Diwali Celebrations: Indian Food, Tradition & Lights in Malta
Diwali, the Hindu festival of lights, is celebrated by millions worldwide, symbolizing the triumph of light over darkness and good over evil. This year, festivities in India and global Indian communities emphasized togetherness, tradition, and mindful living. In Ayodhya, Uttar Pradesh, over 2.6 million oil lamps lit up the Saryu River, setting a Guinness World Record and showcasing the dedication of thousands of volunteers. Food played a central role in the celebrations, with families preparing and sharing traditional Indian sweets like laddoos and gujiyas, along with savory snacks like samosas, symbolizing abundance and prosperity. In Malta, residents can join the Diwali spirit by exploring special menus at local Indian restaurants such as Sharma Ethnic Cuisines and Garam Masalaa, or by trying to cook traditional Diwali dishes at home. The festival also highlights the importance of balancing tradition with health and sustainability, as seen in India’s efforts to reduce air pollution through the use of eco-friendly
Millions Celebrate Diwali: A Festival of Lights and Tradition with Food, Health, and Community at its Core
Diwali, the Hindu festival of lights, is celebrated by millions worldwide, marking the triumph of light over darkness and good over evil. Derived from “Deepavali,” meaning “a row of lights,” this joyous occasion is not just a cultural or religious event—it’s a celebration of community, food, and well-being that resonates universally, even here in Malta. This year, the festivities illuminated homes and streets across India on Monday, as well as in Indian communities around the globe, with a focus on togetherness, tradition, and mindful living.
One of the most vibrant celebrations took place in Ayodhya, a city in India’s Uttar Pradesh state. Known as the birthplace of the revered deity Lord Ram, Ayodhya holds a special place in the hearts of Hindus. The festival commemorates Lord Ram’s return after 14 years in exile, a symbolic homecoming celebrated by lighting earthen oil lamps. On Sunday evening, more than 2.6 million lamps lit up the banks of the Saryu River, retaining the Guinness World Record for the largest display of oil lamps set during last year’s festivities. This was made possible by the efforts of over 33,000 volunteers and nearly 40 families from neighboring villages, who handcrafted 1.6 million lamps. The luminous display consumed approximately 73,000 liters of oil and 5.5 million cotton wicks.
Volunteers, like 19-year-old Rachit Singh, dedicated hours to lighting each lamp. “It is hard work lighting diyas one by one,” Singh shared, his face glowing with firelight. “But when you see the whole ghat (stairs to the river) light up, every bit of effort feels worth it.”
The festival also brought people together to share traditional Indian delicacies. Diwali is synonymous with an array of vibrant, flavorful foods that symbolize abundance and prosperity. Sweet treats like laddoos, barfis, and gujiyas are lovingly prepared in homes and shared with friends and family. These desserts, often made with ingredients like nuts, coconut, and ghee, provide not only a delicious indulgence but also a source of energy. Savory snacks, including spiced lentil fritters and crispy samosas, complement the sweets and reflect the diversity of Indian cuisine.
For those in Malta looking to embrace the spirit of Diwali, exploring local Indian restaurants can be an excellent way to experience the festival through food. Many Indian eateries across the island offer special menus during Diwali, featuring authentic dishes and sweet treats. It’s a wonderful opportunity to enjoy the rich flavors of Indian cuisine while appreciating its cultural significance. Restaurants such as Sharma Ethnic Cuisines in St. Julian’s or Garam Masalaa in Qawra often showcase the best of Indian culinary traditions, making it easy to partake in the festivities without traveling far.
In Ayodhya, the celebrations extended beyond food and lights. The city was adorned with fairy lights, and vibrant laser and fireworks displays illuminated its streets and riverbanks. However, in New Delhi, the joy of Diwali was tempered by concerns over air pollution, as firecrackers traditionally used during the festival have contributed to toxic smog in recent years. On Monday, air quality levels in parts of the city reached 347 on the air quality index—approximately 14 times the World Health Organization’s recommended maximum daily exposure. Recognizing the health risks, India’s top court allowed the limited use of “green firecrackers,” designed to emit fewer pollutants, during specific hours from Saturday to Tuesday.
This move highlights the growing awareness of the connection between celebrations and environmental and personal health. Just as we in Malta are becoming more conscious of sustainable practices in our daily lives, such as reducing food waste or supporting local organic farms, it’s inspiring to see global communities finding ways to balance tradition with modern health priorities. Diwali is a reminder that festivals can be joyous while also being mindful of their impact on our planet and well-being.
Whether it’s indulging in a traditional Indian feast or lighting a candle to honor the spirit of the festival, Diwali offers an opportunity to reflect on themes that resonate universally—light, hope, and the importance of coming together as a community. For those of us in Malta, where food and connection play such central roles in our culture, there’s much to learn and celebrate from this vibrant festival. Why not mark the occasion by visiting one of Malta’s many Indian restaurants or trying your hand at making a healthy version of a traditional Diwali dish at home? After all, food has a unique way of uniting us, regardless of where we come from.