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Sweet Beginnings: Kuch Meetha Ho Jae

  • Writer: Chehak Sethi
    Chehak Sethi
  • Oct 29, 2024
  • 3 min read

As the first day of Diwali approaches, homes across India are filled with the scent of fresh marigold flowers, the warm glow of diyas, and the sweet hum of prosperity. Dhanteras, the festival dedicated to wealth and well-being, marks the auspicious start to the Diwali celebrations. It's the day we honor Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth, and Dhanvantari, the deity of health. And in keeping with tradition, it’s the perfect time to make offerings of mithai—Indian sweets that signify abundance and joy.


A festive Indian home decorated for Dhanteras, featuring fresh marigold garlands, glowing diyas casting warm light, and an altar with statues of Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth, and Dhanvantari, the deity of health. In the foreground, a colorful plate with traditional Indian sweets like laddoos and pedas symbolizes abundance and joy, capturing the celebratory spirit of Dhanteras and the start of Diwali."
Source - DALL-E
"A vibrant display of traditional Indian sweets and snacks arranged on a festive table for Diwali or Dhanteras. The spread includes kaju katli (diamond-shaped cashew sweets) in the center, besan laddoos, gulab jamun, gajar halwa, spiced nuts, and other treats. The table is adorned with marigold flowers, diyas (oil lamps), and colorful decorations, creating a warm and celebratory atmosphere.
Source- Sinfully spicy

Dhanteras is not only about wealth in terms of material possessions; it’s about welcoming all forms of prosperity—health, happiness, and harmony into our lives. One of the most delightful ways we do this is through sweets, an essential part of the celebrations. Each mithai represents a wish for good fortune, sweetness in relationships, and a life full of flavor.

Let's explore some beloved mithai recipes that will not only sweeten your Dhanteras but also bring auspicious beginnings for the festive season.


Motichoor Laddoo: Beads of Joy

"A beautifully arranged plate of vibrant orange motichoor laddoos, each garnished with silver foil (varak) and a few slivers of pistachio, placed on an ornate silver platter. The scene is decorated with red flowers and a diya (oil lamp), adding a festive and traditional touch, perfect for celebrations like Diwali and Dhanteras."
Source- Arpita | Gastronomic Bong

The iconic, orange-golden motichoor laddoo is a staple at every celebration! These delicate sweets are made from tiny pearls of chickpea flour, fried, and then soaked in fragrant sugar syrup with a hint of cardamom. Each bite is a soft, melt-in-the-mouth experience that’s as rich in flavor as it is in tradition.


  • Ingredients: Chickpea flour (besan), sugar, cardamom, saffron, ghee.

  • Special Touch: Top with edible silver foil (varak) and a sprinkle of chopped pistachios to add a festive sparkle.


Motichoor laddoos symbolize wealth and unity, embodying the sweetness and togetherness that Dhanteras brings.





Kaju Katli: Diamonds of Prosperity


A festive display of diamond-shaped kaju katli sweets arranged on a decorative plate, each piece covered with a thin layer of edible silver foil (varak) for a touch of elegance. The smooth, creamy texture of the cashew-based sweet reflects the richness of this popular Indian mithai, often enjoyed during celebrations like Diwali and Dhanteras
Source- Online Sweets Ordering & Delivery System

Kaju Katli, the beloved diamond-shaped cashew sweet, is as elegant as it is delicious. Made from a simple mix of cashews and sugar, this smooth, delicate mithai represents wealth and sophistication. The silver varak on top gives it a royal look, making it perfect for the occasion.


  • Ingredients: Cashews, sugar, ghee, and a hint of rose water.

  • Special Touch: Getting the consistency just right is key; it should be smooth and melt-in-your-mouth.


The diamond shape of Kaju Katli represents the wealth we hope to invite and share during Dhanteras.





3. Besan Barfi: Golden Squares of Joy

Golden squares of besan barfi arranged neatly on a plate, each piece topped with slivers of almonds and pistachios. The barfi has a slightly grainy texture from roasted chickpea flour and a warm golden hue, perfect for festive occasions like Diwali and Dhanteras."
Source- Arpita | Gastronomic Bong

With its rich, golden color, besan barfi is a delicious way to bring good fortune into your home. Made with ghee-roasted chickpea flour, sugar, and a sprinkling of nuts, this sweet has a warm, nutty aroma that feels just like home.


  • Ingredients: Chickpea flour, ghee, sugar, almonds, and cardamom.

  • Special Touch: Slowly roast the chickpea flour for a deep, rich flavor that will make your kitchen smell amazing!


These golden squares of besan barfi are believed to attract prosperity, making them a great treat for Dhanteras.




4. Peda: Little Bites of Bliss


"Round, creamy pedas placed on a decorative platter, with each peda topped with chopped pistachios or a strand of saffron for added color. The soft, milk-based sweets have a pale yellow color, symbolizing blessings and joy for festivals and religious ceremonies.
Source-Cook Click N Devour

Pedas are creamy, milk-based treats that hold a special place in Indian rituals and celebrations. Shaped like small discs, their rich, milky flavor and soft texture make them irresistible. They’re a traditional way to offer blessings for peace and prosperity.


  • Ingredients: Milk, sugar, ghee, and cardamom.

  • Special Touch: Garnish with pistachios or saffron strands for an added festive touch.


These little bites are a way of seeking blessings for peace and prosperity, making them a staple for Dhanteras.






5. Badam Halwa: Creamy Indulgence


A bowl of rich, creamy badam halwa with a vibrant golden color, topped with slivers of almonds and a few strands of saffron. The thick, buttery texture and deep color of the almond-based dessert evoke luxury, making it a festive treat for occasions like Dhanteras and Diwali."
Source- Vege Home Cooking

This rich, buttery dessert made from almonds is perfect for those who love indulgent flavors. With its creamy texture and golden color, badam halwa brings luxury and warmth to any celebration. The almond flavor, paired with cardamom and saffron, makes it both fragrant and flavorful.


  • Ingredients: Almonds, milk, ghee, sugar, saffron, and cardamom.

  • Special Touch: Adding a few strands of saffron not only enhances the flavor but also adds a beautiful golden hue.


Badam halwa’s rich taste and vibrant color symbolize health, wealth, and joy—the perfect treat for Dhanteras.




This Dhanteras, let your mithai be more than just a treat. Let it be a wish for happiness, a prayer for health, and a symbol of prosperity for the year ahead. As you share these sweets with your loved ones, remember that each bite carries with it centuries of tradition, love, and hope for the future.

Let the sweetness of these mithai fill your Dhanteras with joy and abundance. May this festival bring prosperity to your doorstep and sweetness to your life.

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