Celebrate Diwali 2025 with Healthy Traditional Sweets

Diwali 2025 is fast approaching, and with it comes an opportunity to celebrate with a focus on health without sacrificing flavor. Traditionally known as the “Festival of Lights,” this occasion is incomplete without a variety of delicious foods. With a growing emphasis on nutritious eating, this year offers an array of wholesome sweets that highlight both seasonal and local ingredients, guided by the philosophy of renowned nutritionist Rujuta Diwekar.

Diwekar’s cookbook, Mitihara, serves as a foundation for these healthy recipes, showcasing Indian culinary traditions while promoting a balanced approach to food. Featured recipes include the celebratory Til Gul laddoo, nourishing Ragi Kheer, energy-rich Aliv Laddoo, and indulgent yet balanced Shrikhand. Each dish embodies the essence of simplicity and nutritional value, reflecting age-old practices rooted in Ayurveda.

Delicious Yet Nutritious Recipes

The following recipes not only celebrate the vibrant flavors of Indian cuisine but also provide healthy alternatives to traditional sweets.

Til Gul Laddoo
This sweet treat is often exchanged during Diwali and symbolizes goodwill.

**Ingredients:**
– Sesame seeds: 150 gm
– Peanuts: 2 tbsp
– Grated dry coconut: 30 gm
– Jaggery: 120 gm
– Nutmeg powder: 1 pinch
– Ghee: 1 tbsp

**Method:**
1. Roast sesame seeds in a shallow pan until they crackle, then set aside.
2. Roast peanuts until golden and crush them coarsely.
3. Roast dry coconut until light pink, transferring it to a bowl immediately.
4. Combine sesame seeds, crushed peanuts, and coconut, adding nutmeg powder.
5. In the same pan, heat ghee, melt the jaggery to form a syrup, then mix with the dry ingredients.
6. Grease hands with ghee, roll the mixture into medium-sized balls, and serve.

Ragi Kheer
This creamy dessert is rich in nutrients from the ragi flour.

**Ingredients:**
– Ragi flour: 120 gm
– Jaggery: 130 gm
– Milk: 1 cup
– Salt: a pinch
– Water: 1 cup
– Nutmeg powder: a pinch (optional)
– Dry fruits: 50 gm (optional)

**Method:**
1. Mix ragi flour with water to form a smooth slurry.
2. Heat additional water, gradually adding the ragi mixture while stirring.
3. Once thickened, add jaggery and cook until bubbling.
4. Stir in milk, salt, and nutmeg, then add dry fruits if desired.
5. Heat until simmering, then remove from heat.

Aliv Laddoo
These energy-boosting balls are made with garden-cress seeds.

**Ingredients:**
– Aliv (garden-cress seeds): 75 gm
– Coconut water: 2/3 cup
– Milk: 2/3 cup
– Freshly grated coconut: 1 cup
– Jaggery: 50 gm
– Ghee: 1/2 tbsp
– Nutmeg powder: 1 pinch

**Method:**
1. Soak aliv in milk or coconut water for an hour, then drain.
2. Mix with grated coconut and jaggery, letting it rest for 30 minutes.
3. Heat ghee, add the mixture, and cook until thickened.
4. Roll into small balls and store in airtight containers.

Shrikhand
This creamy dessert is flavored with saffron and nuts.

**Ingredients:**
– Full-fat milk: 2 cups
– Buttermilk: 1 1/2 tbsp
– Powdered sugar: 1 cup
– Nutmeg powder: 1/4 tsp
– Saffron strands: 4-5
– Warm milk: 1 tbsp
– Chopped pistachios: 1 tbsp
– Chopped cashews: 1 tbsp

**Method:**
1. Heat milk, add buttermilk, and let it set for 7-8 hours to form curd.
2. Hang the curd in cheesecloth to drain, creating hung curd.
3. Mix powdered sugar into the hung curd, then strain for a smoother texture.
4. Incorporate nutmeg and saffron, garnishing with nuts before serving cold.

As you prepare for Diwali, these healthy recipes offer a delightful way to enjoy traditional sweets while staying mindful of nutrition. With their roots in regional practices and the guidance of Rujuta Diwekar, these dishes emphasize balance and the joy of celebrating cultural heritage through food.