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Home >> Roundup

Best Diwali Recipes | Traditional & Easy Foods of Diwali

Published: Oct 23, 2024 ยท Modified: Sep 20, 2025 by Jyoti Behrani ยท This post may contain affiliate links ยท Leave a Comment

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Diwali is the time to celebrate with lights, laughter, and irresistible festive treats. This roundup brings together the best foods of Diwali to help you prepare a delicious spread of traditional and modern Diwali recipes.

This amazing collection of 40+ Diwali sweets, snacks, and main course is easy to prepare and absolutely delightful, perfect for adding joy to your festive gatherings and parties!

make-ahead diwali snacks recipes
Jump to:
  • About Diwali
  • Traditional & Easy Diwali Sweets
  • Must-Try Diwali Appetizers
  • Make-ahead Diwali Snacks
  • Diwali Main Course Recipes
  • Beverages For Diwali
  • More Festive Recipes

About Diwali

Diwali is the most significant holiday celebrated throughout India, symbolizing the triumph of light over darkness, good over evil, and knowledge over ignorance. Known as the Festival of Lights, it captures the essence of the Diwali.

Across India, people celebrate this festival by illuminating their homes with diyas, preparing a variety of delicious foods, and enjoying fireworks.

Diwali is my favorite Indian festival of the year. It brings back wonderful childhood memories, with homes adorned with diyas, the delightful aroma of sweets and snacks made by mom, and the joy and happiness in hearts!

Iโ€™m excited to share these Diwali recipes with you! I hope you enjoy them and spread the light and love with your family and friends!

Wishing you a Diwali that fills your heart with love, peace, and happiness. Happy Diwali!

traditional diwali sweets recipes

Traditional & Easy Diwali Sweets

When it comes to food for Diwali, sweets always take center stage. From melt-in-the-mouth burfis to creamy kheer and crunchy gujiyas, every dish adds joy to the festive celebrations. These tried-and-tested Diwali foods are simple to prepare at home and make your festival gatherings even more memorable.

This carefully curated list of Diwali food includes authentic mithai, quick desserts, and even healthier options made with natural ingredients. Whether you want classic Diwali recipes or modern twists, youโ€™ll find something for every taste and occasion in this collection.

1
best besan burfi recipe
Besan Burfi
This nutty, melt-in-the-mouth burfi made with roasted gram flour, ghee, and sugar is one of the most loved foods of Diwali. A festive favorite, itโ€™s a must-have in every box of homemade mithai.
Get The Besan Burfi Recipe
2
coconut barfi recipe
Coconut Burfi
A soft and fragrant sweet, coconut burfi adds tropical charm to your festive platter. This traditional Diwali food is simple yet indulgent.
Get The Coconut Burfi
3
air fryer gujiya recipe
Air Fryer Gujiya
A healthier take on the traditional gujiya, this air fryer version keeps all the flavor with less oil. A modern twist on classic Diwali foods.
Get The Air Fryer Gujiya Recipe
4
Badam Katli
Badam Burfi
Made with almonds and ghee, this elegant mithai is a delightful addition to your festive spread. Itโ€™s a royal food for Diwali.
Get The Badam Burfi Recipe
5
Kheer
Comforting, creamy rice pudding is one of the oldest and most cherished Diwali recipes. It's festive, filling, and flavorful.
Get The Kheer Recipe
6
til ke laddu recipe with jaggery
Til ke Laddu
Healthy and delicious, these sesame seed laddus are both nourishing and celebratory. They are among the most traditional Diwali foods enjoyed in winter.
Get The Til Ke Laddu Recipe
7
Gur ka Halwa
Sweetened naturally with jaggery, this wholesome halwa is a traditional Diwali food thatโ€™s both rich and comforting.
Get The Gur ka Halwa Recipe
8
peda recipe with milk powder
Peda with Milk Powder
Soft, chewy, and made in minutes, this peda recipe is perfect for last-minute Diwali foods. Itโ€™s as festive as it is easy.
Get The Peda with Milk Powder Recipe
9
Carrot Halwa (Gajar ka Halwa)
A timeless classic, this halwa is among the most iconic foods of Diwali. Rich, warm, and indulgent, it never goes out of style.
Get The Carrot Halwa (Gajar ka Halwa) Recipe
10
Basundi
Thick, creamy, and flavored with saffron and nuts, basundi is a rich Diwali recipe thatโ€™s always a showstopper. Perfect for festive feasts.
Get The Basundi Recipe
11
Lauki Halwa
A unique halwa made with bottle gourd, milk, and sugar, this dessert adds variety to your Diwali recipes collection. Light yet festive!
Get The Lauki Halwa Recipe
12
Rice Pudding
Mango Phirni
Creamy rice pudding meets the sweetness of mango for a refreshing festive treat. This fusion Diwali food is perfect for modern celebrations.
Get The Mango Phirni Recipe
13
mango burfi recipe made with 2 ingredients only
2-Ingredient Mango Ice Cream Burfi
Quick and fuss-free, this creative sweet is ideal when you need an easy Diwali recipe. It's creamy, fruity, and festive.
Get The 2-Ingredient Mango Ice Cream Burfi Recipe
14
Mango Shrikhand Recipe
Mango Shrikhand
Smooth, creamy yogurt infused with mango pulp makes this refreshing Diwali food perfect for warm-weather celebrations.
Get The Mango Shrikhand Recipe
15
Shakarkandi Halwa
A sweet made with sweet potatoes, ghee, and nuts, itโ€™s both nutritious and celebratory. A wholesome Diwali food option.
Get The Shakarkandi Halwa Recipe
16
sooji halwa
Sooji Halwa
This semolina-based sweet is often prepared as prasad during puja. A simple yet soulful food for Diwali.
Get The Sooji Halwa Recipe
17
Shrikhand
Creamy saffron-flavored yogurt makes this sweet a festive favorite. Itโ€™s light, chilled, and among the easiest foods of Diwali.
Get The Shrikhand Recipe
18
Pressure Cooker Gajar Ka Halwa
Instant Pot Gajar Halwa โ€“ no grate recipe
The beloved carrot halwa gets a modern makeover with the Instant Pot. A time-saving Diwali recipe without compromising taste.
Get The Instant Pot Gajar Halwa - no grate recipe
19
Lauki Kheer
This bottle gourd kheer is creamy, light, and delicious. A lesser-known but delightful Diwali food for your festive table.
Get The Lauki Kheer Recipe

Must-Try Diwali Appetizers

Diwali celebrations are not just about sweets-savory foods of Diwali make the festive table even more exciting. From crunchy fried snacks to healthy air fryer recipes, these Diwali foods are perfect for entertaining guests or enjoying with family. Whether you prefer traditional bites or guilt-free versions, this list of Diwali recipes has something for everyone.

Festivals call for variety, and no celebration is complete without crowd-pleasing starters. These appetizers combine authentic flavors with modern cooking methods, giving you the best food for Diwali that's both festive and delicious.

Serve these appetizers with different chutneys - Tamarind Chutney, Green Chutney, or Coconut Chutney.

20
methi bhajiya
Methi Pakora
Crispy fritters made with fenugreek leaves are a must-have food for Diwali. Perfect with chutney and chai.
Get The Methi Pakora Recipe
21
Air Fryer Pani Puri
Crispy, light, and bursting with flavor, these Air Fryer Pani Puri are a modern twist on a classic favorite. Perfect as a festive food for Diwali, they make a fun and interactive appetizer for guests while keeping the crunch and taste intact without deep frying.
Get The Air Fryer Pani Puri Recipe
22
Homemade dahi vada recipe topped with yogurt, chutneys, and spices
Dahi Vada | Dahi Bhalla Chaat
Soft lentil dumplings soaked in yogurt and topped with chutneys make this one of the most popular savory Diwali foods.
Get The Dahi Vada Recipe
23
Sabudana Vada
No Fry Sabudana Vada
A healthier version of the vrat-friendly snack, these non-fried vadas make a lighter Diwali recipe.
Get The No Fry Sabudana Vada Recipe
24
quinoa idli recipe
Quinoa Idli (No Rice Recipe)
A protein-rich and healthy version of traditional idli, perfect as a light Diwali food.
Get The Quinoa Idli (No Rice Recipe) Recipe
25
paneer tikka served with mint chutney
Air Fryer Paneer Tikka
Juicy, marinated paneer cubes grilled to perfection are always a festive hit. This savory food for Diwali pairs well with chutneys.
Get The Paneer Tikka Recipe
26
instant oats dhokla recipe
Instant Oats Dhokla
A quick, fluffy steamed cake that makes a nutritious Diwali recipe. Perfect for breakfast or appetizers.
Get The Instant Oats Dhokla Recipe
27
healthy kala chana tikki made with black chickpeas
Kale Chane ke Kebab
Protein-rich and spiced to perfection, these kebabs are a unique Diwali recipe for healthy snacking.
Get The Kale Chane ke Kebab Recipe
28
chawal ke pakode
Rice Pakora
A crispy and flavorful way to use leftover rice, these pakoras are a practical yet festive Diwali food.
Get The Rice Pakora Recipe
29
buff vada farali pattice
No Fry Batata Vada (Buff Vada)
Spiced potato filling coated with gram flour, prepared without deep frying. A tasty, lighter Diwali food option.
Get The No Fry Batata Vada (Buff Vada) Recipe
30
little potatoes in air fryer
Air Fryer Baby Potatoes
Crispy, spiced potatoes roasted to perfection. A modern Diwali recipe for healthy snacking.
Get The Air Fryer Baby Potatoes Recipe
31
Instant Rava Idli
Soft and fluffy semolina idlis that are light, savory, and versatile. A festive-friendly Diwali recipe.
Get The Instant Rava Idli Recipe

Make-ahead Diwali Snacks

Planning ahead for Diwali parties can make the celebrations much more enjoyable. These make-ahead snacks are perfect foods for Diwali, letting you prep in advance without compromising on taste. From crispy fritters to savory bites, these Diwali recipes save time while keeping your festive spread delicious and stress-free.

32
shakarpali
Whole Wheat Shakarpara
Crunchy, lightly sweetened bites that are one of the most popular foods of Diwali to snack on during the festival.
Get The Whole Wheat Shakarpara Recipe
33
Air Fryer Chakli
Air Fryer Chakli
This crunchy spiral snack gets a healthy twist in the air fryer. A guilt-free version of a beloved Diwali food.
Get The Air Fryer Chakli Recipe
34
coconut almond snack idea
Coconut Almond Flour Cookies
These desiccated Coconut Almond Flour Cookies are the perfect guilt-free indulgence. Packed with nutty flavors, chewy texture, and natural sweetness, they make a wonderful snack or dessert for any occasion.
Get The Coconut Almond Flour Cookies Recipe
35
Poha Chivda
A crunchy snack mix made with flattened rice, nuts, and spices. Light and perfect for munching during Diwali gatherings.
Get The Poha Chivda Recipe
36
crispy air fryer chickpeas
Air Fryer Chickpeas
Crispy, spiced chickpeas are a protein-packed food for Diwali that guests will love.
Get The Air Fryer Chickpeas Recipe
37
close up of air fryer mathri served in a platter
No Fry Methi Mathri (Air Fryer | Baked)
A crunchy snack made healthier without deep frying. A guilt-free take on a classic food for Diwali.
Get The No Fry Methi Mathri Recipe
38
namak para
Namak Para
Crisp, savory diamond-shaped crackers that are one of the most addictive foods of Diwali.
Get The Namak Para Recipe
39
almond flour peanut butter cookie
Almond Flour Peanut Butter Cookies
2-Ingredient Almond Flour Peanut Butter Cookies: They're easy to make, gluten-free, and packed with flavor.
Get The Almond Flour Peanut Butter Cookies Recipes

Diwali Main Course Recipes

Festive meals are incomplete without hearty and flavorful Diwali mains. From creamy Paneer Butter Masala and rich Dal Makhani to comforting classics like Aloo Tamatar ki Sabji, Aloo Gobi, and Baingan Bharta, these curries make the perfect food for Diwali. Paired with soft puris or naan, this spread of traditional Diwali foods adds warmth, richness, and celebration to every festive thali.

40
aloo tamatar ki sabji served in a bowl with bedmi pooris on a plate kept on the top left side
Aloo Tamatar ki Sabji
This simple yet flavorful curry made with potatoes and tomatoes is a comforting food for Diwali. Served with puris, itโ€™s a traditional favorite during festive meals.
Get The Aloo Tamatar Ki Sabji Recipe
41
dal makhani dish
Dal Makhani
Slow-cooked black lentils in a buttery, creamy sauce make this dish a timeless Diwali food. It's indulgent and perfect for special occasions.
Get The Dal Makhani Recipe
42
butter paneer masala recipe
Paneer Butter Masala
Creamy, rich, and bursting with flavor, this paneer curry is a must-have Diwali recipe. It's a royal dish that elevates any festive spread.
Get The Butter Paneer Masala Recipe
43
Chana Masala
Spiced chickpea curry, hearty and delicious, is one of the most popular foods of Diwali. It pairs perfectly with bhature, puri, or naan.
Get The Chana Masala Recipe
44
Aloo Gobi
A dry curry of potatoes and cauliflower, this humble yet delicious dish is a common part of Diwali foods. Light, spiced, and loved by all.
Get The Instant Pot Aloo Gobi Recipe
45
bharta recipe
Baingan Bharta
Smoky roasted eggplant cooked with spices creates a rustic and flavorful curry. This traditional food for Diwali adds depth to the festive thali.
Get The Baingan Bharta Recipe

Beverages For Diwali

Refreshing drinks are an essential part of any festive spread, and Diwali beverages perfectly complement your Diwali foods. From rich and creamy Badam Milk to tangy Cranberry Pomegranate Juice and classic lemonade, these drinks add flavor, color, and balance to your food for Diwali, keeping your celebrations vibrant and enjoyable.

46
badam milk recipes
Badam Milk
Rich almond milk with saffron, a traditional food for Diwali drink.
Get The Badam Milk Recipe
47
Cranberry Pomegranate Juice
Tangy and vibrant juice, a modern festive Diwali recipe.
Get The Cranberry Pomegranate Juice Recipe
Get The Lemonade Recipe

Diwali is all about lights, laughter, and the joy of sharing delicious food with loved ones. From festive sweets like besan burfi, kheer, and gujiya to savory appetizers such as paneer tikka, dahi vada, and chakli, and hearty mains like dal makhani, chana masala, and puri, this collection of Diwali recipes brings you the very best foods of Diwali.

Whether you're planning an elaborate feast or looking for easy food for Diwali, these recipes will help you create a memorable celebration filled with flavor, tradition, and love.

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Glad to meet you! Here you will find quick and easy weeknight dinners to more complex dishes for special occasions. I love cooking with fresh, seasonal ingredients.

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