Diwali

What is Diwali?

Diwali, traditionally known by its Sanskrit name Deepavali, means 'a row of lights'. It's a five-day festival that falls in October or November (the dates vary according to the lunar calendar). There are numerous myths about how the festival originated. Some Hindus believe that Diwali marks the homecoming of the much-idolised King Rama, who returned after defeating the evil Ravana in a battle that lasted for 14 years.

Others believe it's the day on which the beautiful goddess Lakshmi was rescued from an evil king. Yet others insist that it's the day on which the blue-skinned god Krishna destroyed a much-despised demon. Whatever beliefs people in different parts of the Subcontinent hold about Diwali, all agree that it symbolises the triumph of good over evil – a central running theme in all Indian stories, from ancient Hindu mythology to modern-day Bollywood movies.

Celebrating Diwali

All over the world Diwali is celebrated with a great deal of joy and optimism, as it's a period that marks new beginnings. Houses are thoroughly cleaned or redecorated. In India, courtyards are swept and decorated with 'rangoli' – patterns created with powdered or wet paint. Doorways of homes are festooned with 'torans' – decorative garlands made with golden marigolds and fresh mango leaves. Private and communal worship is a major feature of the festival, and devout Hindus wake up early and bathe at the crack of dawn to go to temple.

According to Hindu beliefs, the goddess Lakshmi, who is believed to bring wealth and good fortune, only visits homes that are clean and brightly lit, so every home is lit up with dozens of flickering hand-painted terracotta lamps. Fireworks and fireworks displays - which represent the loud, fiery weapons used in ancient mythology to fight the forces of evil – are also immensely popular.

As the day after Diwali is New Year's Day according to the Hindu Vikram calendar, debts are cleared, new account books started, new crops sown, and old adversaries embraced in a spirit of reconciliation. Children touch the feet of adults in order to receive a blessing and a monetary gift. Everyone, young and old alike, dresses up in new clothes and goes on a major shopping spree, as the buying of new household goods, particularly kitchen utensils, is considered auspicious.

Diwali dishes

The festival is synonymous with long, sumptuous, elaborate feasts, the preparations for which begin several days in advance. No expense is spared, and everybody buys the best ingredients that they can afford. Women get together and spend several days preparing sweets, snacks and savouries – although these days they are more likely to buy them from specialist shops.

Indian sweets, known as 'mithai', are made with semolina, wheat flour, chickpea flour or thickened milk, to which freshly grated coconut, carrots or white pumpkin is sometimes added. The mixtures, perfumed with sweet spices like cardamom and nutmeg, and studded with nuts and raisins, are then shaped into colourful squares and rounds. The preparing, consuming and giving of sweets is a significant facet of the festival.

Snacks - both sweet and savoury - are also prepared and eaten in vast quantities. These include countless variations on crisp poories (deep-fried poppadam-like breads) made with lentil flour, cumin and crushed green chillies, or sugar and cardamom; Bombay mix-like chidwa (every city in India has its own version); and crescent moon-shaped pasties, known as 'ghugara', stuffed with fresh coconut, raisins, nuts and spices.

Other than sweets and savouries, the food eaten at Diwali varies according to which region and community one comes from - each has its own specialities, own traditions and own 'must-have' dishes. These are some of the most popular traditional foods eaten on each day of the festival:

• First day of Diwali: sheera - a warm fudge-like sweet made with semolina, saffron, cardamom, raisins and nuts - is eaten alongside a spicy black-eye bean curry.
• Second day: Some Hindus fast all day, and break their fast at sunset with lapsee, a warm sweet porridge of cracked wheat, sugar and clarified butter.
• Third day: kheer - a milky pudding made with rice, rice flakes or sago - is accompanied by spicy urid lentil vada (fritters).
• Diwali and New Year's Day : Most Indians eat vegetarian food during Diwali, and mixed vegetable curries made with as many varieties of vegetables as possible (which represents year-long bounty), including whole pods of fresh green black-eye beans (which represent longevity) are especially popular. A huge assortment of sweets is an absolute must. Diwali day is spent feasting with the family, and New Year's Day, visiting all the friends and neighbours. Generous quantities of food is offered to guests, and one is expected to eat everything that's offered.

The day after New Year is designed to celebrate the bond between siblings. Sisters, who often fast all day, invite their brothers around for an elaborate meal. They cook all their brothers' favourite dishes and, in turn, are rewarded with valuable presents.

Diwali in the UK

If you want to take part in Diwali celebrations in the UK, your best bet is to keep an eye on your local paper, where many organised fireworks displays and other community events are advertised. Or you could have your own Diwali party at home. Many Indian restaurants offer special set Diwali menus, so it's worth seeking out those, too. You could also buy sweets and savouries from Indian sweet shops or temples. Or, alternatively, why not try some of the following recipes?

• Aromatic black-eye bean curry by Sejah Sukhadwala
• Banana and semolina sheera by Sejah Sukhadwala
• Pumpkin halwa by Sejah Sukhadwala
• Indian rice pudding (video recipe) by Madhur Jaffrey from Get Cooking