Welcome back to my blog, Hope and Joy In Life. May peace and blessings be upon you. Today is about celebrating the Festival of Lights, (Diwali) a celebration filled with tradition, vibrant colors, and rich flavors.

What is Diwali ?

Rooted in Hindu mythology, Diwali commemorates the return of Lord Rama to Ayodhya after 14 years of exile, symbolizing the triumph of light over darkness and good over evil. It’s celebrated by millions of Hindus, Sikhs, Jains, and Buddhists worldwide with shared themes of gratitude, joy, and togetherness.

Why is Food Important on This Holiday?

Food plays a central role in Diwali celebrations, serving as both a spiritual offering and a means of connecting with loved ones. Families prepare an array of traditional sweets, known as “mithai”, including ladoos, barfis, and gulab jamuns, all made with ingredients like milk, ghee, and sugar. These dishes represent purity and abundance. Savory snacks like samosas, pakoras, and chivda also grace the festive table, adding a balance of flavors.

In Hindu culture, sharing food with others during Diwali is an act of seva (service), fostering unity and spreading joy. The dishes prepared are often offered to deities and then shared with friends, neighbors, and community members, making food a bridge between the divine and the earthly.

This beautiful blend of faith and flavor makes Diwali not only a religious festival but a heartfelt celebration of life, light, and love.

To help you celebrate I have included my traditional “Besan Barfi” Recipe, a delightful Diwali sweet made with chickpea flour and flavored with cardamom. Please feel free to try out my Coconut Ladoo Recipe from last year. Happy Diwali!

Besan Barfi Recipe

Ingredients

• 1 cup besan (chickpea flour)
• 1/2 cup ghee (clarified butter)
• 3/4 cup sugar
• 1/4 cup water
• 1/4 teaspoon cardamom powder
• A handful of chopped nuts (pistachios, almonds, or cashews) for garnish

Cooking Directions

1. Heat a non-stick pan on low heat. Add the ghee, then stir in the besan. Roast for 10-15 minutes, stirring constantly, until it turns golden brown and releases a nutty aroma. Be careful not to let it burn.
2. In a separate pan, combine the sugar and water. Heat until the sugar dissolves and forms a syrup with a one-string consistency (slightly thick but not too sticky).
3. Pour the sugar syrup into the roasted besan mixture, stirring constantly. Add the cardamom powder and mix until the mixture thickens and pulls away from the sides.
4. Pour the mixture into a greased tray and spread it evenly. Sprinkle the chopped nuts on top, pressing them in gently.
5. Let the mixture cool for 1-2 hours, then cut it into square or diamond-shaped pieces.
   Serve- pair with tea.