Now that the history and origins of Diwali are no longer a mystery to you, discover what people typically eat to mark this grand Indian and Hindu festival, which this year falls on November 8, 2026 in India, and also in all countries and cities where the Indian diaspora is present, such as Paris!
The culinary specialties are, indeed, a central part of Diwali, and although they vary from region to region across India, they all share a common thread: a blend of sweet and savory flavors and vibrant colors. Here are some of the most popular traditional specialties prepared by families for Diwali 2026!
Mithai are the must-have sweets of Diwali. During the five days of celebration, a wide variety of these sweet treats can be found on tables, including barfis, condensed milk-based rectangles topped with pistachio and cardamom; gulab jamun, little balls of dough fried in sweet syrup; jalebis, spiral-shaped pastries dipped in syrup; balushahi, similar to doughnuts; and laddus, sweet balls made from chickpea flour.
These sweets, known as prasad ("offerings"), are exchanged between friends and family during the festival. Reputed to be the favorite dessert of the deity Ganesh, modak, a sweet purse filled with coconut, is also eaten and offered during Diwali.
Samosas, triangles stuffed with vegetables or meat, and pakoras, fried fritters made from vegetables, meat or fish, are popular savoury dishes during Diwali, served as snacks during the festivities.
Namkeen include a wide variety of savory snacks, such as bhujia, spicy noodles, chivdas, a mixture of nuts and puffed cereals, and papad, thin lentil or chickpea flour cakes, usually eaten with tea during family gatherings.
Another Diwali tradition is the creation of edible rangoli from sweets. As we told you when we explained the origins of Diwali, rangoli are patterns laid out on the floor to welcome the deities into the home. Some families arrange mithai of different colors and shapes on the floor to create artistic patterns that are both decorative and delicious.
The Diwali meal is often served on a thali, a metal tray containing a variety of colorful, spicy dishes, including lentil dahl, vegetables prepared in different ways, basmati rice, naan, chutney or raita, a sauce made from yogurt and vegetables. Dishes vary, of course, depending on the region of India!
Biryani is a dish of fragrant rice mixed with spices, vegetables and meat - usually lamb or chicken. A staple of this popular festival, it is appreciated for its rich, complex flavours.
Chai masala is one of the drinks served during Diwali celebrations. It's black tea flavored with spices such as cardamom, cinnamon, cloves and ginger. It is sweetened and served with milk for a comforting creaminess.
Rich in flavor, texture and color, traditional Diwali specialties reflect India's cultural and culinary diversity, while celebrating the sweetness of life and abundance. Why not take a trip to one of Paris's Indian restaurants to sample some of these specialities?
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