Pulihora to pongali: Lavish spread marks Mahanadu

Vijayawada: The aroma of steaming Pulihora, spicy curries, crispy fry items and traditional Telugu sweets filled the air at the ongoing Mahanadu, where delegates were treated to a mouth-watering culinary feast featuring nearly 25 varieties of dishes. The grand food arrangements became a major attraction at the annual TDP conclave, with thousands of party cadres and visitors thronging the specially set up food courts.The elaborate menu showcased the rich flavours of Andhra cuisine with a wide range of vegetarian dishes, dal varieties, chutneys, sambar, pickles, snacks and desserts prepared in traditional style. Gummadi halwa, ragi sangati, chakkera pongali were highlight of the dishes. With Mahanadu being organised in virutal mode, food was prepared for about 4000 delegates including national, state committee and politburo members.A large dining hall was readied where senior leaders, legislators had lunch together with the party activists from the field. The organisers made special arrangements for breakfast, lunch and evening snacks to cater to delegates arriving from across the state. Huge kitchens were established at the venue with dozens of cooks and serving staff working round the clock to ensure smooth and uninterrupted supply of food. Large quantities of ingredients were brought in daily to prepare fresh meals for the massive gathering.Mahanadu food committee said the food arrangements were aimed at reflecting Telugu hospitality and cultural traditions during the three-day political event. Delegates appreciated the taste, quality and variety of dishes, with many describing the food as one of the biggest highlights of this year’s Mahanadu.