Sounds and spices

DANDENONG Market was transformed into an Afghan celebration on Sunday.
The general merchandise hall was host to nearly 700 visitors who attended the Afghan Spice Banquet, as part of the 2011 Melbourne Food and Wine Festival.
Guests were treated to a traditional wedding banquet including pomegranate nectar, chicken tikka, ashaak dumplings and kabuli pallow.
The banquet was provided by local Afghan restaurants Afghan Pamir Restaurant and Salang.
World-renowned sitar player Khalil and a traditional Afghan dance troupe entertained the crowd and helped provide an authentic atmosphere.
The market was also open on the day to guests and the public.