400 Idlis, 28 States, One India: PCTE’s Unique Independence Day Celebration

Ludhiana, August 13, 2026: Ahead of Independence Day, PCTE Group of Institutes, Ludhiana, brought together India’s culinary diversity and the spirit of unity through a unique celebration, ‘Idli Swatantra Utsav’, organised by the Faculty of Hotel Management & Catering Technology and Faculty of Travel & Tourism Management at PCTE Campus 2. The highlight of the event was an impressive display of 400 different varieties of Idli, showcasing how one traditional dish can take on flavours and forms from across the country.
The celebration also featured an Independence Day Flag Hoisting Ceremony, with students, faculty members and guests coming together to mark the occasion and celebrate the values of freedom, unity and national pride.
The Idli Swatantra Utsav was designed to explore the versatility of Idli through regional ingredients, traditional recipes and modern culinary ideas. Students experimented with vegetables, millets, lentils, spices and local specialities to create steamed, stuffed, fried, savoury and sweet varieties.
One of the biggest attractions was an approximately 8-foot Grand Thali representing the culinary traditions of 28 states of India. The display included Punjab’s Pindi Chana Idli, Maharashtra’s Vada Pav Idli, Madhya Pradesh’s Poha-Jalebi Idli, Telangana’s Hyderabadi Biryani Idli, Uttar Pradesh’s Galauti Stuffed Idli, Sikkim’s Momo-Thukpa Idli, West Bengal’s Kosha Mangsho Idli, Bihar’s Dal Stuffed Ghee Idli with Aloo Chokha, Rajasthan’s Dal-Bati-Churma Idli, Karnataka’s Bisi Bele Bath Idli and Kerala’s Avial Idli.
The event also featured popular and innovative creations such as Thatte Idli, Kanchipuram Idli, Ragi Idli and Naga Chilli Idli, along with sweet varieties including Coconut-Jaggery Idli, Rasmalai Idli and Idli made with Amriti batter and served with sugar syrup. Contemporary preparations such as Fried Idli Sticks with Cheese Sauce, Idli Cheese Fondue and Cheese Chilli Idli added a modern touch. The Cheese Chilli Idli, prepared as a kids’ special, combined mini Idlis with creamy cheese sauce, green chilli, herbs and spices.
The event was attended by hospitality professionals and chefs, including Chef Vishwadeep Bali, Chef Nellu Kaura, American Chef Dev of Dev’s Café and Chef Hitesh Arora,Chef Sandeep who interacted with the students and appreciated their creativity and efforts.
For the students, the event was more than a culinary showcase. It was an opportunity to explore India’s regional food traditions while developing skills in creativity, presentation, nutrition and culinary innovation.
The 400 Idli varieties and the 8-foot Grand Thali emerged as the centrepieces of the celebration, bringing together flavours from different parts of India and reflecting the message of unity in diversity.
One Plate. 28 States. Endless Flavours. One Nation.