Diwali 2024 | From Soan Papdi to Gulab Jamun and Kaju Katli, 7 sweets to celebrate the festival of lights

Diwali 2024 | From Soan Papdi to Gulab Jamun and Kaju Katli, 7 sweets to celebrate the festival of lights

Diwali, celebrated on Thursday, November 1, 2024, is a vibrant festival symbolizing the triumph of light over darkness and good over evil. Families come together, light oil lamps, and decorate homes with rangolis and diyas, embracing the festive spirit with shared meals and delicious sweets. Traditional Indian sweets like laddoos, barfis, and gulab jamuns take center stage, adding sweetness to celebrations and marking new beginnings with loved ones.

Diwali is a celebration not only of lights but also of the diverse and rich culinary heritage of India, especially through its traditional desserts. Each region brings its own specialty to the table, adding to the festival’s charm and making it a treat for the taste buds. Here are some beloved Diwali desserts to enjoy this year:

1. Soan Papdi: This sweet is extremely popular during the Diwali season and is known for its flaky and airy texture. Made with a perfect blend of gram flour, ghee and sugar, Soan Papdi usually comes in packed boxes, while cardamom and pistachios are used for added flavours.(Image Wikimedia Commons)

2. Gulab Jamun:  Among the most famous sweet dishes in India, Gulab Jamun is basically a deep-fried dough ball soaked well in sugar syrup. Known for its soft and spongy texture, it is often garnished with nuts to add flavour. (Image Wikimedia Commons)

3. Kaju Katli:  Well, who does not like Kaju Katli? The recipe for this Diwali staple dessert is quite simple – mixing cashew nuts paste and sugar in appropriate quantities, until it gives a smooth texture. This diamond-shaped dessert can be easily found in almost all the sweets shops in India.

4. Jalebi : Crispy outside and juicy inside, Jalebi is yet another in-demand sweet in major Indian cities, offering a delightful taste. (Image: Shutterstock)

5. Laddoo: This round-shaped staple can be found in various forms — besan laddoo, motichoor laddoo, aata laddoo and others. However, each has its flavour and taste. (Image: Wikpedia Commons)

6. Malpua : Malpua is made from wheat flour, milk, and sugar, generally deep-fried until it turns golden. They are best served with ‘Rabri’. (Image: Shutterstock)

7. Rasgulla : Rasgulla, a highly popular sweet originating from West Bengal, is a spongy cheese ball that is soaked in sugar syrup. (Image: Wikimedia Commons)

Diwali 2024 | From Soan Papdi to Gulab Jamun and Kaju Katli, 7 sweets to celebrate the festival of lights