Celebrating Diwali with the World

Diwali Celebrations Beyond India – Introduction

From a global perspective, Diwali celebrations are mainly carried out by Hindu communities around the world, including in countries like Nepal, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, and among Indian diasporas in places like the United States, Canada, the UK, and Australia. The United States has seen an increase in Diwali celebrations around the country, reaching the U. S. Capitol (BAPSChannel, 2023).

In some cities, Diwali is recognized as a cultural event with public celebrations, festivals, and cultural programs, showcasing the richness of Indian culture. The festival is a religious holiday celebrated throughout South Asia and across several religions, such as Jainism, Sikhism, and Buddhism, where each celebrates slightly differently.

For example, Hinduism honors the goddess of wealth, Lakshmi, Jainism commemorates Ganadhara Gautam Swami, and Buddhism celebrates the day Emperor Ashoka converted to Buddhism. Throughout the regions and various backgrounds, the main focus remains a festival of lights that typically lasts five days, with each day having its own significance, culminating in the main celebration on the third day.

Buy from Amazon, the Webelkart Diya Shape Decorative Urli Bowl is indeed appropriate for Diwali decoration.

Beyond that, the festival celebrates with lights, Diwali food, prayers, fireworks, and gift-giving. People decorate their homes with oil lamps (diyas) and colorful rangoli (designs made from colored powders), the  Decorative Urli Bowl is indeed appropriate for Diwali decoration. Families perform puja (prayers) to Goddess Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth and prosperity. The night is often marked by fireworks and sparklers, symbolizing joy and celebration. It’s common to exchange sweets and gifts with friends and family.

The Week of Diwali Celebrations

Diwali is celebrated over five days, with each day holding its own significance.

• Dhanteras marks the beginning of Diwali and is dedicated to health and medicine.
• Naraka Chaturdashi (Choti Diwali) focuses on early morning rituals, cleansing baths, and lighting lamps to dispel darkness.
• Lakshmi Puja (Main Diwali) is the third day and the most important, dedicated to Goddess Lakshmi. Families perform puja to invite wealth and prosperity into their homes. Homes are decorated with lights and rangoli, and fireworks are commonly used to celebrate. It’s also a day for sharing sweets and gifts with loved ones.
• Govardhan Puja (Annakut) is the fourth day and it’s celebrated with special meals, often featuring a variety of vegetarian dishes, symbolizing gratitude for nature’s abundance. In some regions, it’s also associated with the worship of cows.
• Bhai Dooj, the final day celebrates the bond between brothers and sisters. It’s a day for family gatherings and sharing festive meals.

Together, these five days encompass themes of prosperity, victory, family, and spiritual renewal, making Diwali a deeply significant celebration!

Celebrating Diwali Food

From Amazon, this Ghasitaram gift box for Diwali and other special events contains among many assorted sweets Barfis and Dryfruit with a total weight of 800 grams 

Diwali Food includes a delicious array of sweets (Mithai)and snacks, including Gulab Jamun (Deep-fried dough balls soaked in syrup), Jalebi (crispy, spiraled sweet made from fermented batter and soaked in sugar syrup), and Ladoo (round sweets made from various ingredients, like gram flour (chickpeas flour) or coconut).

From Amazon, you can get this Taj Gourmet Foods Besan Flour. two-pound finely grounded gram flour (chickpeas flour).  

Savory Snacks such as Samosas (Fried or baked pastries filled with spiced potatoes or peas), and Pakoras (Fried fritters made from vegetables coated in chickpea flour).

Main Dishes during this celebration include: Biryani (a flavorful rice dish with spices and often mixed with vegetables or meat), and Paneer Dishes (varieties like Paneer Tikka or Paneer Butter Masala) are popular.

An alternative to cooking these delights is buying them ready-to-eat, such as the above-mentioned Ghasitaram gift box which contains mawa (khoya) barfis and special dryfruit cashew sweets.

Traditional drinks include Masala Chai (a spiced tea) that’s a favorite during celebrations, and Lassi, a yogurt-based drink, sometimes sweet or flavored with fruit.

Regionally, Diwali food may vary as well as family traditions, but sweets and festive dishes are central to the celebration!

During Diwali, a variety of fruits, vegetables, spices, and herbs are commonly used in festive dishes. Here’s a breakdown:

Fruits:

• Mangoes: Often used in chutneys and desserts. They are also rich in vitamins A and C, antioxidants, and dietary fiber. They support immune function and promote healthy skin.
• Pomegranates: Symbolizing prosperity, used in salads and garnishes. High in antioxidants, vitamins C and K. They may help reduce inflammation and support heart health.
• Bananas: Used in sweets and snacks. Good source of potassium, vitamin B6, and fiber. They aid digestion and provide quick energy.
• Coconut: Frequently included in sweets and savory dishes. Contains healthy fats (medium-chain triglycerides), fiber, and minerals. It may promote heart health and aid in weight management.
• Dates: Used in various sweets and snacks. Rich in fiber, antioxidants, and natural sugars. They provide energy, support digestive health, and are good for heart health.

Vegetables:

• Potatoes: A staple in many savory snacks like samosas and aloo tikki. Good source of vitamin C, potassium, and fiber. They provide energy and support digestive health.
• Peas: Commonly used in dishes like peas pulao or as fillings. High in protein, fiber, vitamins A, C, and K. They support heart health and digestion.
• Cauliflower: Often used in curries or as a component in mixed vegetable dishes. Low in calories and high in fiber, vitamins C and K. It has antioxidant properties and may aid in weight management.
• Spinach: Used in dishes like palak paneer. Rich in iron, vitamins A, C, and K, and antioxidants. It supports eye health, bone health, and overall immunity.
• Carrots: Added to sweets like gajar ka halwa or used in salads. High in beta-carotene (vitamin A), fiber, and antioxidants. They promote eye health and support immune function.

Spices:

• Turmeric: Used for its color and health benefits in many dishes. Contains curcumin, which has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. It may support joint health and overall wellness.

• Kesar (saffron): a prized spice in Indian cuisine, celebrated for its rich flavor, vibrant color, and distinct aroma. Rich in essential compounds, rich in antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals; may help reduce anxiety, inflammation, and gastrointestinal issues.
• Cumin: Often used in tempering and curries. Aids digestion, has anti-inflammatory properties and is rich in iron. It may enhance metabolism.
• Coriander: Both seeds and fresh leaves are used in a variety of dishes. Contains antioxidants and has anti-inflammatory properties. It may support digestive health and reduce blood sugar levels.
• Cardamom: A key ingredient in many sweets and desserts. Rich in antioxidants and may help improve digestion, reduce blood pressure, and have antimicrobial properties.
• Cloves and Cinnamon: Commonly used in biryanis and festive rice dishes. Cloves have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, while cinnamon may help regulate blood sugar levels and has antimicrobial benefits.

Herbs:

• Mint: Used in chutneys and garnishes for various dishes. Aids digestion, has antibacterial properties, and may relieve headaches. It adds freshness to dishes.
• Cilantro (coriander leaves): A popular garnish and ingredient in many Indian dishes. Rich in antioxidants and vitamins A and K. It may help detoxify the body and support digestive health.
• Basil (tulsi): Sometimes used in specific regional dishes. Contains antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties. It may support heart health and have antibacterial effects.
• Fenugreek leaves (methi): Used fresh or dried, it adds a slightly bitter flavor to curries and dishes.
• Curry leaves: Essential in South Indian cooking, they add a distinctive flavor to curries and dals.

In this blog we’ve discussed how important it is to practice moderation with all foods. The Diwali food presented here, particularly the sweets much enjoyed during Diwali, can be high in sugars and oils, but the ingredients show they are also full of nutrients such as cardamom, cloves, cinnamon, and turmeric. With moderation, you can’t go wrong with recipes that include the above ingredients in Diwali food. These ingredients combine to create the rich and flavorful array of dishes enjoyed during Diwali, reflecting the festival’s celebratory spirit!

Here are three simple Diwali dishes that incorporate the ingredients we discussed, along with their recipes. For more and actual recipes, I will recommend you to visit Sridevi’s blog, Cook with Kushi, she knows what she’s doing with her recipes.