Diwali, the festival of lights, is a time for togetherness and joy. This year Diwali will be celebrated on November 12. Beyond its religious importance, this festival is a wonderful occasion to savour delectable dishes. Although Diwali festivities may differ from state to state, a common tradition is the creation of special sweets and snacks. This festive season, try these 6 traditional foods.

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Choddo Shaak (14 Leafy Greens)

This dish is enjoyed a day before Diwali on Narak Chaturdashi. The name, meaning “14 greens,” signifies the use of 14 different leafy vegetables. It is believed that the leaves used here have therapeutic components to prevent ailments as the winter season approaches.

Anarsa

A must-have in the Diwali breakfast for Maharashtrians. Anarsa is made of rice flour and jaggery fritters loaded with poppy seeds. In Maharashtra, people start their Diwali day early and indulge in a delicious breakfast consisting of both savoury and sweet dishes.

Mawa Kachori

This rich dry fruit and khoya-filled golden fried kachoris coated in sugar syrup is quite popular in Rajasthan. The soft texture of the interior nicely complements the crunchiness of the surface to create an exceptionally delicious dessert.

Chironji Ki Barfi

This is a unique dessert that originated in Madhya Pradesh, and is consumed throughout the state on Diwali. This is a mixture of Chironji seeds and other dry fruits to make a nutritious and delectable dessert.

Teepi Gavvalu

A festive delight in Andhra Pradesh, the name translates to “Sweet Shells” in Telugu. These shell-shaped sweets are made by shaping a dough of flour and jaggery, deep-frying them, and then dipping them in delicious sugar syrup.

Marundhu Or Legiyam

A blend of carom seeds, poppy seeds, dry ginger, dry grapes, honey, jaggery, almonds, and ghee, this is a must-have in Tamil Nadu. It is believed to aid digestion and ensure the stomach can handle the rich dishes consumed during the day.