Festivals light up the ordinary lives of people. It’s what brings people together and gives them a break from the mundane routine. It’s at the very centre of cultures and takes up room in the annual plans of everyone. With colour and light filling the air around people, there’s the sweet scent of food following it.
The colour of North Indian cuisine in festivals
Diwali
Diwali is a Hindu festival where every street in the country is lit up with diyas and fairy lights. It’s one of the most popular festivals in North India. Diwali celebrates good over evil and light over darkness. Food plays a crucial role in Diwali celebrations. There are a variety of dishes prepared and eaten during the festival. Some of the popular ones are –
- Desserts – Diwali calls for special desserts. To celebrate joy, any occasion would be incomplete without sweets. Desserts like barfi, jalebi and ladoos are passed on during Diwali.
- Chaat: the chatpata flavour of chaat is unique and unlocks a whole new craving. It is a snack made with a variety of ingredients like chickpeas, potatoes, yoghurt and chutneys. Chaat station is mandatory in any festivity.
- Farsi puri: this is a fried pastry that is filled with potatoes, peas, and spices. Farsi puri is another popular Diwali snack.
Holi
Holi is a colourful and vibrant festival. It is one of the joyous festivals in North India, played enthusiastically by children and adults alike. It is the celebration of the arrival of spring and the triumph of good over evil. After the thrilling celebration of Holi, people head straight for the food stalls. Different dishes are prepared and eaten during this time.
- Gujiya: Gujiya is a pastry that is filled with a mixture of sweetened nuts and spices. Gujiya is a popular Holi snack and is served with sweets.
- Thandai: Thandai is a cold beverage made with sweet milk, almonds, and spices. Thaidai is a hug after all the exertion of the holi celebration.
- Bhang: Bhang is a drink made from cannabis. Bhaang is enjoyed by adults and is often served to guests at holi parties.
Dussehra
Dussehra is another Hindu festival that celebrates the victory of good over evil. During Dussehra, people celebrate the triumph of good over evil. The victory of lord Rama over king Ravana.
- Pulao: pulao is another name for fancy rice. It’s rice cooked with vegetables and spices. Pulao is a popular Dussehra dish and is served with raita.
- Raita: Raita is a yoghurt confinement that is often served with lunch meals. Raita is a good source of protein and calcium.
- Kheer: Kheer is a rice pudding made with milk, rice and sweetener. Kheer is the popular choice of dessert during this festivity.
Lohri
A Punjabi festival that celebrates winter solstice. This is when people come together to celebrate the end of winter and the beginning of spring. There’s a bonfire lit outside to commemorate the event. North Indian cuisine in festivals has an enigmatic
- Sarson ka saag – Sarson ka saag is a dish that is made with mustard leaves and spices. Sarson da saag is a popular Lohri dish, and it is often served with makki ki roti.
- Makki ki roti: This is a cornmeal flatbread. Makki is often paired with sarso ka saag – a fibre-rich meal.
- Rewari: a dessert made of sesame seeds and sugar. Rewari is also popular and is often distributed to friends and family.
Festival food is popular because it brings people together, and the flavour reminds people of the joy of festivities. There are some desserts and dishes that are almost unique to the festival. Some are found all year round. The different flavours add to the fervour of the celebrations.
A food enthusiast and a blogger – someone who likes to eat and write about it. I’m passionate about exploring different cuisines and challenging my palette. I give into my food craving regularly and am often on the hunt to find my new favorite food place in town.
