Sweets: Dakni and Marriott Executive Apartments Hyderabad Host a Heritage Masterclass

• Royal sweet-making masterclass at Altair banquet space revives a legacy of Hyderabadi confections.

Hyderabad, October 10, 2025 – Ahead of Diwali, Marriott Executive Apartments Hyderabad, in collaboration with Dakni Sweet Treats and Sangat, hosted an exclusive culinary masterclass at the elegant Altair banquet space, celebrating the rich confectionery heritage of the Deccan.

The Diwali masterclass offered participants an immersive glimpse into the artistry behind traditional Hyderabadi sweets that once graced royal kitchens during the Nizami era. It highlighted the meticulous craftsmanship and heritage recipes, preserved for over three decades by Dakni Sweet Treats, established in 1994.

Guests learned the intricate techniques behind Dakni’s signature royal confections, including the legendary Badam Ki Jali — almond dough delicately layered with edible silver paper and shaped into ornate designs; the Hyderabadi Ashrafi, inspired by coins from the Nizam era and made with saffron, almonds, and cashew; and the Badam Kund, rich in flavours of saffron, ghee, and almonds topped with silver waraq.

The demonstration featured period-accurate tools, including brass cutters and engraved coin molds that imprint distinctive patterns, anchoring the experience in tangible heritage practices. “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,” said 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”.

“Curating living Deccan traditions is central to our cultural programming,” said Ashwin Vaidya, General Manager, Marriott Executive Apartments Hyderabad. “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”

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This collaboration between Marriott Executive Apartments Hyderabad, Dakni Sweet Treats and Sangat, underscores a shared dedication to preserving and celebrating the royal culinary traditions of Hyderabad during the festive Diwali season.