Diwali is on 17th October 2009

Diwali or Deepavali is festival of lights and the occasion of sweets, fire crackers, new dresses. Let us celebrate and enjoy the lights and sounds of this wonderful happy occasion.

The mythology of Deepavali differs from North to South India. In Tamilnadu, it is celebrated to commemorate the killing of the demon Narakasuran. The main part of the celebration is Early Morning Oil Bath. The eldest woman of the family rubs jingelly oil on the heads of all the family members. Then everyone take oil bath and wear new dresses. Children start “bursting crackers” which represents the slaughter of the demon king Narakasuran.

There are varities of sweets and snacks prepared for Diwali. All the dishes are offered to God and after prayers, seek the blessings of the elders. This will be followed by people visiting temples and exchanging sweets with neighbours and relatives.

Recipes for some common sweets and savories prepared for Diwali are given below.

Laddu: Besan flour – 2 cups (heaped), Cooking soda – a pinch, Oil for deep frying, Sugar – 3 cups, Water – 1 cup, Few drops of kesar colour.....more


Badhusha: Maida – 2 cups, Sugar – 3 cups, Ghee or dalda – ¾ cup, Baking soda – ¼ teaspoon, Oil – for deep frying, Sliced pista, almonds and dry coconut for garnishing.....more


Mysore Pak: Bengal gram flour - 1 cup, Sugar - 2 cups, Ghee - 2 cups, Water – ½ cup .....more


Adirasam: Raw Rice – 2 cups, Jaggery powdered – 2 cups, Khus Khus – 1 teaspoon, Dry Ginger Powder – 1 teaspoon, Cardamom powder.....more



Pottukadalai Urundai: Pottukadalai – 3 cups, Sugar – 2 cups, Ghee - ½ cup, Cardamon – 8 , Cashew Nuts – 10 .....more


Sweet Somasa: Maida - 2 cups, Oil or butter - 1/4 cup, Pottukadalai - 1 cup, Sugar - 1 cup, Coconut gratings - 1/2 cup, Cardamom Powder.....more


Thenkuzhal: 4 cups raw rice, 1 cup urad dal, 2 tbsp butter, 1/4 tsp asafoetida powder, 2 tbsp cumin seeds, salt - to taste (two teaspoon), oil for deep frying .....more


Ribbon Pakoda: Besan flour – 2 cups, Rice flour – 1 cup, Chilli powder – 1 teaspoon, Asafotida powder – 1 teaspoon, Salt – 1 teaspoon, Butter or Ghee.....more


Mixture: Besan flour 3 cups, Rice flour – 3 cups, Butter – 3 teaspoon, Salt – 3 teaspoon (or as per taste), Aval (Poha) – Half cup, Chutney dhal – Half cup.....more

Apart from sweets and savories made for Deepavali, Idli, Dosai, Vadai, Suzhiyan are common dishes prepared for breakfast.