That time of the year is here when we exchange love, greetings, gifts and indulge in some scrumptious food. In India, festivals are celebrated to unite people together for a celebration and Diwali is a perfect example. Isn't it?
Diwali is majorly celebrated in India as Lord Rama and Sita and Laxmana returned to Ayodhya after spending 14 years of exile and defeating Ravana. In most regions in India, Diwali marks the return of Lord Rama. Since the construction of the Ram temple started in Ayodhya, I do wonder sometimes if I could celebrate Diwali just like the people in Ayodhya do. It is a grand affair after all. For those who don’t know, Ayodhya is a small town situated on the bank of the Saryu River and is a center of major religious faith. Being the birthplace of Lord Rama, the Diwali celebrations in Ayodhya are grand!!!
When we talk of Diwali, can we stop ourselves from talking about food? Not at all! Most of the traditional dishes of Diwali are vegetarian that too without onion and garlic. Giving more information about it, Prafful Maurya talked about some desserts and snacks from the city that are a must-try. Let us tell you that Prafful Maurya’s family has been running a sweet shop in Ayodhya for the last 73 years. Woahhh!
Prafful, whose family has been running Maurya Mishthan Bhandar for the last three generations, became our guide and we became yours. Just to give you Ayodhya-like feels this Diwali, we have brought some significant delicacies from Ayodhya to your service. Don’t wait for any further and have a look!!
Dahi-Jalebi
Ayodhya and Dahi Jalebi just cannot be separated. If you know, you know. Dahi jalebi is so desi and simple yet soo delicious. You might have tried jalebi-rabri but now it’s time to try the Ayodhya special Dahi-Jalebi. As told by Prafful, this is one of the most famous delicacies of Ayodhya that everyone looks forward to. Why don’t you try this amazing combination this Diwali?
Khurchan peda
If you know about Ayodhya, you know that desi peda is a quintessential sweet of the city. These are quite similar to Mathura pedas and are a delight. Just with a single bite of this khurchan peda, you would be taken straight away to the foodie heaven. So, waiting for what?
Pakodi
No, these are not your regular pakodas but the special Ayodhya ki pakoris. One can find the most delicious pyaaz and aloo ki pakoris at Guptar Ghat in Ayodhya. As told by Prafful, there is nothing that can compete with the taste of these pakoris in Ayodhya and we are agreeing. Served best with tea, this must be in your bucket this Diwali.
Besan Ladoo
We can totally say that besan ke ladoo is the signature sweet of the city. Prafful Maurya said that those who come to Ayodhya just cannot go without visiting Hanuman Garhi, famous for besan ke ladoos. Not one or two or three, but there are so many ladoos shops in the area and they offer delicious besan ke ladoos. You are going to make these ladoos, aren’t you?
Kachori
You may have had several kachoris but what’s special in Ayodhya? We will tell you. One can find lip-smacking kachoris in the city made without onion and garlic. Yes! A majority of kachori sellers in Ayodhya sell kachoris without onion and garlic and they taste amazing. These are hing kachoris and when served with aloo-chane ki sabji, can take you to heaven.
Imarti-Rabri
Get over jalebi-rabri and get your hands on this imarti-rabri combination of Ayodhya. Looks like jalebi, imartis are made up of urad dal and are a true delight. Prafful told Slurrp that this dessert is very famous and loved in Ayodhya. “Around 200 kg to 300 kg imarti-rabri combination is sold every day from our Mayur Mishthan Bhandar”, he added.
If you are planning to visit Ayodhya this Diwali, you don't need any more guidance from us. This guide will be a perfect food plan for you to discover the city. But those who aren’t visiting Ayodhya but want the Ayodhya feels at home, make these delicacies and celebrate!!
Happy Diwali!
