Diwali is India's week-long celebration of lights. It is a celebration of good over evil and is full of colors, beauty and good spirits. Keep reading for recipes for your own Diwali celebration and the best ways to celebrate in style!

Diwali is a festival in Hinduism, Sikhism and Jainism and is celebrated for different reasons depending on each group's beliefs. Traditional Hindu festivities run from October 24th-28th this year (on the new moon, occurring October 26th), while others occur between mid-October and mid-November. For Hindus, Diwali is one of the most important festivals of the year and is celebrated with traditional activities, usually held in the home of the head of the family. Everyone wears new clothing and delights in the Indian dishes served, like treats containing nuts and dates. This is a time to abstain from meat and enjoy the many vegetarian dishes from the culture.

The name "Diwali" translates as "row of lamps". The lamps are made of clay and filled with oil and lit to celebrate good triumphing over evil. Diwali specifically celebrates the return of Lord Rama from his exile and his subsequent destruction of the evil Ravana. This festival focuses on family, food and the return to good. Celebrate with these traditional vegetarian recipes!

Soups:
Chickpea Soup
Pumpkin Soup
Tomato and Coconut Soup

Curry Dishes:
Vegetable Curry
Broad Bean Curry
Corn Curry
Paneer and Kofta Curry

Side Dishes:
Seed & Pea Potatoes
Parathas
Baked Paneer with Chutney

Desserts:
Chocolate and Vanilla Barfi
Kesari Dooth
Date Halva
Narangi Ni Basundi