Diwali is more than just a festival, it’s a feeling that fills homes with light, laughter and the aroma of frying snacks that you can’t resist. During these few beautiful days, guests keep coming over. Neighbours stop by to say hello, relatives come over for chai and friends drop in for long talks that last until late at night. No matter when they come, you can’t skip serving something tasty with that holiday spirit.
In Indian homes, food is hospitality, and during Diwali, it becomes an unspoken love language. But when you have guests coming in and out all day, it’s not always easy to prepare something elaborate. The key is to have the right mix of snacks (something light, tasty and easy to serve) ready without too much trouble.
Here are some ideas for festive snacks that’ll keep your guests happy and your kitchen stress-free.
The Classic Diwali Faral Spread
In many Indian households, especially in Maharashtra, Diwali faral (snack platter) is a tradition that never gets old. It includes savoury and sweet items made in advance and stored for the entire festive week. The must-haves include chakli, shankarpali, chivda, karanji, and namak para — each offering a unique flavour and texture.
Chakli, with its crisp spirals and spicy notes, pairs beautifully with evening chai. Shankarpali, made with ghee and sugar, offers a mild sweetness that everyone loves. And chivda — a mix of poha, nuts, and spices — works as the perfect tea-time filler. Keep these in airtight tins, and you’ll never have to panic when the doorbell rings.
Bite-Sized Snacks for Quick Conversations
When guests drop by unannounced, finger foods save the day. Think mini samosas, paneer tikka bites, spring rolls, and cheese corn balls. They’re easy to reheat and serve, and they disappear fast. If you have a microwave or air fryer, you can prepare or reheat small batches on demand.
For a festive twist, try stuffed aloo cups (small potato halves filled with spiced corn or peas) or moong dal chillas cut into triangles — they’re light yet full of flavour. Pair them with mint chutney or tamarind dip to make them even more inviting.
Healthy Options for the Conscious Guest
Festivals are fun, but not everyone wants to go all out. Having a few healthy snacks on hand will help you please everyone. Have some roasted makhanas, baked khakras or mixed dry fruits on hand. Even a fruit chaat, sprouted moong salad or hummus with vegetable sticks served in a small bowl can make your diet-conscious guest happy.
You can also prepare grilled paneer cubes, air-fried cutlets, or oats tikki for guests who prefer something light yet satisfying. These dishes retain that festive touch without being heavy.
Sweet Treats that Feel Like Diwali
Diwali and sweets go hand in hand. Even if you’ve already distributed mithai boxes, it’s nice to serve small portions of desserts when guests visit. Traditional sweets like soan papdi, laddoos, gulab jamuns or kaju katli always earn smiles.
If you want to mix things up, try fusion sweets like chocolate barfi, rasmalai cake jars or mini motichoor cheesecakes.
Festive Drinks to Complete the Experience
Having something to drink with your snacks always makes them taste better. For a festive touch, you can serve thandai, rose sherbet or badam milk with chai and coffee. Try pomegranate spritzers or lemon-mint mocktails for a modern twist. If you’re having a party at night, hot masala chai and crunchy snacks are all you need to get people talking.
Make Hosting Easier with Zomato
Zomato can help you if you don’t want to do the prep work and just want to spend time with your guests. You can order snack platters that are ready to eat, festive faral boxes or even party packs that have both sweet and savoury foods.
You can also choose from local cafés or restaurants that deliver hot snacks like paneer tikka platters, samosas, kebabs, and more to your door. Your snack table will look rich and welcoming with minimal effort if you mix and match a few items.
