Shubh Diwali - Let The Light Within Shine 

Diwali, the Festival of Lights is almost here. The festival is celebrated to mark the return of Lord Rama after 14 years in exile and after vanquishing Ravan, the ruler of Lanka. The festival falls on the darkest new moon night of the month of Kartik. It is celebrated by Hindus and also by Sikhs and Jains. 

An occasion of immense spiritual value, the festival signifies the opening up of the light within and to spread it among others. 

Off late, fusion has taken over festive foods too. While you share and gift chocolates or serve them to friends and family, do not forget our traditional Indian Diwali snacks. 

This year, it will be after two years that we will be celebrating the festival with the same gusto. Here are some traditional recipes which we need to guard, as our tradition of food is invaluable, and one that will never go out of trend. 

Let’s make this a grand one with some fantastic recipes. A little love of labour will surely impress your near and dear ones. 

Kaju Khoya Besan Laddoo 

Triple delight. This is for those who love besan laddoo, mawa mithai and dry fruits. The best way to bring these together is in a laddoo. Makes the traditional sweet royal. Doesn’t take much to prove your culinary skills right?   

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MY5qzVGg1Dc

Cranberry Mawa Burfi

The very popular sweet across the country, the burfi always gets a Yes. With this classy mawa and fruity mithai, serve them a luscious, creamy fudge. That lovely pop of deep red will surely enhance the curiosity of your guests. 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b7WEB9ryyEk

Mohanthal

Nobody ever gets fed up of besan-based sweets and this one just nails it. Mohanthal, named after Lord Krishna who was very fond of this sweet. This is a great tasting burfi and do make it in a good amount of batches, as no one will stop at just one. 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8j4k8MsrmWY

Khatta Meetha Mixture

How about a mix of sweet, spicy and tangy? Like this Khatta Meetha Mixture, yet another important part of Diwali snacking. This Khatta Meetha Mixture is a popular savoury snack. It is an interesting mix of namkeen, farsan, dry fruits that are spiked with spices. 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WeRXKEw3xXc&t=25s

Namkeen Champakali 

This deep-fried festive preparation is unique in two ways. One, its taste and two, because of its shape. Traditionally, we have known Champakali to be a sweet preparation. This recipe is a spicy twist to the traditional sweet preparation. 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zZaHau6cIW4

Khatti Meethi Cholafali 

How about a mix of sweet and chatpata spice mix? That’s exactly what we have here, with this speciality of Gujarat. The spice mix is easy to make at home too. Make this in many batches too, as the demand for this multi-flour based snack is definitely going to be high. 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VMgz3Uv4khs

Bhajanee Chakli

A plate of Diwali snacks never goes without this Bhajanee Chakli, one of the most authentic Maharashtrian Diwali snacks. This chakli is made from a specific flour that’s called ‘bhajanee’. The chakli is usually thicker and also has a distinct golden brown colour. The chakli is great as a tea-time snack and lasts long enough so you can relish it longer. 

https://www.sanjeevkapoor.com/Recipe/Bhajanee-Chakli-Cooking-with-Love.html

While we celebrate with our loved ones and feast on sumptuous mithai, let us always be grateful for the privileges we enjoy and also share some of our joys with the underprivileged. This is the true spirit of Diwali.

Wish You All a Prosperous and Joyous Diwali. Shubh Diwali.