Diwali, the festival of lights, is a time for joy, laughter, and togetherness. In North India, homes come alive with twinkling diyas, colourful rangolis and the smell of freshly made mithai that makes you want to eat it. Giving sweets to friends and family is one of the most popular gifts during the festival. A beautifully wrapped box of mithai is more than just a gift; it is a sign of love, good luck and holiday cheer.
If you’re planning to surprise your loved ones with something truly delicious this Diwali, here are some evergreen sweets that never go out of style.
Motichoor Laddoo
Motichoor laddoos are the most polular sweets of every Diwali celebration. These soft, melt-in-your-mouth treats are a true classic. They are made with small golden pearls of besan that have been fried in ghee and soaked in sugar syrup. They smell great and are bright orange, which makes them hard to resist. A well-packed box of motichoor laddoos from a popular sweet shop is always an excellent gift for your loved ones.
Kaju Katli
Kaju katli is the most refined Indian mithai. It is smooth, elegant and just the right amount of sweet. This diamond-shaped sweet is made with high-quality cashew nuts and ghee, and it is often topped with a thin layer of silver foil. It looks very fancy. It’s a must-have in Diwali gift boxes and a great choice for people who like sweets that aren’t too sweet. Kaju katli is loved by everyone because it is simple and elegant.
Gulab Jamun
Soft, syrupy, and indulgent—gulab jamuns hold a special place in every Indian’s heart. These golden-brown khoya balls, soaked in rose-scented sugar syrup, are comfort food for all ages. Many sweet shops now offer dry versions of gulab jamun that are easy to pack and gift, without the worry of spillage. A box of these beauties is sure to bring a smile to anyone’s face.
Soan Papdi
Soan papdi is a sweet that always shows up in Diwali gift baskets. Its light, flaky texture and mild sweetness make it a favourite across generations. It is made with gram flour, sugar and ghee. Well, it just melts in your mouth, leaving a sweet taste behind. It also stays fresh for days, making it great for giving to friends and family who love to have one sweet a day.
Rasgulla and Rajbhog
Although rasgulla originates from Bengal, it has become a beloved part of festive celebrations across North India. These spongy white balls soaked in syrup are light yet satisfying. Their richer cousin, the rajbhog, adds a delightful surprise with its saffron flavour and dry fruit filling. Many sweet shops now sell them in beautifully sealed tins, which makes them easy to store and gift during the festive rush.
Peda and Barfi Varieties
These sweets, like the world-famous Mathura peda and creamy barfis in flavours like pista, coconut or chocolate, are a traditional part of any Diwali celebration. They are great gifts because they are thick and rich. You can even make a gift box with a mix of colours and flavours, which is a great way to show you care.
Modern Twists on Traditional Mithai
If you’re looking for something different this Diwali, try gifting fusion mithai. Think of chocolate-coated laddoos, rose-flavoured kaju katli or paan-infused barfi. Well, these creative versions of traditional sweets are now trending. They bring together the charm of Indian desserts with a modern touch, making them perfect for younger recipients or those with a contemporary palate.
Ordering Sweets Online – The Easy Way
You no longer have to wait in line outside crowded sweet shops during Diwali. Ordering your favourite mithai is easier than ever, thanks to app like Zomato. You can find the best-rated sweet shops in your area, look at their holiday collections and place an order in just a few minutes. Zomato will bring fresh sweets right to your door.