Highlights from the 15th edition of the M&N Chocolate Festival in Ooty

M&N Chocolate Festival
| Photo Credit: Sathyamoorthy M

Ooty’s annual chocolate festival is back, and this year, the organisers promise, is bigger and better than ever. The M&N Chocolate Festival, now in its 15th edition, has become a tradition in the Nilgiris, mixing history, flavours, and community spirit.

Fazloor Rahman, the festival’s organiser, reflects on its journey: “Actually, we started in 1942, and we began conducting a chocolate festival in 2009. So, it’s been 15 years, and it’s going well. Our aim is to raise awareness among visitors.”

M&N Chocolate Festival
| Photo Credit:
Sathyamoorthy M

This year’s showstopper is a chocolate replica of Ooty’s historic Breeks Memorial School. Created to celebrate the school’s 150th anniversary, the model is made from 100 kilograms of dark, milk, and white chocolate. Fazloor, an alumnus of the school, shares his personal connection: “Since it’s celebrating 150 years, I wanted to do something special for my teachers and the school that shaped me into who I am today. This was my way of giving back.” The intricately designed model can last up to six months if stored at a consistent temperature and will be gifted to the school during its January reunion.

The festival isn’t just about stunning displays. It’s also a celebration of local produce and innovation. Over 100 unique chocolate varieties are on offer, many infused with ingredients grown in the Nilgiris. “Our aim is to incorporate these ingredients into chocolate, adding value to the product. Farmers often leave carrots in the field due to resource constraints. We wanted to show how these products can be value-added,” Fazloor says. Beetroot, carrot, potato, tea powder, and coffee are just some of the local flavours featured, alongside eucalyptus oil and the iconic Ooty Varkey.

For visitors with adventurous palates, the festival offers chocolates inspired by the Nilgiris’ abundant orchards and spices. Think mulberry, dragon fruit, pink guava, and passion fruit, paired with pepper, clove, and cinnamon. International flavours are also highlighted, with creations like Dubai-style Kunafa with Chocolate, Spiced Mexican Chocolate, and Yuzu & Ginger White Chocolate adding a global twist.

Education is a key focus of the festival. “We want people to understand what real chocolate is, how to select good quality chocolate, and the dietary considerations involved,” says Fazloor. To this end, chocolate-tasting and chocolate-making sessions allow visitors to experiment and craft their own treats. “We provide white, dark, and milk chocolate, and they can experiment with unique flavour combinations and toppings,” he adds. A new addition this year is an on-the-spot chocolate counter, where custom flavours are made to order.

The festival has attracted over 4,000 visitors since December 20. “Supporting our local community and promoting tourism are our main goals. This is our comprehensive plan to support local farmers and provide valuable information to visitors in Ooty,” Fazloor says.

M&N Chocolate Festival
| Photo Credit:
Sathyamoorthy M

The M&N Chocolate Festival isn’t just an event — it’s an experience, according to him. From the Breeks School centrepiece to the unique flavours, it tries to capture the essence of the Nilgiris. “For families, food lovers, and tourists, it’s a reminder of the region’s heritage and the magic of chocolate,” adds Fazloor.

The festival is on till January 5 at M&N Choco Story, YWCA, Anandagiri, OOty. For details, call 88701641111