For people across the globe, food defines a festival. It’s what gathers families around a table, carries traditions forward, and adds flavour to celebration. Every dish tells a story — of culture, memory, and belonging. This time of the year,  when Lord Ganesh comes home, Mumbaikars’ rejoice in the fun, food and revelry rituals of visiting each other’s homes for aarti (prayers) every night. 

At restaurateur Mitra Walke’s home in Malvan, they’d form a little group, go from house to house, and check what prasad was being served. “If it was something we loved, we’d happily stay. If it were something less tempting, like kadak bundi or salad, we’d make our exit,” laughs Walke. 

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