Diwali Assembly

In celebration of the “victory of light over darkness, good over evil, and knowledge over ignorance”, Diwali is celebrated during the Hindu lunisolar months of Ashvin and Kartika, between around mid-September and mid-November. This year Diwali falls on Sunday 12th November.

In school Mrs Hare and her Son Mr Hare explained to all of the children how they will be celebrating Diwali at home and the reasons why for the various traditions. Some children were able to try out traditional Sikh garments. They also spoke about all of the delicious food that they cook and eat. Here are some examples.

1. Pistachio barfi

Barfi comes in so many shapes, sizes and flavours, and is much loved for its cardamom flavour and soft, fudgy texture. It’s made by simmering milk until creamy and thickened. It is then sweetened, spiced and mixed with finely chopped nuts. A decorated box of barfi makes a great Diwali gift. Try our pistachio barfi for a decadent sweet treat.

2. Gulab jamun

Gulab jamun in a bowl on a metal plate with a metal spoon

These soft, fresh cheese gulab jamun dumplings are fried until golden and then dunked in a scented rose and saffron syrup, and left to soften. Make them a day or two before needed so that they can absorb the syrupy goodness. Serve piping hot.

3. Cardamom biscuits (nan khatai)

Cardamom biscuits on a blue plate next to a smaller plate with chai tea and two biscuits

Introduced to India by the Mughals, these sweetly spiced, buttery cardamom biscuits are especially popular across South Asia during the festival season. Gram flour and semolina provide an extra layer of nutty flavour and crunchy texture. Enjoy with a warming mug of aromatic chai.

4. Punjabi semolina halwa (suji halwa)

Semolina halwa in bowls topped with raisins and almonds

This warming pudding is made with roasted semolina, homemade ghee and cardamom-infused syrup. It’s simple and quick to put together, and can also be made with roasted whole wheat or chapati flour.

5. Rice pudding (kheer)

Two bowls of kheer topped with dried fruit and almond flakes next to a bowl of raisins and a bowl of almond flakes

This deluxe Indian rice pudding, known as kheer, can be served hot or chilled. Creamy, slow-cooked rice is given a stylish makeover with citrusy cardamom, auburn-hued saffron and plenty of dried fruit and nuts.

Take your pick from more globally inspired rice pudding recipes.

6. Spiced gram flour ladoo (besan ladoo)

It’s worth making your own ghee for this recipe as it has a superior flavour to shop-bought varieties, and heats to a high temperature without scorching. These nutty, buttery sweetmeats are especially popular with children across India. Try making besan ladoo at home with our simple recipe.

7. Carrot halwa (Gajar halwa)

Cooking grated carrots in cardamom milk, butter and sugar give them an almost caramel flavour. Carrot halwa‘s a marvellous warming Punjabi pudding and a family favourite throughout the festive season.

Check out more sweet and savoury carrot recipes in our ultimate collection.

8. Aloo tikki

Golden fried potato cakes filled with spiced peas work especially well with sweet and sour date and tamarind chutney and green coriander relish. These delectable aloo tikki patties won’t last long.

For more popular street food snacks, try these recipes for easy onion bhajis, vegetable samosas and cauliflower chaat.

9. Makhani dhal

Makhani dahl in a large skillet topped with

There are many variations of North India’s favourite party dhal. This dhal makhani recipe is made with slow-cooked black lentils and kidney beans, spiked with astringent green chillies and finished with tomatoes, cream and plenty of butter.

For more inspiration, try our top 10 dhal recipes.

10. Herby paneer parcels

Paneer is an obliging host for fresh herbs blitzed with garlic, ginger, green chillies and aromatic garam masala. If you’re looking for advice on using up storecupboard spices, take a look at our guide.