The onset of the festive season offers businesses a unique opportunity to make their workplaces sociable, livelier, and more collaborative. A fun-filled dining experience presents a wonderful way to foster a culture of learning each other’s traditions and exchanging ideas in organizations. Partaking in festivities boosts teamwork and cooperation among co-workers and helps break down silos. It is also an occasion for co-workers from different teams to meet and share cuisines from several regions nationwide.
Here's a list of festival-based cuisines that businesses can adopt at their workplaces to make the upcoming joyful season a memorable one:
Ganesh Chaturthi officially marks the start of the Indian festive season and is dedicated to the food-loving deity Lord Ganesh. Organizations can encourage employees to bring Varan Bhaat containing lentil curry, served with steamed rice as well as sweets associated commonly with Lord Ganesh such as Motichoor, Besan, and Coconut laddoo. However, Ganesh Chaturthi’s most important dish is Modak. The sweet can be made aesthetic by dotting it with saffron strands, edible glitter, and colour to add a hint of glamour.
Onam is one occasion where the festivities revolve around an elaborate traditional multi-course vegetarian meal served on a plantain leaf featuring over 25 dishes such as Avial, Inji Puli, Erasseri, and Pachadi to name a few. Onam is an annual harvest festival celebrated in Kerala and people of all faiths actively participate in the festivities. People mark the day by donning ethnic outfits and it is a fitting occasion for organizations to arrange the afternoon Sadhya and encourage their employees to join in the festivities.
Durga Pooja or Durgotsava is an annual Hindu festival celebrated over ten days with prayers offered to goddess Durga. In Bengal, Durga Pooja is marked with great pomp and pageantry. No festivity in India is complete without mouth-watering delicacies. Pulao or sweetened rice dish is a quintessential Durga Puja cuisine, prepared with rice, saffron, rose water, nuts, and spices. The fragrant rice item is often served with dishes made with paneer, fish, or chicken. Organizations can make this occasion even more festive by serving employees Durga Pooja-themed treats during mealtimes.
Dussehra is celebrated on the final day of Durga Pooja and the festival marks the triumph of Lord Rama over Ravana according to Indian mythology. To commemorate this day, scrumptious meals are prepared, and people get together with family and feast. Paneer Kundan Kaliyan, Pindi Chane, and Paan Koftas in Korma Sauce are some of the traditional dishes associated with Dussehra. Companies can organize a potluck this Dussehra at work as it will help employees brush up their culinary skills while preparing delightful recipes for the celebration.
Diwali: From stunningly lit up streets to fairy lights dotting the balconies to the captivating scent of desi ghee laddus, the preparations for the biggest festival Diwali is not possible without citing the extravagant treats that are essential to the festival’s culinary culture. Karanji, Puran Poli, and Gathiya are some of the popular Diwali dishes. Organizations can make this occasion fun-filled and memorable for employees by encouraging them to share dishes from their respective native places and take pleasure in the diverse ways of celebrating Diwali.
At SmartQ, we are focused on providing innovative food experiences with hygienic dishes and a tailored menu. Our services are driven by technology and involve creating an environment at organizations where people can enjoy a hearty meal without hindrances. Our offerings enable businesses to create a cheerful environment at workplaces with curated festival-themed cuisines delivering a remarkable and seamless gastronomic experience.
We also organize curated festive events and activities for a fun and energizing food experience for corporates. You can enjoy this service even if you are not using the SmartQ cafe service. Contact us now to know more!