I am wishing you an incredibly happy Diwali! The celebration of Diwali feels especially needed at this time of the year and through all we have endured this 2020. Diwali is a Hindu tradition of the festival of lights that celebrates the victory of light over darkness, good over evil and knowledge over ignorance. Hindus celebrate by making lots of food (recipes below), lighting candles and so much more!

It is celebrated with Diya and lighting, home decorations, shopping, fireworks, puja (worship ceremonies), gifts, performing religious rituals, feasts and sweets. A Diyo is an oil lamp usually made from clay, with a cotton wick dipped in ghee or vegetable oils.

Diwali is celebrated by Hindus, Jains, Sikhs, and Newar Buddhists. For each faith, it marks different historical events and stories, however, the festival represents the same symbolic victory of light over darkness, knowledge over ignorance, and good over evil.

Below are some links to a few of my favorite sites with Diwali recipes which can be made and enjoyed at any time of the year. Some can be altered and made paleo, gluten free, dairy free and even nut free to fit with your dietary needs. Having an Indian grocery store nearby is helpful in some of the recipes. I cannot say enough about the team at Pure Indian Foods. I have been working in my kitchen with several of their ingredients for many years. You can read about this company here and here. You can also enjoy my roasted Indian cauliflower recipe as well as a host of others Indian flared recipes.  

Here are some other incredible links for you:

https://www.bbc.co.uk/food/occasions/diwali 

https://www.vegrecipesofindia.com/rice-kheer-recipe-chawal-ki-kheer/ dairy free – not paleo

https://www.cookwithkushi.com/sweet-potato-fritters/ 

https://www.cookwithkushi.com/sev-puri-and-papdi-chat/

My close family set the example for me growing up to always have respect for all religions, beliefs and others. I was never forced one way, but rather was encouraged to observe and make my own decisions. To this day, that is one tenet I have held dear to my heart as it seems to be the most humane approach to our world: respecting others and their beliefs as long as it is not harming another. This is a belief I formed on my own, that we must apply and accept open heartedly. This past year, in multiple ways, has put the ability to love and tolerate others and their beliefs on a real test. A challenge some may not have ever felt before this year due to many factors. It is sad. I must say that I feel the media has contributed to this and has led many astray and purposely stirred up emotions to point people in “intended directions”. 

As Diwali is the holiday under discussion within, let’s all respect this celebration despite one’s religion. Toss away your hatred and choose to look fresh and start anew. The celebration of victory of light over darkness, good over evil and knowledge over ignorance. Look to gain YOUR TRUE understanding and respect for the entire human race and set all bias aside. We are all in this together, living this very moment together, and the outcome can be reflected in our choices and actions here and now. We should all find more harmony and create more peace. 

I have been fortunate to connect with so many people from different backgrounds due to my work with the paleo diet and I feel so fortunate to be able to do so.

From my kitchen to yours,

Tina Turbin

If you have any questions or suggestions just email me at Tina (at) Paleomazing.com.