In Good Taste: Diwali - Indian festival of Lights

Diwali or Deepavali is a major Hindu festival. For Indians there is no bigger occasion than Diwali, also known as the ‘festival of lights’. It symbolizes the victory of good over evil. On this day the Hindu God - King Rama - returned home to His Kingdom of Ayodhya after defeating the Demon King Ravana.

It also marks the beginning of the Hindu New Year (a lunar calendar). People exchange gifts and sweets, many wear new clothes, clean and paint their homes and some families make large investments of gold and silver. It is considered an auspicious day to open new businesses and make investments.

Lakshmi Puja, the day of worship for the Goddess of Wealth, is also celebrated on Diwali and businessmen open new books of accounts on this day. Every home is brightly illuminated with small oil lamps. Doors and windows are left open and lights left burning all night, so that Goddess Lakshmi can enter your home and bring blessings for the coming year.

Home made sweets and desserts are prepared weeks ahead and are distributed to friends and neighbors. Children play with fireworks all night long and there is an atmosphere of festivity and celebration everywhere.

This year Diwali falls on October 21.

If you love Indian food and are fascinated by the depth of the culture, this special evening will be perfect for you. Join Leena Ezekiel as she gives us a peek into this most spectacular and joyous of Indian celebrations.

Each guest will be treated to traditional gifts, as is the custom, and the ladies will be offered the opportunity to be painted with henna. The room will be decorated with the traditional flowers and lights of this very festive holiday.

Pooris
Light and Puffy Deep- fried Indian festive breads

Chana Masala
Garbanzo beans in a rich tomato sauce, flavored with Cumin and Corriander and a hint of tamarind.

Kosha Mangsho
Tender Lamb , simmered in it's own juices with ginger and garlic and a variety of Indian spices

Besan Laddoo
A popular Diwali sweet made with garbanzo bean flour and clarified butter

Gujias
It wouldn’t be Diwali without these little pastry packets filled with sweetened coconut and deep fried