Happy Diwali (Festival of Lights)

Diwali is often referred to as the “Festival of Lights” and this year it will be celebrated on Friday November 5th, 2010. It is a Hindu holiday that is celebrated with great enthusiasm, throughout the world. Diwali signifies the victory of good over evil. Most people believe Diwali to be a celebration of the return of Lord Rama to his kingdom, Ayodhya after 14 years of exile and after defeating the demon king, Ravan. Jains celebrate Diwali as the time of attainment of moksha by Lord Mahavir.

My best childhood memories of Diwali are lighting the oil lamps (diyas) and putting string lights around the house. We lighted fireworks with our neighbors and the grownups played cards into the night. I remember helping my mother in the kitchen, cooking delicious food for several days. Shopping for new clothes and buying something new for the kitchen was a definite tradition.

Diwali celebration is actually a 3-day event beginning with the worship of Goddess Lakshmi called “Dhanteras”. The following day is considered pre-Diwali and the final day is the actual celebration of Diwali. My family will be getting together to have dinner and play cards each of the 3 nights, as part of the festivities.

I would like to share with you the menu I have made for this Diwali for my family and maybe this can give you some ideas too.

Menu for Wednesday November 3rd, 2010.

Appetizers: Cheese fondue with Broccoli, Cauliflower, stir fry Potatoes and some bread cubes. I prefer Tuscan or French bread.

Main Course: Matter Paneer, Aloo Gobhi, Chole (chana masala), Spinach Raita, Cumin Rice, and an Indian bread, which I have not decided yet.

Dessert: Boondi ladoo. I will serve just the Sweet Boondis in decorative cupcake liners and drizzle the top with chocolate syrup. My grandkids love it.

Menu for Thursday November 4th

Appetizers: Papdi served with Chole Chat and Salad.

Main Meal: Cabbage Kofta, Sukha Aloo, Vegetable Korma, Yogurt, Rice and Naan.

Dessert: Apple crumb Pie.

Menu for Diwali Day, Friday November 5th

We will have an early dinner and serve appetizers and dessert while playing cards, hopefully late into the night. We are fortunate that this year Diwali falls on a Friday and we can spend time freely with our family.

Main Course: Spicy Squash, Potato Curry with Yogurt Gravy, Butter Paneer Masala, Dahi Vada, Dal Puri (I have not posted this recipe yet, but these are whole wheat puris with urad dal filling). This is very typical, traditional holiday bread in north India.

Appetizers: Besan Paare, Crispy Spinach Pakoras, Masala Peanuts, and Muthia.

Dessert: Gajar Ka Halwa, Baklava Rolls, and Kalakand.