The Evergreen Besan Ladoo
No Diwali is complete without the presence of the classic Besan Ladoo. These golden spheres are made by slow-roasting gram flour (besan) in ghee until it emits a nutty, irresistible aroma. Mixed with sugar and flavoured with cardamom, these ladoos are a timeless
favourite that melt in your mouth. Their crumbly yet dense texture represents the simple, heartwarming joy of the festival and they are a staple in mithai boxes exchanged between family and friends.
Creamy and Rich Kaju Katli
Elegant, smooth, and utterly delicious, Kaju Katli is often considered a symbol of festive luxury. This diamond-shaped sweet is made from a smooth paste of cashew nuts and sugar, sometimes delicately flavoured with cardamom or rose water. Its delicate, melt-in-the-mouth consistency makes it a sophisticated addition to any festive spread. Often decorated with an edible silver leaf (vark), Kaju Katli is as beautiful to look at as it is to eat, making it a popular gift during Diwali.
Warm and Syrupy Gulab Jamun
A quintessential comfort sweet, Gulab Jamun is a beloved treat across India, especially during celebrations. These soft, spongy balls are made from milk solids (khoya), which are deep-fried to a golden-brown perfection and then soaked in a fragrant sugar syrup infused with rose water, saffron, and cardamom. Served warm, they offer a delightful burst of sweetness with every bite and are a guaranteed crowd-pleaser for guests of all ages.
Crispy and Savoury Chakli
To balance the array of sweets, a savoury snack is essential, and Chakli (or Murukku) is the perfect candidate. This spiral-shaped, crunchy treat is made from a dough of rice flour, gram flour, and a mix of spices like cumin and sesame seeds. It's deep-fried until golden and crispy, offering a satisfying crunch and a mildly spicy flavour. Chakli is an ideal accompaniment to a cup of tea and provides a wonderful contrast on a platter filled with mithai.
Flaky and Filling Samosas
Samosas are arguably one of India's most popular savoury snacks and a welcome addition to any festive gathering. These triangular pastries are typically filled with a spiced mixture of boiled potatoes and peas, though many variations exist. When fried, the pastry becomes wonderfully crisp and golden, encasing a warm, flavourful filling. Served alongside a tangy tamarind or fresh mint chutney, samosas are a hearty and satisfying treat that guests will find hard to resist.
Delicate and Flaky Soan Papdi
Soan Papdi is a unique, cube-shaped sweet known for its crisp, flaky, and thread-like texture that melts in your mouth. Made from a mixture of gram flour, ghee, sugar, and milk, it's a light yet decadent sweet often garnished with pistachios and almonds. It is one of the most commonly gifted sweets during the Diwali season, symbolising the light, airy joy of the festivities. Its delicate structure makes it a fascinating and delicious treat.
Traditional Crescent Gujiya
Gujiya, also known as Karanji in some regions, is a sweet dumpling that is synonymous with festivals like Diwali and Holi. These crescent-shaped pastries are filled with a sweet mixture of khoya (milk solids), grated coconut, dried fruits, and nuts, then deep-fried until golden and crisp. The outer shell is crunchy, giving way to a rich, aromatic, and sweet filling. It’s a labour of love that perfectly captures the essence of festive indulgence.
