From Samosas to Shakarpara: Popular Snacks Defining

Choti Diwali

Quick Summary

Choti Diwali, the day before Diwali, is all about families coming together, decorating the house and getting prepared for the day. Snacks form an important part of these preparations and bonding over conversations. This article looks at such snacks that define choti Diwali, from savoury samosas to sugary shakarpara. Dive deeper to know more. 

Deep Dive

Choti Diwali, also called Naraka Chaturdashi in some regions, is a day filled with preparation and excitement. While the main Diwali celebrations are still a day away, this day holds its own charm with rituals, home decorations, and, most importantly, food. The snacks of Choti Diwali are not just casual munchies; they carry cultural significance, evoke nostalgia, and act as symbols of hospitality.

Preparing and enjoying snacks is a communal activity in Indian households. Family members roll dough, fill the stuffing in snacks like kachoris, samosas, and fry crispy treats together, creating a sense of togetherness. The aromas of frying samosas and sweet shakarpara fill the home, telling that the festivities have begun. The snacks balance sweet and savoury, crunchy and soft, making them an integral part of the celebration. This article looks at five essential Choti Diwali snacks that are widely loved, highlighting what makes each of them special and why they remain staples year after year.

Samosas

Samosas are arguably the most iconic Diwali snack. These triangular-shaped snacks, typically filled with spiced potatoes, peas, or lentils, are deep-fried until golden and crisp. The combination of flaky pastry and spiced filling makes them irresistible. On Choti Diwali, samosas symbolise preparation and hospitality. They are often served with sweet tamarind chutney or mint-coriander chutney, which enhances their flavour. There is a tradition of making them fresh in the morning, and the aroma of samosas spread throughout the house signals that Diwali has finally arrived! 

Pakoras

Pakoras, or fritters, are another essential savoury snack. Made by dipping vegetables like onions, potatoes, spinach, or cauliflower in a spiced gram flour batter and frying until crisp, pakoras are a quick, comforting snack. They are perfect with masala chai and often made in large batches so family members can snack while decorating homes. Pakoras symbolise the idea of community and togetherness, especially in Indian scenarios. 

Chivda

Chivda is a light, crunchy snack made from flattened rice (poha), nuts, spices, and dried fruits. Its tangy, mildly spicy, and slightly sweet flavour makes it versatile for munching throughout the day. Chivda is easy to store, making it ideal for Choti Diwali when the day is full of preparations and rituals. You can make it in advance, and it’s perfect for offering to guests or enjoying while moving around the house, checking decorations, or lighting diyas.

Shakarpara

Shakarpara is a sweet snack made from flour, sugar, and ghee, cut into diamond shapes and fried until crisp. Often dusted with powdered sugar, these tiny snacks are light, crunchy, and sugary, making them perfect for festive snacking. Shakarpara is a favourite for family activities in the kitchen, as rolling, cutting, and frying become a collective effort. Its sweetness complements the savoury snacks of the day, maintaining a balanced flavour palette for Choti Diwali celebrations.

Dry Fruit Laddoos

Dry fruit laddoos are compact and filled with nutrients. They can be made with nuts, seeds, jaggery, and sometimes sugar. They are considered symbols of prosperity and health, making them ideal for festival offerings and family sharing. For Choti Diwali, these laddoos serve as a healthy complement to fried sweets, offering chewy texture, aromatic spices like cardamom, and subtle sweetness. Laddos are often included in ritual offerings or gifted to friends and neighbours, emphasising the spirit of sharing during Diwali. 

Significance Of These Snacks

These five snacks, samosas, pakoras, chivda, shakarpara, and dry fruit laddoos, represent the perfect balance of sweet and savoury, crunchy and soft, traditional and comforting. They are more than food; they also carry cultural and emotional value. Preparing these snacks also encourages family participation, making the kitchen a common place where the family hangs out together!

Tips For Preparing Choti Diwali Snacks

• Make chivda and dry fruit laddoos a day or two in advance.
• For samosas, pakoras, and shakarpara, ensure the oil is at the correct temperature to achieve crispiness.
• Arrange snacks in colourful bowls or trays to create a festive display. You can mix sweet and savoury for variety.
• Snacks like chivda and shakarpara keep well in airtight containers for several days, perfect for prolonged celebrations.

Conclusion

Choti Diwali snacks are an essential part of the celebration, which combines tradition, flavour, and togetherness. From the crisp samosas to the sugary shakarpara, each snack is flavourful and a part of the collective effort that the family has put into it.