Taj Hotels is bringing the spirit of Kerala's harvest festival to two of its key properties this month, with a series of Onam-themed culinary events designed for both leisure and corporate guests. The celebrations at Taj Santacruz in Mumbai and Taj Malabar Resort & Spa in Kochi underscore the group's commitment to showcasing regional Indian traditions through its F&B offerings.
Mumbai's Tiqri serves traditional sadhya
At Taj Santacruz, the hotel's all-day dining restaurant Tiqri will host an Onam Sadhya on 26 August 2026. Priced at INR 2,750 (approximately USD 33) plus taxes per person, the vegetarian feast will be served on a banana leaf, a hallmark of authentic Kerala dining. The menu is designed to reflect the full spectrum of flavours associated with the festival, offering business travellers and local diners a taste of Kerala's culinary heritage without leaving the city.
Kochi waterfront celebrations
Meanwhile, Taj Malabar Resort & Spa in Kochi is staging a more extensive programme along its waterfront. The resort's Pepper restaurant will offer a Traditional Vegetarian Onam Sadya at INR 3,250 (approximately USD 39) plus taxes, while a Premium Sadya featuring non-vegetarian specialities is available at INR 4,000 (approximately USD 48) plus taxes. For seafood enthusiasts, the Rice Boat restaurant presents a Seafood Onam Sadya priced at INR 5,000 (approximately USD 60) plus taxes.
The resort is also targeting the corporate segment with bespoke Onam experiences, including sunset cruises and traditional games. These offerings are positioned to appeal to companies looking for team-building activities or client entertainment during the festive period, a move that aligns with the growing trend of experiential MICE events in India.
Curated hampers extend the celebration
Both properties are offering curated Onam hampers starting at INR 2,500 (approximately USD 30) plus taxes, allowing guests to share the festival's flavours with friends and family. The hampers include a selection of Kerala delicacies, making them a practical option for corporate gifting or personal celebrations.
The Onam festivities at Taj Hotels come as the Indian hospitality sector continues to leverage cultural festivals to drive domestic travel and dining revenue. With the festival falling during the monsoon season, properties in Kerala and major metros often see a spike in local patronage, and Taj's targeted programming is a strategic response to that demand.
For travel professionals, the events highlight the potential of cultural celebrations as a tool for attracting both leisure and business guests. Similar initiatives have been seen across the industry, such as anime-themed tourism campaigns in Taiwan and art installations in Hong Kong, demonstrating the broader appeal of festival-driven experiences.
Taj Hotels, part of the Indian Hotels Company (IHCL), has long been known for its ability to blend local culture with luxury hospitality. The Onam celebrations are a continuation of that tradition, offering guests an immersive experience that goes beyond a standard meal.
For agents and tour operators, the Onam menus at Taj properties present an opportunity to package cultural dining experiences for clients visiting Mumbai or Kochi during the festival. The corporate offerings at Taj Malabar, in particular, could be pitched to MICE planners seeking unique venues for client events or incentive trips.
As the travel industry increasingly focuses on authentic, experience-led offerings, Taj's Onam programme serves as a model for how hotels can use regional festivals to differentiate their F&B and event spaces. The group's ability to execute such programmes across multiple cities also reinforces its position as a leader in India's hospitality landscape.
