Most Popular Diwali Sweets – Top Sweets from Around India

Diwali, the festival of lights, is incomplete without indulging in an assortment of delicious sweets. Across India, homes are filled with the aroma of traditional Diwali sweets or Diwali mithai as families prepare for celebrations. From rich, creamy Deepavali sweets to mouthwatering Diwali desserts, this festival is the perfect time to enjoy a variety of flavours that reflect the diversity of Indian culture. Whether you’re preparing or gifting, these sweets symbolize the sweetness of life and prosperity. Let’s explore some of the most popular Diwali special mithai enjoyed around the country.

Here are 12 Indian sweets that you must try during Diwali:

1. Halwa
2. Gulab Jamun
3. Jalebi
4. Roshogolla or Rasgulla
5. Karanji  
6. Puran Poli 
7. Payasam 
8. Shahi Tukda 
9. Lyangcha 
10. Mohanthal 
11. Mysore Pak
12. Peda

• Halwa 

Halwa is one of the most cherished and versatile Indian sweets for Diwali. Made in various forms across the country, this indulgent dessert is a staple during festive celebrations. Whether it’s the rich Moong Dal Halwa from North India, the classic Sooji Halwa (semolina pudding), or the decadent Gajar ka Halwa made with fresh carrots, this dish brings warmth and sweetness to every Diwali gathering. It's made by slow-cooking the base ingredient (dal, semolina, or carrots) in ghee, adding sugar, and then enhancing it with fragrant cardamom and nuts. The mixture is cooked until it reaches a soft, melt-in-your-mouth texture, making Halwa a beloved choice for Diwali desserts.

• Gulab Jamun 

Gulab Jamun is a classic and irresistible Diwali special mithai that holds a special place in every Indian household during the festive season. These soft, melt-in-your-mouth dumplings are made from khoya (milk solids) or paneer, fried to a golden brown, and soaked in a fragrant sugar syrup infused with cardamom and rosewater. The dough is carefully prepared by kneading the khoya or milk powder into small balls before frying them to perfection. Once fried, the golden dumplings are soaked in sugar syrup, allowing them to absorb all the sweet flavours. The rich sweetness and luscious texture of Gulab Jamun make it one of the most popular Diwali mithai, symbolizing the joy and warmth of the festival. No Diwali celebration is complete without indulging in this beloved dessert. 

• Jalebi 

Jalebi is a popular and beloved Deepavali sweet known for its crispy, spiral shape and syrupy sweetness. A favourite during festivals, this vibrant orange dessert is loved for its crunchy exterior and soft, sugary interior, making it a must-have during Diwali celebrations. Jalebi perfectly embodies the spirit of indulgence that comes with the festival of lights.

It is made by preparing a fermented batter of flour, which is piped into hot oil in circular shapes and fried until golden. Once fried, the crispy spirals are soaked in warm sugar syrup, allowing them to absorb the sweet flavours. 

• Roshogolla or Rasgulla 

Roshogolla or Rasgulla is a classic and delicate Diwali sweet that hails from Bengal and is enjoyed across India, especially during festive occasions like Diwali. These soft, spongy, white balls made from fresh paneer (chhena) are soaked in light sugar syrup, making them incredibly juicy and refreshing. To make them, paneer is kneaded into smooth balls and boiled in sugar syrup until they become soft and spongy. Known for their melt-in-your-mouth texture and subtle sweetness, Rasgullas are a perfect treat to balance the richness of other festive dishes. This light, syrupy dessert is a festive favourite, symbolizing the sweetness and joy of the celebration. 

• Karanji  

Karanji, also known as Gujiya in some regions, is a traditional and crispy Deepavali sweet that holds a special place in festive celebrations, particularly in Maharashtra. This crescent-shaped dessert is filled with a delicious mixture of coconut, jaggery, and dry fruits, all encased in a delicate, flaky pastry. The dough is rolled out, filled with the sweet mixture, and then sealed into a crescent shape before being deep-fried to perfection. Once fried, the Karanji develops a golden, crisp exterior that contrasts beautifully with its soft, flavourful filling. Loved by all generations, this sweet is a timeless favourite that embodies the joy and warmth of Diwali festivities.

• Puran Poli 

Puran Poli is a traditional and beloved Diwali special mithai that originates from Maharashtra and is enjoyed across India during festivals. This soft, sweet flatbread is stuffed with a mixture of boiled chana dal (split chickpeas), jaggery, and flavoured with cardamom, making it a delightful treat that symbolizes the festive spirit. The dough is rolled out, filled with the sweet lentil mixture, and carefully flattened before being cooked on a hot tawa with ghee. The ghee adds a rich, buttery flavour, enhancing the sweetness of the jaggery filling. Often served warm with extra ghee or milk, Puran Poli is a satisfying and wholesome dish that completes any Diwali feast with its comforting taste.

• Payasam 

Payasam is a classic and cherished Diwali dessert that holds a special place in South Indian festive celebrations. This creamy, sweet pudding is made with a base of milk or coconut milk, rice or vermicelli, and sweetened with sugar or jaggery. Flavoured with cardamom and garnished with roasted cashews and raisins, Payasam offers a luxurious blend of textures and tastes, making it a must-have during Diwali. The rich aroma of the cardamom combined with the crunch of the nuts creates a delightful contrast with the smooth, creamy base. Depending on the region, different varieties of Payasam like Pal Payasam or Ada Payasam are made, each adding its own unique twist to the recipe. This luscious dessert is often served as the grand finale of a Diwali meal, leaving everyone satisfied and content.

• Shahi Tukda 

Shahi Tukda is a royal and indulgent Diwali dessert that has its roots in Mughlai cuisine. Made from fried bread soaked in rich, thickened milk (rabri) and flavoured with saffron, cardamom, and a generous topping of nuts, this dessert truly lives up to its name, which means "royal piece." Often considered a luxurious treat, Shahi Tukda is the perfect blend of crispy fried bread and creamy, sweet rabri, making it a standout dish among Diwali special mithai. Its rich flavours and textures make it a must-have for anyone looking to indulge in traditional Diwali sweets. Shahi Tukda is often garnished with slivers of almonds and pistachios, adding a delightful crunch to every bite. The vibrant yellow hue from saffron and the aromatic notes of cardamom elevate its richness, making it a dessert fit for royalty. Served chilled or warm, this decadent sweet dish not only pleases the palate but also adds a touch of grandeur to any Diwali feast.

• Lyangcha 

Lyangcha is a popular and delectable Diwali sweet originating from Bengal, known for its soft, syrupy texture and rich taste. Made from a dough of khoya (reduced milk), flour, and a touch of semolina, these elongated fried dumplings are soaked in fragrant sugar syrup, giving them their characteristic juicy and melt-in-your-mouth appeal. Similar to Gulab Jamun but with a unique shape and flavour, Lyangcha is a favourite during festivals like Diwali.

The dough is shaped into cylindrical pieces, deep-fried until golden, and then soaked in cardamom-infused syrup, allowing it to absorb the sweetness. This simple yet indulgent dessert is a perfect addition to any Diwali feast, adding a touch of regional authenticity and festive charm.

• Mohanthal 

Mohanthal is a rich and traditional Diwali mithai that hails from Gujarat and Rajasthan and is often enjoyed during festive celebrations. This delicious sweet is made from roasted gram flour (besan), ghee, and flavoured with cardamom, creating a fudgy texture that's packed with flavour. Garnished with slivers of almonds and pistachios, Mohanthal has a grainy yet melt-in-your-mouth consistency that makes it a beloved treat for Diwali. The slow roasting of besan in ghee gives Mohanthal its deep, nutty flavour, while the addition of sugar syrup binds the mixture into a delightful fudge. It's a perfect festive sweet that symbolizes the warmth and joy of Diwali celebrations.

• Mysore Pak

Mysore Pak is a legendary and rich Deepavali sweet that originated in the royal kitchens of Mysore. Made from just three basic ingredients—gram flour (besan), ghee, and sugar—this melt-in-your-mouth delicacy has a crumbly, buttery texture that makes it an absolute favourite during festivals. Known for its simplicity and rich flavour, Mysore Pak is a staple in South Indian households, especially during Diwali celebrations.

The key to its perfect texture lies in the slow cooking of besan in ghee, which gives Mysore Pak its signature golden colour and rich flavour, making it a must-have treat for every Deepavali celebration. Mysore Pak is often enjoyed for its delicate balance of sweetness and the rich aroma of ghee that lingers with each bite. Its soft yet slightly crumbly texture makes it incredibly satisfying, melting instantly in the mouth. Traditionally served in small squares or rectangles, this timeless sweet holds a special place in Diwali festivities, symbolising the richness and joy that the festival brings.

• Peda

Peda is a beloved and traditional Deepavali sweet, especially popular in Uttar Pradesh, that is widely enjoyed across India during festive celebrations. Made from condensed milk or khoya (milk solids), sugar, and flavoured with cardamom, this soft, melt-in-your-mouth sweet is often shaped into small, round discs and garnished with pistachios or saffron. Known for its rich, creamy texture and delicate sweetness, Peda is a favourite offering during Diwali, symbolizing prosperity and good fortune.

Whether it's the classic Mathura Peda from Uttar Pradesh or the saffron-infused Kesar Peda, this simple yet indulgent sweet has become an essential part of every Deepavali celebration, adding a touch of tradition and sweetness to the festive spread.

Diwali is a time for celebration and indulging in a variety of delicious Diwali sweets that symbolize prosperity and joy. Each region in India brings its own unique flavours and traditions to the festival, making Diwali mithai an essential part of the festivities. From rich, creamy desserts to crispy delights, these Deepavali sweets are a perfect blend of tradition and indulgence. As you prepare for Diwali, explore these popular Diwali special mithai and bring sweetness to your celebrations, whether you're sharing them with loved ones or gifting them to friends. You can also visit Club Mahindra restaurants with your loved ones to enjoy mouth-watering sweets.

FAQ:

Why Should You Consider Club Mahindra Membership?

The advantage of a Club Mahindra membership is the flexibility and exclusive benefits it offers for vacations. With access to over 140+ Club Mahindra resorts across India and international destinations, members can explore a variety of travel experiences, from hill stations and beaches to forests and deserts. Member reviews consistently highlight the convenience of planning holidays according to preferred dates and seasons, ensuring personalised vacations. 

Does Club Mahindra restaurants serve famous Indian Sweets?

Yes, many Club Mahindra resorts offer a wide variety of Indian sweets in their restaurants, especially during festive seasons or as part of traditional meal experiences. Popular sweets like gulab jamun, jalebi, and rasmalai are often served, allowing guests to enjoy authentic Indian desserts along with their meals.