Navratri brings a change in the way many people eat, with traditional recipes, fasting-friendly ingredients and vegetarian delicacies taking centre stage. In Visakhapatnam, hotels are marking the festival with special menus that combine familiar comfort food with festive preparations. Here are two spreads to explore during the season.

This season, Zaffran, the Indian speciality restaurant at Novotel Visakhapatnam Varun Beach, brings the festive dishes to the table with its Navaratri special thali, available from October 11 to 20.

The spread features crisp kuttu ki puri and sabudana khichdi, alongside aloo jeera, paneer delicacies, seasonal vegetables, fragrant rice, cooling raita and traditional chutneys. A selection of festive Indian sweets completes the meal.

When: October 11 to 20Lunch: 12.30pm to 3pmDinner: 7pm to 11pmReservations: 77998 84043

At 365 Restaurant, Radisson Blu Resort, the Navratri special menu focuses on satvik ingredients, traditional recipes and wholesome festive fare. Available till October 20, the offering brings classics and festival favourites to the table.

The spread features sabudana khichdi, golden fried savouries and a mix of familiar Indian flavours.

When: October 14 to 20Venue: 365 Restaurant, Radisson Blu Resort VisakhapatnamReservations: 91548 91991, 91548 31214

Dakshin at Welcomhotel Devee Grand Bay, Visakhapatnam, is celebrating Navaratri with a special thali that brings together traditional favourites and festive flavours in a vegetarian spread. The meal begins with a glass of kesar badam milk, followed by a selection of starters, hearty mains and a traditional dessert.

The starters include sabudana tikki served with peanut chutney, sakarkand ki chaat and paneer tikka accompanied by mint chutney. The mains feature sabudana khichdi, kuttu ki poori, arbi masala and kaddu ki subzi, alongside a cooling raita made with peanut and cucumber.

Makhana kheer rounds off the meal with a creamy, mildly sweet finish to the festive spread.

When: October 10 to 20Venue: Dakshin, Welcomhotel Devee Grand Bay, VisakhapatnamReservations: 63090 24747, 63097 16363