By Aditi Saraswat
March 2, 2026
The festival of Holi is not just about colours, but it’s about the kitchens that begin to feel festive a few days in advance. From gujiyas to kachoris, these classic Holi pakwaan are festive staples, making the celebration feel more complete.
A Holi must-have sweet, gujiyas are crispy from the outside and filled with khoya, chopped nuts, and sometimes coconut. They are deep-fried and soaked lightly in sugar syrup.
Bhalla is a traditional Holi snack that is prepared by grinding soaked urad and moong daal, then fried to make small, soft balls. It is topped with chilled curd, imli chutney, chaat masala and red chilli from the top.
A Holi staple, mathri is a crispy, flaky snack prepared by making a dough of maida, ajwain, and ghee. They are deep-fried until crisp and are perfect to pair with a cup of tea or festive drinks.
Malpua is a Holi favourite dessert that is soft, syrup-soaked pancakes-alike, prepared from a mixture of maida and flavoured up with cardamom and fennel. It is fried in small batches until golden and crispy on the edges.
Kachori is everyone's favourite when it comes to Holi food. They are crispy on the outside, stuffed with spicy dal filling, and deep-fried until golden.
A chilled milk drink mixed with nuts, seeds, saffron, and mild spices. It feels refreshing in every sip, is aromatic, and is the traditional drink that connects the entire Holi festival.