Thiruvananthapuram: The shores of Kovalam transformed into a vibrant culinary and cultural hub as Fandango 2026, the annual food and cultural fair organised by the Institute of Hotel Management and Catering Technology (IHMCT), drew thousands of visitors over the last three days.
The festival showcased the culinary expertise and organisational skills of final-year students of IHMCT, an institution functioning under the Union Ministry of Tourism, based in Kovalam. Designed as a practical component of the academic curriculum, the event offered students hands-on experience in conceptualising, executing and managing a large-scale food festival.
The fair featured an array of food counters curated and operated entirely by students. Among the most popular were Latitude 45, which served Mediterranean specialities, and Meenpuranam, dedicated to Kerala’s distinctive seafood cuisine. Visitors relished dishes ranging from Tamil Nadu’s traditional Kaldosa to Kerala’s famed Neemeen Pollichathu, alongside Chinese, North Indian and Arabic delicacies. Mocktails and dessert counters added to the festive indulgence.
Dr Ananthakrishnan, Principal of IHMCT, said that students managed every aspect of the event, from setting up stalls and preparing food to ensuring compliance with food safety standards. They also handled procurement of ingredients, secured necessary permits and oversaw service operations. “The fair offers an invaluable experiential learning opportunity,” he said, noting that students navigate all stages that a new restaurant would typically encounter, extending their learning far beyond classroom instruction.
Beyond gastronomy, the fest offered a rich cultural experience. Traditional art forms such as Kathakali and Thiruvathira were staged alongside student dance performances and fashion shows, creating a festive atmosphere against the scenic backdrop of Kovalam beach.
The event attracted approximately a thousand visitors daily, including local residents, domestic travellers, hospitality professionals and a significant number of foreign tourists. According to organisers, some international visitors plan their Kerala trips specifically to coincide with the annual festival.
Over the years, Fandango has emerged as one of the most anticipated events organised by IHMCT, serving both as a public celebration of culinary diversity and a professional training ground for aspiring hospitality professionals. With its seamless blend of global cuisine, traditional art and student-led enterprise, Fandango 2026 once again reaffirmed Kovalam’s reputation as a destination where culture and cuisine converge.