Festive cooking in India has traditionally meant long hours in the kitchen, generous use of oil, and high heat especially during celebrations that bring families together over elaborate meals. But as food
habits evolve and kitchens become smarter, the way Indians cook for festivals is changing too. Today, health, efficiency, and convenience are becoming just as important as flavour and tradition.
Nalin Kumar, CEO, KAFF Appliances, modern technology is quietly reshaping festive kitchens. He notes that while families still want their traditional favourites, they are increasingly seeking healthier ways to prepare them.
“Festive cooking in India has long translated to lots of effort in the kitchen, lots of frying, and lots of heat. But changing food habits and smart technologies used in the kitchen are also changing the manner in which food is cooked,” he explains.
Air fryers, in particular, have emerged as a popular solution. As Kumar points out, they make it possible to recreate festive favourites with significantly less oil, allowing families to indulge without compromising on health. At the same time, he emphasises that festivals still involve intense cooking, which brings another requirement into focus.
“Even as families demand healthier indulgent options without sacrificing the flavours of the past, the need for robust chimneys and stove burners is also emerging as a critical requirement during festivals,” he says. For him, this shift is not only about better air quality and comfort in the kitchen, but also about efficiency, energy savings, and ease of use. “The entire perspective is changing, from convenience, cleanliness, and energy efficiency coming into the equation along with the traditions of the past.”
This blend of tradition and technology is especially visible during regional festivals like Lohri, where warmth, flavour, and togetherness are central to the celebration. Umesh Guptaa, Managing Director, Bergner India, believes that the right cookware can make festive cooking both healthier and more enjoyable.
“Lohri is about warmth, flavour, and cooking for the people you love, and healthier, faster festive food begins with the right tools,” he says.
Guptaa highlights how thoughtfully designed cookware can preserve traditional flavours while reducing effort and oil usage. With Bergner’s Tri-Ply cookware, heat spreads evenly, allowing dishes like sarson da saag to simmer gently without scorching and makki di roti to release cleanly with less oil. He adds that even delicate festive preparations such as til-gur benefit from controlled heat, setting perfectly without burning.
Complementing cookware with modern appliances further enhances the festive experience. “Bergner air fryers enable festive favourites to be prepared with minimal oil, while well-fitting lids and efficient designs help lock in moisture, nutrients, and time,” Guptaa explains. For him, the goal is simple: to equip Indian homes with tools that make celebrations lighter, healthier, and stress-free.
Together, these perspectives underline a broader shift in Indian kitchens. Festivals are no longer just about indulgence at any cost; they are about mindful cooking that honours tradition while embracing innovation. With smart appliances, efficient cookware, and better kitchen infrastructure, festive cooking is becoming less exhausting and more joyful, allowing families to focus on what truly matters: celebrating together.
