In Mumbai, Diwali Is Sweet
We’ve arrived in Mumbai during one of the biggest holidays in the country, Diwali, celebration of light and the triumph of good over evil. Here, locals decorate their homes, cars and even bicycles with marigolds and twinkling lights. According to one Twitter follower, the marigolds represent a trust in the divine and a will to overcome obstacles.
Throughout the night, firecrackers boom above the city and light up the night sky. Small clay bowls, some simply natural and some elaborately painted, serve as lanterns, cradling incense and candles.
Food, of course, is also important. Little cakes and sweets are sold on the streets and exchanged between friends and family. Upon my arrival, I received my own sweet Diwali surprises. Here’s what was included:
- The big orange ball is called motichoor ladoo and is made from flour, sugar and nuts from Maharashtra.
- Next to it, on the right, are kaju cubes, cake-like cookies made with cashew nuts, milk and clarified butter from the state of Punjab.
- On the top left is a kaju katli made with cashew nuts and condensed milk. (This one is my favourite. It tastes very similar to shortbread.)
- And there is also khajoor burfi, a little cake made with dates and nuts.
