Diwali is one of the most popular and largest festivals in India. Also known as The Festival of Lights, it celebrates the triumph of light over darkness, and the celebrations take many forms. People clean their houses and decorate them with colored sand and flower petals, light fireworks and oil lamps, exchange thoughtful gifts, dress in new clothes, and much more. And one of the main traditions is preparing and feasting on delicious traditional food!
At Ling, we’re all about connecting people through language, so we thought we’d take this opportunity to explore Diwali food and language. With that in mind, today we’ll teach you all about the mouth-watering food that’s served during Diwali, but with a twist: We’ll go behind the name of each dish!
So buckle up, because there’s much to learn. After all, India is as diverse in its people and cultures as it is in its cuisine and languages.
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Diwali Food And The Meaning Behind Each Name
Ever wondered what’s behind the names of your favorite festive dishes? Let’s get to know 10 popular Indian foods, some sweet, some savory, that are served during the Hindu Festival of Lights: Diwali. After each one, we’ll tell you the meaning of its name and where it comes from.
Still, keep in mind that this is by no means a complete list, even with the extra sweets and snacks we added on a table at the end. It would be a very long post if we covered all Indian festive snacks, so we’ll have to make do with some of the most popular ones.
1. Gulab Jamun
Let’s start strong with one of the most popular Indian sweets: Gulab Jamun. These are soft, berry-sized balls made of dough, which are deep-fried and soaked in rose-scented syrup.
The dough is made with khoya, or milk solids (which you get if you simmer milk until all the liquid evaporates), flour, cardamom, sugar syrup made with rose water, and some other ingredients. Since khoya isn’t always easy to get, some people also make Gulab Jamun with milk powder instead.
What Does ‘Gulab Jamun’ Mean?
The word gulab comes from the Persian words gul (flower) and āb (water), and clearly refers to the rose-water syrup this dessert is soaked in. As for jamun, it’s the Hindi name for a type of black plum, which this sweet resembles in shape and size.
2. Aloo Tikki
Known all around the world, Aloo Tikki is a beloved Indian dish that’s also served during festivals (and it’s an essential Northern Indian street food as well!). These are small, spiced potato patties, some of them with fillings, others without, that are fried until golden.
They have many variations, all delicious, and can be served with various sweet and sour chutneys (a type of spread), yogurt, curry, and more.
What Does ‘Aloo Tikki’ Mean?
Aloo Tikki’s name is pretty straightforward: it comes directly from the Hindi words aloo (आलू), or ‘potato,’ and tikki (टिक्की), or ‘patty/cutlet.’ So it’s literally ‘potato patty’!
3. Samosas
This deep-fried pastry is loved not only in India but also in many other countries around the world. Served as snacks or appetizers, these are thin, flaky pastries filled with a tangy mixture of mashed potatoes, green peas, onions, and spices.
They have a very distinctive triangular shape and a crispy texture, and are usually served with chutney, sweet tamarind, or a spicy yogurt sauce.
What Does ‘Samosa’ Mean?
The name Samosa comes from the Persian word sanbosag (سنبوسگ), which essentially means ‘triangular pastry.’ So it’s pretty straightforward, too!
4. Ladoo
Another delicious treat, this popular Indian sweet is made from flour, sugar syrup, ghee, and dry fruits, which are combined and shaped into little balls. They’re also commonly served in festivals like Diwali and religious ceremonies.
Like several Indian foods, this sweet has many, many variations. Just look up Ladoo on an Indian recipes site and you’ll know what I mean. Some are made with chickpea flour, while others are made with freshly grated coconut, semolina, sesame seeds, and more.
What Does ‘Ladoo’ Mean?
The word ladoo, which can also be written as laddu or laddoo, comes from a Sanskrit term that means ‘a small ball,’ which is exactly what this sweet is!
And a fun fact: In its earlier form, this sweet actually had a medicinal use, and is documented in a third-fourth century Sanskrit medical text.
5. Jalebi
Another sweet that’s common during Diwali celebrations is Jalebi, which is a popular street food as well. This crisp and crunchy sweet has a very particular spiral shape, and that, plus its bright orange color, makes it instantly recognizable.
Jalebi’s batter is made with flour, sugar, saffron, and ghee, and it’s deep-fried and then doused with syrup. It’s usually served with curd, rabri (sweet, thickened milk), or milk.
What Does ‘Jalebi’ Mean?
The name for this sweet is actually not Indian in origin; it comes from the Arabic word zulabiya (زلابيا) or the Persian word zolbiya (زولبیا). These were the names for a very similar sweet that was brought to India by traders, probably around the Middle Ages.
6. Barfi
Barfi, or burfi, is another milk-based sweet that’s very popular during Diwali and other festivals in the Hindu calendar. It has a fudge-like consistency and is served in the form of squares, diamonds, or circles. Much like Gulab Jamun, these sweet treats are traditionally made with khoya (milk solids), but can also be made with milk powder or even condensed milk. Plus, it’s fairly quick to make, which makes it an excellent option for celebrations.
As usual, this sweet has many variations, mainly because you can add several different ingredients to the base mixture, so you’ll find several creative recipes out there. Some of the most common ones are cashews, pistachios, coconut, chickpea flour, almonds, cardamom, and mango.
What Does ‘Barfi’ Mean?
The name Barfi comes from the Persian word barf (برف), which means ‘snow’ or ‘ice.’ This is a reference to the original and most basic form of the sweet, which is white and makes one think of snow.
7. Kheer
Kheer is said to be one of the oldest and most traditional desserts in the Indian subcontinent, which, of course, makes it essential in any celebration. A beloved rice pudding, it’s common in festivals, religious ceremonies, and other festivities. In South India, it’s equally popular version is called Payasam.
It’s mainly made by slow cooking rice with milk and sugar or jaggery, and has a creamy consistency. However, it also has several variations and can be made with tapioca pearls, vermicelli, lentils, and vegetables. It contains spices such as cardamom and saffron as well, plus nuts and rose water, which give it its distinctive aromatic flavor.
What Does ‘Kheer’ Mean?
The name Kheer comes from the word kshīra (क्षीर) in Sanskrit, which means ‘milk.’ Apparently, ‘rice’ was left out of the name, but the milk is just as important, isn’t it?
8. Halwa
Halwa is a sweet that’s not just popular in India. It’s common throughout the Middle East, North and East Africa, Eastern Europe, and Central and South Asia. It has a Persian origin, and can greatly vary in consistency depending on the version you’re eating: it can be dense and pudding-like, smooth and gelatinous, jam-like, soft and moist, and more.
Its main ingredients vary, as it can be made with semolina, carrots, flour, and nuts, and it also contains cardamom, ghee, sugar, and milk. It’s a comfort food for a great number of people, and is also served during festivals like Diwali and religious ceremonies.
What Does ‘Halwa’ Mean?
Halwa’s name comes from the Arabic word ḥalwā (حَلْوَى), an adjective that means ‘sweet.’ In essence. Halwa means ‘something sweet,’ which is probably why this dessert takes so many forms!
9. Chivda
A savory snack mix, Chivda is also called Bombay Mix. It’s crunchy and consists of flattened rice with different seeds, nuts, lentils, spices, and curry leaves.
It’s usually condimented with turmeric, chili powder, mustard seeds, and salt, and is a staple food in many Indian homes. People enjoy it throughout the year in its many variations (with cornflakes or oats, for example), but it’s also served during festive times like Diwali.
What Does ‘Chivda’ Mean?
Chivda (चिवड़ा) is a Marathi word that means ‘beaten or flattened rice,’ so it simply refers to the main ingredient of the mix.
10. Gujiya/ Karanji
Last on our list, but certainly not least, is a very popular food in festivals like Holi and Diwali: Gujiya. This sweet, crunchy pastry is a classic festive treat, especially in Northern and Central India. In Maharashtra, the Marathi speaking region of India, this sweet snack is known as Karanji.
It takes the form of a crescent with a decorative edge, which is deep-fried until crunchy. It has a crisp, flaky exterior made with flour dough, and is filled with khoya, dried fruits like nuts and raisins, cardamom, and sometimes coconut.
What Does ‘Gujiya’ Mean?
Gujiya (गुजिया) is a Hindi noun, and unlike the rest of the names on our list, it isn’t derived from another word or another language: it’s the name that refers specifically to this pastry. So, Gujiya just means Gujiya!
More Indian Sweets And Snacks To Celebrate The Festival Of Lights
Thought that was all? Certainly not! Here’s a table with other traditional sweets and snacks that are served during these festive times, so you can learn even more about Diwali food and language.
And remember, there are many more delicious Diwali foods out there; we couldn’t possibly cover them all!
| Food | Region | Description | Language of the Name | Meaning of the Name |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pinni | North India | Dense ladoos (spherical sweets) made with roasted flour, desi ghee, jaggery, and nuts. | Punjabi | Means “a small lump” or “handful.” |
| Bedmi Puri | North India | A type of puri (deep-fried bread) made with whole wheat flour and urad dal bean paste. | Hindi | From “Bedmi,” a name for Urad Dal in some regions. |
| Ghathiya | West India | Thick, crispy gram flour noodles with black pepper and cumin. | Gujarati | From “Ghat,” meaning “thick” or “mass.” |
| Mysore Pak | South India | A sweet with a melt-in-the-mouth texture, made from besan, ghee, and sugar. | Kannada (with Farsi influence) | Named after the city of Mysore. “Pak” is Farsi for a dense, sweet mixture. |
| Murukku | South India | Crunchy, savory, spiral-shaped fritters made from rice and urad dal flour. | Tamil | Means “twist” or “coil.” |
| Pongal | South India | A savory dish of rice and lentils with black pepper, cumin, ginger, and ghee. | Tamil | Means “to boil over,” symbolizing prosperity and abundance. |
| Cham Cham | East India | An elongated sweet often coated with coconut or vermicelli, with a dense texture. | Bengali | The name likely refers to the sound of chewing its soft, spongy texture. |
Frequently Asked Questions About Diwali Food And Language
What Is The Language Of The Word 'Diwali'?
The word 'Diwali' comes from the Sanskrit term dipavali, and that's how the festival is still called in some regions. The term is formed with the words Dīpa (दीप), which means 'lamp,' 'light,' or 'lantern,' and Āvali (आवलि), meaning 'a row,' or 'series.'
Is Diwali A Celebration Of Food?
Diwali is not a celebration of food itself, but food does play a vital role in Diwali traditions. During the festivities, food is often presented as an offering to deities, particularly Goddess Lakshmi. It also serves as a way to get together with family and loved ones and share with the community, symbolizing prosperity, happiness, and the victory of good over evil.
What Are Some Snacks For Celebrating Diwali?
Some popular Diwali snacks include chakli/murukku, mathri, namak para, aloo bhujia, chivda, and sev thin, which are savory and crunchy. There's also savory cakes and fried bites like dhokla, aloo tikki, samosas, and kachori. Finally, there are many sweet snacks, such as nankhatai, gulab jamun, jalebi, sweet murukku (manoharam), shankarpali, barfi, and laddoo.
Hungry Yet?
In this post, we went over what several festive Diwali foods look like, what they contain, and how they’re made, but we also discovered what their names actually mean and where they come from.
You now know that Gulab has a Persian origin, that Ladoo and Kheer come from Sanskrit, that Halwa is an Arabic word, that Gujiya is a Hindi term through and through, and much more.
So go on, join the festivities, and see if you can find a way to use your newfound knowledge on Diwali food and language!
Discover Indian Languages With Ling
Did you know you can learn several languages from the Indian subcontinent on the Ling app? That’s right, you can learn Hindi, Marathi, Kannada, Gujarati, Malayalam, Punjabi, Telugu, Tamil, Nepali, and Bengali.
Maybe you’re traveling to India during the festivities and want to learn some phrases before you go, or perhaps you’re reconnecting with your family and heritage, or visiting friends, and want to brush up on your language skills. Either way, Ling’s got you covered.
With fun, short exercises, audio from native speakers, dialogs to practice conversations, and much more, you’ll find everything you need for your learning journey. There are also points and achievements to keep you motivated, several review options to practice what you learn, and even a couple of cute mascots to accompany you along the way.
So don’t wait any longer and start learning your target language today. You can definitely learn a bunch useful phrases before Diwali if you use the app a few minutes every day!
