With the return of cool fall days comes the anticipation and excitement of preparing for Diwali, the Festival of Lights. Falling on the darkest days of the lunar month and coinciding with the new moon, Diwali is a five-day festival rich in cultural traditions that is a significant celebration in Indian culture. Symbolizing victory of light over darkness, good over evil, and knowledge over ignorance, it’s a festive time to celebrate new beginnings and hope for the future, bringing warmth and colour to a time of year when both begin to fade.
Celebrated throughout the world, the universal and appealing message at the heart of Diwali— light over darkness—unites people of diverse backgrounds in their shared desire for goodness, positivity, and prosperity. It’s an inspiring celebration of community, culture, and personal growth and with that, an opportunity to foster and embrace a deeper understanding and respect for diverse cultural perspectives, values, and traditions.
Festivities representing light, hope, and new beginnings are deeply rooted in Diwali’s age-old traditions that include illuminating firework displays and the lighting of candles, lanterns, traditional diya oil lamps made from clay, and stringed lights. The vibrant spirit of Diwali can also be seen through vivid colours displayed in new clothing, house adornments, and intricate rangoli-patterned design art made from powders, flours, and rice that families traditionally display in home entranceways to welcome guests.
The festival’s joyous sounds of music and contagious laughter create warm and cozy feelings of connection. These social gatherings bring family, friends, and community together to celebrate, exchange gifts, and partake in the seasonal comforts of food and sweets. Sharing and exchanging food is an integral part of Diwali celebrations and the cooler temperatures bring people indoors to find comfort and warmth around a table with family and friends. It’s a time to reconnect with loved ones―and what better way to do that than over food and beverages.
The smell of fragrant spices creates nostalgic and comforting feelings of fall. The sweet smell of cinnamon, the earthiness of cumin, the spicy hit of ginger―all these flavours seamlessly meld together in warming dishes of seasonal goodness.
Vibrant in colour and distinctive to traditional Indian dishes, bold and aromatic spices, including turmeric, cinnamon, cardamon, ginger, and cloves, offer amazing brain-boosting benefits. These spices, added to chutneys, sauces, meat dishes, warm drinks, and curries, are as nourishing as they are perfect for the cooler fall days.
From creamy curries to meat marinated in warming Indian spices―this collection of Indian-inspired recipes blends seasonal ingredients with naturally comforting flavours worthy of celebration.
Sweetened with a dash of maple syrup or honey, this fragrant and warming hug in a mug is perfect on a cold fall morning―or any time of day. Top with a sprinkle of cinnamon, slip in an extra slice of ginger, or add more black pepper for a spicier chai. This dairy-free aromatic coffee-shop favourite is simple to make and easily customized any way you like it!
Vibrant cilantro chutney brings heat and lime tanginess to balance out the delicious earthy flavour of these creamy sweet potato patties. Crisp on the outside and packed full of fibre and antioxidants, hemp hearts and chickpea flour add extra protein to these nutritious and savoury snacks. Delicious served hot with chutney, they’re also a welcomed addition to a green salad or wrap.
Coconut milk adds a creamy richness to this vegan take on a traditional saag paneer. Fragrant spices are combined with seasonal greens and roasted tofu in a nutritious, flavourful stew-like dish that’s abundant in iron and antioxidants, and as full of flavour as it is vibrant in colour! Dial the heat of spice up or down with the amount of added green chili. Serve piping hot on its own or enjoy with your favourite side.
Aromatic spices quickly come together in a nutty and mild vegan curry, deliciously rich in flavour and creamy perfection. Abundant in nutrients and anti-inflammatory properties, not only is this saucy dish palate pleasing, but it’s also a good source of beneficial brain-boosting power. Perfectly pairs with basmati rice or warmed naan—and even better the next day!
Traditionally, tandoori chicken is cooked in a clay oven heated by charcoal or wood, called a tandoor. When cooking, juices from the chicken would drip onto the hot charcoal, giving the meat its unique smoky flavour. A simple tandoori marinade infuses chicken with aromatic flavours in this creative twist on a popular and tasty Indian dish. Juicy and mildly spiced chicken is the perfect flatbread topper to complement the vibrant and delicious, sweet and spicy layers of flavours. To make it a quick-and-easy assembled meal, prep all the ingredients a day ahead when marinating the chicken.
This collection was originally published in the October 2025 issue of alive magazine.
