Gulab Jamun – The undisputed king
Warm, syrupy melt-in-your-mouth perfection – gulab jamun doesn’t just win, it rules. Soft as a dream and as sweet as your favorite aunt’s compliments, you can’t go wrong with it. Served warm, with that golden-brown color and a drizzle of rose-scented sugar syrup, it glows with perfection. This soft amber delight has single-handedly carried weddings, birthdays and every Diwali dinner for as long as anyone can remember. It’s comfort. It’s tradition. It’s love.
Ladoo – The OG
Whether it’s besan, motichoor or boondi – the humble ladoo is Diwali’s golden boy. It’s the first thing your relatives shove in your mouth after saying “Beta, you’ve grown so much!” Ladoo is the grandma-adored sweet that’s never missing from the Diwali platter. Golden, crumbly and melting with nostalgia, ladoo earns its runner-up spot with pride.
Rasmalai – The royal dessert
Rasmalai is the sweet you’d eat if mithai had Michelin stars. These spongy cheese patties soaked in a creamy, saffron-infused milk are delicate, elegant and perfect for those who like their sweets with a touch of sophistication (and a lot of cardamom).
Kaju Katli – The fancy fan favorite
If there was a “most likely to be gifted” award, kaju katli would win hands down. These diamond-shaped cashew delights are the Shakira of the mithai world: smooth, shiny and effortlessly iconic. It’s classy, rich and the go-to gift for your favorite guests.
Jalebi – The sweetest spiral of chaos
Crispy, syrupy and unapologetically messy – jalebi is that friend who convinces you to do spontaneous things – like eating three more even though you said you were full. It’s chaos in a coil, and we love it for that. Best enjoyed hot, sticky and with zero regrets.
Barfi – A reliable classic
Barfi may not be the flashiest sweet on the table, but it’s reliable. From plain milk barfi to coconut or pista, it’s the backbone of every festive box. Think of it as the vanilla ice cream of mithai – simple yet comforting.
Kheer – The cozy classic
A warm bowl of rice pudding simmered with milk, sugar and love – kheer feels like an edible hug. It might not win beauty contests, but it wins over hearts, especially when your mom makes it just right.
Rasgulla – Love it or leave it
It’s spongy, sweet and often dripping with more syrup than your taste buds can handle. You either love it or politely pretend to. It’s the kind of dessert that tests both your sweet tooth and your acting skills.
Kulfi – The chill guy
The desi answer to ice cream – kulfi is the cool kid. Creamy, nutty and nostalgic, it’s the perfect post-fireworks treat. But since it’s cold in October, and Diwali is all about warmth, it lands lower on the festive ranking.
Soan Papdi – The great betrayal
It looks divine, until it crumbles in your fingers like sand haunting every Diwali gift box. You think you want one until you take one bite and your entire living room is coated in flaky regret. Soan Papdi – we appreciate your effort, but someone had to come last.
This Diwali, whether you’re team gulab jamun or jalebi, there’s one universal truth – the best sweets are the ones shared with people you love (and maybe hidden from the siblings that eat all the good ones). So, light your diyas, grab a plate and devour!
