Traditional Indian Sweets: Festivals are such as an integral part of Indian culture. There are a number of festivals celebrated in India throughout the year. As much as the festivals are basic to the Indian traditions, that much is sweets quintessential part of the festivals. A number of festivals are celebrated likewise a number of sweets are prepared. Just as the food, the sweets prepared for festivals also vary as we move from one state to another. This diversity gives a lot of variety to Indian cuisine. For example, gujiya is a popular North Indian sweet recipe. Its variation is Karanji from Maharashtra, Nevri from Goa, Ghugra from Gujarat. Halwa in North India, Kesari in South India; kheer in the North, its variation Phirni in Punjab and Payasam in South India! Interesting isn’t it!
Nowadays everyone loves to make new and innovative dishes and desserts. But the magic of traditional Indian sweets is unmatched. There are a number of desserts we have seen our mothers and grandmothers cook for the festivals. In fact, few sweets are the identity of the festivals or if I can say, festivals are incomplete without particular sweets. For me gujiya is a must on Holi, my Rakhi thali is incomplete without besan ke ladoo, the Diwali celebrations are dull without gulab jamun and barfi.
Here are a number of desserts and sweets that are prepared at different festivals. These recipes come from my mother, grandmother, and aunts.
Kheer, Halwa, Ladoo are the most common and traditional sweets and dessert recipes. Along with these following are being prepared in the Indian kitchens for years. Do try your favorites this Diwali.
Click the name of the sweet/dessert to see the recipe.
