Why We Make Chivda, Sev, and Namkeen During Diwali

The aroma of freshly fried sev, the crunch of roasted chivda, and the savory delight of homemade namkeen are inseparable from the Diwali experience in Indian households. But have you ever wondered why these particular snacks hold such a sacred place in our festival of lights? The answer lies deep within our cultural heritage, spiritual beliefs, and the very essence of what Diwali represents.

The Divine Connection: Welcoming Goddess Lakshmi

Diwali, the festival celebrating the victory of light over darkness, is intrinsically linked with Goddess Lakshmi, the deity of wealth, prosperity, and abundance. According to Hindu tradition, Lakshmi visits clean, well-lit homes on Diwali night, blessing families with prosperity for the coming year.

The preparation of chivda, sev, and namkeen is not merely culinary tradition—it’s a spiritual practice. These snacks represent the household’s readiness to welcome guests, both mortal and divine. A home filled with fresh, homemade savories symbolizes abundance and hospitality, qualities that attract Lakshmi’s blessings.

The act of preparing these snacks by hand, often involving the entire family, is considered an offering of devotion. The time, effort, and love invested in making these treats from scratch demonstrate gratitude for the blessings already received and invite more prosperity into the home.

The Symbolism of Ingredients

Every ingredient used in these traditional snacks carries symbolic significance:

Rice and Lentils (used in chivda) represent prosperity and the harvest. They symbolize the fruits of hard work and nature’s abundance.

Besan or Gram Flour (the base of sev) is made from chickpeas, which have been a staple in Indian agriculture for millennia. It represents sustenance, health, and the bounty of the earth.

Spices and Seasonings like turmeric, chili, and curry leaves aren’t just for flavor—they represent the diversity of life and are believed to have purifying properties that ward off negative energies.

Oil used for frying symbolizes richness and the transformation of simple ingredients into something precious, much like how spiritual practice transforms the soul.

The Cultural Heritage: Passing Down Traditions

The tradition of making these snacks during Diwali has been passed down through generations, serving as a bridge between the past and present. In earlier times, when stores were not readily accessible and processed foods didn’t exist, families would prepare large batches of these snacks to last through the festive season.

This practice served multiple purposes:

Preservation of Culinary Knowledge: Grandmothers teaching mothers, mothers teaching daughters—the recipes and techniques are oral traditions that carry family history and regional variations.

Community Bonding: The preparation often involved neighbors and extended family coming together, strengthening social bonds and creating shared memories.

Self-Sufficiency: Making food from scratch was a matter of pride and ensured families knew exactly what they were consuming—no preservatives, no unknown ingredients, just pure, wholesome food.

The Principle of Atithi Devo Bhava

“Atithi Devo Bhava”—the guest is equivalent to God—is a fundamental principle in Hindu culture. During Diwali, homes see a continuous stream of visitors: relatives, friends, neighbors, and even unexpected guests. Having an abundant supply of freshly made namkeen ensures no guest leaves without being offered something.

These snacks are perfect for this purpose because:

• They can be made in advance and stored
• They’re vegetarian, accommodating most dietary preferences
• They can be quickly served without additional preparation
• They represent homemade care and hospitality

Offering homemade chivda or sev to guests is considered far more respectful than offering store-bought snacks, as it demonstrates that the host has invested personal effort in anticipating their arrival.

The Festival of Abundance and Sharing

Diwali is fundamentally about celebrating abundance and sharing prosperity. The tradition of making large quantities of these snacks embodies this spirit. Families don’t just make enough for themselves—they make extra to distribute among neighbors, give to less fortunate, and share with everyone who crosses their threshold.

This practice of sharing homemade snacks serves as:

A Symbol of Generosity: Giving away what you’ve made with your own hands is considered more meaningful than giving store-bought items.

Community Strengthening: Exchanging homemade snacks with neighbors strengthens bonds and creates a sense of shared celebration.

Teaching Compassion: Children learn the importance of sharing and thinking of others during times of abundance.

The Timing: New Beginnings and Fresh Starts

Diwali marks the beginning of a new year in many Hindu calendars and is considered an auspicious time for new beginnings. Making fresh batches of chivda, sev, and namkeen symbolizes starting anew with freshness and purity.

The preparation involves thoroughly cleaning the kitchen, using fresh ingredients, and creating something new—all metaphors for spiritual renewal and starting the year with positive energy.

Regional Variations: Unity in Diversity

While the core tradition remains the same, different regions of India have their unique versions:

Gujarat: Famous for thick sev and farsan varieties, often adding sweetness to balance flavors.

Maharashtra: Known for Poha chivda and thin sev, with robust spicing.

Rajasthan: Specializes in mathri and namkeen with unique desert spices.

South India: Incorporates coconut and curry leaves, creating distinct flavor profiles.

These regional variations showcase India’s diversity while uniting everyone under the common umbrella of Diwali traditions.

The Modern Relevance

In today’s fast-paced world, where store-bought snacks are readily available, why do families still continue this labor-intensive tradition?

Preserving Heritage: In an increasingly globalized world, making traditional snacks helps maintain cultural identity and pass it to younger generations.

Quality and Health: Homemade snacks allow control over ingredients, oil quality, and avoid preservatives and artificial additives.

Mindful Celebration: The process of making these snacks becomes a meditation, a way to slow down and be present during the festive season.

Emotional Connection: The taste of homemade chivda or sev carries memories, love, and connection to family roots that no store-bought product can replicate.

The Spiritual Practice of Preparation

The actual process of making these snacks is considered a form of karma yoga—selfless action performed as an offering. Many families observe certain practices during preparation:

• Taking a bath and wearing clean clothes before starting
• Keeping the kitchen especially clean
• Avoiding tasting while cooking (saving the first portion as an offering)
• Chanting mantras or playing devotional music
• Maintaining positive thoughts and conversations

These practices elevate the cooking from a mundane task to a sacred ritual, infusing the food with positive energy believed to benefit all who consume it.

Conclusion: More Than Just Snacks

Chivda, sev, and namkeen during Diwali are far more than delicious snacks. They represent:

• Our connection to the divine
• Our cultural heritage and family traditions
• Our commitment to hospitality and sharing
• Our celebration of abundance and gratitude
• Our dedication to quality and homemade goodness

As you bite into that crispy chivda or savor that perfectly spiced sev this Diwali, remember—you’re not just enjoying a snack. You’re participating in an ancient tradition that connects you to countless generations before you, honors the divine, and celebrates the very best of what it means to be part of a community.

This Diwali, whether you make these snacks yourself or receive them from loved ones, appreciate the love, tradition, and spiritual significance packed into every crunchy bite. May your Diwali be filled with light, prosperity, and the joy of sharing homemade goodness with all who enter your home.

Shubh Deepavali!

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What are your family’s special Diwali snack traditions? Share your stories and recipes with us in the comments below!