The Changes in Diwali Sweets Over the Years

Diwali, the festival of lights, is synonymous with glimmering diyas, grand fireworks, and sweets galore! Traditionally, Diwali was a time when Indian homes overflowed with desi mithais like laddoos, barfis, and gulab jamuns. But as the years pass, the Diwali sweet landscape has taken a sharp detour, leading us into a land of chocolates, cookies, and even artisanal cakes – often imported and calorie-loaded. So much so, that “D” in Diwali now almost stands for “Diabetes.” 

Here’s a sweet journey from then to now, with a touch of nostalgia and a dose of modern reality.

The Good Old Days: Diwali Mithais Made with Love

Remember those days when Diwali prep meant days of planning and hours in the kitchen? Mothers and grandmothers would mix up chickpea flour and ghee, shaping golden-brown laddoos with an artistry unmatched by Michelin chefs. Each bite carried the taste of family love, tradition, and skill passed down through generations. The pride of making sweets at home was something that bonded families and strengthened roots, as the heady aroma of cardamom, saffron, and ghee filled the air.

Back then, sweets weren’t just food; they were symbols of prosperity, offered in prayers, exchanged with neighbours, and gifted to loved ones. Diwali was a time to share joy, and if you were lucky enough to receive a box of homemade sweets, you knew it was made with pure love and just a sprinkle of grandmother’s *daant* !

Enter the Era of Imported Delights

Fast-forward to the present, and you’ll see that Diwali gifting has taken a whole new turn. Gone are the days of stacked barfis and homemade besan laddoos. Today, we see shiny boxes of imported chocolates, macaroons, and even luxury tea hampers gracing the shelves, replacing the traditional mithai boxes. It’s as if Diwali has been globalized, with international brands making their way into our celebrations. Why gift laddoos when you can present Swiss chocolates, right? After all, nothing says “Happy Diwali” quite like a box of dark chocolate truffles – 'sugar-free', of course!

One has to wonder: are we celebrating Diwali or Christmas? In today’s Diwali hampers, we see everything from olive oil to quinoa crisps (yes, it’s a thing!) – perhaps as a nod to our fitness-conscious times. But while we enjoy these exotic sweets, we can’t deny they lack the warmth of homemade mithais and the simplicity of our cultural flavours.

Diwali Today: From Sweets to Sugar Woes

All this modernization comes at a cost – health. The sweets today are more refined, sugar-loaded, and fat-heavy than the desi mithais we once relished. According to health experts, diabetes and obesity rates in India are skyrocketing, especially during and after Diwali. Why? Because the sheer volume of sugar-laden treats (alongside the sedentary lifestyle many of us lead) pushes us from celebration to a calorie-laden trap.

For many, the ‘D’ in Diwali has morphed into the ‘D’ for Diabetes. The irony here? Traditional Indian mithais, though rich, were often made with healthier fats like ghee, naturally sourced sweeteners, and ingredients with actual nutritional value. The refined sugar and unhealthy oils in today’s processed sweets have made them a health risk – one that affects not just Diwali but our long-term health. 

Keeping the Joy Alive: Balancing Sweetness with Health

So, how can we enjoy Diwali and still stay healthy? Let’s bring a bit of tradition back! There are plenty of ways to modernize old recipes with healthier twists – think almond flour laddoos, jaggery-sweetened barfis, or even quinoa kheer. Not only do they carry the taste of our cultural roots, but they also come with fewer health risks.

Or, if you're set on those imported delights, try limiting their intake and save the indulgence for actual celebrations. As they say, "Bachhon, mithai ko dekho, aur wo tumhe dekhe – bas wahi khana hai jo aankhon hi aankhon mein baat kare!" (Kids, just as ali: From Desi Sweets to ‘D’ for Diabetes!

The True Sweetness of Diwali

Diwali is about more than just sweets – it’s about togetherness, joy, and the warmth of tradition. In the spirit of the festival, let’s balance modern treats with traditional favorites, keeping health and heritage alive. After all, as much as we love those decadent truffle-filled boxes, nothing beats the joy of breaking a homemade ladoo with family, sharing a laugh, and watching the diyas glow brighter than any luxury confection could ever shine. 

This Diwali, let’s celebrate with a touch of nostalgia, a sprinkle of health, and a big bite of tradition – without letting “D” for Diabetes steal the show. Happy Diwali to all!

Neerja Bhatnagar