Diwali, the five-day festival observed throughout India by Hindus, Sikhs, and Jains, holds a shared symbolism for all who celebrate: “That light overcomes darkness, good overcomes evil, and knowledge overcomes ignorance,” says Veda Sankaran, the developer of these recipe developer. One of the several origin stories about Diwali is that it commemorates King Rama’s rescue of his kidnapped wife Sita, one of the major storylines in the world’s most ancient epic poem, the Ramayana. When Rama and Sita return home to live happily ever after, the citizens of their land welcome them by lighting tiny oil lamps all over the ancient city of Ayodhya.
The word Diwali comes from the ancient Sanskrit word deepavali, which translates to “a cluster or line of lamps,” or diyas. Throughout the holiday, these clay oil lamps are still lit around the home.
Sankaran, who is from the state of Tamil Nadu in South India, emphasizes the diversity of celebrations across India depending on language, culture, and region. For example, “Most people know it as Diwali, but I grew up saying, ‘Happy Deepavali!’ she says. “Like most holidays around the world, it’s centered around family and food. New clothing is gifted, food is shared, and in the evening, firecrackers and sparklers are set off.”
Diwali Recipes from India
Traditions focus on the preparing and sharing of sweets. In South India, “we usually start our meals with the dessert,” says Sankaran, which is why they’re featured here first. She also notes that Indian desserts are often time-consuming to prepare, and her time-saving approach is non-traditional––but just as delicious.
Diwali Desserts
Mango Rasmalai, Pistachio Burfi, and Carrot Halwa are three dessert recipes that are a must for Diwali. These specialities create a tender cheese curd dish in a decadent mango puree, a fudge-like confection that utilizes pistachio butter, and a pudding-esc dish that cooks carrots in sweetened milk.
Chole Bhatura
Some may not think of breakfast but Chole Bhatura is there to start your Diwali with a kick. This dish starts with masala made from scratch. Then you mix sautéed onions, ginger, garlic, green chili, and tomatoes to round out the chickpea stew. Finish it all off with bhatura, a puffy fried bread made from all-purpose flour.
Onion Bhaji and Dahi Papdi Chaat
These two appetizer recipes are perfect sharable staters. Onion Bhaji are deep-fried snacks similar to veggie fritters or pakoras. They’re firm, salty, rich, and spiced. Chaat on the other hand is a very popular street food that’s tangy, sweet, and spicy. It derives from a crunchy cracker then adds on toppings.
Diwali Falooda
Falooda is a refreshing and vibrant way to enjoy Diwali. This Persian treat, brought to India by the Mughals in the 16th century, is actually similar to a thicker milkshake. It’s layers consist of a rose Jell-O, corn sev, soaked basil seeds, rose syrup, milk, and ice cream.
Story by Nicole Barley
Recipes and Styling by Veda Sankaran
Photography by Dave Bryce
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