Aren’t you enjoying the festive season to the fullest? After celebrating Durga Puja and Navratri with great fervour and enthusiasm, it’s time to get ready for the Diwali celebrations. Diwali also known as the festival of lights, is celebrated by Hindus all across the nation as well as abroad. Diwali is celebrated to mark the return of Lord Rama from exile after 14 years and winning the battle with demon king Ravana. The festival is celebrated as Laxmi Puja in many parts of the country.
This year, Diwali will be celebrated on November 12, 2023. To commemorate the day, people light their houses with diyas, fairy lights, paint colourful rangolis at doorsteps, and indulge in favourite snacks and sweets. Diwali also means to attend house parties and present gifts to loved ones. However, Diwali is incomplete without relishing a Diwali special thali and doing Puja. You can customise this thali according to your preference if you’re the one who is hosting the party.
Thus, ladies and gentlemen gear up to serve your loved ones with a huge spread of yummy dishes. From main course to desserts, you have got us covered. Take a look:
- Murukku
One of the best and the most traditional snacks that can be included in the thali is murukku. It is a popular savory South Indian snack that is made from a mixture of rice flour, urad dal (black gram) flour, and a blend of aromatic spices. The shape often resembles twisted spirals or loops which are deep fried to a crispy perfection.
- Gobi Paratha
Stuffed parathas especially Gob paratha are our all-time favourite. Diwali makes it the perfect festival to enjoy gobi or cauliflower paratha with a dallop of butter and achar on the side. Besides, they also pair well with Indian curries.
- Aam Ka Achar
It is a beloved condiment in Indian cuisine that goes well with simple or stuffed paratha. It is made by preserving green or raw mangoes in a flavorful mixture of spices, oil, vinegar, or lemon juice. The tangy, spicy, and slightly sweet taste of mango pickles adds a burst of flavor to a variety of dishes.
- Chana Ghugni
This is a popular Bihari dish made of chickpeas sautéed with a variety of spices, including cumin, coriander, and mustard seeds. The dish is often seasoned with curry leaves, green chilies, and a touch of tamarind, creating a harmonious blend of flavors that can range from mildly spicy to tangy and slightly sweet. It adds a distinct touch to your Diwali thali.
- Tamarind Chitranna
Tamarind Chitranna is a South Indian rice dish that bursts with a delightful blend of flavors and textures. This dish is primarily made using cooked rice, tamarind, and a medley of aromatic spices. The tamarind provides a tangy and slightly sour note that balances the earthy flavors of the spices and rice. It's a versatile accompaniment that pairs well with a wide range of Indian curries and is perfect for your Diwali thali.
- Paneer Kolhapuri
It is a sumptuous and flavorful Indian vegetarian dish that hails from the vibrant culinary landscape of Kolhapur, a city in the state of Maharashtra. This dish centers around paneer which is cut into cubes and simmered in a rich and spicy gravy made from a blend of roasted red chilies, aromatic spices, coconut, and a tomato-onion base. This is a distinct dish that you can add to your thali to make it a little different. It pairs well with rice as well as paratha.
- Rabri With Malpua
This will be the highlight of your thali. This authentic dessert beautifully marries the rich, creamy indulgence of rabri with the sweet, syrup-soaked goodness of malpua. rich, creamy indulgence of rabri with the sweet, syrup-soaked goodness of malpua. Your guests will definitely love this dessert.
- Nolen Gur Sandesh
Nolen Gur Sandesh is a delectable Bengali sweet that embodies the essence of winter in West Bengal, India. This sweet treat features Sandesh made from chhena and it is infused with the unique and exquisite flavor of Nolen Gur, which is date palm jaggery. This dessert imparts a uniqueness to the Diwali thali.
- Chaas
Why not finish the heavy meal with the most delightful drink of all time that also aids digestion? Chaas is made by mixing yogurt with water and typically flavored with spices such as roasted cumin, black salt, and sometimes even mint or coriander. It is the perfect hydrating and digestive drink that you require after this sumptuous thali.