19 March,2026 03:52 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondent
Ugadi is being celebrated on March 17 across India. Photos Courtesy: Special Arrangement
Many South Indian communities across India including people from Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh and Telangana have come together to celebrate Ugadi, the first day of the Hindu New Year. While the festival is observed with traditions, it is incomplete without delicious food that include many specialities.
If you are celebrating the festival in Bengaluru or Mumbai, here are some delicious food menus to help you enjoy this weekend:
Mumbai
South Indian flavours
ITC Grand Central, Mumbai, presents a Traditional Ugadi Celebration at Dakshin, marking the South Indian New Year with a thoughtfully curated dining experience.
It opens with the quintessential Ugadi Pachadi. Diners are then invited to savour Dakshin Vishesha, an Ugadi special assortment of starters served from Iyer's trolley, accompanied by an array of house-made chutneys and an appalam basket. The meal unfolds into a generous spread of regional vegetarian classics, including Bendakaya Vepudu, pan-tossed okra; Padhpe Upakari, local greens tempered with garlic, chilli, and coconut; Muvvankaya, slow-cooked aubergines in a green chilli and poppy seed paste; and Puttagodugulu Jeedipappu Iguru, a robust combination of mushrooms and cashew nuts.
The main course further features comforting South Indian staples such as Tarkari Kurmah, Tomato Pappu, Sambar, and Rasam, complemented by traditional accompaniments including Kal Dosai, Chitrannam, and Bagala Baath, offering a complete and satisfying festive experience.
The celebration concludes on a sweet and indulgent note with Basundi and Payasam, followed by Dakshin's signature South Indian filter coffee (Dakshin Kaapi), bringing the Ugadi feast to a soulful close.
Where: Dakshin at ITC Grand Central, Parel
When: On till March 22
Price: Rs 3,750 plus taxes per person
Time: Lunch: 12 noon to 3 pm; dinner: 7 pm to 11:30 pm
Call: 022 67045121 and 022 67045122 for reservations
Sweet festivities
As Ugadi marks the beginning of the New Year across many South Indian traditions, the festival is often celebrated through dishes that symbolise the many flavours of life.
In keeping with this tradition, this year, Banana Leaf is serving a special Bella Payasam, prepared with jaggery (gud), which represents the sweeter side of life and the hope for happiness and prosperity in the year ahead. Deeply rooted in festive cooking across Karnataka and Andhra households, the dessert carries a comforting richness that makes it a beloved part of Ugadi celebrations.
Where: Banana Leaf, across all outlets
When: March 19
Time: All day
Bengaluru
Ugadi in south India
JW Kitchen, JW Marriott Hotel Bengaluru, the spirit of the festival is celebrated with a special Ugadi lunch that brings together the beloved culinary traditions of Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh and Telangana. The afternoon begins in the traditional way with cooling glasses of Panakam, the jaggery based festive drink, along with refreshing buttermilk and tender coconut water.
The live counters lend the warmth of a festive kitchen, where freshly prepared Obbattu (Holige) is made through the afternoon, filling the air with its comforting aroma. A variety of dosas served with house-made chutneys adds to the lively spread.
At the heart of the meal is the symbolic Ugadi Pachadi, a dish that captures the essence of the festival with its blend of sweet and tangy flavours, a gentle reminder of life's many experiences. Alongside it are time honoured favourites such as Bisibele Bath, Puliyogare, Kosambari and Avial, dishes that evoke the comfort of a traditional Ugadi feast.
The celebration concludes on a sweet note with Obbattu, a trio of Payasams and Kesari Bath, offering a simple and comforting finish to the festive afternoon.
Where: JW Kitchen, JW Marriott Hotel Bengaluru
When: On till March 22
Time: 12 noon to 3 pm; 12:30 pm to 4 pm
Price: Rs 2750 plus taxes per person; Brunch: Rs 4,000 (without alcohol) and Rs 5,500 (with alcohol); Kids: Rs 2,000 per person
Call: 88844 94037
