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Khilona

Khilona

IndianIndianIntermediateIntermediateDessertDessert
Traditional Khilona sweets shaped like idols and animals for Diwali
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How To Make
Khilona
: The Forgotten Diwali Sweet

45 mins
Cooking Time
Intermediate
Difficulty
7
Ingredients
Veg
Diet
Khilona, literally meaning toy, is a unique sweet once popular across North India during Diwali. Made with a simple sugar–flour mixture, these sweets were shaped into little idols, animals, or toys using moulds. Families would worship them as symbols of prosperity and joy during Lakshmi Puja, then consume them later as prasad. Over time, khilona faded into memory, replaced by mass-produced sweets. This recipe brings back the charm of a Diwali tradition where devotion, play, and indulgence came together in one ritual.

Ingredients

UNITSIngredients
1 cupFine sugar
¼ cupAll-purpose flour (refined flour)
½ cupWater
1 tspGhee
Food-safe moulds (idol, toy, or animal shapes)
½ tspCardamom powder
(optional)Food colour

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Follow
Directions

Description - Step 1

Step 1: Prepare sugar syrup

Heat sugar and water in a pan until it forms a thick syrup.

Add cardamom powder for aroma.

 

Description - Step 2

Step 2: Add flour and ghee

Gradually mix in maida and ghee, stirring constantly to avoid lumps.

Cook until it becomes a smooth, pliable paste.

 

Description - Step 3

Step 3: Shape the khilona

Grease moulds lightly with ghee.

Pour the hot mixture into the moulds.

Press firmly and let it set for 5–10 minutes.

 

Description - Step 4

Step 4: Unmould and cool

Gently remove the set khilona sweets from the moulds.

Allow them to cool completely before serving or offering.

 

Step 1
Step 1: Prepare sugar syrup
10 Minutes
Step 2
Step 2: Add flour and ghee
5 Minutes
Step 3
Step 3: Shape the khilona
10 Minutes
Step 4
Step 4: Unmould and cool
5 Minutes

Plate it up!

Plating Instructions

plating-instructions-image

Arrange the khilona sweets on a brass thali with marigold petals for a festive touch.

 

... Read More

Pairing Instructions

pairing-instructions-image

Serve alongside puffed rice (kheel), sugar drops (batashe), and diyas for a traditional Diwali puja platter.

 

... Read More

Garnishing Instructions

garnishing-instructions-image

Dust lightly with powdered sugar for an added festive sheen.

 

... Read More

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