Preparations centred around the use of rice flour - such as uppu seedai, adhirasam, kai murruku and thenguzhal - find a dominant place in the special Diwali foods of Tamil Nadu.

Basmati rice - which is considered a symbol of purity, abundance and prosperity is an integral detail to Diwali celebrations across various cultures.

Traditionally, preparations of khichuri, gobindobhog kheer, vegetables and sweets that are red in colour comprise offerings to Maa Kali.

Celebrated among the Sindhi community, the festival of lights is celebrated with delicacies like sai bhaji, chikki, mitho lolo and singhar ji mithai.

Lacto-vegetarian dishes that constitute a simple but nourishing meal - think kadha prashad, kheer, makki roti-saag and vegetable preparations such as aloo-gobhi.