Udaipur The city of lakes is set to savor the rich flavors and vibrant culture of South India as the three-day South Delight Festival commences. Organized by Padmini Bagh Resort and Spa in collaboration with Inventory Hotels and the Indian Institute of Hotel Management (IIHM), the festival offers Udaipur residents and tourists a taste of authentic South Indian cuisine and cultural performances.
The event was inaugurated by Shikha Saxena, Deputy Director of the Tourism Department, alongside Dr. Anand Gupta. Distinguished guests included ADM Administration Dipendra Singh Rathore, Chief Fire Officer Babulal Chaudhary, Hotel Association President Sudarshan Singh Karohi, former president Bhagwan Vaishnav, and Dheeraj Doshi. Padmini Bagh Director Prithviraj Singh Chauhan and Sudipto Dev of Inventory Hotels extended a warm welcome to all attendees.
A Unique Cultural Exchange
Shikha Saxena highlighted the importance of such events in boosting Udaipur's tourism, even during off-seasons. She expressed confidence in the festival’s ability to connect tourists from South India with the lake city, emphasizing its role in cultural exchange. Dr. Anand Gupta applauded the initiative, noting its potential to enhance Udaipur's cultural and culinary appeal.
Culinary Delights Await
According to Prithviraj Singh Chauhan, the festival features a wide variety of South Indian vegetarian dishes prepared live on the grounds of Mewar. Visitors can enjoy the unique experience of witnessing these culinary creations before savoring their authentic flavors. Sudipto Dev and Suman Mehta of Inventory Hotels shared that food counters representing Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, and Telangana would offer regional specialties such as Chettinad Curry, Kerala’s coconut-rich delicacies, Karnataka’s aromatic biryani, and Andhra Pradesh’s spicy offerings.
A Complete Cultural Immersion
Beyond food, the festival provides a holistic cultural experience. Anchors will narrate the story behind each dish, while visitors can participate in activities and win exciting gifts, including free stay vouchers. Attendees will also be captivated by live performances of traditional South Indian art forms, such as Bharatanatyam, Carnatic music, and Mridangam. These performances aim to provide a deep understanding of the cultural heritage intertwined with the culinary traditions of South India.
The South Delight Festival is open from 1 PM to 3 PM on January 11 and from 1 PM to 10 PM on January 12, promising a celebration of taste, culture, and hospitality.