This Diwali, Marriott Executive Apartments Hyderabad joined hands with Dakni Sweet Treats and Sangat to host a royal-themed sweet-making masterclass at Altair, its elegant banquet space, celebrating the rich confectionery heritage of the Deccan.

The event offered guests an immersive journey into the art of traditional Hyderabadi sweets — delicacies once prepared in royal kitchens during the Nizami era. The masterclass highlighted recipes and craftsmanship that Dakni Sweet Treats has carefully preserved since its founding in 1994.

Participants discovered the intricate process behind Dakni’s iconic creations, the Badam Ki Jali, made from almond dough layered with silver foil and shaped into ornate designs; the Hyderabadi Ashrafi, inspired by Nizam-era coins and made with saffron, almonds, and cashew; and the Badam Kund, rich with ghee, almonds, and saffron, finished with a touch of silver waraq.

The demonstration featured vintage tools such as brass cutters and engraved coin moulds, giving attendees a glimpse into authentic techniques passed down through generations.

“Influenced by Persian and Turkish traditions, the Badam ki Jali draws from marzipan techniques, while Ashrafi uses Persian coins to imprint sweets with Nizami inscriptions,” shared Naina, Director, Dakni Sweet Treats. “Gil-e-firdaus, maske ke lauz, and jauzi halwa are part of a significant legacy that must be preserved before they vanish from living memory.”

Adding to the cultural spirit of the evening, Ashwin Vaidya, General Manager at Marriott Executive Apartments Hyderabad, remarked, “Curating living Deccan traditions is central to our cultural programming. Altair was designed as a stage for craft, cuisine, and community—this masterclass brings that vision to life for Diwali, connecting guests with artisans and time-honored techniques.”

This festive collaboration between Marriott Executive Apartments Hyderabad, Dakni Sweet Treats, and Sangat reflects a shared commitment to celebrating Hyderabad’s royal culinary heritage through modern, meaningful experiences.

About Dakni Sweet Treats and Sangat

Founded in 1994, Dakni Sweet Treats Pvt. Ltd. is dedicated to keeping alive the royal dessert traditions of Hyderabad. Known for preserving time-honoured recipes, it has helped elevate Hyderabadi sweets as a defining part of the city’s rich culinary identity.

Sangat is a Hyderabad-based cultural initiative that explores the art, language, and living traditions of the Deccan. Through storytelling and collaboration, it brings together people and ideas that honour the region’s plural heritage while shaping an inclusive cultural future.

Located in Gachibowli beside the Botanical Gardens, Marriott Executive Apartments Hyderabad offers luxurious stays and contemporary event venues, including Altair, its signature banquet space. The property also houses Mazzo, a rooftop restaurant known for its global cuisine and refined dining experiences.