Chakli and Murukku: The Crunchy Spiral
This is perhaps the most identifiable savoury snack of the Diwali season. Called Chakli in Maharashtra and Gujarat and Murukku in the South, these coiled spirals are made from spiced flour dough that is pressed into its iconic shape and fried to a perfect
crisp. The flour base changes by region—Maharashtrian 'bhajni' gives it a nutty taste, while South Indian versions using rice flour offer a lighter snap. Despite the variations, its satisfying crunch makes it a fixture in festive snack tins, perfect for sharing with guests over tea.
Ladoos: The Quintessential Sweet
No Diwali celebration is truly complete without a platter of ladoos. These bite-sized spheres of sweetness symbolize joy and prosperity. Varieties are endless, but some of the most beloved are Besan Ladoo, made from roasted gram flour, and Motichoor Ladoo, crafted from tiny golden balls of fried batter soaked in sugar syrup. The process of roasting the flour in ghee fills the home with a festive aroma, and the act of shaping each ladoo by hand is a cherished tradition in many families.
Gujiya: The Sweet Dumpling
In North India, the star of the Diwali spread is often the Gujiya. These are sweet, crescent-shaped pastries filled with a rich mixture of khoya (milk solids), sweetened coconut, and chopped nuts. The dough is crimped at the edges to seal in the filling before being deep-fried until golden and crisp. The result is a treat with a crunchy exterior and a soft, fragrant, and sweet filling. Sharing gujiyas is a core part of the festive hospitality, representing sweetness and abundance.
Namak Para and Shankarpali: Salty and Sweet Diamonds
These diamond-shaped crackers are a festival staple, prepared in both savoury (Namak Para) and sweet (Shankarpali) versions. Namak Para is a flaky, buttery biscuit seasoned with salt, black pepper, and sometimes carom or cumin seeds. Its sweet counterpart, Shankarpali, is a crispy, deep-fried snack that is mildly sweet. Both are made in large batches because they are incredibly moreish and store well in airtight containers, making them the perfect snack to have on hand for the entire festive period.
Chivda: The Ultimate Savoury Mix
Chivda is less a single recipe and more a category of snack mix, also known as 'mixture' or 'farsan' depending on the region. The base typically consists of roasted poha (flattened rice), which is then combined with a variety of crunchy ingredients like fried peanuts, cashews, roasted lentils, and sev (crispy chickpea flour noodles). The entire mix is tossed in a blend of spices, curry leaves, and sometimes a hint of powdered sugar to create a balanced, addictive snack that hits every note from salty and spicy to slightly sweet.
Mathri: The Flaky North Indian Cracker
A popular snack from Rajasthan and Punjab, Mathri is a flaky, crispy biscuit made from flour and spices. Often flavoured with ajwain (carom seeds) or kasuri methi (dried fenugreek leaves), these savoury crackers are deep-fried on a low flame to achieve their characteristic texture. Mathri was traditionally made for long journeys due to its long shelf life, a quality that also makes it an ideal Diwali snack to prepare in advance. It pairs wonderfully with a cup of tea or a bit of pickle.
