People checking out dry fruit gift boxes on the eve of Diwali on Wednesday. R. Pavan
Hyderabad: The festival of lights is here and with that it is the time to lay out a Diwali feast. Food during Diwali is much more than just sustenance; it embodies cultural traditions, fosters relationships, and enhances the celebratory atmosphere of the festival.
Diwali or Deepavali in South India is deeply rooted in traditions of abundance, warmth, and unity. Food becomes the medium through which families gather to honour these values, creating and sharing dishes that are synonymous with prosperity and happiness. “We love featuring locally inspired sweets like Mysore Pak — rich and buttery, representing Karnataka’s culinary heritage — and Obbattu (holige), a stuffed, sweet flatbread that adds a comforting, nostalgic touch. Savory bites such as Kodubale and Nippattu also bring a local flair, offering that perfect, crunchy balance to the sweetness,” says Sajid Salim Patel, Executive Chef, Sheraton Grand Bangalore Hotel.
Food plays an integral role in Diwali celebrations bringing people together and spreading joy by exchanging sweets with your loved ones. “No celebration in our country is complete without savouring lip-smacking Indian delicacies with others. There are two very traditional dishes that are always made in Diwali/ the first is the seven mela subzi, a preparation of the mélange of seven vegetables and is well accompanied by Methi poori and Ramdana ladoo that is also known as Ramladoo, a delightful snack that is a must savoured dessert,” says Sumit Sahu, Sous Chef, Food Production, Taj Usha Kiran Palace, Gwalior. Palash Ghosh, Executive Chef, Taj Hotel & Convention Centre, Agra, adds, “Diwali is synonymous with sweets like laddoos, gulab jamun, barfi, and kaju katli. These are either prepared at home or gifted to family and friends as a symbol of love and good wishes. Each sweet has cultural significance and is often made with ingredients considered auspicious, like ghee and jaggery. Savory snacks like namakpare, chakli, mathri, and samosas are also popular during Diwali. They provide balance to the rich sweets, and guests often enjoy them while socializing.”
Pan India Celebrations
Each dish tells a story of heritage. In Eastern India, during Diwali, using a tawa for cooking is almost prohibited. It is believed that cooking on a tawa on the evening of Diwali Puja hinders the goddess of wealth, Lakshmi, from entering the home. “Instead, people prepare Dal Puri (fried lentil-stuffed bread), vegetables like Aloo Gobhi, and Kheer. For those who prefer a lighter option, Kadhi Chawal (curd and gram-based curry with rice) is a popular choice. Sugar and jaggery khilona mithai (toy shaped sweets) like laddu, dry sweets like gulab jamun, Sandesh, peda, and white lava puffed rice are offered as Prasad and enjoyed as well,” says Gautam Kumar, Executive Chef, Foodlink F&B Holdings (India) Pvt. Ltd.
Celebrating Abundance
Diwali marks the end of the harvest season in many parts of India. It is a time to celebrate abundance and share blessings with loved ones through food. “Traditional dishes are often prepared as offerings to deities during the festivities, symbolising gratitude, and respect. Preparing and sharing food fosters a sense of community. Families often gather to cook, and neighbours exchange sweets and snacks, strengthening social ties. Sweets hold particular significance in Diwali, representing joy and the sweetness of life. They are often given as gifts and used in prayers,” says Avishek Singha, Executive Pastry chef at Bengaluru Marriott Hotel Whitefield.
The Essential Food List
Gulab Jamun: Soft, round dumplings made from khoya (milk solids) soaked in rose-flavoured sugar syrup. They are a festive favourite, symbolising richness.
Jalebi: Crispy: Spiral-shaped sweets made from fermented batter and dipped in sugar syrup. Their vibrant colour represents joy and festivity.
Ladoo: Round sweets made from various ingredients, such as chickpea flour (besan ladoo) or semolina (suji ladoo), often flavoured with cardamom and nuts.
Samosas: Deep-fried pastries filled with spiced potatoes, peas, or lentils. They are popular for gatherings and symbolise hospitality.
Pakoras: Fried fritters made from vegetables or paneer, coated in a spiced chickpea flour batter. These are enjoyed as snacks during Diwali festivities.
Thandai: A refreshing milk-based drink flavoured with nuts, spices, and rose petals, typically enjoyed during festivals.
( Source : Deccan Chronicle )
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