Adda With Kalyan: Diwali Food Tales Across Communities #Hangout

What comes to your mind when we say Diwali? You are right, food. The best thing about Indian festivals is the variety of food available across the country. But, do you know what's eaten during the festivities in our different states? On our latest edition of Adda With Kalyan, IFN's Editor-at-Large, Kalyan Karmakar gets talking to food bloggers and home chefs to understand Diwali food traditions across communities like Maharashtrian, Gujarati, Punjabi and the Brahmins of Karnataka.

If you were to visit India during Diwali, you'd be captivated by the grandeur and excitement in the air. Streets and homes adorned with lights and beautiful decorations, kitchens filled with the aroma of home-made sweets and snacks, it surely gives everybody a reason to celebrate. Food plays an integral role in any kind of festivities, and Diwali is no different. To know what's cooked at homes and food traditions, we spoke to food consultant, Bimba Nayak, food photographer and consultant, Rekha Kakkar, owner of Mumbai's popular Gujarati restaurant, Soam, Pinky Chandan Dixit and food blogger, Suma Rowjee.

For the Gujaratis, Diwali is a time to exchange various types of sweet and savoury items between friends and family. Pinky points out that the community would celebrate the days leading to the big day more than the actual day. Stocking up on farsan, both fresh and dry was also a big thing back in the day.

The Pathare Prabhus, the original residents of Mumbai, cook up a variety of sweets and snacks during Diwali. Interestingly, the community feasts on lavish spreads including fish, chicken and mutton. Bimba, who conducts cookery classes, quips that stuffed pomfret is a speciality and is specifically prepared on the day.

Whatever be the mood, it is evident that the festival brings in much joy across communities. And, food is what binds everyone from all over the country.