As hotels across India mark the harvest season, Pongal celebrations are taking centre stage through limited-period menus and festive dining experiences. From traditional thalis and regional buffets to curated South Indian spreads, these offerings bring together classic flavours, seasonal favourites, and time-honoured recipes to celebrate the spirit of the festival.
Grand Mercure Bengaluru at Gopalan Mall hosts Makar Sankranti food festival
Makar Sankranti, a festival rooted in gratitude for the harvest and the transition of seasons, is traditionally celebrated through food that reflects warmth, simplicity, and a deep connection to the land. Marking the occasion, Grand Mercure Bengaluru at Gopalan Mall will host a five-day Makar Sankranti food festival, featuring regional harvest flavours from across India.
The menu includes traditional Pongal, Avarekai Sabzi, Sarson da Saag and Makki di Roti, bringing together dishes associated with seasonal and festive cooking. Desserts such as Til ke Laddu, Revdi and Pinni Laddu complete the spread with classic sesame and jaggery-based flavours.
Venue: La Utsav, Grand Mercure at Gopalan Mall
Date: 12th to 16th January
Novotel Bengaluru Outer Ring Road hosts Pongal Utsav at The Square
Pongal is a celebration of harvest, gratitude and prosperity. Novotel Bengaluru Outer Ring Road will host Pongal Utsav, a South Indian Harvest Food Festival, at The Square from January 10 to January 14, 2026.
Curated by Executive Chef Owaize Ahmed Khan and his team, the festival menu features South Indian favourites such as Medu Vadai, Kuzhi Paniyaram, and Ven Pongal served with Sambar and Coconut Chutney. Guests can also enjoy dishes like Kara Kuzhambu, Avial, and seasonal Poriyals, followed by Sakkarai Pongal for dessert.
What: Pongal Utsav – South Indian Harvest Food Festival
Where: The Square, Novotel Bengaluru Outer Ring Road
When: January 10 to January 14, 2026
ibis Styles Mysuru hosts ‘Flavours of the Indian Harvest Festival’ at The Verandah
As the harvest season is celebrated across India through festivals like Pongal, Lohri, Makara Sankranti, and Magh Bihu, ibis Styles Mysuru will host Flavours of the Indian Harvest Festival at The Verandah, its all-day dining restaurant.
Curated by Chef Gaurav Bansal and his team, the menu features regional dishes such as Sarson ka saag with Makai roti, Millet khichdi, Til ke ladoo, Undhiyo, Bajre ka halwa, Payasam, Mooli ki subzi, Ven pongal, Sakkarai pongal, and Ennai kathrikai.
Where: The Verandah at ibis Styles Mysuru
When: 9th January – 18th January
Time: 7:00 pm – 11:00 pm
Feathers Hotel hosts Karikalan Virundhu Pongal feast at Sangamithirai
Feathers – Hotel invites patrons to celebrate Pongal with Karikalan Virundhu at Sangamithirai – Native Thamizh Cuisine, featuring a traditional Tamil feast inspired by heritage recipes and native flavours.
The menu includes dishes such as Ilai Kozhukattai, Kizhangu Meen Porichathu, Vayal Nandu Soup, Selavu Kozhambu, Mocha Kootu, and Thuthuvalai Rasam, followed by Sanda Seval Satti Soru and desserts like Panangizhangu Kuzhavai and Karumbu Charu Pongal.
As a festive offer, guests can avail 25% off on Karikalan Virundhu, available for both lunch and dinner on 17th January 2026.
Date: Saturday, 17th January 2026
Time: Lunch and Dinner
Southern Spice at Taj Coromandel presents Pongal Virundhu in Chennai
Southern Spice at Taj Coromandel, Chennai will host Pongal Virundhu from January 14–18, 2026, featuring a special a la carte menu inspired by traditional harvest flavours.
Curated by Executive Chef Vikas Milhoutra and the Southern Spice team, the menu includes Kalkandu Pongal, Athirasam, Kai Murukku, Vadu Mangai Stuffed Kuzhi Paniyaram, along with classics like Nattu Kai Sambar, Padaipu Kozhambu, and Beans & Carrot Paruppu Usili. Guests can also enjoy traditional beverages such as a tender coconut mocktail, Nannari Sherbet, and spiced buttermilk.
Venue: Southern Spice, Taj Coromandel
Dates: January 14–18, 2026
Meal: Lunch & Dinner | A la carte
ITC Grand Central Mumbai presents Traditional Pongal Celebration at Dakshin
ITC Grand Central, Mumbai will host a Traditional Pongal Celebration at Dakshin, featuring a Pongal Special Thali from January 10 to January 18, 2026.
The thali includes accompaniments such as appalam, chutney, pickle, sugarcane, and rasam, along with starters like Ennippu Paniyaram and Makka Cholai Vadai. The main course features Kadamba Poriyal, Urulai Sothi, Murungai Motchai Kootu Kary, Poondu Kara Kozhambu, Pasalakkeerai Kootu, Poosinikai Sambar, and Ven Pongal, served with steamed rice, veechu paratha, appam, and curd. The meal ends with Sarkarai Pongal and traditional filter coffee (Kapi). A non-vegetarian thali is available on request.
Venue: Dakshin, ITC Grand Central, Mumbai
Dates: January 10–18, 2026
Timings: Lunch: 12:30 pm – 3:00 pm | Dinner: 7:00 pm – 11:30 pm
Hilton Bengaluru Manyata to host Pongal lunch and Lohri dinner celebrations
Hilton and Hilton Garden Inn Bengaluru Embassy Manyata Business Park will host festive dining experiences to mark Pongal and Lohri.
A Pongal-themed lunch buffet will be served at F5 on January 14, 2026, featuring South Indian dishes such as Cabbage poriyal, Arisi paruppu sadam, Kai kari mandi, and Chakara Pongal.
Time: 12:30 PM – 3:30 PM
A Lohri dinner will be hosted at Neo Kitchen on January 15, 2026, featuring a North Indian festival menu.
Pongal O Pongal lunch buffet at THE Park Chennai
Pongal O Pongal at Six ‘O’ One, THE Park Chennai will be held on 16th and 17th January, featuring a special festive lunch buffet curated to celebrate traditional Pongal flavours.
Time: 12.30 pm onwards
Lunch Buffet
The Verandah at Grand Mercure Bangalore hosts a traditional Pongal lunch on January 14–15
As the harvest season arrives, The Verandah at Grand Mercure Bangalore is set to host a special Pongal lunch celebrating South Indian flavours and festive traditions. Curated for travellers, non-locals, and those away from home, the lunch brings together dishes commonly enjoyed during Pongal celebrations.
The menu features favourites such as Khara Pongal, Mango Chitranna, Avial, Surrakkai Kootu, Avarekai Palya, Palak Pappu, Cabbage Poriyal, Kosimbiri, and Dahi Vada, offering a comforting spread rooted in Karnataka’s harvest table.
Desserts include Sweet Pongal, Badami Semiya Payasam, Elaneer Payasam, along with classics like Mysore Pak and Jaggery Coconut Burfi.
Venue: The Verandah, Grand Mercure Bangalore
Address: 12th Main, 3rd Block, Koramangala, Bengaluru – 560034
Date: 14th and 15th January, 2026
Time: 12:30 PM – 3:30 PM
Price: ₹1950 + taxes (Buffet)
