Quick answer
Pick 3–4 festivals that match your cuisine and city, add 2–3 festival specials to the menu two weeks ahead, raise stock and packaging by 50%, schedule extra staff for the peak 3 days, and run a combo offer instead of a flat discount.
The festival calendar that matters
- Diwali: sweets, gift boxes, family combos — the biggest spike nationally.
- Eid: biryani, kebabs, haleem — huge for Mughlai kitchens.
- Christmas–New Year: cakes, plum cake, party trays, late-night orders.
- Pongal / Onam / Durga Puja: regional spikes — own your state's festival.
- IPL & World Cup matches: snacks, wings, combos during evening matches.
The 2-week preparation timeline
- Day 14: finalise 2–3 festival specials; photograph them.
- Day 10: order packaging (+50%) and non-perishable stock.
- Day 7: update aggregator menus and photos; schedule ads.
- Day 5: brief staff, confirm extra hands for peak days.
- Day 2: prep bases, marinades and gravies in bulk.
- Festival day: keep prep time under 20 minutes — ratings decide next week's ranking.
Offers that work during festivals
- Family combos for 4–6 people (festivals are group orders).
- Gift-ready packaging — a ₹30 box can justify a ₹150 premium.
- Pre-orders via WhatsApp for bulk and society orders.
Avoid deep flat discounts — demand is already high. See our discount strategy guide for the maths.
After the festival
Message every festival customer on WhatsApp within 3 days with a comeback offer. Festival first-timers who order again within 30 days become your most valuable regulars.
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