As the gentle glow of diyas fills our homes and the sound of laughter echoes through the streets, there’s one question on everyone’s mind: “Which Diwali sweets should I buy this year?”
Diwali, our beloved Festival of Lights, is as much a celebration of sweets as it is of light triumphing over darkness.
From the bustling lanes of Old Delhi to the modern sweet shops of Mumbai, the air is thick with the aroma of ghee, cardamom, and sugar syrup.
You know that moment when you walk into a traditional Mithai shop? The gleaming displays of colourful sweets, the busy halwais (sweet makers) working their magic, and that impossible task of choosing just a few varieties from the hundreds on display!
It’s like being a kid in a candy store, except this candy store has centuries of tradition and love poured into every treat. This year, as we prepare our Diwali gift boxes, let’s explore five classic Indian sweets that never fail to bring smiles to faces.
Whether you’re gifting them to your boss (who secretly has a sweet tooth), your neighbours (who always remember your preferences during their festivities), or your family members (who’ll judge the quality like professional food critics!), these sweets are your ticket to being the favourite gift-giver this season and you can find each in our Milkbasket app, India’s best online food shopping app.
These diamond-shaped delights aren’t just pretty to look at – they’re little slices of cashew heaven! Made from ground cashews and sugar, these silvery-wrapped sweets are probably the most ‘gifted’ Diwali treat ever.
💡Did you know? The silver varq (foil) traditionally used on Kaju Katli wasn’t just for show – it was believed to have medicinal properties in Ayurveda!
Editor’s Choice: Lal Kaju Katli (Buy 1 Get 1 Free)
These tiny, orange-tinted balls of happiness are made from besan (gram flour) and ghee. When you pop one in your mouth, it literally melts away!
They’re called ‘motichoor’ (crushed pearls) because the small besan balls look like pearls.
🤩 Fun fact: A typical motichoor ladoo contains around 150 tiny besan pearls!
Editor’s Choice: Haldiram’s Moti Choor Ladoo
Remember those flaky, cube-shaped sweets that every uncle and aunty seemed to exchange? That’s soan papdi! Its cotton-candy-like texture comes from pulling and twisting the sugar syrup with flour.
💡Did you know? Soan papdi originated in Iran and was originally called “Pashmak,” meaning “wool-like”!
Editor’s Choice: Haldiram’s Soan Papdi Made with Cow Ghee
These deep-fried, syrup-soaked balls of goodness are basically the Indian equivalent of doughnut holes – but so much better! Made from khoya (reduced milk) and dipped in rose-flavoured sugar syrup, they’re best served warm.
🤩 Fun fact: The largest gulab jamun ever made weighed 8.68 kg and was created in Punjab!
Editor’s Choice: Haldiram’s Gulab Jamun
This fudge-like sweet made from gram flour is dense, rich, and absolutely gorgeous with a pistachio garnish. It’s one of those sweets that perfectly balances rich and sweet flavours.
✨Pro tip: If you’re buying besan barfi, look for a slight ghee sheen on top – it’s a sign of quality!
Editor’s Choice: Lal Besan Burfi (Buy 1 Get 1 Free)
Want some Diwali sweets recipes that your kids will love? We got you covered! Read our curated list of 5 delicious Diwali sweet recipes for kids.
Want to skip the long queues at sweet shops this Diwali? Here’s some sweet news for you! All these traditional delicacies and more are available on Milkbasket, your trusted daily milk delivery app. Just like your morning milk arrives magically at your doorstep, these festive treats can too!
For those who haven’t experienced the Milkbasket convenience yet, imagine having your own 24/7 neighbourhood store at your fingertips. With over 10,000+ items from groceries to daily essential needs, it’s not just about milk anymore.
Whether it’s last-minute Diwali shopping or your regular household needs, Milkbasket has got you covered.
Here’s how to get your festive treats hassle-free:
Remember, while these sweets are delicious, they’re also meant to be shared. There’s an old Indian saying that happiness multiplies when you share sweets with others. So this Diwali, pick your favourite from these five classics and spread some sweetness!
And hey, if you’re planning to make any of these at home, here’s a sweet little secret: adding a pinch of salt to any Indian sweet enhances its flavour.
Happy Diwali, everyone! May your festivities be as sweet as these treats! 🍫
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