festivalsA simple Diwali spread at home in Japan
Far from family, Diwali can feel quiet. A plate of mithai, a bowl of namkeen, a few diyas and one or two home-cooked dishes are all it takes to make the evening feel like home, and to share it with Japanese friends.
Diwali in Japan usually falls on an ordinary working day, and the nearest family may be a flight away. But the festival has always been about light, sweets and the people around you, and all three are easy to bring together in a Tokyo apartment.
The sweets plate
Most families buy at least some of their mithai, and there is no shame in that. A good mix of textures looks generous on a brass or steel thali:
- Kaju katli: the cashew diamond everyone reaches for first.
- Motichoor ladoo: soft, bright and essential for the puja.
- Gulab jamun: warm them for 20 seconds in the microwave and serve with a spoon of syrup.
- Soan papdi: flaky, light, and the classic Diwali gift box.
Something savoury
Put out a bowl of Bombay mix or bhujia for nibbling, and if you want one hot snack, bake or fry frozen Punjabi samosas and serve them with tamarind-date chutney.
A small, easy menu
Two home-cooked dishes and rice is plenty for a festive dinner for four to six:
- Chana masala, made the day before so the flavours settle.
- Palak paneer, made on the day for the bright colour.
- Saffron rice: basmati cooked with a pinch of saffron, cardamom and a spoon of ghee.
- Masala chai to finish, with the sweets.
Light
Clay diyas with real flames are beautiful, but in many Japanese apartments open flames are discouraged, and smoke alarms are sensitive. LED tea lights in diya holders and a string of warm lights in the window give the same glow safely.
Inviting Japanese friends or neighbours? A small box of sweets with a note explaining Diwali is a lovely way to share the festival, and it fits the Japanese custom of giving o-miyage.
