Bhubaneswar: As the exuberance of festivity fills the air, it’s that time of the year again when the soul is wrapped in warmth, joy, and the hope of happiness and prosperity. From beautifully lit-up streets and fairy lights twinkling in every corner to the comforting aroma of desi ghee ladoos and mithai wafting through homes — Diwali is here, and so are the flavours that make this festival truly special.
This year, Diwali will be celebrated on October 20, and with the countdown already underway, homes across India are turning into lively kitchens of celebration. Because, let’s admit it — it’s impossible to imagine the festival of lights without the festival of flavours!
A Festival Beyond Lights
Traditionally, Diwali marks the return of Lord Rama to Ayodhya after 14 years of exile and his victory over the demon king Ravana. The people of Ayodhya lit up their homes and streets with ghee diyas to celebrate the homecoming of their king — a custom that continues to this day. The festival also coincides with Lakshmi Puja, where devotees welcome the Goddess of Wealth and Prosperity into their homes.
But along with the lights, joy, and devotion, there’s one element that ties every celebration together — food. For centuries, Diwali has been synonymous with indulgence — a time when kitchens overflow with sweets, snacks, and festive aromas, and families come together to cook, share, and celebrate.
A Platter Full of Tradition
From north to south, east to west, every Indian household adds its own delicious twist to the Diwali spread. There are recipes that are painstakingly prepared once a year, and others that evoke nostalgia with every bite.
If you’re yet to roll up your sleeves and start your festive cooking, here’s a delicious lineup of 20 traditional Diwali recipes that will make your celebrations sparkle with flavour.
- Samosa
The undisputed king of Indian snacks — crisp, spicy, and perfect for the chai-samosa combo that defines every festive get-together.
- Aloo Bonda
Straight from South India’s streets, these golden, gram-flour-coated potato balls are sure to be a crowd-pleaser.
- Murukku (Chakli)
A crunchy South Indian delight made from rice flour, murukku is both addictive and long-lasting — a must for your Diwali tins.
- Gulab Jamun
Soft, syrup-soaked balls of happiness — no Diwali is complete without them.
- Sooji Halwa
A household staple that spells comfort and celebration in every spoonful.
- Paneer Tikka
Smoky, spicy, and irresistibly soft — a vegetarian favourite for every festive party.
- Namakpare
Crunchy, savoury diamonds of joy that balance out all the sweetness of Diwali.
- Onion Bhaji
Crispy, spiced onion fritters that pair beautifully with evening tea and laughter.
- Rice Kheer
Creamy, fragrant, and nostalgic — kheer is the soul of every Indian celebration.
- Moong Dal Halwa
Rich and nutty, this melt-in-the-mouth dessert is winter’s best gift to Diwali.
- Masala Peanuts
Crispy, spicy, and utterly addictive — the perfect festive munchie.
- Gajar Ka Halwa
The iconic carrot pudding that makes hearts (and homes) warmer.
- Aloo Bhujia
A crunchy classic you can snack on endlessly — the ultimate sweet-break antidote.
- Soan Papdi
Flaky, melt-in-mouth cubes of bliss — also the most gifted sweet of the season.
- Rasagolla
Soft, syrupy Bengali pride — no festive table is truly complete without it.
- Dry Fruits Sandesh
Delicate, creamy, and packed with nutrients — a healthy yet indulgent festive treat.
- Atta Laddoo
Simple, wholesome, and homely — made from wheat flour, sugar, and ghee.
- Gujiya
The crown jewel of Diwali sweets — crescent-shaped, stuffed with khoya, and fried to golden perfection.
- Kalakand
Soft, milky squares that taste like nostalgia and celebration rolled into one.
- Batasha
Light, crunchy sugar candies that remind us of temple offerings — and of purity in every form.
A Celebration of Togetherness and Taste
Whether you’re frying up pakoras for evening tea, rolling out gujiyas with your children, or stirring a pot of halwa on the stove, the beauty of Diwali lies in these small, shared moments. Each recipe tells a story — of heritage, of warmth, and of the joy that multiplies when shared.
So, this year, as the diyas light up your home, let your kitchen glow too — with laughter, aromas, and the delicious promise of togetherness.
