GHENJA, A UNIQUE FESTIVAL THAT PRESERVES THE ANCIENT CULINARY DELIGHT AND CULTURAL HERITAGE OF TEHRI AND UTTARAKASHI REGION
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Ghenja, a renowned culinary delight from Uttarakhand’s Tehri Garhwal and Uttarkashi regions, is crafted into circular and triangular forms using indigenous grains such as Jhangora, Koni, Koda, and Maize flour. These delectable creations are gently steamed between lemon and Oak leaves and then served with tea.
The Festival, celebrated with enthusiasm annually on the 28th day of the Poush month in the lunar calendar, unfolds in Uttarakhand’s Tehri and Uttarkashi regions. Dhyaniya, married women, predominantly observe this Festival in their maternal homes, bringing Ghenja to their in-laws as a cherished tradition. Occurring in the winter season, the Festival adds joy to relationships. Ghenja, known for its longevity, has become a weekly breakfast staple.
The inaugural Ghenja Festival 2024 occurred on January 12, 2024, at Bamura Dham, Herawal Gaon, in the Pratapnagar region of Tehri Garhwal, Uttarakhand. The pioneering figure in global education, Virendra Rawat, orchestrated this unique indigenous food festival in the region, with the Ghenja Contest 2024 at its core.
Homemakers showcased their culinary skills by preparing Ghenja at home and presenting it at the competition. The contestants brought their beautifully decorated Ghenjas to Bamuradham on January January 12, 2024, at 10 AM for the competition.
A total of 434 homemakers participated, presenting their delightful and nutritious Ghenjas for evaluation by the expert jury. The discerning jury not only tasted the flavors but also discussed the art of making Ghenja with the contestants.
Shri Dinesh Semwal, the Prant Karyawah of Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh Uttarakhand, inaugurated the Festival. Mr. Shailendra Singh Negi, Sub-District Magistrate of Pratapnagar, inaugurated the Ghenja Contest 2024. Other dignitaries, including Mr. Bhajaram Panwar and Mr. Mahipal Singh Rawat, graced the occasion.
The highlight of the Festival was the unveiling of the world’s largest Ghenja, weighing 121 kilograms, dedicated to the Pran Partishtha of Shri Ram Mandir in Ayodhya. The Chief Guest, Shri Dinesh Semwal, did the honors.
The organizing committee, comprising Mr. Dinesh Kalura, Mr. Chandrashekhar Panyuli, and Mr. Vijay Pokhriyal, orchestrated the event. Mr. Mangal Singh Panwar, an educator from Uttarkashi, served as the anchor.
The jury included Ms. Rohini Singh and Ankita Bisht, scholars from the Home Science Department of HNB Garhwal University, Sangeeta Panwar, an educator from Uttarkashi, and Millet experts Pavitra Rana and Rakhi Rana from “Garh Bhoj” Uttarkashi. Mrs. Poorna Devi, a senior homemaker from Herwal Gaon, served as the senior jury member.
After careful evaluation, Mrs. Rama Dobhal from Gyansu Uttarkashi was declared the winner of the Ghenja Contest 2024. Mrs. Sakla Devi Rawat from Herwal Gaon secured the second position, and Jagatamba Devi from Onal Village secured the third position.
Winners received cash prizes from Bamura Dham and gift coupons from Paraj 99 Bazar, sponsored by Mr. Sukhdev Singh Chauhan. Subh Kamna Jewelers and Shubh Kamna Sarees from Lambgaon sponsored local transport for Ghenja contestants. Mementos from Rotary Club Uttarakashi were presented to the winners by Mr. Mohan Dabral.
All Ghenja contestants received a cash participation amount of 500 rupees from Virendra Rawat. Mr. Dwarka Prasad Semwal, the funder of “Garh Bhoj” Uttarkashi, received the Millet Man of Uttarakhand Award 2024 for promoting millets. The Hospitality Star Award 2024 was presented to Surendra Rawat, a leading hospitality entrepreneur in Gujarat.
The “Pratapnagar ke Path Pardarshak Award 2024” honored individuals from Pratapnagar, including Mrs. Rekha Aswal, Mr. Abhinav Kalura, and Mr. Gajendra Kandiyal, along with others, for their contributions to the cultural and social upliftment of the Pratapnagar region.
Professional event volunteers from Roger’s team, Dehradun, played a crucial role in the success of the Ghenja Festival 2024. The Chief Guest, Shri Dinesh Semwal, applauded the event for reconnecting people with traditional customs, cuisine, and culture. He emphasized the need to establish Ghenja as a symbol for the state and the country.
Mr. Shailendra Singh Negi, Sub-District Magistrate of Pratapnagar, highlighted the health benefits of consuming coarse grains like Ghenja and urged people to follow traditional practices for better health.
Mr. Virendra Rawat expressed the vision of giving Ghenja a new identity nationally and internationally. He thanked all participants and attendees, emphasizing the village’s proximity to divine abodes despite being distant from modern cities.
The organizing committee of the Bamura Dham’s Ghenja Festival 2024 proudly announces the appointment of Shri Shanti Prasad Nautiyal, the author of traditional recipes in Uttarakhand and former Joint Commissioner of the State Tax Department, Uttarakhand, as the Brand Ambassador for Ghenja.
He is renowned for his contribution to the promotion and dissemination of the famous, nutritious, and delicious Ghenja dish, representing the culinary heritage of Uttarakhand.
The Festival was attended by various prominent figures, including Keshav Rawat, Usha Bhandari, Mohan Dabral, Narendra Chamoli, Jay Singh Rawat, Yaspal Kandiyal, Dr. Bharat Singh Rana, former district panchayat member Uttarkashi Kamal Singh Rawat, Abhinav Negi, Dhanpal Panwar, and others.