- 30th Oct 2025
Every year, Nagpur, our beloved “Orange City,” turns into a bright and joyful place during the Orange City Literature Festival. This festival brings together writers, poets, thinkers, and readers from all over the country. People come to share stories, discuss books, and celebrate the world of words. But this year, there was something new and exciting that added extra flavor to the event — the “Beyond Book: The Food Festival.”
This festival reminded everyone that books and food share a deep connection. Both give us comfort, both tell stories, and both describe cultures in their own special way. The “Beyond Book” food festival became the heart of the event. It filled the air with mouth-watering smells and gave visitors a reason to explore flavors from across India and even beyond.
The Idea Behind “Beyond Book”
The organizers wanted the literature festival to be more than just about reading and discussions. They wanted it to engage all the senses — not just the mind. After all, stories are often told through the food we eat. The “Beyond Book” food festival was created to show that connection. Just as every book has a story, every dish also has one
Many local chefs, home cooks, and food lovers came together to make this festival possible. The goal was to bring people closer — through plates and pages. It also gave a stage to small food businesses and local brands from Nagpur to showcase their creativity.
The Atmosphere
When you entered the food festival area, the first thing you noticed was the cheerful vibe. There were stalls lined up beautifully, each decorated in creative ways. The aroma of spices, freshly baked bread, roasting corn, and sweets filled the air. You could hear laughter and music everywhere. People were enjoying not just the food but also the festive spirit.
Families came with children, groups of students roamed around, and even elderly visitors savored the variety of flavors while chatting with friends. Each food stall had something unique to offer — from traditional Maharashtrian food to fusion street food and desserts from different parts of India.
The best part was how friendly the vendors were. They loved talking about their dishes — where they came from, how they were made, and what inspired them. It wasn’t just about selling food; it was about sharing stories and culture.
A Culinary Journey
The “Beyond Book” festival was truly a food lover’s paradise. Nagpur’s special dishes like saoji, tarri poha, and oranges desserts were crowd favorites. Visitors also got to taste unique cultural delights — South Indian filter coffee, Rajasthani, Bengali sweets, and Punjabi parathas.
For those who love trying new things, there were food stalls serving global cuisines — Chinese momos, Italian pasta, and Middle Eastern food. Every bite had something exciting to offer. There was room for every taste — spicy, sweet, tangy, and everything in between.
The dessert section attracted the most crowd. Caramel custards, cupcakes, local sweets — all looked too tempting to resist. Many visitors confessed they came back twice just for the desserts!
Learning Through Food
One of the most interesting parts of the food festival was the interactive sessions where chefs and food experts talked about food culture, sustainability, and healthy eating. Some well-known chefs shared how food can be both delicious and nutritious. They also spoke about how recipes from old books inspire modern cooking.
Workshops were held where participants learned to make simple dishes at home using local ingredients. Children joined fun cooking sessions and learned about kitchen basics. It was not only about eating — it was about understanding food better.
The food festival also tied beautifully with the idea of the literature event happening next to it. Some food writers and bloggers shared how food writing has become an important part of literature today. They discussed how food tells stories of migration, memories, and emotions.
A Celebration of Local Flavors
One of the proudest moments for Nagpurians was seeing local food businesses shine. From homemade pickles and papads to local honey and spice brands, every stall had its charm. The festival helped many small entrepreneurs reach new customers. People loved buying local snacks to take home as souvenirs.
Traditional cooks from villages around Nagpur were also invited. Their dishes, cooked with age-old recipes, gave a taste of authenticity that people rarely find in big cities. Many visitors said that these simple, home-style dishes reminded them of their childhood.
Sustainable and Thoughtful Eating
Another nice thing about the festival was its focus on eco-friendly practices. Vendors avoided plastic plates and cups. Paper, bamboo, and leaf-based packaging were used in most stalls. Water refilling points were set up to reduce bottle waste. This thoughtful approach made everyone feel good about enjoying food responsibly.
There were also discussions on food waste management and local farming. Chefs encouraged people to support farmer’s markets and eat seasonal produce. It added a meaningful layer to the celebration — reminding visitors that enjoying good food also means respecting nature.
Bringing Books and Food Together
At first, it might seem strange to have a food festival at a literature event. But once you experienced it, it made perfect sense. Books and food both connect people deeply. Just like a story stays in your heart, so does a memorable meal.
The festival area had cozy corners where people could read books while sipping coffee or juice. Authors and readers often met at food stalls to chat informally. These small interactions made the event feel warm and human. Some food-themed book launches even took place there, blending food and literature beautifully.
The Human Connection
What made “Beyond Book” truly special was the people. You could feel the genuine happiness everywhere. Volunteers helped visitors find stalls, musicians performed live, and everyone shared smiles. It reminded everyone how much joy simple things like food and togetherness can bring.
The whole event felt like a big family gathering — one where strangers bonded over cups of chai and shared laughter. Children ran around playing, grandparents shared stories, and young people clicked selfies with plates full of color and flavor. It was more than a festival — it was a feeling.
Looking Ahead
The success of “Beyond Book” proved that festivals can be more than their main theme. A literature event turned into a celebration of culture, taste, and community. It showed that creativity has no limits — it can be expressed on paper or on a plate.
Organizers said they want to make this food festival a regular part of the Orange City Literature Festival from now on. Visitors have already started waiting for next year’s edition. Everyone hopes it will be even bigger, tastier, and more colorful.
Final Thoughts
The “Beyond Book” food festival in Nagpur was not just about eating; it was about connecting — with people, stories, and traditions. It added flavor to literature and gave locals something to feel proud of.
It celebrated Nagpur’s warmth, creativity, and love for good food. Just like a good book, it left behind memories that people will cherish long after the festival ended.