Deepavali, or more familiarly known as Diwali, was on the 14th of November this year (2020). Everyone would be excited for this festival weeks before it would actually come. So would I. As a foodie, I would be excited for all the sweet and savoury treats my mom would make!

Usually, Deepavali would be celebrated grandly. People in different parts of India celebrate this festival for different reasons.

In the South, people celebrate this festival as it is believed that Lord Krishna defeated and killed the demon, Narakasura.

In the North, people celebrate Diwali as it is believed that, Lord Ram returned back to Ayodhya after 14 years of exile, with Lakshman, his brother and Sita, his wife, following victory over Ravan in a battle. On their arrival, the people of Ayodhya lit up lamps.

In this post, I would like to share a few of the photos I clicked of the treats that my mom prepared for Diwali.

But first, I would like to thank my mom for patiently helping me till I finished clicking all the photos, even though I would be using only a few for this post.

1. Pathirpeni/Sugar Coated White Crisps

These sugar-coated deep fried treats may be extra sugary, but they surely are crispy.

This is a nice article on Parthirpeni (along with the recipe): Pathirpeni/Sugary Snow White Crisps

2. Jaggery Paniyaram

These soft paniyarams are made of jaggery and are sweet. They can also be made in a savoury way by adding chopped chillies, onions and spices. Paniyarams, whether savoury or sweet, are made in a Traditional Paniyaram Chatti.

This is an article (along with the recipe) on the savoury paniyarams: Spongy Kuzhi Paniyarams

3. Murukku

These crispy, fried Murukkus come in different shapes and sizes. This year, my mom made Thenguzhal Murukku. Murukku is traditionally made by hand, but nowadays, murukku machines are used for making them.

4. Nei Kadalai

This was the first time I had Nei Kadalai. Nei Kadalai is a spicy Kadalai Paruppu (Bengal Gram) snack, tossed with some Kariveppilai (Curry Leaves).

5. Gram Flour Burfi

Gram Flour Burfi is made of Gram Flour, Cane Sugar and Nei (Clarified Butter). It had a melt-in the-mouth consistency because of Nei.

SEE YOU IN THE NEXT POST!