Indian festivals are incomplete without food. Foods have such an influence on these festivals that some food items are only prepared during specific festivals. We all wait for these festivals throughout the year to not only celebrate them with our loved ones but also because of the food that we get to eat during this period.

We have covered more than half a portion of the year and our festivals are fast approaching. So we have decided to share a list of some iconic indian festival foods through this article that you can try this season.

Before revealing the food items, let us show you the connection between food and festivals in India.

Indian food and festivals

Indians love festivals. More than 30 types of festivals are celebrated every year in India. One of the most unique things about these festivals is that every community celebrates it with different food items and every household follows different recipes for them.

For example, Indian traditional sweets are prepared almost in every house but some families make gulab jamoon whereas others prefer kala jam. Besides cultures, diversity is also found in food menus.

Top 5 Indian festival foods to try this season

1. Undhiyu: Makarsankranti

The calendar of Indian festivals begins with Makarsankranti in January which is known as the festival of kites. Other festivals that are also celebrated during this period across India include Poki, Hadaga, Bihu, Lohri, Pongal, etc.

Three of the most common food items that are consumed at this time are mentioned below:

• Undhiyu: It is a type of mixed vegetable recipe that is originated from Surat, Gujarat. It represents the perfect mix of fresh vegetables and spices that simply fills your mouth with the richness of Indian flavors.
• Teel Chikki: It is a sweet dish that is made of roasted sesame seeds and jaggery syrup. You can use your preferred nuts or dry fruits to give it a personal touch.
• Khichdi: It is mostly cooked in North India during Makarsankranti with lentils, rice, roasted spices and a lot of organic ghee.

2. Holi: Bhajiya

Holi is celebrated with a lots of colors and some amazing Indian delicacies like Bhajiyas, Malpua, Gujiyas, Namkeen, Thandai and more. Lets find out more about these famous items:

• Bhajiya: it is an Indian snacking item where a lot of vegetables are coated with besan batter and deep fried in Desi ghee or oil.
• Gujiyas: it falls under the desert category which is prepared with khoya, suji, cardamom, sugar, and dry fruits.
• Malpua: it is one of the most popular sweet dishes of India that is made of dry fruits, wheat, milk and sugar syrup.
• Namakpara: Another famous Indian snack is Namakpara in which wheat dough is mixed with spices, cut into small pieces and deep fried in ghee or oil.
• Thandai: The Holi celebration is incomplete without Thandai, which is a cold drink and mixture of dry fruits, poppy seeds, cardamom, rose petals and more such ingredients.

3. Rakshabadhan: Sweets

Rakshabandhan signifies the bond that a brother and sister share with each other. Sisters tie rakhi on their brothers’ wrists and brothers make the promise to protect their sisters forever from every negativity.

Indians celebrate this day with a variety of sweets and a few of them are mentioned below:

• Halwa: Halwa is one of India’s favorite sweet dishes that makes its place almost in every festival. It is mainly made of suji, desi ghee, and lots of sugar but other ingredients like beetroot, apple, and carrot can also be used in this preparation.
• Gulab jamun: if it is about an Indian festival, Gulab jamun can not be missed. It is another Indian culinary masterpiece that is prepared with khoya, milk solids, sugar syrup, dried nuts, etc.
• Besan laddoo: The active ingredients that go into the preparation of Besan Laddu is Besan, desi ghee, and sugar.

4. Navratri: Satvik food

Navratri is one of the biggest Indian festivals that has global recognition. Colorful costumes, the beats of Garba, and some amazing food simply amplify the festive mood.
During the 9 days of Navratri, most Indians prefer to eat Satvik food which means the food is strictly vegetarian and has no onion or garlic. All the traditional food items are cooked without onion and garlic.

5. Diwali: Gujab jamun, laddu, and more

Diwali is an Indian festival that is celebrated all over the world. The entire nation gets lit up with candles, firecrackers and more. Sweets dominate the festival and the variety is endless including kaju katli, gulab jamun, halwa, laddu etc.

Where to get delicious Indian food in Berlin?

If you are in Berlin and want to taste and enjoy Indian festival foods you can visit the Hari Moksh restaurant or order online from here. We have an amazing vegan Indian menu that will take you to India through your taste buds. So if you ever want to Discover The Best Indian Food in Berlin, Germany we will always have your back. 

Wrapping up

India is known for its colorful festivals and food. Whether you are an indian or German, you must try these indian festival foods to entice your taste buds.

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