AN award-winning Taunton Indian restaurant hosted a Diwali event, inviting members of the community to gather together to enjoy their food and celebrate, at the weekend.
On Sunday, October 19, 2025, Mattancherry Taunton, recently named a finalist for the Bristol, Bath and Somerset Tourism Awards 2025/26, celebrated Diwali (the “Festival of Lights”) with a “truly indulgent” South Indian–style meat feast, restaurant manager Gopinath Dharmalingam said.
According to Gopinath, the restaurant was fully booked for the occasion, with diners filling both the ground floor and first floor dining areas to try all the food on offer that night.
For the occasion, the restaurant was also decorated in the "warm glow" of Diwali lights with colourful decorations and lanterns hung up around the space.
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Diwali, otherwise known as Deepavali or Deepawali, is a major celebration in Indian culture, symbolising the triumph of light over darkness and good over evil.
It is traditionally marked by lighting lamps and gathering with loved ones for celebratory meals.
Gopinath said: “The atmosphere at Mattancherry Taunton captured that spirit perfectly.
“Guests were welcomed into a festive, vibrant setting filled with the rich aromas of traditional cuisine and a menu centred around premium meats, crafted in the bold and authentic style that the restaurant is known for."
Head chef Loganathan Ramasamy, reflecting on the evening, said: “We wanted to bring the energy and flavour of a South Indian Diwali feast to Taunton: hearty, celebratory, and made for sharing.”
Gopinath added: “As an award-winning restaurant, we always aim to give our guests something truly memorable, and tonight’s Diwali Meat Feast exceeded every expectation.”
Guests sampled 23 different varieties of authentic dishes that night, featuring a selection of traditional meats, rich sides, and bold Indian spices.
Each dish was served traditionally on banana leaves - a hallmark of South Indian festival feasts.
The setting, filled with glowing candles and lively conversation, created an atmosphere of "true celebration and community", according to the team at Mattancherry Taunton who have all voiced their gratitude for everyone who attended.
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