Festivals in India are an important aspect of the social, religious and cultural life of its people.Food is an integral part of this festivity. Each festival is associated with particular dishes that are also related to the season when the festival occurs. Generally, festivals occur on dates according to the Indian calendar that is linked to the solar or lunar cycles.

Samayal or cooking is rooted in family traditions. South Indian Brahmin cuisine is mainly vegetarian and fosters satvic qualities, calms the mind and is essential for spiritual progress. Food in a Tam-Bram household was cooked with strict adherence to rules of cleanliness.