Diwali Celebration in Tamil Nadu: A Festival of Lights and Flavours

Diwali, also known as Deepavali, is one of the most celebrated and cherished festivals in Tamil Nadu. This "Festival of Lights" holds a special place in the hearts of the people of Tamil Nadu and is celebrated with great enthusiasm and fervour. In this blog, we will delve into the unique traditions of Diwali in Tamil Nadu, focusing on the city of Coimbatore and exploring the delightful culinary treats that make this festival special.

Diwali Celebrations in Tamil Nadu

Diwali in Tamil Nadu is marked by a combination of traditional customs and vibrant festivities. The preparation for this festival begins well in advance, as homes and streets are adorned with colourful rangoli designs and sparkling oil lamps, known as diyas. The entire state comes alive with a mesmerising display of lights and it's common to see beautifully lit oil lamps adorning windowsills and doorways.

One of the unique customs in Tamil Nadu is the 'Kolam', intricate floor designs made with rice flour or coloured powders, which are created in front of homes as a sign of welcome and prosperity. These designs come in various patterns, from simple geometric shapes to complex, artistic motifs.

Diwali celebration in Coimbatore is equally grand. The city is adorned with lights and decorations and families come together to share the joy of the festival. Temples across the city hold special prayers and ceremonies, attracting devotees seeking blessings and spiritual enlightenment.

Special Foods for Diwali in Tamil Nadu

Diwali is not just a festival of lights; it's also a festival of flavours and feasting. Traditional Tamil cuisine takes centre stage during this festive season and several delectable dishes are prepared to mark the occasion. The most famous Tamil Nadu Diwali special sweets include:

Murukku: Murukku, a popular South Indian snack, is a must-have during Diwali. These crispy, spiral-shaped snacks are made from a combination of rice flour, urad dal flour, and spices. Murukku comes in various flavours, including pepper, cumin and even chilli, providing a delightful blend of taste and texture.

Adhirasam: Adhirasam is a sweet treat that's synonymous with Diwali Food. Tamil Nadu has a unique way of making this sweet dish as it's made from a mixture of rice flour and jaggery, resulting in a sticky, dough-like consistency. This dough is then shaped into small, flat rounds, deep-fried and sweetened with a rich, aromatic syrup. Adhirasam is a delightful mix of crunchy and chewy textures with a subtle sweetness.

a bowl with murukku inside it next to a glass of tea

Sakkarai Pongal: A traditional Tamil sweet dish, Sakkarai Pongal is made from rice and moong dal cooked with jaggery and flavoured with ghee, cardamom and cashews. It's a rich and aromatic dessert that's an absolute favourite during Diwali celebrations.
Coconut Burfi: Coconut burfi, a delicious sweet made from fresh coconut and sugar, is another one of the special Diwali Snacks. Tamil Nadu's special version is often garnished with pistachios or almonds, adding a nutty crunch to the sweet and chewy coconut base.
Appam: Appam is a fluffy, pancake-like dish made from rice flour. It's often prepared on the festival day and is paired with stews and other curries.
Laddu: Laddu, or sweet round balls made from gram flour (besan), sugar and ghee, are a staple dessert during Diwali. They come in several flavours and are often garnished with nuts or edible silver leaves.

During Diwali in Tamil Nadu, these mouthwatering dishes are prepared with love and shared with family and friends. Exchanging sweets and gifts is a common tradition, symbolising good wishes and the spirit of togetherness. The aroma of these special Diwali foods fills the air, adding to the festive ambience and creating lasting memories for everyone involved. Diwali in Tamil Nadu, particularly in the vibrant city of Coimbatore, is a spectacular blend of tradition, spirituality and culinary delights. As homes and streets light up with the glow of diyas and the air is filled with the scent of delicious dishes, Diwali truly lives up to its name as the "Festival of Lights and Flavours".

If you're planning your stay in the hill stations of Tamil Nadu during Diwali, we suggest Ibex Stays. With 3 locations in Pollachi (River view rooms), Kotagiri (2 private villas), Coonoor (113-year-old Colonial Bungalow) and 1 Valparai (Rooms with valley view), Ibex Stay is one of the best place to celebrate diwali.