Deepavali/Diwali Food Recipes

What is Diwali ⭐

Diwali or Deepavali is called the Indian festival of lights. It is celebrated by (but not limited to) Hindus all around the world with great pomp and show. This day is celebrated to honor Lord Ram, the seventh avatar (incarnation of the god Vishnu).

According to Indian mythology, on this day Rama along with his wife and brother returned to their people after 14 years of exile. During that time they fought and won a battle against the demons and the demon king, Raavan.

Diwali is all about the victory of light over darkness, good over evil, and food over mood! That is why this festival is extremely special to us. The festivities typically last 5 days. Temples, homes, and all other places of celebration are decorated and brightly lit.

Some traditions and rituals

While everyone has their own way of celebrating this festival, there are a few things that are common for all. 

• Homes and offices are cleaned and sometimes renovated in the run-up to Diwali. 
• New clothes and jewelry are purchased especially for this festival.
• On the first day of Diwali, we apply oil all over our bodies and have a bath before sunrise. This is called Abhyanga Snanam.
• People often then decorate the outside of their doorstep with a rangoli (see pic), designs made out of colored powder, and sand on the floor.
• Houses and every other place are lit up with diyas (earthen lamps). 
• Exchanging food gifts with friends and family is another important aspect of this festival. 
• It's an occasion for the entire family to get together and celebrate. 

One can say that Deepavali/Diwali is like Christmas for us Hindus because there's joy, cheer, a good mood, and FOOD that includes sweet and savory snacks! You can read more about this festival here.

My fondest Diwali memories 👪

As kids, we would look forward to this festival because schools would shut down for about two weeks. Plus, our parents would buy us new clothes and we would get to flaunt them amongst our friends.

My dad would also buy us fireworks that I would then divide between my brother and me. A few days before Deepawali, my mom would start her food prep. Every day we would be treated to a new sweet or savory dish. On Diwali day, Mom would apply oil all over our bodies and hair and after we showered, we were given new clothes to wear.

Another interesting Deepavali tradition we followed was exchanging food gifts with our neighbors which would be nicely plated. We would look forward to tasting a variety of Diwali dishes from different households.

Later, we would settle down outside our homes to draw rangolis. We liked doing elaborate and intricate designs. In the evening, Mom would light Diyas (lamps) all around the house and around our rangoli. It was really fun growing up in my neighborhood where there was so much warmth and love. We all have some wonderful memories of our times together. 

Started new traditions

After I got married, we started a new tradition of hosting a Diwali party at home. I prepare a variety of dishes and also give our guests a Diwali hamper with homemade snacks and sweets. I also include a gift from a South Asian business in the hamper. It's my small way of showing support and promoting their work. You can check out these businesses on my SHOP page. I also have an exclusive coupon code for you to shop and save!

Why make these

Here is my collection of sweet and savory Diwali recipes that are sure to light up your festive Diwali Party! These are very popular sweet and snack recipes that can very easily be made ahead of time. This way, you can spend more time enjoying Diwali with your family than in the kitchen. So ditch the store-bought treats this time and try making them at home. Make these quick Indian sweets and snacks together with your family and create your own Diwali memories.

• Unique Deepavali food recipes
• Diwali special fried, sweet, and savory snack recipes
• Eggless dessert recipes
• Food holiday gift ideas
• Diwali party menu ideas
• Recipes that can be made in advance and stored for 2-3 months
• Quick and easy-to-make recipes
• Non-traditional fusion sweets and snack recipes

Savory Dry Snacks

These are a list of dry savory snacks beyond chips, that are normally prepared during this Diwali festival. It's great for gifting too. These addictive Diwali special dry snacks are crispy and crunchy. You can make these Deepavali food items in large batches and store them for a couple of months.

Kara Boondi Mixture | Namkeen Boondi

A delicious and addictive South Indian tea-time snack that's loved by all. This vegan & super crunchy dry snack is made of chickpea flour mainly during Diwali.

Sev Recipe | Omapodi Recipe

Omapodi/Sev recipe is a popular Indian spice mixture made with chickpea flour. This South Indian snack made using a sev maker is crispy and crunchy!

Cilantro Mathri

Mathri is one of the popular Indian dry snacks made during Diwali that's loved by all! These Vegan savory Indian biscuits are quick and easy to make. This one is cilantro-flavored and is a fried version.

Thattai

Thattai is a popular deep-fried savory food made with rice flour, urad dal flour, salt, and herbs. This crispy and crunchy Indian dry snack or dish is also made specially during Diwali.

Smoky Spicy Garlic Almonds

Spicy smoky oven-roasted flavored almonds are one healthy vegan snack! Toasting almonds along with spices makes them flavorful and very addictive. They are effortless to make and stay good for weeks! Although they can be made any time of the year, this dry snack is a HIT during Diwali time!

Delicious Desserts

Everyone comes to a Diwali/Deepavali party expecting exciting food, especially desserts! Chuck the regular dishes this year for Diwali and serve these instead! These Diwali sweet recipes are not just easy and quick to put together, they all are crowd favorites! No one can resist visually appetizing desserts like these!

There is a Dessert category on the blog where you can find all dessert recipes. However, some of my favorite Diwali dishes are sweet (traditional and modern). In fact, I have also created a Mithai Charcuterie Board that you must also check out. It's perfect for the festive and holiday season!

Vegan Carrot Halwa

Now make this popular and decadent Indian Diwali special sweet recipe called carrot or Gajar ka Halwa vegan, and in the Instant Pot using just 7 ingredients! You can use this halwa to make Baklava or Ice Cream too! Instead of carrots, you can also make this dessert with beetroot.

Paal Payasam

Paal Payasam is an Indian rice pudding or kheer recipe that can easily be made in the Instant Pot. Serve this easy yet delicious milk pudding on any festive day! This Instant Pot version of milk pudding is rich, creamy, and indulgent in every way!

Gulkand Shirkhand Tarts

Mini Gulkand Shrikhand Sweet Tarts is a no-cook Indian fusion dessert recipe made with Greek yogurt, and rose flavors. It's totally a showstopper dessert! Make this Shrikhand recipe in minutes and watch it disappear in seconds! It's that good!

Chai Cheesecake Jars

Eggless chai cheesecake is a delicious no-bake Diwali sweet recipe. This mini cheesecake Indian fusion recipe is smooth, creamy, deliciously tart, and served in a jar!

Carrot Halwa Baklava

Carrot/Gajar Halwa Pistachio Baklava is a one-of-a-kind Indian-Turkish fusion dessert recipe made with phyllo sheets! It's an indulgent and decadent sweet treat!

Gulab Jamun Matka Kulfi

Gulab Jamun (made with bread) Malai Matka Kulfi is an innovative Indian fusion dessert recipe. This Diwali special sweet recipe is a favorite of all ages! Enjoy the goodness of gulab jamun and kulfi together in one dessert! Simple, easy, and quick to make.

Vegan Coconut Ladoos

Vegan Coconut/Nariyal Ladoos is a simple and easy Indian sweets recipe that can be made in just 15 minutes! These coconut balls are delicious! They are visually appetizing, make a great festive treat, and are also wonderful for gifting during the festive season. There is no condensed milk used in this laddu recipe.

Deepavali Party Food

Food at Deepavali/Diwali parties needs to stand out! They can't be the ones you would eat on a weeknight. It has to be different, intriguing, and tasty to the palate. I do have popular recipes like Tawa Pulao, Mushroom Kalan and Paneer Masala Stuffed Pepper Gravy on the blog that you can check out. But if you and your loved ones enjoy exploring world cuisine, then fusion Diwali dishes like these fusion recipes are bound to set the mood for your party!

Dahi Vada

You will love this recipe of Dahi Vada/Dahi Bhalla/Thayir Vadai! This delicious Indian snack is made with yogurt, fried lentil fritters, and sweet and savory toppings.

Stuffed Potato French Loaf

Potato and Cheese stuffed French Loaf is a delicious recipe with bread. This easy vegetarian French Bread sandwich makes a great holiday centerpiece!

Chinese Bhel

Chinese Bhel is a delicious Indo-Chinese vegan snack made with crispy fried noodles. Make this easy Indian/Asian noodles salad in minutes and wow your guests!

Dabeli Pita Bread Pizza

Dabeli Pita Bread Pizza is an Indian fusion recipe. It's made with Dabeli masala, spiced peanuts, pomegranate, sev, cheese, and mini pita bread! Add this delicious and very easy-to-make snack to your holiday menu this year!

Puff Pastry Samosa

Vegan Vegetable Puff Pastry Samosa is a nice way to enjoy this popular snack guilt-free. A baked samosa recipe filled with potato mushroom curry that can be made in 30 minutes! A fun and tasty snack for all especially during the holidays! 

Mexican Pani Puri

The Pani Puri recipe gets a Mexican Indian fusion makeover! Here, the puris are filled with Mexican food - beans and salsa to give this vegan Asian snack a new flavor! It makes for a crunchy, tasty snack that's loved by all! Taco Boats are another great idea!

Paneer Naan Pizza

Paneer Naan Pizza is the best desi pizza you will ever have! Marinated paneer, vegetarian toppings, samosa, and cheese over garlic naan bread make this pizza ultra delicious! This Indian-Italian fusion recipe is quick and easy to make. Plus, it's a crowd favorite!

Hope you enjoyed going through this collection of sweets and snacks and that's given you some ideas to plan your menu for the Diwali party! I can assure you that all these dishes are easy to make and when served, will make your Diwali LIT! Lastly, I would love to wish you and your family a very Happy Diwali! Hope you achieve everything you aspire for and may you always have light around you!

Did you try any of these Diwali sweets and snack recipes? Please let me know how it turned out by leaving a comment below or sharing a picture on Instagram @cookilicious with the hashtag #cookiliciousveg. I love hearing your feedback! 

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