The festival of love, light and… food!

Diwali – the festival of lights – is a brilliantly colourful yet deeply religious festival celebrated by Hindus across the globe.

This year Diwali will be celebrated on October 23 and already preparations are in place for prayers, outfits, fireworks and a pivotal part of the celebration: food.

Arguably the tastiest and most fun element of Diwali, which takes the most work, is the array of delectable food eaten on the day, known as traditional sweetmeats.

Ballito’s Reena Applesamy-Vandayar is known for her deft hand in the kitchen, especially when it comes to Diwali treats.

“Women usually get up early to pray and get dressed. We then set out food in preparation for our families, who will visit throughout the day. You will never be allowed to leave an Indian home without eating, especially on Diwali day, so up to six curries would be cooked and waiting.”

Reena said Diwali is about giving, which is clearly seen in the tradition of packing parcels of sweetmeats and distributing them to family and friends, including neighbours. A box typically contains a variety of sweetmeats, including chevda, Diwali biscuits, assorted chocolates, burfee, goolab jamun, coconut ice, jalebi, naan khatai, ladoo and chana magaj.

“When we pray we ask for the food to be blessed and then hand it out. I start my baking months in advance.”

She prides herself on finding unique ways to tweak the traditional sweetmeat recipes, as can be seen in her elaborate designs and decorations.

“All Diwali baking must be eggless,” said Reena, as offerings near the traditional clay lamps cannot contain animal products.

Some women are also superstitious about baking when the weather is gloomy, believing it can affect their wares badly.

“When it all ends Diwali is about spending time with your family and friends, and celebrating our culture through food. It is a beautiful day!”

See our website for more mouthwatering photos www.northcoastcourier.co.za.