan numbers from Hindi movies and dulcet ghazals by Kashaf Ali enthralled everyone.
The Naan and Paan fest sure added to the Telangana shaan.
