Share
Diwali, the festival of lights, is as much about the food and snacks as it is about the sparkle of diyas. Every region observes this joyous festival with its own signature dishes that hold age-old practices that have been passed down through generations. From North India's mawa gujiya to South India’s crunchy snack murukku, every recipe has a story of its local flavours.
These authentic recipes are far beyond just that taste. They are symbols of love, prosperity, and the sense of coming together. As homes glow with the lamps and diyas and there is an echo of lughters and chattering, these festive favourites are a us reminder that Diwali is not just about sweets and lights, but also about maintaining culinary heritage.
Gujiya, Uttar Pradesh
A must-have Diwali classic, Gujiya is prepared by making a soft dough of maida or refined flour and filling it with a mixture of khoya, dry fruits such as cashews, raisins, etc, and coconut. It is deep-fried until it gets its golden hue to perfection and then dipped in sugar syrup. Gujiya is the highlight of the North Indian festive spread. Its rich filling, prepared with a generous amount of khoya and dry fruits, makes it a must-have during the festival of lights. Every bite of Gujiya delivers the warmth of the festivities, nostalgia, and the undeniable sweetness of this festival.
Karanji, Maharashtra
Karanji is Maharashtra’s version of Gujiya and is equally tasty. In place of khoya, it is filled with a stuffing of coconut and jaggery. Crispy on the outside and soft on the inside, it perfectly balances the textures. The aroma of roasted semolina or sooji and cardamom makes this sweet absolutely irresistible. Karanji is also distributed as a festive gift among loved ones and the neighbourhood, representing the essence of Maharashtrian hospitality.
Murukku, Tamil Nadu
In parts of South India, Diwali is not complete without indulging in the crunchy Murukku. It is a snack prepared by blending rice flour and urad dal. The dough is shaped into spirals and then deep-fried until it turns crisp and gets a golden hue. Its savoury, spicy flavour delivers the perfect contrast to all the sweets during this season. Murukku also has a long shelf life, making it perfect for sharing with friends and neighbours and storing for a longer period to enjoy.
Chivda, Maharashtra & Gujarat
It is a savoury mixture prepared by mixing poha (flattened rice), nuts, spices, and curry leaves, delivering a perfect balance of crunch and spice in a bite. Chivda is light and gives all festive vibes. The best part about this is that it can be prepared ahead of the festivities and in large batches. Every household adds its own twist to the chivda mix to make it as per their taste. It has a comforting aroma and addictive flavour, making it a Diwali important, delivering a break from the sugary treats while keeping the festive spirit going.
Thekua, Bihar
A classic offering for Goddess Lakshmi, Thekua is a deep-fried sweet prepared by mixing whole wheat flour, jaggery, and ghee. Crunchy from the outside and soft from the inside, it has an earthy sweetness that represents rural Bihar’s festive taste. Prepared in large quantities during Diwali and especially during Chhath Puja, Thekua represents devotion, simplicity, and the joy of homemade food shared with loved ones.
