Every religion honours its beliefs through meaningful sacrifices. Catholics observe Lent by practicing abstinence, Muslims follow Ramadan with fasting from dawn until sunset, and Hindus devote themselves to a range of religious observances during Shravan.
Shravan is a time for purification, cleansing and renewal. And, in Goa too, this holy month is observed with reverence as people prepare to welcome the Ganesh Chaturthi festivities in the weeks to come.
In keeping with this tradition, The Kitchen on Top, a restaurant in Margao, is hosting ‘The Temple Food Festival’, a celebration of Goan vegetarian cuisine, this Shravan.
"Goa may be famous for its seafood, but the culinary heritage of this beautiful state extends far beyond that," says Yudhik Guglani, owner of The Kitchen on Top.
The Temple Food Festival is an experience where people can savour authentic vegetarian dishes, traditionally served in Goa's temples.
"This is the second year of the festival, which was inaugurated last year. And, the menu consists of pure satvik food that is prepared without using onion and garlic," Guglani adds.
Priced at Rs 399 per person, the Temple Food Festival offers a vegetarian satvik thali, featuring a variety of traditional items such as sweet and spicy achaar, coconut and sweet chutneys, two types of papad, mixed sansav, kappa-aloo, dal drumsticks, puri, steamed rice, and an assortment of several other items.
All the ingredients used to prepare the meals are handpicked by a Goan cook, who not only selects the freshest produce, but also crafts the menu, prepares each dish, and guarantees an authentic culinary experience.
As for the timings and details, the thali is an unlimited affair available exclusively for lunch from August 19 to September 2, from 11 am to 4 pm.
As for the evenings, bookings must be made one day prior.
"Shravan is a deeply rooted tradition in Goa, and Shravan thalis have been part of our culture for generations. The only difference now is that there's more awareness about these traditional offerings,” concludes Guglani who hopes that more people will come and taste the magic of Shravan in a thali at the Kitchen on Top in Margao.
DETAILS
WHAT: The Temple Food Festival
WHERE: The Kitchen on Top, Margao, South Goa
WHEN: August 19, 2024 to September 2, 2024
PRICE: Unlimited satvik food at Rs 399
No charges for kids below 5 years. Half price for kids aged 5 to 10 years.
TIMINGS: 11 am to 4 pm
CONTACT: +91 9175412013