On May 27th, all Roads lead to Bamboo #1 Recreation Grounds for CurryBana 2018!
In celebration of the 173rd Anniversary of East Indian Arrival and contribution in Trinidad and Tobago, Ashoka Publications Ltd, and Chatak Food Products Ltd, hosted its first of many festivals to come, CurryBana 2018. The opening of the event commenced with a walk for peace at Valpark Shopping Plaza to Bamboo #1 Recreational Grounds where friends and family gathered to partake in the days activities.
Trinidad and Tobago celebrates Indian Arrival Day on 30th May, paying tribute to the first Indentured labourers from India to grace our beloved islands, on May 1845. Upon arrival at the event, I was welcomed to a heritage house, which was very informative in sharing information on the Indian Immigration journey to Trinidad which spanned from the period 1845-1917. Over 140,000 Indians were transported to the island. On display were the contributions and history of those of Indian descent showcasing the food, spices, music, fashion, utensils, forms of transport and much more.
At Currybana there was a lot to see, do and taste. Having one of the largest cultural expo's I was busy in and out of tents whilst I was serenaded by live classical indian music being sung for entertainment.
Happy to see the support of local entrepreneurs, I was greeted with big smiles and enthusiasm where vendors shared their products. From mouth watering pepper roti, tasty saheena's, mehndi, to local honey, plants, paintings, and skin care. It was my first time tasting a shrimp and conch pie and I have to say it was the best 15$ dollar investment. The flavors and spices were really something to savour with every bite.
As I move closer down to the back of the booths I could smell the aromatic aroma of curry. A curry competition was necessary in order to live up to the name Currybana. With pots bubbling, spoons knocking, spices flying Currybana featured some of the best curry competitors. Using Chatak products, teams challenged each other for various curry titles.
Plating time is here! Snapshots of the creative displays by each of the curry competitors in hopes of wowing the judges for 1st place. Competitors produced very intriguing and colorful displays that were fitting to their personality and brand.
Time to announce the winners of the curry cookout competition. There were various titles so everyone walked away a winner, with teams placing in different categories. Winners are as follows:
Best Pepper Choka - Sham's Catering; Best Murtani - Bamboo #1 Crew; Best Pepper Roti - Pepper D; Best Crab & Dumpling - Cathy's Catering; Best Veg Dish - Ria & Dollas Hot on the Spot; Best Chatak Fiery Food - Sham's Catering; Best Chatak Curry dish - Ria & Dollas Hot on the Spot; Chatak Best Presentation - Calcutta Duckers; Best Chatak Curry Duck - Bamboo #1 Crew.
It was truly an eventful day with loads of activities taking place. I ate a lot of delicious foods, listen to classical indian music, dance, and soaked up a lot of history. This has surely given me the opportunity to fully immerse myself in the cultural experience of the East Indian heritage, and have a greater appreciation for preserving cultural traditions and practices.
Always Remember,
Love Your Journey