Ugadi, Gudi Padwa & Navratri: Special Festive Menus to Try

Food and Beverages

March 16, 2026

Image:Supplied

March brings a vibrant wave of festive celebrations across India, beginning with Ugadi and Gudi Padwa, the traditional New Year for many communities followed closely by the sacred nine nights of Chaitra Navratri. Restaurants and luxury hotels across the country are marking these occasions with thoughtfully curated menus, festive brunches, and traditional thalis that celebrate regional culinary heritage. From Karnataka’s comforting Ugadi classics and Maharashtrian festive delicacies to sattvic Navratri offerings inspired by fasting traditions, here are some special dining experiences to explore this festive season.

Ugadi Special Menus

Radisson Blu Bengaluru Outer Ring Road

Celebrate the spirit of Karnataka’s New Year with a thoughtfully curated Ugadi festive spread at Mélange. The menu brings together the symbolic Ugadi Pachadi representing the many flavours of life alongside traditional favourites such as Holige (Obbattu), Puliyogare, Coconut Rice, and Kosambari. The meal concludes with classic festive desserts like Payasam, creating a comforting and authentic Ugadi dining experience designed for families and friends to gather and celebrate together.
Where: Mélange, Radisson Blu Bengaluru Outer Ring Road
When: 18th and 19th March 2026

JW Kitchen – JW Marriott Hotel Bengaluru

JW Kitchen presents a special Ugadi lunch celebrating the culinary traditions of Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh and Telangana. The experience begins with festive beverages such as Panakam, buttermilk, and tender coconut water. Live counters prepare fresh Obbattu (Holige) and dosas served with house-made chutneys, while the main spread features classics like Bisibele Bath, Puliyogare, Kosambari and Avial. The meal concludes with a trio of Payasams, Kesari Bath and Obbattu, offering a warm and comforting festive finale.
Where: JW Kitchen, JW Marriott Hotel Bengaluru
When: 19–21 March 2026 | 12:00 PM – 3:00 PM
Cost: INR 2750 + taxes per person

Ugadi Heritage Brunch:
When: 22 March 2026 | 12:30 PM – 4:00 PM
Cost: Brunch without Alcohol – INR 4000 AI per person| Brunch with Alcohol – INR 5500 AI per person|Kids Brunch – INR 2000 AI per person

Marriott Executive Apartments Bengaluru UB City

Madras Kitchen celebrates Ugadi with “Ugadi: The First Feast”, a specially curated festive thali reflecting the cultural philosophy of the festival. At the centre of the experience is the symbolic Ugadi Pachadi, accompanied by traditional dishes including slow-simmered dals, seasonal vegetable preparations, fragrant rice varieties, and classic South Indian accompaniments. Guests can also enjoy festive beverages such as Panakam and Neer Mor, followed by freshly brewed South Indian filter coffee to conclude the celebratory meal.
Where: Madras Kitchen, Marriott Executive Apartments Bengaluru UB City
When: 19 March 2026| 12:00 PM – 11:00 PM
Cost: INR 1995 + taxes

The Serai – Chikmagalur, Bandipur & Kabini

The Serai presents a traditional Ugadi Pachadi lunch menu rooted in South Indian culinary traditions. Guests can begin the experience with refreshing Neer Moru, followed by appetisers like Mysore Bonda and Maddur Vada. The meal continues with regional favourites including Mysore Rasam, Thili Saaru, Bisi Bele Bath or Puliyogare, Chitranna (Raw Mango Rice), Vegetable Palya and Avial. Festive desserts such as Holige/Obbattu, Gasagase Payasam and Kesari Bath offer a sweet finish to the celebration.
Where: The Serai Chikmagalur, The Serai Bandipur and The Serai Kabini
When: 19 March 2026
Cost: INR 1800 + taxes per person

Kamat’s Legacy , Mumbai

Kamat’s Legacy celebrates the Telugu and Kannada New Year with Ugadi Utsavam, a traditional Sadhya meal served on a banana leaf. The festive experience features over 15 authentic South Indian delicacies including Avakaya Pachadi, Garelu (thattu vada), Poornam Boorelu, Takkali Pappu, Sambar, Kakarakaya Fry, Bangaladumpa Fry, Godhi Payasam and Bellam Paramannam. The meal concludes with Majjiga (spiced buttermilk) and fresh banana, bringing together a wholesome festive spread that honours the flavours of Ugadi.
When: 17–23 March 2026
Where: Nariman Point | Vashi | Malad | Mira Road
Cost: Sadhya Meal – INR 699 + taxes

Gudi Padwa Special Menu

Novotel Mumbai International Airport

To celebrate the Marathi New Year, Food Exchange presents a vibrant Gudi Padwa festive lunch inspired by authentic Maharashtrian flavours. Guests can begin with refreshing Kairi Panha before indulging in festive sweets such as Shrikhand, Puran Poli and Basundi. A live Puran Poli station adds a festive highlight, while the savoury spread features regional favourites including Batata Bhaji, Jhunka Bhakar, Masale Bhaat and Varan Bhaat. Set in a warm contemporary ambience, the experience brings together the comforting flavours and traditions of the festival.
Where: Food Exchange, Novotel Mumbai International Airport
When: 19 March 2026| 12:30 PM – 4:00 PM
Cost: INR 2895 + taxes per person (Non-alcoholic)

Chaitra Navratri Special Menus

Taj Palace, New Delhi

At Loya, the celebrated Indian restaurant at Taj Palace, Navratri is marked with a curated menu inspired by North Indian fasting traditions. The menu features dishes such as Kuttu Papdi Chulli Thechwani Chaat, Jhangora Chulai Tikki, and Gular Kebab. Main course highlights include Aloo Palda, Arbi Ke Gutke, Phool Makhana Paneer and Kuttu Ki Khichdi, served alongside Mordhan and Singhare ki Roti. The experience concludes with festive desserts such as Sabudana Rasbhari and Rajgira aur Khod ka Halwa.
Where: Loya, Taj Palace, New Delhi
When: 19–27 March 2026| Lunch – 12:30 PM – 2:45 PM|Dinner – 7:00 PM – 11:45 PM
Cost: INR 2499 + taxes per person

DoubleTree by Hilton Gurugram Baani Square

Glass House presents a traditional Navratri menu celebrating sattvic flavours and fasting-friendly ingredients. Guests can begin with Kesari Lassi and light salads such as Kheere Ka Salad and Shakarkand Salad. The menu includes snacks like Sabudana Tikki and Aloo Moongphali Tikki, followed by comforting mains including Paneer Ki Tarkari, Jeera Aloo Tamatar, Khatta Meetha Kaddu and Sabudana Khichdi. Classic fasting breads such as Kuttu Ki Poori are paired with desserts like Phool Makhane Ki Kheer and Samak Ki Kheer to complete the meal.
Where: Glass House, DoubleTree by Hilton Gurugram Baani Square

INDY by Q’la ,Delhi

INDY introduces a modern interpretation of fasting cuisine with its Contemporary Satvik Menu for Navratri. The menu reimagines vrat-friendly ingredients such as kuttu flour, samak rice, foxnuts and fruits into refined dishes. Highlights include Chenna Bhalla Chaat with passion fruit curd and mixed berry chutney, Ragi Taco with avocado and raw papaya salad, and Foxnut Malai Kofta served in a fragrant saffron milk curry. The offering blends traditional fasting ingredients with creative presentation and contemporary flavours.
When: Throughout the Navratri period

Crowne Plaza, Gurugram

Crowne Plaza, Gurugram offers a festive Navratri thali featuring a comforting selection of vrat-friendly dishes. The spread includes Vrat ka Kurkure Paneer or Sabudana Pakora, Mix Fruit Chaat, Tandoori Shakarkandi, Khatta Meetha Kaddu, Dahi Wale Aloo, Lemon Rice and Singhare Ki Poori. Served alongside Sabudana Papad and Kheera Raita, the meal concludes with desserts such as Apple Halwa and fresh fruits, along with a welcome drink of buttermilk.
Cost: INR 1399 + taxes per person

Restaurants across India are offering culinary experiences that beautifully honour tradition while bringing people together around the table making this festive season as much about flavour as it is about celebration.