Diwali, the festival of lights, is not only a time for lighting beautiful lamps and decorating your home but also a time for indulging in an array of mouthwatering delicacies. This festival transcends regional boundaries and unites India in its celebration of rich and diverse cuisines. From savoury snacks to delectable sweets, every region of India has its own special Diwali dishes that have been passed down through generations. 

In this article, come along with Phool and embark on a culinary journey to explore the unique and delectable Diwali delicacies from various regions of the country.

Parts of India and Diwali Delicacies

North India: The Land of Samosas and Gujiyas

1. Samosas

   

Samosas are believed to have originated in the Middle East before making their way to India.

North Indian samosas are crispy, deep-fried pastries stuffed with spiced potatoes, peas, and sometimes cauliflower. They are often served with tangy tamarind chutney and are the perfect snack when families come together. The fun part of Samosas is, that these are triangle-shaped snacks.

2. Gujiyas

  

Diwalis in North India is incomplete without a serving of Gujiyas. Gujiyas are traditional sweets, especially popular in states like Uttar Pradesh and Rajasthan.

These crescent-shaped pastries are filled with a sweet mixture of khoya (milk solids), nuts, and dried fruits. They are deep-fried to a golden crispness and dipped in sugar syrup.

South India: The Land of Murukku and Mysore Pak

1. Murukku

Murukku is a popular South Indian snack with its roots in Tamil Nadu.

Murukku is a crunchy, spiral-shaped snack made from rice flour, urad dal (black gram), and spices. It's deep-fried to perfection and enjoyed during Diwali.

2. Mysore Pak

Mysore Pak, as the name suggests, originates from the city of Mysore in Karnataka.

It is a rich and dense sweet made from ghee (clarified butter), gram flour, and sugar. It melts in the mouth, leaving a delightful sweetness.

West India: Dhokla Chakli and Gajar Ka Halwa

1. Dhokla

Dhokla is a traditional Gujarati snack, now enjoyed across India.

This steamed sponge cake is made from fermented rice and chickpea flour. It's tempered with mustard seeds and garnished with coriander leaves.

2. Chakli

Chakli, very similar to South Indian Murukku, is a crispy snack hailing from Maharashtra.

It is a spiral-shaped snack made from rice flour and spices. It's deep-fried to a golden brown and enjoyed for its crunchiness.

3. Gajar Ka Halwa

Gajar Ka Halwa, a dessert made with carrots, milk, sugar, nuts, khoya and ghee, is a popular Diwali delicacy, originating from Punjab. Often served with Gulab Jamun or Kulfi, this delicacy originated in Persia and came to India in the hands of the Mughals.

East India: The Land of Sandesh and Rasgulla

1. Sandesh

Sandesh is a beloved Bengali sweet that has gained popularity throughout East India.

Made with Indian Cottage Cheese, sugar and flavourings, these sweet cheese balls, Sandesh, are a dessert all ages enjoy. It's often garnished with pistachios or almonds, with a hint of cardamom and saffron.

2. Rasgulla

Another iconic Bengali sweet, Rasgulla, or Roshogolla, is now cherished across the country.

These are soft and spongy round-shaped cottage cheese balls soaked in sugar syrup. It's a light and delightful sweet that's a must-have during Diwali. Also, it is one of the healthiest desserts as the cottage cheese has no impurities. The slightest addition of impurities would lead to the sponge balls coming apart. Isn’t that beautiful?

Some Other Desserts to Try This Diwali

Soan Papdi

Soan Papdi is an Indian dessert with a sweet, flaky texture very much like a Turkish candy floss. The word ‘soan’ is believed to have a Persian origin and the name ‘soan papdi’ comes from the sohan pashmaki. 

Loved by all ages, this sweet is one of the many delicacies of Diwali.

Moong Dal Ka Halwa and Sooji Ka Halwa

This is a recipe very similar to the Gajar Ka Halwa, only the moong lentil and Sooji, respectively, replace the carrots. It is a healthy and tasty dessert made with loads of desi ghee. 

Gulaab Jamun

We kept the best and most cherished of the desserts to be talked about in the end. Gulaab Jamun, Indian cottage cheese sweet balls deep fried and soaked in sugar syrup. Gulaab Jamun has a thick, brown outer texture, and a soft gooey inside with accumulated sugar syrup. When trying Gulaab Jamun this Diwali, cherish it warm. 

Conclusion

Diwali is not only a festival of lights but also a celebration of India's culinary diversity. Each region contributes its unique flavours and traditions, making Diwali a gastronomic journey through the country. From the spicy samosas of North India to the syrupy goodness of Bengali sweets, Diwali is a time when families come together to create, share, and savour these delightful delicacies. So, as you celebrate the festival of lights, don't forget to indulge in these regional delights and make Diwali even more delicious.

And for those who want to spread the joy of Diwali, consider sending Phool's Diwali gift boxes, filled with an assortment of eco-friendly and sustainable goodies, to your loved ones as a thoughtful gesture that aligns with the spirit of the festival.

Note: Phool is committed to eco-friendly and sustainable practices, making their Diwali gift boxes a perfect choice for those who wish to celebrate with a green touch.