From Gujiyas to Thandai: Special dishes add flavor to Holi celebrations

Hyderabad: Few festivals, like Holi, paint entire streets, from villages to metros, with different colours. The joyous celebration marks the end of winter and the beginning of spring, as well as the triumph of good over evil.

People spend the whole day throwing powders of vibrant colours at each other as they dance through the streets and feast on delicious foods.

Holi 2025 is just around the corner, and it occurs on March 14. These days, more people than ever before are using eco-friendly, vegetable-based colours.

Bonfires

In the days leading up to Holi, people all over India collect different combustible materials to throw into a bonfire. This could be wood, dried leaves, sticks and other inflammable items. These will be gathered into piles in common areas, parks, colonies and open spaces ready to burn in a pyre on the first evening of Holi.

Usually, there will also be an effigy of Holika, a demoness whose story marks the triumph of good over evil. The huge fires are a symbol of cleansing and burning evil spirits.

Festival of colour

Day two of Holi is also known as Rangwali Holi or Badi Holi. This is the day when all the colours are tossed around.

People apply coloured powders to one another, run around throwing more colours into the air, use water guns, party together, dance, and just generally have a great time. There will be people on the streets singing, playing drums, and dancing from one place to the next in a colourful frenzy.

Special food

The celebrations typically start early in the morning with colors being thrown on friends and family. Along with that, people also enjoy savoury Holi dishes and sweets. After hours of dancing and merry-making on the streets and with families throughout the morning, the spirit of the festival is carried on by feasting on the special and traditional delicacies in the later afternoon and evenings. People make some of these at home and order the rest from specialised home cooks and sweet shops.

Like most festivals, food plays an important part in Holi celebrations. Here are some snacks, desserts, dishes and beverages to enjoy on Holi.

Gujiyas

Holi is synonymous with Gujiyas. Nothing spells the spirit of Holi better than a plate of the traditional delicacy, Gujiyas, that everyone loves to munch on.

This Holi food is popular mainly in the northern and western states of India like Gujarat, Rajasthan and Punjab. These fried dough pockets have a generous filling of jaggery, coconut, nuts and khoya and are then soaked in sugar syrup, making them a delight to eat and making the festive occasion ‘sweeter.’ One can find different varieties of Gujiyas with flavoured fillings, including chocolate, pistachio and sugar-free gujiyas.

Thandai

Holi celebrations cannot take place without a glass of Thandai, a cool and refreshing beverage that cleanses your palate after enjoying all the decadent and greasy Holi foods.

Thandai is a traditional Indian beverage popular mostly in North Indian states like UP, Rajasthan and Bihar, and it is a must-have drink during Holi. The beverage is essentially a milky concoction, which has rich ingredients like dried fruits, nuts, seeds, saffron and spices.

Puran Poli

This is one of the famous Holi sweets and an integral part of Holi traditional cuisine in Maharashtra and Karnataka. Puran Poli is a delectable dish which is basically a chapati with a sweet stuffing made of chana dal and sugar.

It is a bite-sized, diamond-shaped and deep-fried savoury snack that looks like a pastry strip cut into smaller pieces. The traditional recipe is simple and is made of refined flour and ghee seasoned with salt, jeera (cumin seeds), and ajwain (carom seeds). It is one of the most traditional foods of Holi, and it is extremely popular in states like Uttar Pradesh, Punjab, Gujarat, Maharashtra and Rajasthan. This is a favourite with both adults and children.

Masala Mathri

A staple Holi celebration food, Masala Mathri is a savoury, flaky cracker that’s a part of the festive cuisine across North India. Made with refined flour, carom seeds and a blend of spices, it’s deep-fried until golden. Perfect with a cup of tea, its crunchy texture and spicy flavour make it a favourite. This snack embodies the spirit of Holi, offering a delicious treat that complements the sweet dishes of the festival.

Dahi Bhalle

A refreshing snack, Dahi Bhalle is a popular dish for Holi. Soft lentil dumplings are soaked in yoghurt and drizzled with sweet and tangy chutneys and topped with spices like cumin powder and red chili. This dish is a harmonious blend of textures and flavours, offering a cool contrast to the day’s heat and excitement. Dahi Bhalle is a staple at Holi gatherings across the country, where it’s enjoyed by everyone for its comforting and delicious taste.

Lassi

Lassi, a creamy, yoghurt-based drink, is a sweet refreshment enjoyed on Holi. This delightful beverage can be sweet or savoury, often flavoured with fruit, rosewater, or spices, providing a cooling respite from Holi’s exuberance. A glass of thick, frothy lassi not only quenches thirst but also offers a taste of traditional hospitality. Whether it’s a mango lassi or a classic sweet lassi, this drink captures the essence of the festival's joy in culinary traditions.

Pakore

Pakore are a typical snack during the Holi festival, offering a delightful crunch with every bite. These crispy fritters are made by coating various ingredients, such as vegetables or paneer, in a spiced gram flour batter and deep-frying them to golden perfection. With their irresistible texture and flavour, pakore are perfect for nibbling on while reveling in the colourful festivities of Holi.

Kachori

Kachori during Holi is an irresistible deep-fried treat which is filled with a variety of ingredients, from spiced moong dal to a mixture of peas and potatoes, making each bite a surprise. Served with chutney or curry, Kachori is a versatile dish that can satisfy both sweet and savoury cravings. It's a reflection of India's rich culinary diversity, with each region offering its own twist on this classic snack.

Kathal ki Sabzi

Kathal ki Sabzi made from raw jackfruit is a common food for the Holi festival in North India. This dish is a favourite in parts of North India, where jackfruit is celebrated for its versatility. It is a traditional Holi dish with a meaty texture and a rich, spicy flavour. Cooked with a variety of spices, tomatoes, and onions, it transforms into a hearty curry that's often paired with fluffy pooris.

Phirni

Phirni is one of the top Holi sweets that you have to try! It is a creamy, rice-based pudding that’s a must-try during Holi. Slow-cooked with milk, sugar, and aromatic spices like cardamom, it's garnished with nuts and saffron for an extra touch of luxury. This dessert is often served chilled in earthen bowls, which enhance its flavour and presentation. Phirni's smooth texture and delicate sweetness make it a perfect end to a festive meal, capturing the essence of Holi's joy and the richness of Indian dessert traditions.