Food has a unique way of bringing people together, and Food Fest 2026 at Akal University, Talwandi Sabo proved exactly that. Organized by the DSW Office and the NSS Cell, the vibrant festival turned the university’s Central Lawn into a lively hub of culinary creativity, cultural flavors, and student enthusiasm.
With around 150 participants and 30 student teams, the event celebrated Punjabi food heritage, innovative dishes, and teamwork while strengthening the campus community.
A Platform for Creativity, Culture, and Collaboration
The primary goal of Food Fest 2026 was to encourage students to explore culinary creativity while working in teams. Each participating group consisted of five students from different departments who collaborated to design unique food stalls.
The event aimed to
- Promote teamwork and leadership among students
- Showcase traditional Punjabi food and innovative fusion dishes
- Encourage interaction among students, faculty, and staff
- Provide NSS volunteers with hands-on leadership and event management experience
Inauguration by University Dignitaries
The event began with encouraging words from Dr. Janpreet Singh, Dean of Student Welfare and event coordinator. He highlighted that the festival was designed not only as a celebration of food but also as an opportunity for students to develop entrepreneurial thinking, leadership skills, and event management experience.
The festival inauguration was graced by the presence of respected university dignitaries including the Vice Chancellor, Registrar, Dean of Academic Affairs, and Director of IQAC, who visited the stalls and interacted with students.

Student coordinators Mr. Jagot Singh and Ms. Sukhmandeep Kaur played a key role in organizing the event smoothly.
A Spectacle of 30+ Food Stalls
One of the biggest attractions of the festival was the variety of food stalls prepared by students. The stalls showcased both traditional and innovative cuisines, creating an exciting culinary experience for visitors.
Punjabi Classics
Traditional Punjabi flavors were a major highlight with stalls serving
- Fitful Punjab
- Desh Da Heera Punjabi Jeera
- Fresh Lassi
Popular Street Food
Students also recreated India’s favorite street snacks including
- Aloo Tikki
- Bhelpuri
- Pani Puri
- Dahi Bhalla
Innovative and Healthy Creations
Many teams experimented with creative food concepts such as
- Tangy Twist
- Genki
- Cheela Corner
- Akal Flavour Lab
Delicious Desserts
Dessert lovers enjoyed sweet treats including
- Tiramisu (Italian dessert)
- Fruit Custard
- Rollin’ Pink Bites
Event Schedule and Activities
The festival followed a well-structured schedule to ensure smooth organization and fair judging.
- 10:00 AM – Stall setup and food preparation by participating teams
- 10:00 AM – 10:30 AM – Final inspection and readiness of stalls
- 10:30 AM – 11:30 AM – Competition judging based on taste, presentation, innovation, and hygiene
- 11:30 AM – 3:30 PM – Stalls open for visitors
- 3:00 PM – 4:00 PM – Closing ceremony and prize distribution
During the judging round, a panel of judges evaluated each stall based on taste, presentation, innovation, and hygiene standards, encouraging students to maintain high culinary and professional standards.

Skills, Learning, and Community Engagement
Beyond the excitement of food, Food Fest 2026 provided valuable learning experiences for students.
Skill Development
Participants gained hands-on experience in
- Cooking and food presentation
- Event planning and stall management
- Public engagement and teamwork
Community Building
The festival brought together students, faculty, and staff in a lively environment, strengthening inter-departmental bonds and increasing the visibility of NSS initiatives across campus.

A Step Toward Future Campus Festivals
The success of Food Fest 2026 highlighted the creativity and enthusiasm of students at Akal University. Events like this not only celebrate food and culture but also nurture leadership, innovation, and collaboration among students.
With such a positive response from participants and visitors, the festival has set the stage for even bigger themed fests and student-led events in the future.








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