There is a subtle feeling of rejuvenation as Ugadi, the Deccani new year’s day, approaches. At this season, the dinner table is a melting pot of cuisines that represent the different stages of life, and houses are filled with the aroma of festive cooking as the elders share stories of new beginnings.

during JW Kitchen, JW Marriott Hotel Bengaluru, you can savour the flavours of Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, and Telangana during a special Ugadi meal that honours the festival’s essence. The customary method to start the afternoon is with glasses of Panakam, a celebratory drink made with jaggery, coupled with buttermilk and delicate coconut water. The live countertops create the inviting atmosphere of a lively kitchen, where the comforting aroma of freshly baked Obbattu (Holige) wafts through the air all afternoon long. An exciting addition to the buffet is a selection of dosas accompanied with chutneys produced in the kitchen.

As a gentle reminder of the myriad experiences that life has to offer, the symbolic Ugadi Pachadi serves as the meal’s central dish, encapsulating the spirit of the festival with its combination of sweet and sour flavours. Traditional Ugadi foods like Bisibele Bath, Puliyogare, Kosambari, and Avial, which have stood the test of time, are served alongside it.

As a simple and soothing way to end the joyous afternoon, Obbattu—a trio of Payasams and Kesari Bath—serves as the celebration’s sweet finale.

Those who like to ring in the New Year with a leisurely lunch can partake in JW Kitchen’s Ugadi celebration, where festive traditions and regional flavours harmoniously intertwine.