Diwali 2023:  10 Traditional Gujarati Must-Haves On Bestu Varas

By Shreya Goswami

November 7, 2023

Bestu Varas or Gujarati new year is celebrated a day after Diwali. Here are a few authentic Gujarati delicacies that are enjoyed during this festival.

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Ghughra

Quite like Gujiyas to look at, Ghughras as usually savoury, spicy and made with ingredients like peas or vatana.

Dhokla

One of the most popular Gujarati snacks, these steamed cakes come in many varieties and each is delicious.

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Khandvi

Mild and savoury roll-ups of steamed besan stuffed with mustard seeds and coconuts, this Gujarati snack is simply sublime.

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Dal Dhokli

Diamond-shaped gram flour chunks are cooked in a simple, yoghurt-based gravy to make this sublime main course dish.

Dahi Vada

This savoury snack is a favourite across India during Diwali, including Gujarat, where it is often topped with boondis.

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Chorafali

Made with besan and urad dal, this crispy, deep-fried Gujarati snack is a must-have with black salt and red chilli powder on top.

Fafda-Jalebi

A combination that every Gujarati loves, savoury Fafdas and sweet Jalebis should definitely be on your plate this Bestu Varas.

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Mathia

Big, flavoured with chillies and other spices, and deep-fried, Mathias are discs that can also be topped with toppings you love.

Shrikhand

Made with hung curd, sugar and a number of flavourings like almond, pista, cardamom, etc this one is a must-have.

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Ghari Mithai

In Surat, Diwali and Bestu Varas celebrations are incomplete without this wheat flour-based, mawa-stuffed sweet dish.