Because Diwali calories don’t count… but opinions definitely do!
The sound of a Diwali sweet box opening is universal, a little crinkle, a whiff of cardamom,
and the sudden appearance of that one relative who wasn’t around two minutes ago.
Every family has its favourites, the flaky Gujiya, the melt-in-mouth Kaju Katli, or the syrupy swirl of Jalebi. But come Diwali, a debate sparks brighter than the diyas: Which one truly defines the festival?
Let’s settle this: or at least stir the sweet pot with a friendly (and slightly biased) war of desserts!
Round 1: Gujiya – The Stuffed Sweet with a Story
The Gujiya is the Diwali OG, the veteran of sweet trays. Deep-fried to golden perfection and filled with khoya, dry fruits, and coconut, this half-moon treat carries the taste of nostalgia.
Originating from North India, Gujiya isn’t just a sweet, it’s a symbol of home-made love. Every bite feels like something your grandmother would have guarded in steel tins till Diwali day.
Team Gujiya argues it’s the only sweet that blends texture and soul, the flaky crunch outside, the creamy burst inside.
Winning Points: Traditional appeal, perfect with chai, nostalgia-packed.
Weakness: Can get heavy fast, especially if it’s fried in yesterday’s ghee.
Round 2: Kaju Katli - The Diamond of Diwali
Ah, Kaju Katli, the royalty of the mithai world. Smooth, silver-coated, and classy enough to be gifted to bosses, in-laws, or anyone you’re trying to impress.
Made from cashew paste, sugar, and a touch of cardamom, Kaju Katli is elegant, minimal ingredients, maximum satisfaction. It’s the one sweet that rarely divides the room. Everyone loves it, even the calorie-conscious ones who say, “I’ll just have half.”
It’s the face of modern Diwali gifting, adorning premium boxes that scream sophistication.
Winning Points: Light, luxe, universally adored.
Weakness: Expensive, and often over-commercialized.
Round 3: Jalebi – The Golden Showstopper
Then comes Jalebi, the extrovert of Indian sweets, bright, loud, and unapologetically indulgent. No Diwali morning is complete without the sizzling sound of Jalebis hitting hot oil, followed by a dunk in thick syrup.
It’s chaotic yet perfect, crisp on the outside, gooey inside, and paired beautifully with milk, rabri, or even curd (looking at you, Indore).
Team Jalebi claims it wins for its festive energy, the visual drama, the crowd-pleasing sweetness, and that sugar rush that powers hours of diya-lighting and dancing.
Winning Points: High energy, vibrant, perfect for celebrations.
Weakness: Sticky fingers and no off-switch once you start eating.
Trying to pick one winner is like choosing your favourite cousin, you simply can’t (or shouldn’t).
Each sweet tells a story:
Gujiya brings the comfort of home and heritage.
Kaju Katli represents finesse and festivity.
Jalebi captures chaos, joy, and unfiltered celebration.
In a way, India’s Diwali platter is a reflection of its people, diverse, delightful, and impossible to rank.
So, whether you’re Team Gujiya, Team Kaju Katli, or Team Jalebi, just remember, the real winner is your sweet tooth.
Maybe the secret to a happy Diwali isn’t choosing sides but sharing plates. Because the real spirit of the festival lies in that moment when someone says, “You take the last piece,” even when you both know they wanted it.
So this Diwali, forget counting calories or arguing over which mithai rules, celebrate every bite. After all, each sweet adds a little more light, love, and laughter to the season.
