Welcome, Lykkers! Let's have some delicious snacks that are mostly available during a festival in Maharashtra. Maharashtra is known for its rich cultural heritage and vibrant festivals, and it is also home to a diverse array of delectable snacks.

That plays an integral role in the state's festive celebrations. Whether it's the grand festival of Ganesh Chaturthi, the vibrant colors of Diwali, or the harvest festival of Makar Sankranti, each occasion brings with it a unique spread of traditional snacks.

Now let's see some of the most popular and cherished festival snacks from Maharashtra:

1. Modak

Festival: Ganesh Chaturthi

Perhaps the most iconic festival treat from Maharashtra, Modak is a sweet dumpling that holds a special place in the heart of Maharashtrians. Lord Ganesha, the deity of wisdom and prosperity, is said to love Modak, making it a must-have during Ganesh Chaturthi celebrations. Traditional Modaks are made with a rice flour or wheat flour shell and filled with a sweet mixture of grated coconut and jaggery. They are often steamed (called ukadiche modak) or fried and flavored with cardamom.

2. Puran Poli

Festival: Diwali, Gudi Padwa

Puran Poli is a flatbread stuffed with a sweet filling made of chana dal (split Bengal gram), jaggery, and spices like cardamom and nutmeg. The soft, golden bread has a rich, nutty sweetness that is balanced with a hint of spice. This delicious dish is particularly popular during festivals like Diwali and Gudi Padwa, as it signifies abundance and the joy of harvest.

3. Shankarpali

Festival: Diwali

Shankarpali, also known as khurma, is a crunchy, sweet snack that is made during Diwali. These bite-sized diamond-shaped treats are made from a dough of flour, sugar, milk, and ghee, which is then deep-fried to a crispy golden-brown. Shankarpali is known for its balance of sweetness and the rich flavor of ghee, making it a perfect snack for the festive season. Variations of Shankarpali can also be savory, with cumin and salt flavoring.

4. Chakli

Festival: Diwali

Chakli is a crispy, spiral-shaped savory snack made from rice flour, lentil flour, and spices like sesame seeds, ajwain (carom seeds), and cumin. It is deep-fried to perfection, resulting in a crunchy texture with a burst of flavors. Chakli is a quintessential part of the Diwali faral (snack platter) and is loved for its crispy, spicy taste.

5. Karanji

Festival: Diwali

Karanji, also known as gujiya in North India, is a crescent-shaped pastry with a sweet filling of grated coconut, dried fruits, and sugar or jaggery. The outer crust is made of flour and fried until crisp. Karanji is often part of the Diwali snack collection and is prized for its melt-in-the-mouth texture combined with the rich sweetness of the filling.

6. Tilgul

Festival: Makar Sankranti

Makar Sankranti, the harvest festival, is celebrated with the exchange of tilgul, a sweet made from sesame seeds (til) and jaggery (gul). These small, round treats are said to symbolize the warmth and goodness of relationships. Tilgul is also accompanied by the saying, "Tilgul ghya, goad goad bola," which means "Take this sweet and speak sweetly." It represents the bond of harmony and peace within the community.

7. Anarse

Festival: Diwali

Anarse is a unique Maharashtrian sweet made from rice flour and jaggery. The dough is fermented for several days before being deep-fried to create crispy, golden-brown discs. Making it a perfect Diwali snack. Anarse has a distinct, crispy, soft texture and a mild sweetness.

8. Sabudana Vada

Festival: Ekadashi, Navratri

During fasting days like Ekadashi and Navratri, Sabudana Vada is a popular snack that provides energy and sustenance. Made from soaked sabudana (tapioca pearls), mashed potatoes, and crushed peanuts, these crispy fritters are deep-fried and served with yogurt or green chutney. The vada is known for its crunchy exterior and soft, pillowy inside, making it a favorite during fasting periods.

9. Kothimbir Vadi

Festival: Various, including Diwali

Kothimbir Vadi is a savory snack made from fresh coriander leaves (kothimbir) mixed with besan (gram flour) and spices. The batter is steamed and then cut into pieces, which are shallow-fried until crisp. These savory bites are a staple at festive gatherings and are enjoyed with chutney or tea.

10. Bakarwadi

Festival: All-year-round favorite

Although Bakarwadi can be enjoyed year-round, it often makes an appearance in festive snack boxes. A specialty from Pune, Bakarwadi is a spicy, tangy, and sweet rolled snack made from gram flour dough stuffed with a mix of coconut, sesame seeds, and spices. These rolls are then deep-fried to a crisp, offering a burst of flavor in every bite.

Festival snacks from Maharashtra not only satiate the taste buds but also reflect the region's deep-rooted traditions and cultural practices. Each snack has a story to tell, symbolizing the spirit of the festival it is associated with.

From the sweet and rich Modak during Ganesh Chaturthi to the savory Chakli and sweet Karanji at Diwali, these snacks are more than just food – they are an essential part of the festive experience, bringing families and communities together in celebration.