Navaratri is here and the dolls that are safely bubble wrapped and stored in the attic have been brought out and arranged thematically on the golu padi (steps) and decorated with lights and flowers. It is that time of the year when friends and family visit golus, taking time out to socialise. The trend today however is that families that display the golu, do not just offer prasadam/naivedyam such as sundal or puttu to the guests but also meticulously plan an elaborate menu and gifts.
Padma Devadoss of VGN Builders, says she hires caterers to serve an elaborate high tea in bandhi style (where guests are seated and food is served on a banana leaf). “There is puja every day of Navaratri, and I invite guests home in the evenings. I plan the menu by July and inform Arusuvai Arasu Catering Services.
Guests are slotted into four categories: relatives and cousins, business contacts, school and college friends, and neighbours. This way, I get to spend time and socialise with them,” says Padma, who started grand Navaratri celebrations in 2015. Dahi Dosa by Canvas Cafe| Photo Credit:Special Arrangement Chef Santosh of Canvas Cafe, Alwarpet,.
who has been catering for Navaratri high tea, says that the trend of hiring caterers for two or three days during the nine-day festival is catching up. “We stick to traditional food, but with a twist. For example, we make cone-shaped millet idlis steamed in peepal leaves and thematic cupcakes.
We make stuffed kozhukattai, using sprouts or micr.