A large crowd came down to the Stad Popiler car park at lunch time yesterday for a taste of Indian and Creole cuisine through a ‘Food and Fun’ fair organised as part of the Seychelles-India Day celebrations.
There were a variety of Indian and local food stalls selling both Indian and local fare.
This fourth ‘Food and Fun’ fair was organised by the Indian Association of Seychelles in collaboration with the Ministry of Tourism and Culture and the Indian high commission in Seychelles.
Even before the official launch of the event, people had queued up at different stalls to taste the Indian and Creole dishes such as meat tandoories, chapaties, meat and vegetable curries, spicy dabeli, mini uthappam, masal dosa, sambar, grilled fish, sweet and sour pork, kari lapo latet reken, among other dishes along with a variety of Indian sweets and snacks such as the egg bonda, pappad, chilly bajji etc, without forgetting the local ladob bannann, manyok, patat and others.
Local DJs were also present to entertain the public until 6pm when Indian DJs took over until late into the night.
Apart from food stalls there were a few stalls where vendors were selling other items.
The Indian high commission also availed of the opportunity to open a business kiosk showcasing the various opportunities in trade and investment for people wanting to to business with India. The kiosk was opened by Designated Minister Vincent Meriton.
The Minister for Tourism and Culture Alain St Ange had the honour to cut the ribbon to open the fair in the presence of Minister 
Vincent Meriton, Indian high commissioner Sanjay Panda, the chief executive of the Seychelles Tourism Board Sherin Francis, chairman of the Seychelles-India Day Committee Ramu Pillay, government officials, members of the National Assembly, members of the Indian association and other invitees.
In his opening remarks, Minister St Ange said that this fourth Seychelles-India Day celebrations along with the Seychelles-China Day, Africa Day, the Commonwealth and La Francophonie celebrations, together with the upcoming annual Festival Kreol in a week’s time are combinations of events that make us who we are as Seychellois.
“It is together that we are able to stage this event; not for the Indians but for Seychelles. It is an event that marks this partnership into building who we are and I salute the Indian community of Seychelles. You are our partners in culture and it is through culture that we will keep on defending that melting pot that makes the Seychellois people that we are,” Minister St Ange said as he thanked all involved in the success of the Seychelles-India Day and wished everybody a happy Seychelles-India Day.
As it was lunch time, Designated Minister Meriton wished everybody ‘bon appetit’, describing the Indian delicassies as an integral part of our Seychellois cuisine.
He said that apart from Indians, many Seychellois will like to taste the Indian delicassies which form part of our cultural identity.
For his part, HC Panda asked the public to soak in the atmosphere and to get into the cultural journey in the next three days.
“You cannot get into this journey without having the food here. So enjoy the culinary delights and build up your appetite. Enjoy yourself,” he said.
HC Panda also encouraged the public to visit the ‘Make It India Business’ kiosk and learn about business opportunities available with India.
Source : Seychelles NATION