Devotees sticking to strict vegetarian food during the holy month of Shravan can be foodies as well with a city-based hotel organising a food festival of lip-smacking Rajasthani dishes keeping them in mind.

If gatte ki kadhi with bajre ki roti does not excite you, the Kajari-Teej Festival has on offer khatti toor daal and matar aur chane ke kofte followed by shrikhand and badam ka halwa.

Food connoisseurs can dig into these gastronomic delights at Spice Court in hotel Maurya between 8pm and 11pm till August 5.

For starters, one can take their pick from shimla mirch ki laungi, paneer palak dhokla and nadru goolar and five other dishes. The list of main course options has methi ke gatte, marvari bhindi and papad mangodi ki sabji. The icing on the cake are desserts such as shrikhand, ghewar, badam ka halwa, raj bhog and doodhiya kheech.

The executive chef of Maurya, Brajesh Kumar Singh, is the brain and hand behind the fest with 24 expert chefs assisting him. “We have modified the cuisine. Rajasthani dishes are mainly flavoured with saunf (fennel seeds) and hing (aasafoetida), which have a strong flavour. To reduce these flavours, we have used garam masala and other spices. We have tried to spice up the cuisines,” said Singh.

“The must-try items are gatte ki kadhi, methi ke gatte, sanger ka saag in the main course. For desserts, one must try shrikhand, doodh kheech and badam ka halwa.” Singh added: “We are serving vegetarian food. We have avoided using onion and garlic, keeping the Shravan month in mind,” he added.

The starters and the main course would cost something between Rs 300 and Rs 400.

“The food is tasty. I tried bajre ki roti with gatte ki kadhi and it was awesome. I can’t wait to dig into the shrikhand,” said 29-year-old Avinash Singh.