Diwali Recipes

Diwali is the festival of lights, crackers and sweets. Days before the festival, the females of the family start preparing traditional delicacies for the family and friends. On Diwali, there is a custom to exchange sweets to the friends and neighbors that is why Diwali can’t even be imagined without sweets and savories that are specially made at home. The list of Diwali special sweets is exhaustive. Gulab Jamun, Gajar Ka Halwa, Besan Ke Ladoo, Karanji and Jalebis are the most commonly made sweets on this occasion.

Apart from sweet dishes, there are several other delicacies that are made on the occasion of Diwali, Dahi-bhalle and Ghathiya are the two most popular of them. The Diwali cuisines also depend upon the culture and family traditions. From north to south and east to west India, several mouth watering delights are prepared in various manners depending upon the prevailing custom and taste of the family members. Here we have provided you with the recipes of few traditional mouth watering recepies. We have also listed some of the unusual Diwali recipes. Now you can try your hand at these too!

   


  

Badam Phirni
On the occasion of Diwali, no Indian family can do without sweet dishes. Most of the families prefer making things that are liked by every body. Though the list of those universally liked Indian dishes is exhaustive, one sweet dish that we are going to tell you here is the ‘Badam Phirni’. Mostly made of almond, rice flour and milk, the Badam Phirni is scrumptious and fulfilling. (See How to Make the Dish)

Gulab Jamun
Diwali seems imperfect without umpteen varieties of sweet and scrumptious dishes. Though there are lots of sweet dishes that you can prepare on Diwali, the lip-smacking Gulab Jamun has no substitute. Liked by almost everybody, there are sweet softballs with delightful aroma and luscious taste. (See How to Make the Dish)

Peda
Diwali brings along with itself immense joy and celebrations. It is a day to burst crackers, decorate the home with bandawars and diyas and feast with all the near and dear ones. People in different parts of the country make different kinds of sweet dishes on festive occasions out of which Kheer, Jalebi, Sheera, Ladoo. (See How to Make the Dish)

Besan Ke Ladoo
Ladoos are one of the most liked Indian sweets. Be it a festive occasion or any pooja at home, any happy moment in an Indian family is incomplete without a ladoo. On the occasion of Diwali, ladoo is of special significance because it is considered auspicious to offer ladoo to Lord Ganesha at the Lakshmi-Ganesh Poojan. (See How to Make the Dish)

Jalebi
Diwali is incomplete without sweet and scrumptious dishes. One of the most delicious of them is the sugar dipped, beautiful and orange Jalebis. In a country like India where umpteen varieties of sweets are available, Jalebi is a universal favorite. Not only on Holi, Diwali or any festive occasions, Jalebi is something which is included in the regular diet of all the people born with a sweet tooth. (See How to Make the Dish)

Rasmalai
On the occasion of lights- Diwali-people enjoy feasting on mouthwatering recipes. Since there is a practice of exchange of sweets on this occasion, it has almost become a custom in every family to prepare umpteen numbers of scrumptious traditional sweets and distribute them amongst relatives and neighbors. People generally prefer making sweets that are universally liked. (See How to Make the Dish)

Channar Payesh
On the occasion of Diwali unlike every year when you are busy making Gujiya and Gajar Ka Halwa, you must try something new this time. The new dish given here is Channar Payesh and it is made up of condensed milk, nuts and raisins. A mouthwatering delight to all the dairy products lover, the Channar Payesh is a very easy-to-make kind of recipe. The Channar Payesh tastes the best when it is served chilled.  (See How to Make the Dish)

Karanji
On the occasion of Diwali people all over the country prepare best dishes at their home. There are so many varieties of Diwali dishes that it is difficult of decide what to make and what not! However, the salty and yummy Dahi-bhalle and the sweet and scrumptious Karanji are the two special dishes that do not have a substitute on Diwali.  (See How to Make the Dish)

Rawa Ladoo
On the festival of lights - Diwali - preparing delicious sweets is a very old tradition. People indulge themselves in making lip smacking sweets, to serve them to their guests and exchange as gifts. Ladoo is a very popular Indian sweet, which has a number of variety. Rawa ladoo is one such variant, which is easy to make as well as tastes delicious. (See How to Make the Dish)

Doodh Pak
Diwali is an occasion you can get to taste umpteen numbers of sweet dishes. Though Jalebi, Gujiya, Gulab Jamun and Gajar ka Halwa are well known and commonly seen of Diwali, Doodh Pak, an equally scrumptious dish is a little less known. Made of almond and milk, it is mostly popular in north and west India. Loved by people who relish on dairy products, the Doodh Pak makes an excellent dessert. (See How to Make the Dish)

Kesar Kaju Barfi
On the occasion of Diwali, every Indian home is full of umpteen numbers of sweet delicacies. One of the most popular amongst them is the Kesar Kaju Burfi. Also known as Kaju Katli, it is a diamond-shaped sweet, made of cashew nuts and sugar. As this sweet dish is moderately sweet in taste and rich with scrumptious taste of cashew-nuts, it is preferred by all the people who do not like extremely sugary items. (See How to Make the Dish)

Shakkarpare
Shakkarpare is a melt-in-the-mouth sweet, made especially on festivals in India. On the occasion of Diwali, people in northern parts of the country enjoy making shakkar pare, an easy to make recipe, which doesn’t require too many ingredients. Moreover, you can relish on the sweet for many days, because it has a long shelf life. (See How to Make the Dish)

Gajar Ka Halwa
When we talk is about Indian desserts, one name that undoubtedly comes into every person's mind is the traditional Gajar ka halwa prepared on every Indian home in almost all the festivals. On the occasion of Diwali, Gajar ka Halwa is an unavoidable part of the menu. When served hot, the Gajar Ka Halwa tastes wonderful. (See How to Make the Dish)
Kheer
Diwali is a festival of crackers, lights and sweets. Every Indian home is flooded with sweet dishes on the occasion of Diwali. Thousand varieties of sweet dishes are prepared by the many families residing in the country. However, out of them, the one dish that remains special for every one is the traditional ‘kheer’. Made up of rice, milk and various kinds of dry fruits, kheer is one of the most popular Indian desserts. (See How to Make the Dish)

Ghathia
On the occasion of Diwali when everybody around is busy making sweet dishes, tasty, crunchy and salty Ghathia or Namak Pare are great relief. Though it is not full time dish, it can be used as snacks and munchies anytime anywhere. Ghathias are like finger chips in shape. Made of either white flour or maida, the Ghathias are light snacks which can be served alone or along with any sweet dish like Gujiya or Gulab Jamun.  (See How to Make the Dish)

Laxmi Mata Ki Aarti in Hindi


Om Jai Lakshmi Mata, Maiya Jai Lakshmi Mata

Tumko Nishidin Sevat Har Vishnu Vidhata

Om Jai Lakshmi Mata

Uma, Rama, Brahmani, Tumhi Jag Mata

Surya Chandrama Dhiyavat, Narad Rishi Gata

Om Jai Lakshmi Mata

Durga Roop Niranjan, Sukh Sampati Data

Jo Koi Tumko Dhiyavat, Ridhi Sidhi Dhan Pata

Om Jai Lakshmi Mata

Tum Pataal Nivasini, Tum Ho Sukh Data

Karma Prabhav Prakashini, Bhavnidhi Ki Trata

Om Jai Lakshmi Mata

Jis Ghar Mein Tum Rahti, Sab Sadgun Aata

Sab Sambhav Ho Jata, Man Nahi Gabrata

Om Jai Lakshmi Mata

Tum Bin Yagya Na Hovay, Vastra Nahi Pata

Khan Paan Ka Vaibhav, Sab Tumse Aata

Om Jai Lakshmi Mata

Shubh Gun-Mandir Sundar Shirdadhi Jata

Ratan Chaturdash Tum Bin Koi Nahi Pata

Om Jai Lakshmi Mata Mahalakshmiji Ki Aarti Jo Koi Gata

Ur Anand Samata, Paap Utar Jata

Om Jai Lakshmi Mata

Rituals of Diwali


Many interesting rituals and traditions have been attached to the celebrations of Diwali. It is a five-day long festival, which is celebrated with fun and fervor. The blissful festival calls for the exchange of gifts, sweets and heartfelt wishes. Fire crackers are burst and people enjoy wearing new clothes, on the auspicious day. Although the way of merrymaking is different and the customs are different, the feel among the people across the length and breadth of the country remains the same - to spread good cheer. It is the time to celebrate brotherhood. In the following lines, we have provided complete information on the customs of Diwali.


First Day of Diwali
The first day of Diwali is known as 'Dhanteras'. People renovate, decorate their houses and workplaces on this day and make traditional 'Rangoli' motifs on the entrance, to welcome Goddess Lakshmi. Lamps and candles are lit throughout the night. It is considered auspicious to buy gold and silver on this day. Many people opt for buying new utensils on this day. In Maharashtra, offerings of lightly pounded dry coriander seeds with jaggery are made to the Goddess. Rural people revere their cattle on this day and cows are considered especially auspicious. 




Second Day of Diwali
On second day, people take bath before sunrise, anoint themselves with oil and 'Ubtan' (scrub made up of gram flour and fragrant powders). Bengalis believe that Goddess Kali killed the demon Raktavija on this day. A general customs followed during the second day of Diwali is to burst crackers. People illuminate their homes with diya, as to welcome the set the mood for celebrations in the following day.



Third Day of Diwali
The third day is the main day of the Diwali festival. Jains have their own religious significance of the day, because they believe that Lord Mahavir attained 'Nirvana' (or Eternal Bliss) on the day. Swami Dayananda Saraswati, the great saint who gave rise to Hindu Renaissance, also left the mortal world on this day. On this day, people wear new clothes and share gifts and sweets with their friends and relatives. Women prepare delicacies and whole house is illuminated with 'diyas' and candles. Fireworks and crackers are the kids' favorites on this day. 




Fourth Day of Diwali
On the 4th day is the 'Govardhan-Puja' or 'Annakoot'. In the temples of Mathura and Nathadwara, the deities are bathed with milk and adorned with precious clothes and ornaments. Then offerings of a large variety of delicacies are made to them. 










Fifth Day of Diwali
The 5th day or the last day of this festival is called ' Bhai Duj '. On this day, sisters invite their brothers and their family to their homes and treat them with delicacies. In turn, brothers offer them with gifts and sweets. Read More About How to Celebrate Bhai Dooj Here

The Origin of Diwali


The festival of Diwali is celebrated by Indians throughout the world in a joyous mood, with zeal and enthusiasm. The festival is predominated by colorful display of lights, bursting of crackers, cleanliness, sweets, lots of shopping, happiness. The festive spirit brings people of different communities closer, to celebrate the vibrant festival in the most blissful and lively way. Like most of the festivals in India, Diwali too has its base in mythology and there is a very interesting history about this festival. Go through the following lines to get information on the history of Diwali.

History of Diwali

Five Days of Diwali Celebrations 
The first day of this festival begins with 'Dhan Trayodashi' or 'Dhanteras'. After the Dhanvantari Trayodashi, the second day of Diwali is called 'Narak Chaturdashi', which is popular as 'Chhoti Diwali'. The third day of Diwali, which is also called 'Badi Diwali' is the main day of celebrations of the festival of diwali. The fourth day of the festival is devoted to Govardhan Pooja (worship of Lord Govardhan Parvat). The fifth day of the festival is Bhai Dooj, the time to honor the brother-sister relationship. 

Dhanteras History
The first day of Diwali celebration is marked by Dhanteras. According to the legends, during the churning of ocean by the Gods and the demons, Dhanvantari - the physician of the Gods came out of the ocean on the day of Dhanteras, with a pot of amrita that was meant for the welfare of the humankind. This day also marks the arrival of Goddess Lakshmi, which is celebrated by drawing small footprints of the deity, with rice flour and vermilion powder. 

Narak Chaturdashi (Choti Diwali) History
One famous story behind the celebrations of Diwali is about the demon king Narakasur, who was ruler of Pragjyotishpur, a province to the South of Nepal. During a war, he defeated Lord Indra and snatched away the magnificent earrings of Mother Goddess Aditi, who was not only the ruler of Suraloka, but also a relative of Lord Krishna's wife - Satyabhama. Narakasur also imprisoned sixteen thousand daughters of Gods and saints in his harem. A day before Diwali, Lord Krishna killed Narakasur, released the jailed daughters and restored the precious earrings of Mother Goddess Aditi. 

Diwali And Shri Ram of Ayodhyaa
The most famous legend behind the celebrations of Diwali is about the prince of Ayodhya Nagri - Lord Shri Ram. According to the legend, the king of Lanka, Ravan, kidnapped Lord Ram's wife (Sita) from the jungle, where they were staying as per the instructions of King Dashratha, father of Lord Ram. Then Ram attacked Lanka, killed Ravan and released Sita from the custody. He returned to Ayodhya with his wife Sita and younger brother Lakshamana after fourteen years. 

Therefore, the people of Ayodhyaa decorated their homes as well as Ayodhyaa, by lighting tiny diyas, in order to welcome their beloved prince Shri Ram and Devi Sita. It was the day of 'Kartik Amavasyaa' when they also celebrated the victory of Shri Ram over the King of Lanka, Ravan. Ram is considered the symbol of good and the positive things and Ravan represents the evils. Therefore, Diwali is considered the festival, which establishes the victory of good over the evil. On the night of Diwali, people light diyas, which is again an icon of positive energy to conquer darkness, the is symbol of negative energy. 

Govardhan Puja History 
'Govardhan' is a small hillock situated at 'Braj', near Mathura. The legends in 'Vishnu Puraan' have it that the people of Gokul used to worship and offer prayers to Lord Indra for the rains, because they believed that it were He, who was responsible for rainfall for their welfare. However, Lord Krishna told them that it was Mount Govardhan (Govardhan Paevat) and not Lord Indra, who caused rains. Therefore, they should worship the former and not the latter. 

People did the same, which made Lord Indra so furious that the people of Gokul had to face heavy rainfall because of his anger. Lord Krishna came forward to ensure their security and after performing worship and offering prayers to Mount Govardhan, he lifted it as an umbrella, on the little finger of his right hand, so that everyone could take shelter under it. After this event, Lord Krishna was also known as Giridhari or Govardhandhari. 

Bhai Dooj History 
According to the legends, Lord Yamraj, the God of Death, visited his sister Yamuna on the 'Shukla Paksha Dwitiya' day in the Hindi month of 'Kartik'. When Yamraj reached Yamuna's home, she welcomed him by performing his aarti, applying 'Tilak' on his forehead and by putting a garland around his neck. Yamuna also cooked varieties of dishes, prepared many sweets for her brother and offered all those to Him. 

Lord Yamraj ate all those delicious dishes and when he was finished, he showered blessings on Yamuna and gave her a boon that if a brother visits his sister on this day, he would be blessed with health and wealth. This is why this day of Bhayya Duj is also known by the name of 'Yam-Dwitiya'. Thus, it has become a tradition that on the day of Bhai-Dooj for the brothers to visit their sisters' home and offer them gifts. Sisters also make various dishes for their brothers and give gifts to them. 

History Of Sikh Community's Diwali 
In the Sikh community, Diwali celebrations have special importance as for them it, is popular as the day when their sixth Guru, Guru Har Govind ji came back from the captivity of the fort of Gwalior city. The people illuminated lamps in the way to Shri Harmandhir Sahib, which is known by the name of 'the Golden Temple', to honor and welcome their beloved Guru. 

History of Jain Community's Diwali 
For the Jain community, the festival of Diwali has special significance. It is the day when the famous Jain prophet Bhagvaan Mahaveer, the founder of Jainism, attained 'Nirvana'. Therefore, the people of Jain community celebrate the festival of Diwali in remembrance of Lord Mahavira.

Mahalakshmi Stotram



Laxmi Gayatri: This is the one Shakti believed to help in acquiring wealth, status, greatness, and fame; therefore, this mantra is used to invoke this Shakti. Even just regularly hearing the sacred Sanskrit words of this mantra will help you. 

"Goddess Lakshmi, consort of Lord Vishnu, is also the goddess of wealth and prosperity. The word ''Lakshmi'' is derived from the Sanskrit word Laksme, meaning "goal." Lakshmi, therefore, represents the goal of life, which includes worldly as well as spiritual prosperity. Worship Goddess Lakshmi for promotion, success and personal virtues. Women who chant her mantra will develop irresistible beauty and radiance, that shines from within. Praying to Laxmi you will learn how to be truly feminine and win everybody's admiration. This mantra is a supplement for those, who are in show business or in acting and modeling. The mantra will help you to be noticed, brings luck and fortune. The drawing of Laxmi's footprints are used as a magic charm in India. Women draw these small, auspicious footprints on thresholds at twilight to welcome Lakshmi, who bestows wealth and wisdom, health and good cheer."