The ‘yum’ factor of traditional food during Diwali
Indian Traditional Food
A week before Diwali, walk any street and you will get a whiff of some divine ‘Mithaais’ from various sweet shops. The ‘Festival of Sweets’ is just a few days away. It is that time of the year to put on your best attire, to have some of those enchanting sweets, to enjoy the sparkling lights, to have some delicious traditional food and to spread some warmth with your families. Diwali is the celebration of a new life and a new year. The mere thought of indulging in the preparations is enough to ignite feelings of excitement. It is no surprise that it is one of the most eagerly anticipated festivals of the Indian culture.
Without food, the celebrations of Diwali are impossible. The joy of feasting like royalty with loved ones cannot be realized. This banquet comprises of an array of delicacies. Preparing these reflects the spirit of Diwali. The act of heating oil is symbolic of certain values like celebrating light. The sweetness of the 5 day celebration of Diwali is enhanced by sweets like ‘Malpua’, ‘Jalebi’, ‘Shakkarpare Rabri’, ‘Gujia’, ‘Gulab Jamun’ etc…With such scrumptious sweets to eat; the thought of calories should be the last thing on anybody’s mind. On days like these, Indian food must be enjoyed the way it is.
Waiting in a queue to buy sweets can be tiresome. But, when you witness the making of these ‘Mithaais’, it is a worthwhile experience. Even the pinch of increased rates will not be painful. The idea of exchanging sweets with people in its ideal form has undergone a change. With the health concern on the rise, some people prefer chocolates rather than ethnic sweets. Reason being, that sweets are rich in ‘ghee’. Many shops offer discounts on packages of chocolates. Some people even make unique chocolates for gifting purposes. In spite of the change, the old school charm of ‘Mithaais’ cannot be switched with chocolates. Diwali is a celebration of tradition. This is not possible if traditional food is replaced with a modern option.
Certain delicacies of Indian food are also cooked to indicate the arrival of this delightful festival. One of these is ‘Besan Papdi’, which is a beautiful shade of golden. It is very crispy and crumbly. The use of ‘Ajwain’ increases the impact of its flavour. To bring out the crispy effect, the dough has to be kneaded and pounded with oil in an appropriate manner. Not many are successful in attaining that perfect crunch. The magic of Diwali could be felt when many savoury dishes were prepared at home. Now, most of them can be purchased. The dishes brought from the market can be full of flavour. But the homely touch cannot be replicated.
The feel and the wait for Diwali is enough to bring a smile on anyone’s face. It truly spreads liveliness and love. Food, lights, sweets, crackers etc…are an important part of the celebrations of Diwali. But what is equally significant is the embracing of a new beginning and letting go of all the sorrows and vices.
Waiting in a queue to buy sweets can be tiresome. But, when you witness the making of these ‘Mithaais’, it is a worthwhile experience. Even the pinch of increased rates will not be painful. The idea of exchanging sweets with people in its ideal form has undergone a change. With the health concern on the rise, some people prefer chocolates rather than ethnic sweets. Reason being, that sweets are rich in ‘ghee’. Many shops offer discounts on packages of chocolates. Some people even make unique chocolates for gifting purposes. In spite of the change, the old school charm of ‘Mithaais’ cannot be switched with chocolates. Diwali is a celebration of tradition. This is not possible if traditional food is replaced with a modern option.
Certain delicacies of Indian food are also cooked to indicate the arrival of this delightful festival. One of these is ‘Besan Papdi’, which is a beautiful shade of golden. It is very crispy and crumbly. The use of ‘Ajwain’ increases the impact of its flavour. To bring out the crispy effect, the dough has to be kneaded and pounded with oil in an appropriate manner. Not many are successful in attaining that perfect crunch. The magic of Diwali could be felt when many savoury dishes were prepared at home. Now, most of them can be purchased. The dishes brought from the market can be full of flavour. But the homely touch cannot be replicated.
The feel and the wait for Diwali is enough to bring a smile on anyone’s face. It truly spreads liveliness and love. Food, lights, sweets, crackers etc…are an important part of the celebrations of Diwali. But what is equally significant is the embracing of a new beginning and letting go of all the sorrows and vices.