14 Indian Treats for Holi
Hindus all over the world celebrate the end of winter with Holi, a two-day festival steeped in religious iconography, myths and stories. On the first day, people traditionally gather to pray, build ceremonial fires and burn small amounts of food (like coconut, puran poli or fudge-like burfi) as an offering to Vishnu. The following day is marked by a large, rambunctious gathering where everyone covers each other with colored powder or colored water.
Every region of India celebrates with pomp, feasting on a dizzying variety of desserts. As a festival with religious undertones, all the foods are vegetarian. Most treats set out during Holi are finger-foods (often served at room temperature), so that folks can easily return to the festivities. Seasonally cooling drinks are included to wash it all down—because Holi revelry tends to make you thirsty. Most dishes can be made a day ahead.
Curated by Nandita Godbole