Intro:In Indian tradition, Deepavali is known as the festival of prosperity. The end of harvest season is reflected in preparations of variety of recipes in different regions. Every Indian State has a unique combination of delicacies. Recently, we are losing touch with the culture of homemade Indian variants. Organiser has tried to bring out these regional variations on one platform to share the regional combinations nationally.
Human beings ‘Eat to Live’ or ‘Live to Eat’ is an eternal debate. We Indians have found a convenient answer to this. Generally, we 'Eat to Live' but when it comes to festivals, especially like Deepavali, we ‘Live to Eat’. We are also popularly branded as ‘DESI’ (something that is typically rooted in Indian culture) and are well known for our eating habits. We have a unique knack of Indianising food variations whether they are Chinese or Continental. Still when it comes to festival we prefer Desi variety of food.
Deepavali is celebrated as the festival of lights and crackers. It means differently to different age groups and classes. Traditions, customs and historical stories also varies in terms of prominence. The return of King Rama from exile after his triumphant battle against an evil king is significant, at the same time, it is a time to worship Lakshmi, the Goddess of Wealth. Some places, it is the Govardhan Puja that makes it special while in others the end of Narakasur by Goddes Kali is important. But what is common to all is celebrating cleanliness and prosperity according to one’s own ability. Many days before the festival, the woman power of the family start preparing traditional delicacies for the family and friends. That is why Deepavali cannot be imagined without sweets and savouries that are specially made at home.
Also Read : Deepavali : The Festival of Five Days
A very interesting survey discloses the reasons behind eating habits. The two habits which identify foodies are lifestyle based – when food is a lifestyle and emotion based – to show feelings like happiness, sharing and greeting. Both these are expressed during the festivities in India. Deepavali is one of the biggest festivals celebrated across India, by sharing gifts and delicacies with friends and relatives. Though this pattern is losing its streak in metros with malls and shrinking families, in Desi India, meeting and sharing makes Deepavali Special. One of the ways of this sharing is homemade delicacies.
Every family puts their own spin on the snack-sized eats. Apart from sweet dishes, there are several other delicacies that are prepared. The cuisines also depend upon the culture and family traditions. From north to south and east to west, several mouth watering delights are prepared in various manners depending upon the prevailing customs and taste. On this Deepavali, here we provide you with few traditional and regional delicious recipes with some unusual ones. Now you can try your hand at these too! Are you ready to celebrate Deepavali? This Deepavali, instead of having outside food and catching up with eating joints, reconnect with the roots and share your choice of ‘Desi Delicacy’ with your relatives and friends.
–Monica Sangwan
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