Diwali in Maharashtra is celebrated with a blend of traditions, family gatherings, and spiritual rituals that bring a unique charm to the festival of lights Preparations begin weeks in advance with cleaning and decorating homes to welcome prosperity. The festival itself kicks off with Vasu Baras, honouring cows for their importance in agriculture and prosperity.
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The following day, Dhanteras, is celebrated by purchasing gold or other valuables as a symbol of wealth and good fortune for the coming year. Narak Chaturdashi, or Choti Diwali, marks Lord Krishna’s victory over the demon Narakasura. People take ritualistic oil baths early in the morning, believed to purify and cleanse the body and mind.
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The main day of Diwali, known as Lakshmi Pujan, sees families lighting oil lamps (diyas) throughout their homes and performing rituals to invite Goddess Lakshmi, the deity of wealth, into their lives. Homes are decorated with intricate rangolis made from coloured powders, flowers, and diyas, creating a vibrant, welcoming atmosphere. Families gather to offer prayers, perform aarti, and share sweets as a way of expressing gratitude and devotion.
Bali Pratipada (Padwa) is celebrated the day This day honours the bond between spouses. Husbands give gifts to their wives, and special prayers honour King Bali, symbolising the triumph of good over evil.
Bhai Dooj, the last day of Diwali, is dedicated to the bond between brothers and sisters, with special rituals and blessings. Traditional Diwali faral (snack platters) are exchanged among friends and neighbours, emphasising the spirit of togetherness. The culmination of these rituals creates a deeply festive, spiritual, and joyful experience for families across Maharashtra, making Diwali truly special.
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Diwali faral is a cherished part of the celebration. Prepared lovingly at home, these special snacks bring families together in the kitchen, continuing age-old recipes and techniques passed down through generations.
Chivda
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Chivda is a quintessential Maharashtrian Diwali snack made from poha (flattened rice) or cornflakes, and it’s a flavorful mix of textures and spices. Light and crunchy, this snack is spiced with green chillies, mustard seeds, and curry leaves and often includes roasted peanuts, cashews, and raisins for a hint of sweetness. It’s one of the most-loved savoury snacks during Diwali as it’s easy to prepare in large batches, making it ideal for serving guests or sharing with friends and neighbours.
Karanji
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Karanji is a traditional Maharashtrian sweet pastry, similar to gujiya, made with a crispy outer shell of flour and a sweet filling of coconut, poppy seeds, and jaggery or sugar. The filling can also be flavoured with cardamom, adding a warm aroma. Once prepared, the karanji is deep-fried until golden and crispy. Karanjis are particularly popular during Diwali as they’re easy to make in large quantities, and their shelf life allows them to be enjoyed over several days of festivities.
Shankarpali
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Shankarpali is a sweet, bite-sized snack made with flour, ghee, and sugar, with a soft yet crispy texture. Prepared by kneading the ingredients into a dough, it’s then rolled out, cut into small diamond shapes, and deep-fried until golden brown. The sweetness is subtle, and the buttery flavour of ghee makes it rich and satisfying. Shankarpali is enjoyed by both children and adults alike during Diwali, as its crunchy texture and mildly sweet taste make it a great treat to munch on at any time.
Besan Ladoo
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Besan ladoo, or gram flour balls, are a favourite Diwali sweet. Made by roasting gram flour in ghee, the mixture is then sweetened with sugar and rolled into round, bite-sized balls. These ladoos have a nutty aroma and a rich, smooth texture. Their simplicity and deliciousness make besan ladoo a popular homemade treat during Diwali, loved for both its taste and quick preparation.
Chakli
Chakli, a spiral-shaped, crunchy snack, is made from a mixture of rice flour and besan (gram flour) seasoned with sesame seeds, cumin, and ajwain (carom seeds). This dough is then shaped into spirals using a special chakli maker and deep-fried until crispy. It’s a classic Maharashtrian snack and a must-have on Diwali snack platters.
Anarsa
Anarsa is a traditional Maharashtrian sweet made from rice flour, jaggery, and poppy seeds. The rice flour is prepared by soaking rice for several days, drying, and then grinding it into a fine powder. This is then mixed with jaggery to form a dough, shaped into small discs, and coated with poppy seeds before being deep-fried. The result is a sweet treat with a slightly crispy exterior and a chewy, soft interior. It is a delicate and slightly labour-intensive recipe, making it all the more special for the festive season.
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Rava Ladoo
Rava ladoo, made from semolina (rava), sugar, and ghee, is another popular sweet for Diwali in Maharashtra. The semolina is lightly roasted in ghee and mixed with sugar and milk to form a mixture that can be rolled into ladoos. These ladoos are soft, with a crumbly texture that melts in your mouth, and they’re often garnished with nuts or coconut flakes. Rava ladoo is simple yet flavourful, making it a quick treat that is loved by many during Diwali. It’s easy to make, and its light sweetness pairs well with the other, richer Diwali sweets and snacks.