The much awaited culinary and cultural extravaganza – Jaffna Festival – is back for the third consecutive year at Cinnamon Grand. Experience the colourful diversity of the Yalpanam through food and music from 14-24 February, held at Cinnamon Grand’s village in the city, Nuga Gama. A celebration of the rich culture and heritage of the region, the festival features over 70 authentic dishes, traditional dance acts, beautiful palmyra products, market stalls, and many other attractions. To ensure the authenticity of flavours, all ingredients are sourced from Jaffna and cooked by ladies from Jaffna. The significance of Cinnamon Grand’s Jaffna Festival is that it is a celebration of diversity, cuisine, and culture, but more importantly, one that gives back to communities. Famous spices from Punkudutheevu Island will also be available for sale at the many stalls at Nuga Gama. These ladies from Jaffna have overcome several difficulties over the years but have flourished in their businesses they started at home. Their stalls will include renowned spices and palmyra products and handicrafts. Fresh vegetables from Jaffna and over 10 varieties of dry fish will also be available for purchase. A traditional Jaffna sweet shop with favourites such as jelabis will also be available. All proceeds from the sale of these items go directly to the vendors, all of whom are from Jaffna. The band “A One Rhythm” will perform live, while the Himalaya dance group and Nagappu Gramiya Kalai Kulu group will present cultural acts to entertain guests while they dine. In addition, live painting and craft creations will be on display by master craftsman Thampirasa Sureshkumar. As in the past two years, the buffet will feature a variety of dishes exclusive to Jaffna, prepared by ladies from Jaffna, using traditional recipes passed down from generation to generation. The feast will include dishes such as spinach pittu, string hoppers, rice, brinjal white curry, onion fenugreek curry, elephant yam curry, thuvaram dhal curry, mullet fish, prawn curry, shark mallun, stingray fish curry, beef curry, cuttlefish curry, and chicken curry – also not forgetting fried prawns, fish, cuttlefish, and so much more. There will also be hopper action stations and desserts such as pinatu, laddu, mango and jak, and the famous Rio ice cream. All this and more is on offer for just Rs. 2,950 Nett per person. The festival will be on for dinner during weekdays (7 p.m.-11 p.m.) and lunch (11.30 a.m.-3 p.m.) and dinner on Saturdays and Sundays. Make your reservations by calling 011 249 7468/011 243 7437.