Jane Pikett offers an easy feast to celebrate the Hindu Festival of Lights, this year on October 19
They say that in India there is a festival every day of the year, and food is central to most of them.
The autumn festival of lights, Diwali, is an ancient Hindu festival which celebrates light over darkness, good over evil, and hope over despair.
It tends to go on over five days (the sub-continent knows how to party, after all…) and the main festival night coincides with the darkest new moon night of the Hindu month.
On Diwali night, Hindus light lamps and candles and enjoy fireworks before a family feast and the exchange of gifts. Diwali food is typified by the richest foods and snacks, and a lot of the sweetest sweets beloved in this part of the world.
Diwali is celebrated in several Hindu cultures, from India and Sri Lanka to Malaysia, Singapore and Fiji. We’ve gone for an Indian theme for our feast here, which is best enjoyed shared with friends. Happy Diwali!
Recipe: Bengali split pea curry
Recipe: South Indian-style chicken curry
Recipe: Celebration vegetable biryani
Recipe: Mango and apple chutney
Recipe: Green beans with cumin seed
