The importance Of Indian Sweets And Snacks In Celebrations

India is a rich country with a vibrant social fabric. Festivals and other social celebrations are an essential part of our lives. Undoubtedly, food is a crucial part of our celebrations. Indian snacks and sweets are a different phenomenon altogether. They are an emotion. You will find so many people who will say that the smell of halwa takes them back to their childhood years, or they will tell you a funny memory related to jalebi. Indian sweets are an intimate part of life here. Grandmothers and mothers pass on their secrets of preparing delicious sweets in their families, making this entire item extremely emotional. 

Indians prepare sweets and snacks for festivals and for everyday celebrations like birthdays, anniversaries, or guests. Assortments of Indian snacks like Punjabi samosa, namak pare, papads, etc., are present in every home as an accompaniment to evening teas. Mithai, the local term used for Indian sweets, is prepared using milk, sugar, dry fruits and ghee. These sweets are usually sweeter than their western counterparts. They are dense and rich, and fragrant. 

Another significant reason behind the popularity of sweets in India is its “Sattvik” status. Indian sweets come under the ‘vegetarian’ category. Hence, they are used extensively in Hindu temples as offerings to the Gods and Goddesses. Sweets are also used to break fasts. However, it is essential to remember that mithai is not limited to any religion or social group. It is common to the entire Indian society, and hence, it is such an important part of life here. 

Let’s talk about some of the most popular Indian sweets and snacks. 

Jalebi

Jalebis are one of the most succulent Indian sweets to savour during any season and occasion. Jalebis are orange-hued, sugar-dipped, crispy and simply amazing. The sweet dessert is a favourite for many. Fairs and festivals like Eid and Durga puja are just incomplete without Jalebis. The batter for jalebi is made of refined flour, curd, and baking powder, which is placed in a coil shape in hot oil for deep frying. It is then soaked in cardamom, or saffron flavoured sugar syrup.

Kulfi

Kulfi is widely known as the Indian version of ice cream. It is truly a party of unique flavours in your mouth. With a mild cardamom flavour and oh-so-creamy texture, you cannot have just one. Kulfi is a frozen sweet prepared with thickened flavoured milk. When served, it is garnished with thin slices of pistachio, almonds and bits of silver foil.

Punjabi Samosa

One of the most popular Indian snacks is the lip-smacking Punjabi samosa. It is a deep-fried crispy outer crust with a filling of spiced mashed potatoes. Usually served with green mint chutney, it is a riot of flavours in your mouth. Punjabi samosa can be found very easily across India. If you want something flavourful yet filling, then Punjabi samosa is what you need. 

Aloo Tikki

Another very popular Indian snack, Aloo Tikki, is a famous street food across the country. It is a crispy, fried patty of boiled potatoes prepared using various aromatic Indian spices and herbs. Aloo Tikki is also served with chutneys and garnished with chopped onions, chopped tomatoes and coriander leaves with a spoon of tangy curd.

If your mouth is watering after reading these fantastic Indian foods, head to Haldiram’s right away. You will enjoy high-quality Indian sweets and snacks in their most authentic flavour.