Diwali, India’s ‘Festival of Lights,’ celebrates the triumph of good over evil, filling homes and hearts with light and joy. Over time, this celebration has expanded far beyond India, with communities worldwide embracing its cultural vibrancy and the values it represents. From Texas to Dubai, Diwali now includes local traditions and flavours, adding unique touches to the traditional festivities.
Diwali shines across the US and the UAE
Recently, Texas officially declared Diwali a public holiday, joining Pennsylvania on a growing list of US states recognizing the festival. This move demonstrates a commitment to celebrating cultural diversity, allowing millions of residents to fully observe Diwali. Across cities, public events, rangoli displays, and cultural performances bring together people from all backgrounds, highlighting the festival’s messages of unity, hope, and goodwill.
In the UAE, Diwali is celebrated with even more public flair. Dubai, in particular, becomes a beacon of colour and light, with buildings, malls, and businesses adorned in vibrant Diwali-themed decorations. Fireworks displays and specially designated arenas for community gatherings create a festive atmosphere that draws crowds from across the UAE and beyond. This embrace of Diwali reflects the UAE’s multicultural spirit, making it a celebration that brings joy to residents and visitors alike.
Traditional sweets and savouries
Central to Diwali are the culinary traditions, especially in the southern states of Telangana and Andhra Pradesh. In Telangana, preparations for Diwali sweets and savories begin well in advance, often with families spending days cleaning, washing, and drying rice. The rice is then pounded or ground into fine flour, which becomes the base for savory snacks like muruku, sakinalu, and chekkalu. Mixed with peanuts or chana dal, these crunchy snacks are staples at Diwali feasts, with each bite evoking nostalgia and tradition.
Rice flour is also essential for ariselu, a Telangana specialty sweetened with jaggery and sprinkled with sesame seeds, beloved for its rich flavor and texture. Another popular Diwali item is pheni, a delicate, seviya-like snack made from rice and ghee, available in sweet shops. Pheni is enjoyed with sugar and can be eaten with or without milk, making it a versatile treat that adds both tradition and unique flavor to the festive table.
Meanwhile, Andhra Pradesh brings its own festive favourites, from pootha rekulu (delicate rice paper sweets filled with jaggery) to madata kaja, kajjikayalu, and pala kova. Laddu, made with besan, ghee, and sugar, is another Diwali must-have, as is gulab jamun, with its soft, syrupy richness.
Local enterprises keep traditions alive
While these culinary traditions remain cherished, changing lifestyles have made preparing these treats at home more challenging. Sweet shops across India now offer a vast selection of Diwali snacks and sweets, catering to families balancing festival preparations with busy work schedules. Every neighbourhood has its trusted sweet shop, where shelves are lined with everything from ras malai and rosogolla to Arabic-inspired treats like baklava and kunafa, giving a global touch to the Diwali table.
In Hyderabad, swagruha and Pindi vantalu home industries support the festival by offering handmade traditional treats. Employing local women and men, these small enterprises provide an affordable way to enjoy authentic Diwali snacks while supporting local livelihoods. For families short on time, they offer a perfect solution: festive flavours made with care, minus the labor-intensive preparations our grandmothers once undertook.
Diwali gift hampers
The tradition of exchanging Diwali gifts has evolved too. Today, many opt for ready-made hampers filled not only with sweets but also with nuts, dry fruits, and even chocolates. These hampers, beautifully packaged and decorated, add a touch of thoughtfulness to the holiday, appealing to both traditionalists and health-conscious recipients. For some, these hampers offer a way to gift the spirit of Diwali without the added sugar, blending traditional warmth with modern sensibilities.
A timeless celebration shared worldwide
As Diwali is celebrated across borders, its essence remains intact: a festival of light, unity, and resilience. Whether it’s a Texas town hosting Diwali for the first time, Dubai’s skyline aglow with festive lights, or the familiar clatter of sweets being packed in India’s bustling markets, Diwali is a time when the world feels a little brighter. It’s a holiday deeply rooted in Indian tradition, yet increasingly embraced by those who see its universal message of hope and renewal.