ITANAGAR, 1 Sep: From elaborate wedding cakes and latte art to homegrown produce and hands-on artisan workshops, Itanagar is set for a three-day celebration of food, creativity and entrepreneurship as Arunachal Pradesh hosts its inaugural 'Arunachal Food & Beverage Carnival (AF&BC) - Bake and Beyond 2026' from 5 to 7 September.
The carnival is designed to go beyond simply serving up good food.
At the heart of the carnival will be a 'business connect expo', aimed at bringing together the HoReCa - hotel, restaurant and catering - industry with suppliers, producers and potential business partners. The platform is expected to help entrepreneurs explore sourcing opportunities, forge partnerships, and build networks within the state's growing hospitality and food ecosystem.
The carnival is being organised by Mezang Baking Academy & Cafe, founded by Roma Khonjiju in 2018, and will bring bakers, chefs, farmers, artisans, students, food entrepreneurs, and industry players under one roof.
With more than 30 activities lined up, the event will feature baking and cooking competitions, live demonstrations, masterclasses, artisan workshops, brand exhibitions, business sessions, and networking opportunities.
Another major attraction will be the 'homegrown producers market', where local farmers, artisans and food producers can showcase their products and connect directly with consumers, restaurants, retailers and prospective business partners.
For young people and students keen to pick up new skills, artisan workshops will offer opportunities to learn new crafts, while renowned pastry chefs from across India will conduct live demonstrations and masterclasses.
The competitive side of the carnival promises plenty of action too. Participants will battle it out in wedding cake-making, whipping cream decoration, cupcakes and healthy bakes, besides a 'latte art competition' and separate cooking contests for senior and junior participants.
Visitors wanting more than a ringside view can roll up their sleeves for interactive 'Make & Take' baking sessions, allowing them to learn techniques and take home what they create.
Organisers said the carnival seeks to give Arunachal's emerging culinary talent and indigenous produce greater visibility while creating avenues for entrepreneurship, skill development and industry collaboration.
With food increasingly emerging as both a creative profession and a business opportunity, 'Bake and Beyond 2026' hopes to turn Itanagar into a meeting ground where local flavours, professional skills and enterprise come together.
