These are a few halwa variations that you should make at home this Diwali. It is simple to complete not only during Deepavali but also at any other time when you are at home. Despite the fact that our favourite retailers provide a variety of options for purchasing sweet and savoury dishes. Making our favourite desserts at home gives us a valuable sense of accomplishment.

The biggest festival is approaching, and it would be impossible to discuss it without mentioning some indulgent foods that have long been a part of our culinary heritage, from romantically lit streets to heartwarmingly adorable fairy lights to the pervasive aroma of desi ghee laddoos and mithai.

Gajar Halwa from Home:

Gajar ka Halwa, also known as the sweetest Halwa in India, is one of the most traditional and authentic Halwas that people all over the world enjoy. Why not make this delectable Halwa at home this holiday season?

Kesar Gajar halwa can be made in as little as 20 minutes! I've compiled all of my best tips for making this popular buttery semolina delight at home with only eight or nine ingredients!

Ingredients

• Carrot - 1 kg, peeled and grated

• Milk -1 litre, preferably full fat

• Sugar - 5 Tbsp

• Clarified butter / Ghee - 2 Tbsp

• Cardamom powder - 1/4 tsp

• Condensed milk - 3/4 cup

• Almonds to garnish

Method

STEP 1 

Cook grated carrots in about a cup of milk until soft. This can be done in a heavy-bottomed pan. When the milk begins to boil, reduce the heat and allow the mixture to simmer.

STEP 2 

Continue to simmer with the remaining milk. After 15-20 minutes, when all of the milk has evaporated, add the condensed milk to the dry mixture, along with the sugar. Check the amount of sugar; you may need very little sugar because condensed milk is naturally sweet. Allow simmering until the condensed milk has been absorbed and the mixture has thickened.

STEP 3

Stir in the cardamom powder.

STEP 4

The following step is optional. Heat ghee in a separate deep pan, then add the cooked halwa and continue to cook for another minute, stirring constantly.

STEP 5

To serve, chop raw almonds vertically if possible because it looks better that way, and layer them at the bottom of your serving dish. On top, layer your halwa. This allows the almonds to soak up the lovely halwa juices and combines the mixture.

As a healthy-ish post-dinner treat, try this delicious Carrot Halwa.

Pair warm carrot halwa with vanilla ice cream to serve at a party or when you have company. For an exotic look, sprinkle with dried rose petals and slivered pistachios.

Holi is a popular Hindu festival that is celebrated in India and other parts of the world. It is also known as the "Festival of Colors" or the "Festival of Love." Holi is celebrated on the full moon day in the Hindu month of Phalguna, which falls in February or March.

The festival has several significant meanings and traditions associated with it. Here are some of the main reasons why Holi is celebrated:

Triumph of good over evil: Holi celebrates the victory of good over evil. According to Hindu mythology, the festival commemorates the defeat of the demoness Holika by the god Vishnu.

Welcoming spring: Holi also marks the arrival of spring, a time of renewal and new beginnings. The festival is an opportunity to celebrate the joy and beauty of nature.

Forgiveness and reconciliation: Holi is a time to forgive and forget, and to mend broken relationships. People put aside their differences and celebrate together in a spirit of harmony and unity.

Celebration of love: Holi is also known as the "Festival of Love" because it celebrates the love between Krishna and Radha, two Hindu deities. The festival is a time to express love and affection for family, friends, and loved ones.

During Holi, people gather together to throw colored powder and water at each other, sing and dance, and enjoy festive foods and sweets. The festival is a time of joy and celebration, and it brings people together in a spirit of friendship and unity.

During Holi, people prepare and share a variety of sweet and savory dishes with their family, friends, and neighbors. Here are some of the popular Holi foods:

1. Gujiya: Gujiya is a sweet pastry filled with a mixture of khoya, dry fruits, and nuts. It is a traditional Holi food that is prepared in almost every household during the festival.

2. Thandai: Thandai is a traditional Holi drink made with a mixture of milk, nuts, and spices, including almonds, pistachios, saffron, fennel seeds, and cardamom. It is a refreshing and cooling drink that is perfect for the warm weather during Holi.

3. Dahi bhalla: Dahi bhalla is a popular North Indian snack made with lentil fritters soaked in yogurt and topped with chutneys and spices. It is a delicious and refreshing dish that is perfect for the Holi celebrations.

4. Papdi chaat: Papdi chaat is a savory street food that is popular during Holi. It is made with crispy fried papdis, boiled potatoes, chutneys, yogurt, and spices, and is a perfect combination of sweet, sour, and spicy flavors.

5. Puran poli: Puran poli is a sweet flatbread filled with a mixture of lentils, jaggery, and cardamom. It is a traditional Holi food that is popular in Maharashtra and Gujarat.

These are just a few examples of the delicious foods that are prepared and shared during Holi. The festival is a time to indulge in sweet and savory treats and enjoy the company of family and friends.

Ramadan is the ninth month of the Islamic calendar, and it is considered the holiest month of the year for Muslims. It is a time of fasting, prayer, and reflection, where Muslims around the world abstain from food and drink during daylight hours.

The practice of fasting during Ramadan is one of the five pillars of Islam, along with the declaration of faith, prayer, charity, and pilgrimage to Mecca. Fasting is a way for Muslims to purify their souls and focus on their spiritual relationship with Allah, as well as to develop self-discipline, patience, and empathy for those who are less fortunate.

During Ramadan, Muslims wake up before sunrise to eat a pre-dawn meal called suhoor, and then begin their fast, which lasts until sunset. They break their fast with a meal called iftar, which usually includes dates and water, followed by a more substantial meal with family and friends.

In addition to fasting, Muslims are encouraged to increase their acts of worship and charity during Ramadan. Many mosques hold nightly prayers called Taraweeh, which are recitations of the Quran, and Muslims also spend more time reading and reflecting on the holy book during this month.

Ramadan is also a time for community and family gatherings, with many Muslims hosting iftar meals for their friends and loved ones. It is a time to strengthen relationships, forgive past grievances, and extend kindness to all.

At the end of Ramadan, Muslims celebrate Eid al-Fitr, a joyous festival that marks the end of the month of fasting. They attend prayer services, exchange gifts, and share meals with family and friends.

In conclusion, Ramadan is a special and holy month for Muslims around the world. It is a time of fasting, prayer, and reflection, as well as a time for community and charity.