Deepavali, or Diwali is the Festival of Lights celebrated by the Indians, or specifically the Hindus. It represents the triumph of good (light) over evil (darkness) and is usually in end October or early November. Contrary to popular belief, Deepavali is not the Indian's New Year. Chaitra Navratri in April is the Indian's New Year. However in Singapore, we only have the Deepavali as public holiday as it is celebrated by the natives with greater vigour and with wider scale events.
During Deepavali, Indians wear their finest clothes and jewelries, brighten their houses with lamps and colourful rangoli designs. Like the New Year of other races, they will also clean their house in anticipating of guests and cook up a feast.
Image of a Rangoli at home
Not just biryani, butter chicken and vadai, snacks also play a big part in the festivities. These snacks are important to entertain guests before the big meal and also during the chat sessions. Even non-Indians know more about the Indian snacks because they are found everywhere in Singapore and well enjoyed by many.
Here are some popular Indian snacks:
1) Murukku Crackers
Singapore is a multi-racial society which is why all of us grew up seeing murukku in our local mama shop. There are many, many different types of murukku but what makes murukku so unique is the taste of urad dal, which are beans or lentils commonly used in Indian cuisines. These urad dal is grounded into flour to be made into snacks, with some addition of spices.
We have many different types of murukku crackers to choose from. From Butter Murukku which is the classic flavour to Spicy Murukku, which are addictive and yummy, there are different snacks for everyone. The Star Murukku taste more garlicky and a good crunch is found in Round Murukku. You can't say you have celebrated Deepavali if you don't snack on some murukku crackers.
2) Kacang Puteh Medley
Nuts have played an important part of Indian traditions not just because of the health benefits, but also they are delicious and used frequently in many Indian cuisines. Peanuts are taken by many Indian families daily as they are affordable and provide high protein content to everyone.
Not just peanuts, chick peas are also well loved and used in popular dishes like hummus, falafel and masala. Mixing both together in Kacang Puteh (or Kacang Putih) Medley as a snack is a no-brainer because you get to enjoy peanuts, chick peas and crunch from the Spicy Chilli Prawn in one serving!
3) Banana Split Crackers
The popularity of banana chips is traced back to Kerala, India, where they are mixed with sugar or honey or spices for an indulgent treat. Bananas are grown in Kerala and underripe bananas are deep fried in coconut or sunflower oil to give a tasty snack. They hold cultural significance because these chips do not just signify snacks, they are also about extending the hospitality and inviting everyone to share in their authentic flavours.
4) Worthy Coconut Cookies
Coconut is believed to be an auspicious fruit and is used in many rituals to be offered to the deities. It is a symbol of purity and believed to welcome the goddess of wealth. The coconut water can cleanse one's palate and the coconut gratings are for fragrant desserts such as Dosa, Coconut Chutney or Mysore Bonda. Even the coconut milk is used in curries, making them rich and creamy and allowing people of all ages to enjoy coconut in many different ways.
For snacks, of course we would have Worthy Coconut Cookies. Tasty and refreshing, it's the perfect accompaniment to any meal. The fragrant of the coconut in these cookies will definitely not lose to any coconut snack out there.
5) Fruits
Fresh or dried fruits are usually given as gift hampers to express gratitude and good fortune as Diwali gifts. They are widely accepted as wedding and house warming gifts as they have a feeling of luxury and health. Many Indian desserts are very sweet and a good replacement would be dried fruits, as they can be stored for a longer period of time. Apricots and mango are the popular dried fruit snack to be included in Deepavali. Chocolates and candies are also frequently gifted as they are always welcome in all kinds of festivals.
