Diwali
Reposted from https://sambarkitchen.com/cooking/recipes-cooking/diwali-recipes
One of the biggest holidays of the year is coming up for the Indian community and for all of those who celebrate our culture all around the world. It’s Diwali. Diwali’s roots come from Hindu scriptures and legends.
Diwali is a special holiday because it celebrates triumph; light over darkness, good over evil, and knowledge over ignorance. During this time, homes, offices, shops, and communities will be illuminating with rows and rows of lights. Thus Diwali’s nickname: the “Festival of Lights.”
Note: Diwali is celebrated differently throughout the various regions of India. In most parts of India, Diwali is a five-day celebration; However, in the southern region of India Diwali celebrations last for a two-day period.
The Preparations
Each of the five days of Diwali are dedicated to its’ own set of traditions and rituals, celebrating various deities. For instance:
Day 1
The first day, Dhanteras, is dedicated to preparations. Families clean and decorate their homes with diyas (oil lamps,) lights, rangoli art, and more. It’s a huge shopping day for the Indian community because everyone will want to look their best for the festivities.
Day 2
The second day is Naraka Chaturdasi. This day is about the liberation of souls from suffering. It’s a reminder of spirituality and prayers of peace for the souls of the dead. People spend this day to visit with family, friends, and associates. They spend time and exchange gifts with one another. On this day, most will buy the food and ingredients needed for Diwali recipes. (Keep scrolling for our top 5 favorite Diwali recipes.)
Day 3
Day three is the height of the festival, Lakshmi Puja. The significance is important because it is the day that coincides with the darkest day of the year. On this day, the celebrators dress in their best clothes and the streets of India shine bright- as people light the diyas and candles in their homes and shops.
The Goddess Lakshmi, the Hindu goddess of wealth, fortune, and prosperity, is the main focus of rituals on this day. Lakshmi enters homes and blesses celebrators with good fortune. Families exchange gifts, say prayers, and end the night with fireworks, and feasts.
Day 4
Padwa is the fourth day of the festival. This day is especially important to newly-weds because it is the day of celebration for the relationship between husbands and wives. A large mountain of food is prepared and dedicated to Krishna, in order to protect the villages. After the festival, the food is shared with all the celebrators.
Day 5
Bhai Duj is the last day of the festival. This is a day to celebrate the relationship between brothers and sisters. Brothers visit their sisters, and sisters prepare sweets to honor their brothers. They wish each other long, happy, and healthy lives.
The essence of Diwali is to bring light in and to celebrate triumph. It’s a happy time of year that dedicates five days to celebrate goodness and positivity.
With that, we would like to leave our readers with a few recipes to try in honor of Diwali.
India’s temperatures are hot. In order for the celebratory foods to stay good, most are fried.
Top 5 favorite Diwali recipes:
Although many recipes vary throughout the regions, laddu is always round, and it’s always sweet.
Pair with a hot cup of tea, or a potato side dish, like this one.
Another sweet treat for the celebrations.
This recipe is special for Diwali.
A light and crispy salty treat.
Enjoy these recipes! We wish all fellow Diwali celebrators well, and a happy Diwali.