What is Diwali?
Every region in India has different traditions for celebrating this festival. It is believed that Diwali is a festival that represents the triumph of good over evil, light over darkness and wisdom over ignorance. It is considered an auspicious time to start anything new, as it coincides with the Hindu New Year. While Diwali is actually on one day, the festivities last anywhere from three to five days, featuring different customs and ceremonies.
When is Diwali this year?
Diwali follows the Hindu lunar calendar and its date changes annually—it’s celebrated on a moonless night (or Amavasya) in October or November. This year, Diwali 2021 falls on November 4th, 2021.
How is Diwali celebrated?
The weeks leading up to the festival are usually a time for redecorating the home, buying new clothes and jewelry, and exchanging gifts—both edible and otherwise. Families and friends get together at dinner or lunch parties and celebrate by cooking delicious foods and bursting firecrackers. In North India, gambling and alcoholic drinks are part of the tradition, and card games are hosted well into the night. Whereas in South India, the celebrations commence rather early, starting 4 am, and ending with a religious discourse in the evening.
What food is eaten during Diwali?
No matter how Diwali is celebrated, food is always the piece de resistance of the festival! There is no right or wrong way to celebrate the festival, since each region has such diverse practices and their own quintessential dishes. In most homes, the menu is vegetarian, and can range from deep-fried delicacies like Samosas to simple steamed foods like Idli. Savory snacks could include kachoris, pakoras, aloo tikki (potato patties) and chole bhatura. And for the mithai (or dessert), you can have Gulab Jamun, Jalebi, Kheer and so much more. These Indian sweets and snacks are usually cooked in large batches, then shared with friends and family. It’s also pretty common to visit each other’s homes to share the edibles and good wishes for a prosperous new year. While there isn’t a standardized menu for Diwali, there are quite a few Indian sweet and savory snacks you can make that are quintessentially festive! Here are 19 of the best Dawali recipes and treats that will inspire you to celebrate Diwali, the Indian way! Next: 10 Brands Every Indian Food Lover Should Have On Their Radar
