27th September, 2025
Durga Puja, one of the grandest festivals of India, is more than just a celebration at IIHM—it is a living classroom for hospitality students. Each year, the Salt Lake Global Campus transforms into a vibrant hub of culture, devotion, creativity, and service, where students take the lead in orchestrating every detail of the five-day extravaganza.
From conceptualising the theme and managing budgets to designing the pandal, ordering and booking the idol, and preparing for intricate rituals, students are actively involved in the planning and execution. They also engage in entertainment, curate menus, cook, and serve guests during bhog and prasad distribution. It’s not just about observing a festival—it’s about creating an immersive hospitality experience for the thousands who walk into the campus to seek blessings of the Goddess.
What makes IIHM’s Durga Puja unique is its blend of tradition, technology, and sustainability. This year’s edition sees AI-powered guides, virtual tours of the pandal, and innovative sustainable food ideas that minimise waste. Students not only learn rituals like Sandhi Puja but also discover how to merge age-old traditions with modern practices, creating experiences that are authentic, interactive, and meaningful.
For hospitality students, this is the perfect example of “learning by doing.” Festivals bring people together, and the best way to understand hospitality is by being hospitable to the world. At IIHM, Durga Puja is more than devotion—it is training for life, where students embody the essence of service, celebration, and community.