Celebrating Tradition Through Taste: A Look Inside the Festive Cuisine Showcase at PES University

On January 14, 2026, the Advanced Kitchen at PES University’s Tech Park transformed into a vibrant hub of aromas, colors, and culinary creativity as students of the BBA–Hospitality and Event Management (HEM) program came together for the much‑anticipated Festive Cuisine Showcase. Guided by Chef Nagarjun Nayani and supported by faculty, the event offered students a rare opportunity to explore the depth and diversity of South Indian festive cuisine through hands‑on learning.

A Celebration of Culture, Cuisine & Creativity
Festive foods carry stories—of heritage, celebration, community, and devotion. This showcase was designed not just as a cooking practical but as a cultural immersion into the traditional dishes cherished across South India during major festivals.

The day began with an insightful introduction to regional festive cuisines, followed by a live demonstration by faculty, where students observed techniques, ingredient combinations, and presentation methods essential to traditional preparation.

23 Dishes, One Experience: Students Take the Lead
One of the highlights of the event was the ambitious goal:
Students prepared 23 authentic South Indian festive dishes, each reflecting a unique aspect of the region’s culinary heritage.

Working in teams, they brought together classic ingredients—coconut, jaggery, lentils, rice, spices, and fresh herbs—to recreate flavors reminiscent of homes, temples, and age‑old celebrations. From savory delicacies to sweet offerings, the kitchen buzzed with energy, collaboration, and the joy of learning through doing.

The hands‑on format allowed students to:

• Practice traditional cooking methods
• Explore the significance of festive ingredients
• Understand menu planning rooted in culture
• Strengthen teamwork and time‑management skills

Guided by Expertise
The event was led by Chef Nagarjun Nayani, whose expertise offered students a deeper appreciation of South Indian gastronomy. His guidance—demonstrations, tasting notes, and technique corrections—helped students refine their approach to authentic cooking.

Engagement, Learning, and Team Spirit
With over 20 second-year BBA–HEM students participating, the event was a vibrant display of enthusiasm. Students actively collaborated, shared tasks, and supported one another from prep to plating. The evaluation and feedback session that followed emphasized constructive learning, encouraging students to refine their culinary instincts.

Though it wasn’t a competition and no awards were given, the real achievement was the collective growth, skill enhancement, and cultural understanding every student carried forward.

Key Learnings for Students

• By the end of the showcase, students walked away with:
• Hands-on experience in preparing authentic festive dishes
• Knowledge of traditional ingredients and techniques
• Enhanced teamwork, coordination, and time-management
• A deeper understanding of South Indian food culture and its festival traditions

A Memorable Culinary Journey
The Festive Cuisine Showcase was more than just a practical session—it was a celebration of heritage. By recreating dishes that have been passed down through generations, students connected with the cultural essence of South Indian festivities, enriching both their culinary skills and cultural appreciation.

Events like this reflect PES University’s commitment to experiential learning, ensuring that students don’t just study hospitality—they live it, taste it, and create it.