What is Diwali and when is it celebrated?
Diwali is a festival that represents the triumph of good over evil, light over darkness and wisdom over ignorance. It is considered an auspicious time to start anything new, as it coincides with the Hindu New Year. Diwali follows the Hindu lunar calendar and its date changes annually—it’s celebrated on a moonless night (or Amavasya) in October or November. This year, Diwali 2021 falls on November 4th, 2021. However, the celebrations continue for over seven days, with many people celebrating well into late November with lots of food, snacks, sweets and gifts. Next: 10 Brands Every Indian Food Lover Should Have On Their Radar
What are some food traditions around Diwali?
Because India is such a diverse country, the food traditions vary from region to region. But no matter how you choose to celebrate, food is the centerpiece of most festivals, and Diwali (or Deepavali) is no different. While South Indians celebrate in the wee hours of the morning by bursting firecrackers and cooking a delicious South-Indian vegetarian meal, North Indians love late-night parties with music, dinner, drinks and a game of cards. Obviously, you can cook a spread of delicious Indian food which includes appetizers, entrees and royal desserts. And if you’re looking to save time on prep work and maximize the time you spend with family and friends, you could always consider catering your Diwali feast. Some brands also have frozen food like paneer masala, curries, naan and samosas, which can be reheated and served for an authentic and quick Indian fare.
What can you gift your loved ones during Diwali?
Edible gifts like bonbons, and mithai (Indian desserts/sweets), are always universally loved options. These days, people also love gifting healthier edibles like dates, nuts etc. If you’re looking for something unconventional and cool, how about a set of freshly-ground spices? You are guaranteed to surprise whomever you’re gifting these spices to, because they’re so different, and yet useful. Yet another exotic and useful gift could be a teeny tiny box of saffron threads! Considered auspicious and beneficial in the Indian cuisine, this ingredient is frequently used in many Indian desserts, and will surely be graciously accepted. A bottle of whisky or non-alcoholic drinks can also be a great option to take with you, if you’re attending a Diwali party. Dinner parties with gambling and drinks are a very common practice among many North Indians who celebrate Diwali. If edible gifting is not your thing, then you’ll need to think outside the box, to gift something that’s useful and appropriate for the occasion. If you’re looking for gifts for someone who is fond of cooking, then a beautifully designed Masala Box can be a very thoughtful gesture. Other gift ideas can include Indian-inspired skincare, which are time tested and exquisite. If you have the budget to splurge a little, you can also consider a set of good cookware, and this is usually gifted to newly married couples by their parents. Ultimately, Diwali is really all about getting together, exchanging good wishes and stories and sharing some delicious food. Whatever your budget, going the extra mile to gift someone with these amazing options will surely put a smile or their faces. So, let’s look at 30 amazing South-Asian brands that can be the perfect gift for your Diwali celebrations.
