Diwali in Tamil Nadu is not only the celebration of Lord Rama returning to Ayodhya but also Lord Krishna emerging victorious over evil king Narkasura. It symbolises the victory of good over bad. However, the celebrations take place a day before the rest of the country. This year, Diwali will be celebrated on October 31, 2024 and November 1, 2024.
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The rituals start with an early morning bath, wearing new clothes, visiting nearby temples, praying at home, preparing and indulging in traditional sweets, and enjoying festivities with friends and family. Here are some easy traditional sweets that are prepared in Tamil Nadu on the auspicious occasion of Diwali.
Adhirasam
Adhirasam is a deep-fried sweet that tastes delicious and can be prepared with minimal preparation. The primary ingredients added to this recipe include jagger, rice flour, and ghee. The chewy and sweet discs are served on a banana leaf and are a crucial part of the festive spread. You have to ensure that the consistency of the dough is perfect so that adhirasam boasts perfect texture and shape.
Suzhiyam
Suzhiyam is like a sweet bonda prepared with chana dal. Lentils are cooked, mashed, and combined with caramelised jaggery and a pinch of salt. Once the mixture starts thickening, coconut is added for texture and richness. This mixture is later turned into ladoos. Now, a concoction of rice flour, maida, salt, and idli batter is created which coats the lentil-jaggery balls that you deep-fry. This unique dish is a must-try during the festive season.
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Ellu Urundai
Ellu Urundai is a ladoo recipe in which the star ingredient is sesame seeds. You first roast the seeds until they start popping. Combine them with cardamom powder for a refreshing taste and jaggery for sweetness. Take a small amount of this mixture in your hand and turn it into lemon-sized balls. These are mouth-watering, easy and healthy sweets consumed during Diwali.
Thengai Paal Payasam
Thengai paal payasam is a coconut kheer recipe which is creamy and nourishes the soul. Coconut milk is heated and small rice grains are cooked in it along with jaggery, dry fruits, and cardamom. This concoction is a hearty delight that makes the festive spread irresistible. You can fold in saffron, cashews, almonds, pistachios, and raisins for amplifying flavours.
Coconut Barfi
Coconut barfi is quintessential to Diwali celebrations in Tamil Nadu. The earthy notes of coconut and sweetness from jaggery make it a hit in the festive spread. You can make variants of it by experimenting with chocolate, dry fruits, and sesame seeds. Apart from coconut barfi, people also like to indulge in kaju barfi, almond barfi, milk barfi, and more.
Mysore Pak
Though Mysore pak has roots in Karnataka, it is a popular sweet savoured in Tamil Nadu during Diwali. Prepared with ghee, gram flour, and sugar, the candy-like mithai will leave you wanting more. Its melt-in-the-mouth texture and rich taste make it a hit in many parts of South India.
Ukkarai
Ukkarai is moong dal and rava halwa. It includes cooking ground moong dal, rice flour, rava with a pinch of salt, jaggery, cardamom powder, ghee, and dry fruits. You can amplify its flavours with saffron and other dry fruits making it a must-add to the Diwali festive spread. If you keep the proportions of ingredients in check, guests will surely be asking for a second serving of this delight.