Diwali

What is eaten for Diwali

Diwali runs for five days, from Dhanteras to Bhai Dooj, with the night of lamps and Lakshmi puja in the middle. Sweets are at the centre of it. Households make or buy mithai, offer it to Lakshmi and Ganesha, and carry boxes to relatives, neighbours and colleagues. Laddus, barfi, kaju katli and gulab jamun fill the boxes in the north. Maharashtra prepares faral, a spread of sweet and savoury snacks such as chakli, karanji and shankarpali. Tamil homes begin the day with an oil bath and a spoon of herbal legiyam.

The dishes

LadduOffered to Lakshmi and Ganesha and given to visitors.Kaju katliCashew diamonds, the most gifted Diwali sweet.Gulab jamunFried milk balls in rose syrup.JalebiHot syrup spirals for festival mornings.GujhiaCalled karanji in Maharashtra, a filled fried pastry.ShankarpaliSmall sweet fried diamonds made in batches.

More dishes made for Diwali

MohanthalVegetarian 🇮🇳 IndiaFudge-like sweet of gram flour, ghee and sugar from western India Sweet or dessert PuriVegan 🇮🇳 India and 2 moreUnleavened wheat flatbread, deep-fried until puffed and golden Bread, Breakfast, Snacks Gajar ka halwaVegetarian 🇮🇳 India and 2 moreGrated carrot cooked with milk, sugar, ghee and khoya, often served at Indian festivals Sweet or dessert Soan papdiVegetarian 🇮🇳 India and 2 moreCrisp, flaky sweet made from gram flour, sugar, ghee, and cardamom Sweet or dessert, Snacks PedaVegetarian 🇮🇳 IndiaThick, sweet milk fudge balls flavoured with cardamom Sweet or dessert, Snacks