5 Tasty Ways to Celebrate Diwali

Diwali is celebrated by more than a billion people worldwide, both in South Asia and the diaspora. Hindus, Buddhists, Sikhs and Jains all celebrate the holiday in varied ways, but there are commonalities: It’s a celebration of light over darkness, knowledge over ignorance and good over evil. Also, food, food and more food. The holiday is a five-day extravaganza of sweets, snacks and deluxe party dishes.

Diwali is often described as a festival of lights, and it’s celebrated with fireworks, fairy lights and oil lamps. For Hindus, the holiday commemorates the triumphant return of the god Rama after he defeated the demon Ravana, a story told in the Ramayana. All over South Asia, Diwali season (October or November, depending on the lunar calendar) is a time to throw parties, wear new clothes, decorate homes, exchange gifts and cook and eat incredibly delicious traditional foods. 

Can you think of anything better than celebrating Diwali? We can’t. Read on for delicious Diwali recipes, ideas and tips.

1. Sweets Are Non-Negotiable

Diwali is prime time for anything sweet. In particular, mithai–Indian sweets made of various combinations of milk, fresh cheese, nuts, dried fruit, sugar and spices–have a special, symbolic place on the Diwali table, representing prosperity and goodness. (Mithai are often ritually offered to gods and then to loved ones, so they can also have religious significance.) These sweets come in a rainbow of colors and flavors, ranging from fudgy burfis to roly-poly laddoos and delicate saffron pedas. Often mithai are decorated with edible silver or gold leaf or candied fruit, making them as terrific to look at as they are to eat. (Why not show them off on a beautiful charcuterie board?) There’s even a long tradition of special hand-made miniature toys and animals molded out of pure sugar, for religious ceremonies and for gifting.

2. Snacks Are Key

Diwali often brings neighbors, friends and family to the door to drop off a gift or say hello. So it’s key to have a good stash of snacks on-hand to serve with a cup of chai. Luckily, South Asia’s snack culture is next-level. Put out a bowl of homemade or purchased chevda (pronounced chew-da), a snack mix—like Chex Mix, but better—that often features crunchy fried or puffed rice, chips, nuts and spices. If you have a tin of chaat masala–the quintessential Indian snack spice blend– you can sprinkle it on cut fruit, or on popcorn and peanuts, for an authentic, easy and delicious sharable snack.

3. Don’t Skimp on Oil or Ghee

Many classic Diwali foods are fried in oil or ghee. It’s a nod to the ideals of abundance and prosperity, and also a reference to the oil that lights the customary diyas, or lamps. Two popular sweets–jalebi and gulab jamun–are made of fried dough that’s then soaked in syrup. Special crunchy, fried savories like pakoras, samosas and bhakerwadi are also traditional. No matter what, you’ll need a big, sturdy pot for successful deep-frying, like this one. This is not the time for restraint: Eating all the things is good luck at Diwali.

4. Go Vegetarian

Not everyone who celebrates Diwali eats vegetarian for the holiday, but many celebrate at least one night with vegetarian food. It’s easy to find festive, celebration-worthy meatless dishes in Indian cuisine: Just take these Steamed Indian Spiced Potatoes or this Crispy Rava Dosa or this rich dish of peas and paneer.  In some Hindu traditions, eating vegetarian is considered a spiritual practice, one that purifies and brings you closer to god.

5. Diwali Food Is Meant for Sharing

Eating family-style for Diwali is absolutely central to every celebration. Whether it’s hosting a dinner party, bringing a box of mithai to your neighbors or throwing a giant family potluck, the act of eating together is an integral part of what makes the holiday special. If you need inspiration, try this extremely shareable chicken biryani, or this luxe coconut shrimp curry. Don’t skimp on the carbs; it’s not weird to have two. Both rice and flatbreads can and absolutely should be on the same table. And don’t forget to brew a big pot of masala chai after everyone’s done.

Break out a good pot for the biryani, light some candles and get a gorgeous box of mithai. Now you’re ready to celebrate Diwali with one billion of your closest friends.