Diwali Gift Guide

12 months ago 49

Diwali is the biggest Hindu festival of India, celebrated over a period of 7 days per the Hindu Calendar. WHY IS DIWALI CELEBRATED? Diwali comes from the word Deepavali (which is essentially a diya or a candle in the...

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Diwali is the biggest Hindu festival of India, celebrated over a period of 7 days per the Hindu Calendar.�

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WHY IS DIWALI CELEBRATED?

Diwali comes from the word Deepavali (which is essentially a diya or a candle in the form of a small clay pot with a wick and oil). It is the day when Lord Rama returned from Lanka after defeating Ravana, and rescuing his wife Sita. The whole city of Ayodhya was lit with diyas, and hence it is called the Festival of Lights. The festival marks the victory of good over evil.

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WHAT ARE THE DIFFERENT DAYS LEADING UPTO DIWALI?

The website here best explains all the days of Diwali and the significance of each day. Excerpt from the website:

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Diwali in Gujarat begins with (November 09, 2023) Agyaras, This falls on the 11th day of Aso Vad month of the Gujarati calendar or the month of Ashwin.(November 10, 2023) � Vaaghbaras also known as Vaak Baras. On this day people clear their account ledgers (khata) today and not enter into new transactions using new ledgers only after Labh Panchm.(November 10, 2023) � Dhanteras. �Dhan� means wealth and �teras� refers to the 13th day of a lunar fortnight on the Hindu calendar. This day is dedicated to celebrating prosperity. Goddess Lakshmi is welcomed into the home and gold is purchased. Laxmi Pujan is performed in Gujarati homes.(November 11, 2023) � Kali Chaudas. Goddess Kali and Lord Krishna are believed to have destroyed the demon Narakasura on this day. Kali is worshiped in West Bengal, while demon effigies are burned in Goa.(November 12, 2023) � Diwali (Amavasya). This darkest day of the month is the most significant day of the Diwali festival in north and west India. Lakshmi is worshiped on this day, with a special puja performed in the evening.(November 14, 2023) � New Year. In north India, Govardhan Puja is celebrated as the day when Lord Krishna defeated Indra, the god of thunder and rain. In Gujarat, It is celebrated as the start of a new year.(November 15, 2023) � Bhai Bij. It�s dedicated to celebrating sisters, in a similar way that Raksha Bandhan is dedicated to brothers. Brothers and sisters get together and share food, to honor the bond between them.�

Diwali is the time to give gifts as an offering or a token of good beginnings. Growing up in India it was always with mithai and cash. Over the years, people have given many different kinds of things.�

Showcasing some beautifully curated list of items that can be given as Diwali gifts during the season of giving! I have linked where you can purchase them from as well.

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CHOCOLATE, MITHAI AND DESSERTS

Madhu Chocolate

The Diwali Gift Set

This beautiful set comes with Orange and Clove Bonbons, Masala Chai Set and strainer as well as 3 chocolate bars of different flavors. The gift box is wrapped, and shipping is FREE.

$79

ELEMENT TRUFFLES

Aura Gift Box

Hand crafted box with 5 chocolate bars that are sugar free, made with natural ingredients and with amazing flavors. I have personally had these chocolates and truly love them. Ginger with Black Pepper is REALLY good. Shipping is FREE.

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$45

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Varah Gourmet Luxuries

Utsav � a Festival of Flavors � Diwali Gift Box

A box of South Asian Treats made with 100% natural ingredients, zero preservatives, free of dairy, gluten and refined sugar. I have had treats from this small business and they are wonderful! Shipping is FREE.

Box of 25 for $60

Malai Ice Cream

Diwali Celebration Collection

This year�s Diwali Celebration Collection captures the bright essence of the festival of lights with four special edition pints, all inspired by classic South Asian desserts. The flavors are phenomenal with Kaju Katli, Penda, Ghugra, and Ras Malai Ice Cream. I have had their ice creams and they are every bit delicious!

$50

Tagmo

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Diwali Mithai Box

This is a mithai box with different kinds of fusion mithai as well as ladoos. Perfect gift to give during the festive season.

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$99.99

Biskut Bar

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Signature Biskut Tin

Original presentation of Indian afternoon tea biskuts to truly experience the heritage, craft and flavor of the Biskut land. Four biskut bar biskut rolls perfect for gifting or keeping on hand for impromptu guests. I have personally tasted these and they are kick ass amazing!

$50

Layla Delicacies

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Diwali Gift Box

This elegant 2-layer Diwali gift box will make the festival 2 times better. It�s full of decadent sweets full of nutty flavors and a little bit of sweetness in a box that opens very beautifully. Everyone will be amazed by these authentic and delicious handcrafted pieces. �Vegan and Gluten Free.

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$59

CHAI

Kola Goodies

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Special Edition Latte Kit

A very special, limited edition kit featuring your favorite tea lattes in a beautiful keepsake tin. Personally their teas are my go to mid day tea time!

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$78

The Chai Box

Best Sellers Gift Set

Give the gift of Chai with these 3 best sellers. They are packaged beautifully and elegantly, and make the perfect gift for the chai lover. Love their teas!! Full of fragrance!

$57

SPICES AND ACCHARS

Diaspora Co.

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This is a ready-made kit of spices so that you do have to do the work of mixing them! Recipes are on the Diaspora website! Love their gorgeous new branding/packaging and ofcourse ALL their spices.

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$31

SpiceWalla

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6 pack Chai Pani Masala Collection

The most wonderful collection of 6 spice blends that will carry you through many good recipes! I am a fan of Chef Meherwan, and their spices. Plus he even wrote a blurb in my cookbook � Mumbai Modern

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$34.99

Brooklyn Delhi

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Hot and Spicy Trio Gift Set

If you love flavor and heat, these acchars are for you. I have personally tried them and they are a favorite in our home, especially with my 12 year son!

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$40

Podi Life

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Flavor with Ease � Sprinkler Set

A highly-functional, colorful, textural and flavorful sprinkler set of 4 PODIs � versatile seasonings! Each jar comes with pairing suggestions and functional benefits on the jar itself. I am a huge fan of Podi Life and their spices! We love them on our dosas.

$35