Diwali is never complete without sweets. From the first light of diyas to the last burst of crackers, what stays constant is the exchange of mithai boxes, the aroma of ghee-filled kitchens, and the joy of sharing a bite of something sweet with loved ones. This post brings together a wide range of Diwali sweets recipes — from quick and easy treats like Gulab Jamun to time-honored traditional recipes like Adhirasam.
As Diwali 2025 approaches on October 20th, I’ve put together a collection of ladoos, burfis, halwas, pedas, and many more festive delights. The recipes are categorized so you can pick them based on time, effort, or family favorites.
Because let’s be honest — the sweetest confusion during Diwali is deciding which sweet to make. Some prefer safe and instant options, others take pride in mastering traditional classics, while many simply stick to childhood favorites.
About Diwali
Diwali, also known as Deepavali, is celebrated with grandeur across India. It is not just a festival of lights but also one of stories, traditions, and flavors.
- In North India, Diwali marks the return of Rama and Sita to Ayodhya after Ravana’s defeat.
- In South India, it celebrates Lord Krishna’s victory over the demon Narakasura.
Diwali isn’t just a one-day festival, but a five-day celebration that brings with it numerous rituals and customs:
Dhanteras – This day is dedicated to Goddess Lakshmi. People buy gold, silver, or new utensils for happiness and prosperity at home.
Choti Diwali / Hanuman Pooja – On this day, Lord Hanuman is worshipped to seek his blessings before worshipping Lord Rama on Diwali.
Naraka Chaturdashi (Main Diwali Day) – On this day, every home is illuminated with the light of diyas. Pooja, sweets, and firecrackers… all together make this night truly magical.On this day we worship Lord Ganesha and Mata Laxmi .
Govardhan Puja – Celebrated as a new beginning for business and new ventures. This day is special for the business community, as it marks the beginning of their new financial year.
Bhai Dooj – On this day, the love between brothers and sisters is celebrated. Sisters perform aarti for their brothers, and the brothers promise to always protect and love them.
Amidst the lights, fireworks, and pujas, sweets remain the heart of Diwali. They symbolize joy, prosperity, and the sweetness of relationships.
Diwali Sweets | Diwali Sweets Recipes
The joy that sweets bring to families makes all the effort worth it. Every home has its own Diwali sweet-making tradition. Personally, I like to prepare:
- One sweet for kids – usually a milk sweet or gulab jamun.
- One sweet for gifting – ladoos or burfis that can be shared easily.
- Special traditional sweets – like adhirasam or seeyam, reserved for Diwali day.
Often, the kids’ favorite sweets get over before the festival even begins, so I make a second round with halwa or instant recipes. For gifting and exchanging, it usually turns into a group activity — cooking collectively with friends or neighbors, followed by packing and sharing.
Because truly, shopping, cooking, get-togethers, and exchanging sweets are what make Diwali a celebration.
What’s Inside This Collection?
- 30+ Ladoo varieties – from besan to motichoor, each one special.
- 25+ Halwa varieties – from sooji to moong dal to carrot halwa.
- 15+ Burfi recipes – kaju katli, coconut burfi, chocolate burfi and more.
- 10+ Jamun & Peda recipes – soft, syrupy gulab jamuns, milk pedas, and doodh pedas.
- 25+ Traditional sweets – including adhirasam, seeyam, mysore pak, balushahi, and more.
Whether you’re looking for something simple and instant or a classic that takes time and patience, this list has something for everyone.
Memories of Diwali
Every Diwali brings a new memory. My most special memory is First Diwali at my In-laws home – the first Diwali after my marriage. It was a grand family affair, filled with sweets, the sparkle of new clothes, and laughter and fun everywhere.
Childhood Diwali had a different flavor – bursting firecrackers, watching new movies on TV, and visiting relatives was the ultimate joy. Today, the meaning of Diwali has changed – cooking festive food, preparing sweets for the family, and enjoying every moment with the children.
Sometimes it’s preparing for the puja, sometimes it’s serving sweets, and sometimes it’s chasing after the kids—it all happens in one day. And it’s these little things that make my Diwali even more memorable.
A Sweet Ending
Diwali 2025 is just around the corner – mark October 20th on your calendar! Diwali without a list of festive sweets can not be possibal and when you make homemade sweets it increase the level of festive treat and best option for your health also so, Start planning now.Start with an easy sweet recipe, then try some traditional recipes, and be sure to add your kids’ favorites to the list.
Sweets aren’t just something to eat, they’re a way to share joy… a way to relive old traditions with family and a reason to make those occasions even sweeter.
This Diwali, decorate your home with lights, make sweets with your own hands, and enjoy the taste of love and laughter in every bite. Because the real celebration is when the house is bright, the heart is happy and the plate is full of sweets.
FAQS
What is the correct pronounciation Diwali or Deepavali?
Diwali is festival of lights and one of the most popular and celebrated festival in India . Deepavali means ‘row of lights’ in Sanskrit so it is called Deepavali in South India and Diwali and North India.
Name 5 important and easy sweet recipes for Diwali?
Besan Ladoo, Gulab Jamun, Khoya Barfi, Kaju Katali, and Milk Peda are simple, traditional Diwali sweets. Beginners and office going people can begin with Instant Gulab Jamun, Milk Powder Burfi, and Carrot Ladoo, gradually building experience as they find time to prepare Halwa, Adhirasam, and other sweets.
What are some quick Diwali sweets recipes for beginners?
If you’re short on time, try rava ladoo, instant peda, coconut burfi, or sooji halwa. These sweets take less than 30 minutes and are perfect for beginners.
Which Diwali sweets are best for gifting?
Diwali is the festival when every person gift sweets to their neighbours and friends. But here is the question what is the best sweet to gift that stay fresh long. SO here are some most common options , such as besan ladoo, dry fruit burfi, coconut burfi, Kaju katli, or rava ladoo.
How do you do Pooja for Diwali?
To perform Diwali puja at home, first clean and decorate the house and the puja plate with rangoli, flowers, and diyas. Then, place the idols of Lord Ganesha and Goddess Lakshmi in their appropriate places.
The puja begins by remembering Lord Ganesha, offering him sweets, fruits, and incense. Afterward, bathe the idols with water, Panchamrit, and then water again, then apply turmeric, kumkum, and flowers.
Light a lit diya and incense, recite mantras, and then perform Lakshmi Aarti to welcome prosperity and good fortune into the home.
This puja is performed in the evening, usually during Pradosh Kaal (after sunset, before nightfall), which is considered the most auspicious time.
When is Diwali celebrated th this year?
Diwali is celebrated on 20th October 2025.
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Which is the most gifted sweet for Diwali ?
Kaju Katli is the most gifted sweets on Diwali . Beacouse Kaju Katli is evergreen and loved by everyone. Smooth, diamond-shaped, and made from premium Kaju (cashews), Kaju Katli is the queen of Diwali sweets. Its subtle richness makes it a must-have in every sweet box, and brings a special festive feel to every bite.
Wishing you and your family a very Happy and Sweet Diwali
