In the United States Diwali is celebrated in various ways!
Community Events and Festivals: Many cities host Diwali fairs and festivals featuring food stalls, cultural performances, and traditional music (google Diwali events in your area).
Home Celebrations: Families celebrate Diwali by cleaning and decorating their homes, lighting diyas, and creating rangoli designs at their doorsteps.
Made using materials like colored rice, flour, or flower petals, rangoli designs can vary from simple geometric shapes to intricate motifs inspired by nature, mythology, or cultural symbols. The purpose of rangoli is to welcome guests and deities, and it’s often seen at the entrances of homes to keep out negativity. Each design is unique, reflecting the creativity and cultural significance of the creator.
Indian Traditional Sweets Traditional sweets such as laddoos, barfis, and jalebis are prepared and shared among friends and neighbors. Many restaurants offer special Diwali menus, allowing everyone to indulge in the festive flavors.
Cultural Programs: Local temples and cultural organizations often host special events, including dance performances, music recitals, and storytelling sessions that highlight the significance of Diwali for the local community.
Fireworks and Sparklers: In some areas, fireworks light up the sky, adding to the festive atmosphere.
A dish towel I found at Homegoods being sold for Diwali. It is festive and very colorful.
Recipe for a coconut Ladoo
Coconut Ladoo with Nuts and Cardamom
Ingredients:
- 2 cups shredded coconut (sweetened or unsweetened)
- 1 and 1/2 cups coconut milk
- 1/2 cup of sugar of your choice (or more)
- 2 teaspoons of cornstarch or potato starch
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- A pinch of salt
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cardamom (adjust to taste)
- 1/4 cup chopped nuts (such as walnuts, almonds, pistachios or cashews)
- Extra shredded coconut (for rolling, optional)
Instructions:
Mix Ingredients: In a medium saucepan, combine the shredded coconut, coconut milk, corn starch, sugar, vanilla extract, salt, cardamom, and chopped nuts. Mix well.
Cook the Mixture: Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly until the mixture thickens and starts to pull away from the sides of the pan (about 5-7 minutes).
Cool Slightly: Remove the pan from heat and let the mixture cool for a few minutes until it’s manageable.
Shape the Ladoos: Once cool enough to handle, take small portions and roll them into balls. If you like, roll them in extra shredded coconut for a nice coating.
Serve or Store: Enjoy right away or store in an airtight container.
What a lovely post about Diwali. It is a very happy festival.
ReplyDeleteThank you for sharing the info on Diwali. A beautiful festival!
ReplyDeleteBefore I retired our office administrator, who was of East Indian descent, always brought in trays of sweets to the office for Diwali. You can't believe how sweet! There was a sugar high at the first bite!
ReplyDeleteWhat an interesting post. I do love all of the colorful things that you found. I also like the look of that coconut ladoo. I have all of the ingredients to make those.
ReplyDeleteEverything looks so pretty. And the coconut Ladoos look delicious. I love cardamom and I would've never thought of it in a candy type recipe. andrea
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing a little of this holiday. I was not familiar with it until now. I like all the candles, and I've always appreciated Indian items when shopping at Home Goods. The food looks delicious, and the note cards are pretty and add a special touch. Those coconut desserts look Yummy. Any holiday that acknowledges the triumph of light over darkness is right up my alley. ; )
ReplyDelete~Sheri
Judee, thanks for this! I enjoyed learning about this celebration, very much!
ReplyDelete