Date: 3 Sep 2025
Time: 12.30 pm to 3.00 pm
Organized by: Department of Hospitality Studies
Venue: Food and beverages restaurant adjacent to SJCHS Building
Participant:  FY/SY / TY BSC HS students

Background: Ganesh Chaturthi marks the birth of Lord Ganesha, the deity of wisdom, prosperity, and remover of obstacles.Leveraging their culinary skills, the TY students led the kitchen in preparing modaks and traditional Maharashtrian snacks. FY and SY students assisted in preparation, service, and maintaining hygiene standards—showcasing real-world hospitality in a devotional setting.To honor the rich cultural tradition of Ganesh Chaturthi, the students organized a Maharashtrian-style  lunch for all faculty members and invited guests.

Highlights of the Event:
● Handmade torans, rangolis, and floral arrangements.
● Ethnic-themed ambiance created by all three batches.
● Sustainable materials used throughout
● Students wore traditional Maharashtrian clothing (Nauvari sarees & kurtas).
● Tables decorated with banana leaves and fresh flowers.
● The faculty praised students for professionalism and execution.
● Special thank-you speeches from HODs and coordinators.
● Students received mentorship and real-world event experience.

Objective of the Event:
● To celebrate the rich Indian tradition of Ganesh Chaturthi, fostering cultural values and unity among students of all batches.
● To provide a platform where FY, SY, and TY students can work together, coordinate tasks, and learn the importance of collaboration in event execution.
● To give students hands-on experience in event planning, decoration, culinary preparation, guest service, and table management—mirroring real-world hospitality scenarios.
● To identify and nurture student leaders by assigning responsibilities like team coordination, kitchen supervision, service flow, and guest management.
● To foster a positive bond between students and faculty through mutual participation in religious, cultural, and social activities.

Details of Participants:
● All campus faculty members, who joined in the celebration and supported the students’ efforts.
● Departmental management and administrative staff, who appreciated the cultural significance and culinary excellence displayed.
● The theme lunch setup, decorations, food preparation, and service were entirely managed by the students and faculty of the Department of Hospitality Studies, showcasing their creativity, teamwork, and professional skills.The collaborative spirit between students, faculty, and management made the event both memorable and meaningful, reflecting the essence of Ganpati Festivals — renewal, unity, and joy.

Conduct of the Event:
● Students and faculty collaboratively worked on the menu planning, focusing on authentic Parsi dishes, including both vegetarian and non-vegetarian options.
● Responsibilities were divided among students for kitchen operations, service, décor, and event coordination.
● showcasing real-world hospitality in a devotional setting.o honor the rich cultural tradition of Ganesh Chaturthi, the students organized a Maharashtrian-style  lunch for all faculty members and invited guests.
● The service was carried out in a professional manner, showcasing the skills and hospitality training of the department.
● The event concluded with a vote of thanks, acknowledging the efforts of all participants, especially the students who made the event a success.

Outcome/Feedback:
● The entire event—from planning to execution—was smoothly managed by FY, SY, and TY students, showcasing excellent coordination and professionalism.
● All activities were completed on time and within the set budget.
● Students gained practical experience in event planning, hospitality service, kitchen operations, and guest relations.
● Increased confidence, leadership, and communication skills were observed, especially among first-year participants.
● Students developed a deeper understanding of Ganesh Chaturthi traditions, rituals, and the importance of community celebration.
● Promoted a sense of belonging, respect, and inclusiveness within the college.
● The event promoted green values aligned with the college’s environmental mission.
● The themed lunch and collaborative atmosphere created a positive interaction between faculty and students outside the classroom.
● Strengthened mentorship and student morale.

Feedback Highlights:
Faculty Feedback:
● “It was a beautifully managed event. The lunch felt like a five-star experience.”
● “Students showed true hospitality values—respect, service, and warmth.”
● “Proud to see our future hoteliers managing everything so professionally.”

 Student Feedback:
● “We learned how to work in real teams, just like in hotels.”
● “The kitchen and service coordination taught us time management.”

Best-Liked Part of the Event:
● The signature Dish in Ganpati Festivals MODAK and other traditional items received high praise for their taste and presentation.
● The cultural ambiance and themed décor, designed by the students, added to the festive experience and transported guests into the spirit of Ganpati Festivals .
● The hospitality and service quality demonstrated by the students reflected professionalism and charm, making guests feel welcomed and valued.
● The opportunity for guests to learn about Parsi culture and traditions alongside enjoying the meal was also widely appreciated.

Conclusion:
The Ganpati Festivals Theme Lunch, organized by the Department of Hospitality Studies, was a well-executed and enriching event that successfully combined cultural celebration with experiential learning. It provided students with a valuable platform to apply their hospitality and culinary skills in a real-world setting while honoring the rich traditions of the Parsi community.
The enthusiastic participation of faculty, management, added to the event’s success and motivated students to perform with excellence. The event not only highlighted the importance of cultural diversity in hospitality but also strengthened teamwork, creativity, and professionalism among students.
Overall, the event achieved its objectives and left a lasting impression on all attendees, encouraging the continuation of such theme-based, educational events in the future.