2 h

With local

About this activity

Join your host Richa at her home in Kachhari, Varanasi. You will be greeted by Richa and her energetic German Shepard who is harmless. After a refreshing introductory drink of Shikanji (Sweet and savory lime juice) you can assist Richa in putting up some Diwali decorations and lighting diyas. This will be followed by the Diwali Pooja which will be conducted keeping in mind all the customs and traditions. After this you can head to the dining area to gorge on the festive meal that Richa has prepared for you.

Some of the dishes on the menu will include Papdi Chaat (a popular snack in Banaras), Home style Paneer dish (Cottage cheese cooked in typical Varanasi style), Jeera Rice (rice cooked with cumin), Puri (Deep fried and puffed flatbread). For dessert, Richa will serve Kheer (A typical Indian dessert enjoyed on Diwali. This is made with milk, rice/vermicelli, sugar and dry fruits) and the experience will end with Paan (A sweet filling wrapped in betel leaves. No meal in Varanasi is complete without a Paan!)

Please Note - Richa stays on the first floor with no elevator in the building, so you will have to climb one story of stairs to reach her apartment. This is not a professional cooking class but rather an opportunity to cook and dine with a local. The experience will be as much about the stories around the food and local culture, as it would be about the meal itself.