Mumbai, 30 July 2024: The Heritage Project, an NGO seeded by the RPG Foundation, organised “Koli Fork-Lores,” a unique cooking contest that celebrated the rich culinary traditions of the Koli community within the city. This event, which took place at Dadar’s IHM Catering College on July 25, is part of the broader “Chefs of Koliwada” initiative, which aims to revive and preserve the cultural heritage of the Koli community.
The contest brought together 11 Women-led Self-Help Groups from Worli and Versova Koliwada. Each team is comprised ofthree talented women. These participants showcased their culinary skills by preparing traditional Koli dishes that reflect their rich cultural heritage.
The women cooked up some amazing delicacies, such as Koliwada Special Prawns Mango Gravy, Khajura Fish Fry, Stuffed Pomfret Fry, Ghosala-val bhaji, Samudri Methi bhaji, and more. Among the 11 groups, the competition was won by the group, named, Aai Jivadani.
The judging panel featured distinguished industry experts, including Aditi Duggar, founder of Masque; Sameer Seth, co-founder of The Bombay Canteen; and celebrity food writer and author Kunal Vijaykar. Amol Balkawade, head faculty at IHM Mumbai, and a Koli from Alibaug, with over 15 years of teaching experience, was also on the panel. Additional judges included Ms. Radha Goenka, Director of RPG Foundation, and Marathi actor Akshaya Naik, among others.
Their participation ensured a professional platform for the participants and a comprehensive assessment of their culinary skills.
“We are thrilled to support this initiative. Through ‘Koli Fork-Lores,’ we aim to highlight the exceptional culinary skills of Koliwada women and preserve and promote the rich cultural heritage of the Koli community. This event underscores our commitment to community empowerment and cultural preservation,” said Radha Goenka, Director of RPG Foundation.
“Koli Fork-Lores” was an exciting event that celebratedtraditional Koli cuisine and fostered a sense of pride and unity within the Koli community.
About Chefs of Koliwada:
The “Chefs of Koliwada” initiative, under which this contest is organized, aims to support the local community in showcasing the Koli culinary heritage and food culture. At its core, the initiative focuses on empowering local women through food-related initiatives and training them to achieve financial sustainability.
About The Heritage Project:
Initiated in 2019, The Heritage Project revives the stories around ancient sites and makes them relatable to all age groups. Our vision is to preserve India’s tangible and intangible heritage and create awareness about its significance. Our work entails a holistic transformation model through community engagement, employability, art and architecture, and experiences.
Website: https://theheritageproject.in/
About RPG Foundation:
RPG Foundation (RPGF), a not-for-profit, finds innovative solutions to social problems at scale. It is a sister organization to the RPG Group of companies. We implement large-scale programs on the ground with a robust monitoring and reporting mechanism. We work in the areas of Youth, Culture, Environment, and Women, addressing specific needs and communities that remain underserved.
Website: https://rpgf.org
