Women’s fire‑free cooking contest scheduled for Oct 13 at J.K. Ground

A fire‑free cooking contest organized by the Women and Children Dasara sub‑committee will take place on October 13 as part of the city’s Dasara celebrations. The event is set for the afternoon slot between 4:30 and 5:30 p.m. at J.K. Ground in Mysore. Only women who are 18 years old or older may enter, and they must register by 6 p.m. on October 12; registrations after that time will be rejected. The competition will admit just the first fifty applicants who complete the sign‑up. Participants are required to bring their own ingredients and any utensils needed, but they cannot bring any pre‑cooked food, pre‑chopped vegetables or fruits. All preparation must be done on the spot within the allotted hour. Each contestant must work alone; any assistance from others will lead to immediate disqualification. A panel of judges will evaluate the dishes and their verdict is final.

Context

The contest reflects a growing trend of showcasing culinary skill without traditional fire methods, encouraging creativity and safety during public festivals. It also provides a platform for women in the community to demonstrate cooking talent during a major cultural event.