Diwali 2024: Importance of food on Diwali and easy snack under 30 minutes

Food holds a special place in all Indian festivals, and during Diwali, it becomes a symbol of love, abundance, and the spirit of giving. Diwali is about celebrating the victory of Good over Evil and sharing warmth, joy, and the rich flavours of traditional Indian delicacies. The custom of preparing and sharing snacks and sweets during this festival is a tradition that has deep roots in Indian culture and mythology.


In Diwali's mythological narrative, food often symbolizes prosperity and blessings from the gods. For instance, when Lord Rama returned to Ayodhya after defeating Ravana, his homecoming was celebrated with grand feasts, sweets, and festive lights throughout the kingdom. The tradition of preparing special Diwali snacks and sharing them with friends and family is seen as a way to honour that ancient spirit of welcoming joy and warding off darkness. It serves as a reminder that sharing food is sharing happiness and gratitude for the good things in life.

In today's times, however, the growing concern over adulteration in commercially available sweets and snacks during the festive season has made many people turn towards homemade preparations. Homemade treats not only preserve traditional flavours but also reflect the effort and care that goes into making them, adding to the personal touch that symbolizes the essence of Diwali. Moreover, homemade snacks provide an opportunity to use healthier ingredients.

So, here’s an easy, home-made Diwali Chiwda recipe for you.


Ingredients:
1 cup rolled oats
1 cup makhana (fox nuts)
1/4 cup peanuts (unsalted)
1/4 cup roasted chana dal
2 tbsp pumpkin seeds or sunflower seeds
2 tbsp flaxseeds
1/4 cup almonds or cashews, roasted
1/4 cup dry coconut slices (optional)
2 tbsp raisins
1/2 tsp turmeric powder
1/2 tsp cumin seeds
1/2 tsp mustard seeds
A pinch of asafoetida (hing)
Few curry leaves
1 tbsp olive oil or coconut oil
Salt to taste
Pinch of Black pepper

Instructions:
1. Dry roast the rolled oats in a pan until slightly golden and crisp. Remove and keep aside.
2. In the same pan, dry roast makhana on low heat for 4-5 minutes until they become crisp. Remove and set aside.
3. Heat oil in the pan, add mustard seeds, cumin seeds, and asafoetida. Let them splutter.
4. Add curry leaves, sauté for a minute until fragrant.
5. Add peanuts, roasted chana dal, and dry coconut slices. Sauté for a couple of minutes.
6. Stir in turmeric powder, and then add the roasted oats and makhana. Mix well to coat everything in the seasoning.
7. Add almonds/cashews, pumpkin seeds, flaxseeds, and raisins. Stir thoroughly.
8. Season with salt and a pinch of black pepper if desired.
9. Mix everything well and let the chiwda cool completely before storing it in an airtight container.

As families gather to enjoy Diwali treats, the act of sharing homemade snacks becomes more than just a tradition. It becomes a commitment to preserving the true spirit of the festival, where the joy of togetherness is enhanced by the love put into the food shared.

Contributed by: Dr. Hansaji Yogendera- Director of The Yoga Institute, author and a yoga guru