Diwali Celebration – The Festival of Lights and Sweets

Diwali, the Festival of Lights, Diwali celebration is symbol of the victory of good over evil and is one of India’s most important festivals. It is also a time to celebrate family, friendship and good fortune. It’s a 5-day holiday that is observed by Hindus, Jains and Sikhs and is a global celebration with millions of people participating worldwide.

Celebrations vary by region and tradition, but the common thread is the lighting of lamps or diyas (clay oil-filled lamps) to signify the victory of light over darkness and good over evil. Fireworks are a popular addition to the festivities, as well.

The week leading up to the main day of Diwali is typically a busy one as families shop for new clothes and household items, and make offerings to gods and ancestors. It’s also a popular time for dinner parties and outdoor food festivals, where guests are treated to platters of kebabs, fried savoury snacks, tandoori grills and spiced sweetmeats.

According to legend, the first day of Diwali marks the return of Prince Rama, his wife, Sita, and brother, Lakshmana, to Ayodhya after a 14-year exile and a battle against the demon king Ravana. The festival is also celebrated in Northern India as a mark of the victory of Lord Vishnu’s eighth incarnation, Krishna, over the demon Narakasura. In Bengal and other Eastern parts of India, the goddess Kali is worshipped on this day.

How Indian’s Celebrate Diwali in India?

For many Hindus, the second day of Diwali is dedicated to honoring and celebrating marriages, while the third commemorates the bond between sisters. The fourth day focuses on the bond between husband and wife, and the fifth day celebrates siblings as Bhai Duj.

The festival has become a national holiday in India and is celebrated by millions of people worldwide in various ways. It’s the most important holiday for Hindus, and is a significant date in Jainism and Sikhism as well.

Regardless of religion, Diwali is a time for happiness and joy. It’s a great time to show your loved ones how much you love them, and send them Online Express Gifts Delivery. It’s easy, fast and secure.

Must Try Sweets for Occasion of Diwali

It’s a well-known fact that the festival of lights wouldn’t be complete without indulging our sweet tooth. From decadent Gulab Jamuns to quintessential kaju katlis and a delicious Cakes, Indian sweets are a must during this festive season. These traditional treats are made using a variety of ingredients like milk, flour, mawa/ khoya, sugar or jaggery and ghee.

Some of the most popular Indian sweets include fudge-like preparations known as burfi, which are usually pressed or poured onto a tray; ladu or ladoo, which are hand-crafted spherical sweets; and halwa varieties, such as carrot halwa or rava kesari, which are rich dairy-based desserts. Aside from these, there are also crunchy and fried snacks such as boondi, half-moons of stuffed, fried dough; and kheer or payasam, which is rice pudding with milk and a range of additions like raisins, nuts or fruit.

The festival of Diwali is celebrated across the country with warm gatherings, dazzling fireworks and time-honored traditions. But it’s also a special time to indulge in sweet treats. From luscious cakes to irresistible sandesh and burfis, there are many delectable dessert options for the occasion. Here are some of our favorites to try this year:

1. Gulab Jamun Donuts

Combine two culturally classic desserts with this no-bake recipe. The result is a soft, melt-in-your mouth treat that will be the star of your Diwali table. Made with rose glaze and stuffed with gulab jamun, these donuts are sure to impress guests.

2. Badam Burfi

Made with pistachios, almonds or other types of nuts, this Indian fudge is an essential part of any Diwali celebration. The recipe can vary, but it always begins with milk solids and sugar to create a rich, creamy consistency. The addition of different nuts or a pinch of powdered spice like cardamom will give it a unique flavor profile.

3. Kaju Katli

Another nut-based sweet, kaju katli is an Indian fudge with a distinctively creamy texture. This version is enriched with milk and cashews for an extra-special treat that’s perfect for giving as gifts during Diwali.

4. Sandesh

Platters lined with rows of neatly cut cubes and diamond-shaped barfi (or burfi) are a common sight on Diwali tables. The dessert can be made with any number of ingredients, including gram flour, ground almonds, pistachios or other nuts, and it can even be flavored with chocolate!

5. Rava Burfi

This Indian dessert is simple to make and features a rich, smooth flavor. The traditional recipe uses semolina, ghee, sugar and milk, but you can experiment with the addition of other ingredients to add a twist. Try adding a little coconut to this dish for an added crunch!

6. Carrot Halwa

Carrot halwa is a classic North Indian sweet, but we’ve given it a festive spin this season with the addition of spices and pistachios. It’s easy to make at home and is a must-have for any Diwali celebration.

7. Rasgullas

Spongy rasgullas soaked in syrup are a must-have for any sweet lover’s collection. This traditional Bengali dish involves hand-rolling chenna (homemade cottage cheese) into a ball shape, then boiling it in a sugar and cardamom-infused syrup for a juice-filled bite that’s surprisingly refreshing. You can even find pre-packaged rasgullas at most South Asian markets and grocers.

8. Gond Ladoo

These sweets from Karnataka are a quick treat to put together. A combination of edible gum, wheat flour, ghee and sugar, these sweets are enjoyed during the winter season.

9. Gond Papdi

Gond papdi is a delicious Indian sweet with a light, flaky consistency. It’s made with a mix of gram flour, all-purpose flour, ghee and sugar. You can serve this dessert at any time of the year but it’s especially popular on Diwali. You can also garnish it with dried fruits and toasted coconut to make it even more special.

To make your Diwali celebrations extra special, try making these traditional sweet delights at home. Some can even be made ahead and frozen for longer storage.

Some of the sweets and snacks mentioned here can also be exchanged between friends and family members during Diwali. Consider putting them together in a gift box with other homemade treats like samosas and namkeen. You can also add a bottle of wine or some fresh fruits to go with the goodies.