Updated April 20, 2021
Known as the Festival of Lights, Diwali is an Indian holiday that traditionally takes place in late October or early November. The five-day festival originated in India; the religious holiday is celebrated all over the world. If you’re in Denver, Colorado, during the festival, visit Little India of Denver to sample a variety of delicious foods that are associated with the holiday.
The Importance of Diwali
Diwali originated as a religious festival for Sikhs, Hindus, and Jains. It is also a harvest festival that marks the beginning of the lunar year in India. Unlike many religious holidays that involve fasting, Diwali is a time to celebrate abundant blessings and is typically characterized by shopping, eating, and spending time with loved ones. People who celebrate Diwali light lamps both inside and outside their homes mark the occasion as a representation of light triumphing over darkness.
The festival lasts for five days, with each day used for a specific purpose. The first day is traditionally spent shopping for new clothes to wear throughout the festival. The second day is spent cleaning the home and decorating to welcome the Indian goddess of abundance, Lakshmi, who is said to enter and bless clean homes during the festival. Day three, the festival’s height, is celebrated with fireworks and a bountiful feast, while the fourth day celebrates the bond between husbands and wives. The fifth day is dedicated to the bond between brothers and sisters.
Delicious Foods Offered by Little India of Denver To Celebrate Diwali
Although each day of the festival is dedicated to a specific purpose, one common theme that ties the days together is an abundance of sweet and savory treats. These treats are eaten as snacks and even sometimes served alongside meals. Whether you live in Denver or are just passing through during Diwali, you can visit one of Little India’s two locations to sample some of the delicious treats that are typically made for Diwali. We offer the following dishes to celebrate the holiday.
- Puri: This savory dish features traditional wheat bread deep fried in ghee for a delicious side to our channa masala.
- Samosas: We offer two types of samosa, which are tiny pastries stuffed with vegetables and spices. Our Punjabi samosa is filled with peas and potatoes and then deep-fried for a crisp, golden finish. Our Jaipuri samosa is filled with mixed vegetables and topped with a tangy yogurt chutney.
- Pakora: Also known as bhaji, pakora features a dough made of spices and chickpeas and then stuffed with various vegetables. In addition to a traditional vegetarian pakora, Little India offers chicken pakora and calamari pakora, stuffed with poultry and squid, respectively.
- Kheer: This rice pudding is traditionally infused with cardamom and topped with saffron and nuts. Our version of this delicious dish is topped with pistachios and almonds.
- Paneer Masala: Because many people choose to be vegetarian during Diwali, most main dishes combine vegetables, herbs, and butter. Our paneer butter masala features homemade cheese cubes cooked in a butter masala sauce and seasoned with fresh herbs and spices.
Dine-in At Little India of Denver Today!
If you want to celebrate Diwali by indulging in some delicious Indian dishes, Little India of Denver offers a wide variety of food to choose from. We have three locations, one on 6th Avenue, the second on South Downing Street, and a third on West 32nd Ave. With both takeout and dine-in options available, we can help you celebrate the holiday appropriately with traditional food choices. Join our loyalty program and earn points for every order you place and redeem them for free food. If you are interested in making a reservation or placing an order for delicious Indian dishes to celebrate Diwali, contact us today.
Reserve a table at one of our three locations in Denver, CO:
- Little India Restaurant & Bar 6th Ave
- Little India Restaurant & Bar Downing St.
- Little India Restaurant & Bar 32nd Ave
Call 6th Ave Call 32nd Ave Call Downing St.
Featured Image: Indian Food Images / Shutterstock