By Mr Nixon George for BIS Mumbai

Onam, one of Kerala’s most significant cultural festivals, is celebrated over ten days as a festival of togetherness, prosperity, tradition and community. In the Hospitality Studies department of Don Bosco College - Kurla, the celebration offered much more than a cultural observance. It became an immersive learning experience that brought together India’s rich culinary heritage and the professional skills essential to hospitality education. Through the preparation and service of an authentic Onam Sadhya, students experienced first-hand how culture, cuisine and hospitality can come together in a meaningful educational setting.

The event aimed to create awareness of the cultural significance of Onam while providing students with hands-on exposure to the preparation, presentation and service of a traditional Sadhya. It focused on strengthening practical skills in food production and Food and Beverage service, developing teamwork and event-management abilities, and familiarising students with the traditional protocols of a Sadhya service. It also encouraged students to appreciate India’s diverse culinary heritage while applying classroom learning in an authentic hospitality environment.

Adding distinction to the celebration, the BOSCOM Executive Council, the College management, and the faculty members of the Hospitality Studies Department attended the programme. The distinguished guests experienced the traditional Sadhya prepared and served by the students and appreciated both their efforts and the way the elaborate meal was presented.

A total of 54 students from the three-year Bachelor's in Hospitality Studies course and the School of Empowerment participated in different capacities, including food production, F&B service, bakery, cultural performance, floral decoration, event coordination, presentations, and demonstrations. The Sadhya featured 31 different dishes, with students also demonstrating the traditional banana-leaf arrangement and sequential method of service. For the students, the experience was both informative and enriching. They gained a deeper understanding of Onam’s cultural significance and recognised how cultural knowledge could complement professional hospitality skills and make learning more engaging and meaningful.

The celebration was significant as it moved beyond a conventional cultural event and created a platform for student-led, collaborative and experiential learning. By connecting culinary heritage with professional training, the programme demonstrated how traditions can be preserved while simultaneously developing industry-relevant competence. This strongly reflects the educational philosophy of Don Bosco College, which emphasises holistic development through education, practical training, and values.