Holi Special Foods 2026: Must-Try Traditional Indian Sweets & Snacks Across India
Holi is more than just a festival of colours - it's a celebration of flavours too! Holi special foods are an essential part of the festivities, bringing families and friends together over delicious meals and snacks. From sweet treats to spicy delights, every region in India has its own unique recipes that make this festival even more memorable.
1. Malpua – North India’s Sweet Delight
A classic Holi treat in North Indian homes, Malpua is a deep-fried pancake made from a simple batter of flour, milk, and sugar. Once golden brown, it’s soaked in sugar syrup, creating the perfect blend of crispiness and sweetness. A bite of malpua instantly evokes festive joy.
2. Dahi Vada – Creamy and Refreshing
No Holi celebration is complete without Dahi Vada. These soft lentil dumplings are soaked in chilled yoghurt and drizzled with tangy chutneys, balancing sweetness and spice beautifully. It’s a snack that’s both refreshing and irresistibly delicious.
3. Gujiya – The Iconic Holi Sweet
Almost synonymous with Holi, Gujiya is a crescent-shaped pastry filled with sweetened khoya, nuts, and dry fruits. Its flaky exterior and rich filling make it a must-have dessert on every festive platter, symbolising the spirit of indulgence during Holi.
4. Dhuska – A Taste of Jharkhand
For those looking to try something offbeat, Dhuska is a must. Made with rice and chana dal batter, it is deep-fried to perfection and often paired with spicy potato curry and chutneys. This Jharkhandi specialty is crisp, hearty, and perfect for festival snacking.
5. Ranga Dima – Assamese Festive Snack
Ranga Dima is a traditional Assamese dish popular during Doul Utsav. Eggs are coated with spices and deep-fried until golden, delivering a crunchy exterior and soft, flavorful interior. Once you start, it’s hard to stop!
6. Puran Poli – Maharashtra’s Sweet Tradition
A Holi meal in a Maharashtrian home is incomplete without Puran Poli. Thin dough is stuffed with a sweet filling of lentils and jaggery, then cooked on a hot tawa. This comforting and aromatic treat is a perfect festive indulgence.
7. Payasam – South India’s Sweet Finale
Rounding off the Holi feast, Payasam is the South Indian equivalent of kheer. Creamy, mildly sweet, and often made with rice, lentils, or vermicelli, it adds the ideal finishing touch to a festive meal, leaving everyone with a warm, satisfied smile.
Celebrate Holi with Food
From North to South, East to West, Holi special foods showcase India’s diverse culinary heritage. Whether you stick to traditional favourites or explore regional delicacies, these festive recipes are a delicious way to make your 2026 Holi celebrations unforgettable.
1. Malpua – North India’s Sweet Delight
A classic Holi treat in North Indian homes, Malpua is a deep-fried pancake made from a simple batter of flour, milk, and sugar. Once golden brown, it’s soaked in sugar syrup, creating the perfect blend of crispiness and sweetness. A bite of malpua instantly evokes festive joy.
2. Dahi Vada – Creamy and Refreshing
No Holi celebration is complete without Dahi Vada. These soft lentil dumplings are soaked in chilled yoghurt and drizzled with tangy chutneys, balancing sweetness and spice beautifully. It’s a snack that’s both refreshing and irresistibly delicious.
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3. Gujiya – The Iconic Holi Sweet
Almost synonymous with Holi, Gujiya is a crescent-shaped pastry filled with sweetened khoya, nuts, and dry fruits. Its flaky exterior and rich filling make it a must-have dessert on every festive platter, symbolising the spirit of indulgence during Holi.
4. Dhuska – A Taste of Jharkhand
For those looking to try something offbeat, Dhuska is a must. Made with rice and chana dal batter, it is deep-fried to perfection and often paired with spicy potato curry and chutneys. This Jharkhandi specialty is crisp, hearty, and perfect for festival snacking.
5. Ranga Dima – Assamese Festive Snack
Ranga Dima is a traditional Assamese dish popular during Doul Utsav. Eggs are coated with spices and deep-fried until golden, delivering a crunchy exterior and soft, flavorful interior. Once you start, it’s hard to stop!
6. Puran Poli – Maharashtra’s Sweet Tradition
A Holi meal in a Maharashtrian home is incomplete without Puran Poli. Thin dough is stuffed with a sweet filling of lentils and jaggery, then cooked on a hot tawa. This comforting and aromatic treat is a perfect festive indulgence.
7. Payasam – South India’s Sweet Finale
Rounding off the Holi feast, Payasam is the South Indian equivalent of kheer. Creamy, mildly sweet, and often made with rice, lentils, or vermicelli, it adds the ideal finishing touch to a festive meal, leaving everyone with a warm, satisfied smile.
Celebrate Holi with Food
From North to South, East to West, Holi special foods showcase India’s diverse culinary heritage. Whether you stick to traditional favourites or explore regional delicacies, these festive recipes are a delicious way to make your 2026 Holi celebrations unforgettable.
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