Diwali food is prepared to celebrate one of the most important festivals of Hindus, Diwali or Deepawali. Diwali dishes are quite popular around the world as the festival is also celebrated by Indians residing in other countries. Diwali is popularly known as ‘festival of lights’ but it can also be called the ‘festival of food’ as several sweets, snacks and main dishes are made to follow the old tradition. Some of the popular Diwali dishes are motichoor laddu, samosa, kachori, kheer and aloo ki sabzi.
Traditional Diwali Recipes and Diwali Menu
Diwali food, traditionally includes sweets and snacks mainly sweet gujiya and besan ke ladoo. Sweets are also prepared to distribute among friends and relatives. Kaju ki barfi, malpua and soan papdi are some of the famous Diwali sweets that are fondly eaten by people of all age groups.
Savory snacks such as besan ki papri, kachori, samosa and murukku are included in traditional menu for Diwali . The traditional Diwali meal does not include non-vegetarian dishes, as Diwali is a festival of worship. Vegetarian Diwali items, such as aloo ki sabzi, chhole, shahi pulao and dahi vada are exceptionally delectable.
The most interesting feature of a traditional Diwali meal is ‘Annakoot’. It includes the ‘chappan bhog’ meaning ‘56 dishes’, it’s a grand feast that includes dishes of 56 varieties comprising sweets, snacks and savory dishes. ‘Annakoot’, is observed on the 2nd day of Diwali.
Significance of Diwali Foods
Diwali is celebrated to mark the season of harvest and the mythological significance is related to the Lord Ram.
The traditional ‘annakoot’ is celebrated and ‘govardhan puja’ is observed to worship Lord Krishna to praise his success in lifting the Govardhan Mountain, followed by a sumptuous meal.
Modern Diwali Recipes and their Variations
Diwali food is changing with times and many new dishes are introduced by modern chefs. In olden times, ladies used to prepare Diwali dishes a few days before the festival, but these days most of the sweets and snacks are available in packed form. Fried and sugary Diwali preparations are losing their dominance, as people have become more health conscious. Baked and sugar-free snacks and sweets are gaining prominence. Even non-vegetarian dishes are also included in modern Diwali meals.
Apart from traditional sweets, the Diwali cakes and chocolates are also the part of modern Diwali menu. The influence of low-calorie food can be easily seen on the modern Diwali foods. Annakoot now includes 4-5 dishes prepared as per convenience in place of 56 dishes of the olden times.
Customary Way of Serving Diwali Food
The traditional Diwali meal is served after the worship of goddess ‘Lakshmi’. She is considered as the goddess of wealth and is specially prayed on the day of Diwali. After puja, family members and friends customarily burn crackers and lit ‘diyas’. During Diwali dinner, the entire family and friends gather at the dinner table and the ladies of the family serve the food to all gents and kids. It is a tradition to serve the Diwali food to the Goddess before serving to the family members. After dinner, sweets are served.
At the day of ‘annakoot’, all 56 dishes are offered to Lord Krishna as ‘bhog’(any food item that is first offered to God) and then comes the family feast as the sumptuous meal.
Diwali Food Trivia
• People in India prepare sweets especially on Diwali as sweet dishes are significantly related to happiness and festivity.
For specific dishes please visit:
Laddu
Barfi
Gujiya
Malpua
Kachori
Samosa
Dhanteras