List Of Traditional Diwali Foods And Special Preparation For Dhanteras, Govardhan Pooja And Bhai Dooj Shubh Diwali: Rediscovering Long-Forgotten Diwali Foods

Diwali or Deepavali — the festival of lights — is more than just a festival. It is a celebration of people, happiness, and community. It is a time when people gather together, clean their homes, and decorate them with lamps and lights. Rangoli is made outside the house. In the evening, people buy nice clothes, shoes, dresses and burst firecrackers to celebrate the triumph of good over evil. Diwali is one of the most popular Hindu festivals that symbolises the victory of light over darkness, and this celebration is incomplete without festive food.  

When we think of Diwali foods, the first thing that comes to mind is lots of sweets like gulab jamun, laddo, kaju katli and more — even though everyone craves guilt-free festive food these days. However, there are several savoury snacks associated with Diwali. 

On Diwali, Indians usually give each other festive sweets and share a lot of festive snacks that can be salty and savoury or creamy and sweet. In this blog, we will look at some of the special Deepavali special foods from India.

Table Of Contents

1. What Is Special About Diwali? Some Insights On This Special Festival Of Lights

2. What Are The Most Special Diwali Foods?

3. What To Eat On Dhanteras?

4. Foods For Chhoti Diwali

5. Special Govardhan Delicacies

6. What To Eat On Bhai Dooj?

7. Dietitian’s Recommendation

8. The Final Say

9. FAQs

10. References 

What Is Special About Diwali? Some Insights On This Special Festival Of Lights

Diwali, also known as Deepavali, is a five-day-long festival celebrated with respect and enthusiasm across India by  Hindus, Jains, Sikhs and some Buddhists. The name of the festival itself is derived from the Sanskrit words deepa, meaning ‘light’ and vali, which means ‘row’, symbolising the rows of lamps that illuminate houses and public spaces during the festivities. Diwali symbolises the victory of light over darkness, knowledge over ignorance and good over evil.

During Diwali, the air is filled with the scent of incense, and the night sky is lit with colourful firecrackers. The celebration usually includes exchanging gifts, dry fruits and sweets amongst friends and family and making rangoli and geometric floral designs on the floor using coloured rangoli powders. The festival has several unique traditions that vary by region, but what all celebrations have in common are lights, fireworks, feasting, new clothes, and prayers.

In South India, many take a warm oil bath early in the morning to symbolise bathing in the holy Ganges River as a form of physical and spiritual purification. In the north, the standard is worshipping the goddess Lakshmi, symbolising wealth and prosperity.

Gambling is also a popular tradition during Diwali. It’s believed that whoever gambles on Diwali night will prosper throughout the year. Several people buy gold on the first day of Diwali, known as Dhanteras, an act they believe will bring them good luck.

The weeks leading up to Diwali are a time for deep-cleaning and decorating the home, buying new clothes and jewellery, and exchanging gifts. Diwali is the season of parties, open-air food festivals and craft fairs, all of which help build excitement before the main celebration of Diwali. Expect delicious beverages and plenty of light snacks at these parties, including kebab platters, fried savoury snacks, tandoori grills and spicy sweets.

Also Read: Shubh Diwali: Low-calorie Dishes For Diwali

What Are The Most Special Diwali Foods?

Let’s have a look at these special Diwali foods: 

1. Kheer (Rice Pudding)

Kheer is a luxurious Indian rice pudding that can be served warm or chilled. Especially on Diwali, this creamy, slow-cooked rice is stylishly dressed with citrusy cardamom, chestnut saffron and loads of chopped dry fruits. 

Kheer is one of the healthier desserts because it combines the nutrients in milk and rice. It's made by simmering milk while cooking rice in an open pan over low heat and adding sugar and other garnishes toward the end. The sugar can be lowered to make it healthier.

2. Mawa Kachori

Rajasthan's khoya-filled golden fried mawa kachori is rich in dry fruits and is coated in sugar syrup, which will satisfy even the sweetest of palates. 

Mawa, a dairy product, is a concentrated source of vitamin D and calcium – two nutrients essential for bone health. Just eat this with moderation, as mawa is high in calories and fats, with one piece being nearly 300 calories. 

3. Moti Pak

Moti Pak is a delicious sweet barfi made with chickpea flour, khoya, and sugar, which is a regional speciality of Rajasthan and Gujarat. This sweet’s taste is similar to the popular motichur laddoo. 

One piece of Moti Pak Pak gives nearly 135 calories. 

4. Chironji Ki Barfi

In India, chironji or charoli are almond-flavoured seeds used as a spice in cooking or in desserts. Chironji ki barfi is a unique sweet that originates from Sagar in Madhya Pradesh and is eaten across the state on Diwali. 

Rich in protein and fibre, chironji has 112 calories and is nutritious, giving this special barfi some of its nutrients.

5. Gulab Jamun 

These soft, fresh gulab jamun dumplings are fried until golden brown and then dipped in fragrant rose and saffron syrup until softened. Make them a day or two ahead so they can soak up the syrupy goodness. 

Gulab jamun can be calorie-heavy because of its high sugar and fat content, but it can be enjoyed in moderation, especially on Diwali!

6. Anarsa

Anarsa is a rice flour and jaggery fritter studded with poppy seeds. It is a traditional Maharashtrian diwali snack that families eat for breakfast on Diwali morning.

Anarsa is rich in iron and calcium and high in calories. It is an authentic Maharashtrian sweet dish specially made during festive seasons like Diwali and Dussehra.

7. Karanji/Gujiya

These delectable crescent-shaped karanjis are essential to complete a typical Maharashtrian Diwali food. This classic treat has a crisp golden exterior, a fluted edge and a delicious filling. Karanji has various names, like ghughra, gujiya and neuri.

They are high in sugar, and one piece packs 180 calories.

8. Gulgule  

Gugules are soft, sweet dumplings made from wheat flour. They are famous during Diwali in many North Indian states. These dumplings go great with kheer or rabdi!

One piece of gulgule contains nearly 70 calories, but adding it to kheer or rabdi will increase its calorie and sugar content.

9. Mohan Thal

Mohanthal is a thick fondant flavoured with saffron and dry fruits prepared on many auspicious occasions, like Diwali, as an offering to the deity. Although this sweet may be difficult to prepare, a perfectly prepared Mohan Thal can satisfy anyone with a sweet tooth. 

10. Deepawali Marundu/Legiyam

Deepawali marundu or legiyam, a mixture of carom seeds, poppy seeds, dried ginger, dry grapes, honey, jaggery, nuts, ghee and other ingredients, is a must in Tamil Nadu. This preparation is believed to improve digestion and ensure that the stomach can handle the deluge of food that will follow on the day of Diwali!

11. Ukkarai

A simple yet delicious traditional dish, Ukkarai is a popular Diwali dessert in Chettinad cuisine. This unique preparation made with chana dal, jaggery, and roasted nuts is a simple creation that has a delicious experience.

12. Singal

Singal are fried semolina spirals that are a traditional part of Diwali in the Kumaon region of Uttarakhand. Made from semolina, banana, curd, milk, sugar and cardamom, this treat is soft, spongy and delicious.

13. Pinni 

Pinni is a famous Punjabi Diwali sweet made from dry fruits. Whole wheat flour is roasted with dry fruits, khoya, and sugar in rich homemade ghee to create a beautiful golden brown colour. The mixture is then formed into delicious laddoos.

14. Lapsi Rawa Shira

Lapsi rawa shira, one of the humblest of Diwali sweet dishes, is deliciously earthy and very healthy. It is an essential part of the festive cuisines of Rajasthan, Gujarat and Maharashtra.

15. Cholafali

Cholafali is a traditional Gujarati snack that melts in the mouth and is eaten in abundance during Diwali. This fritter is a light, fluffy snack with chilli powder and dry mango powder seasoning.

Also Read: Shubh Diwali: Healthy Recipes for Diwali Sweets

What To Eat On Dhanteras?

On Dhanteras, there is a unique tradition of feeding young girls dahi-batashe in North India. As the festivals start on Dhanteras, you can even feed your family and guests spicy dahi batashe. 

Foods For Chhoti Diwali

It is said that Pawanputra Hanuman was born in Krishna Chaturdashi of Kartik. On this day, boondi ke laddoo is offered at the Hanuman temple; hence, the tradition is to eat them as prasad. 

Special Govardhan Delicacies

The Govardhan festival is celebrated in several states of India, and many different foods are prepared on this day, but eating mawa malpua is the most famous tradition. 

Do you know why Lord Krishna is worshipped on Govardhan? He saved the lives of the people of Vrindavan from rain and storm by lifting the Govardhan mountain on his little finger. Since then, there has been a tradition of offering '56 Bhog', including mawa malpua with rabdi, to Lord Krishna on Govardhan Puja.

What To Eat On Bhai Dooj?

On the day of Bhai Dooj, all sisters must feed their brother rice in any form because it is associated with the ancient story of Yamuna and his brother Yamraj, who were fed rice. To celebrate Bhai Dooj, you can make rice in different forms, such as veg pulao, aloo dum biryani, etc.

Dietitian’s Recommendation 

The significance of foods during Diwali is associated with religious beliefs, cultural heritage, and social unity. These delicious dishes reflect the traditions and regional diversity. Sharing them strengthens relationships and promotes cultural identity.

Dt. Lavina Chauhan

The Final Say

Diwali is a celebration of key importance not only in the entire Indian subcontinent but also in the wider world. Known as the 'Festival of Lights', Diwali occupies a special place in the hearts of millions, transcending borders and bringing people together to celebrate joy, prosperity and unity. Festivals and food are the identity of India. People love to visit India to enjoy the festivals and traditional delicacies it offers.

FAQs

1. What is a special Deepavali food?

To create a Deepavali feast with traditional Indian dishes, you can include recipes like Samosas, Murukku, Kaju Katli, Chole Bhature and Besan Ladoo. Complement these main courses with Indian snacks and desserts for a complete festive meal.

2. How is Diwali celebrated?

Diwali is celebrated with a variety of foods, especially sweets and savoury snacks, which are offered during the puja (prayer) ceremonies. These offerings symbolise respect and gratitude for the blessings received throughout the year.

References 

• https://medium.com/@info_541/indian-festivals-and-food-unveiling-the-iconic-festival-dishes-61941a14c8e3

• https://www.slurrp.com/article/must-have-traditional-foods-on-diwali-1635514738847

• https://www.bbcgoodfood.com/howto/guide/top-10-recipes-to-celebrate-diwali

• https://www.asiahighlights.com/india/top-diwali-foods#:~:text=Sweets%20are%20also%20an%20essential,made%20mainly%20from%20milk%20solids).

• https://www.pettitts.co.uk/blog/diwali-celebrations-india

• https://www.pbs.org/newshour/world/what-is-diwali-and-how-is-it-celebrated-in-india-and-the-diaspora

  
  

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