11 Side Hustles Perfect for Indian Festival Season Income

6. Mini Catering for Poojas and Community Events

Mini catering offers a middle ground between home cooking and full-service catering—specializing in pooja thalis, prasadam boxes, or small lunch spreads for 20–80 people. Focus on a short, reliable menu that’s easy to scale: one veg main, two sides, a sweet, and packaged rice or rotis. For US/Canada operators, check local health department rules and catering licenses; many areas require a commercial kitchen or a licensed caterer for food served to the public. Invest in insulated carriers and clear labeling for reheating or serving instructions. Market to local temples, community centers, and WhatsApp groups, offering flexible drop-off or staffed service. Pricing should cover food, labor, transport, and insurance—remember to include gratuity if you provide service staff. Many small caterers secure several gigs across festival weekends and can net $800–$2,500 across peak days, depending on order size. Keep a simple booking calendar and a standard contract to avoid misunderstandings with event organizers.