7 Mouth-Watering South Indian Sweets That’ll Light Up Your Diwali Celebrations

Diwali, the festival of lights, is celebrated with great enthusiasm and joy across India, bringing families and friends together. In South India, including regions like Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, and Telangana, Diwali is not just a religious event but also a time for indulging in traditional sweets and savories. While sweet shops offer a variety of treats, many families still prepare homemade sweets during this festive season. Here are seven mouth-watering South Indian sweets that will add a delightful touch to your Diwali celebrations:

Chandrahara
A popular delicacy in Karnataka, Chandrahara is made with maida (all-purpose flour) and chiroti rava (fine semolina). The dough is folded into a triangular shape, fried, and served with sweetened milk. Originally known as the ‘French Sweet,’ it gained fame through MTR in Bengaluru and is a favorite during weddings and festivals.

Teepi Gavvalu
Teepi Gavvalu, meaning sweet shells, are shell-shaped sweets made from maida dough. Deep-fried to perfection, these shells are soaked in jaggery syrup, giving them a distinct sweet flavor. Skilled hands are required to craft these delicate treats, making them a popular choice in Telangana and Andhra Pradesh.

Kajjikayalu
Also known as sweet somas or Chandrakala, Kajjikayalu are pillow-shaped dumplings filled with a mixture of coconut, nuts, pounded sugar, and sometimes poppy seeds. These deep-fried delights are enjoyed across India and are an integral part of festive celebrations.

Adhirasam
Adhirasam, known as Kajjaya in Kannada and Ariselu in Telugu, is a traditional sweet made from jaggery and rice flour. Deep-fried to perfection, these sweets are a cherished part of South Indian culinary traditions and are loved for their rich flavor and texture.

Mysore Pak
Mysore Pak, a renowned sweet from South India, is made from ghee, chickpea flour, and sugar. Originating from Mysuru, this golden-hued delicacy has a delightful melt-in-the-mouth texture. Its name is derived from ‘paka,’ the local word for sugar syrup, and it remains a Diwali favorite.

Badhusha
Badhusha, believed to have Mughal origins, is a soft and flaky sweet that resembles Balushahi from Northern India. Made from a dough of all-purpose flour, these sweets are deep-fried and soaked in sugar syrup. The slightly different texture sets Badhusha apart from its counterparts in other regions.

Jaangiri
Jaangiri, a popular sweet in Tamil Nadu, is made from a fermented batter of ground urad dal. Similar to imarti or Amitti, it is shaped into circular flowers, deep-fried, and soaked in sugar syrup. With its unique taste and floral shape, Jaangiri is a delightful addition to Diwali celebrations.

Indulge in these mouth-watering South Indian sweets to add a touch of sweetness to your Diwali festivities and create cherished memories with your loved ones.