Diwali Traditions and Treats: A Special Kheer Recipe from Renu Bhardwaj

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Diwali has always been my favourite festival, ever since I was a child growing up in New Delhi. There’s nothing quite like the magic of family coming together, dressing up in new clothes, enjoying a feast, decorating the house, and of course, watching the sky light up with fireworks. These are the traditions I hold closest to my heart, and now, living in London with my boys, I do my best to keep those special moments alive.

As we prepare for another wonderful Diwali, I’m excited to share a guest blog from Renu Bhardwaj, whose book Celebrate Diwali is full of ideas to make this festival even more memorable. From delicious recipes to fun crafts, it’s a beautiful guide for anyone looking to create their own family traditions.

Diwali is a time to celebrate light, love, and family, and for me, it’s all about creating those heartwarming memories with my loved ones. As a child, the aroma of my mother’s kitchen filled the air with the rich, comforting smells of our Diwali feast. Now, living in Scotland with my own family, I love recreating those traditions, while adding a few new ones of our own.

One recipe that will forever be close to my heart is my grandmother’s creamy kheer. Indian kheer is an instant bowl of love that fills you with gratitude and comfort. Of all desserts, nothing compares to the soul-warming joy of my mother's kheer, passed down through generations, from my Chai-ji or nanni ji (my mum’s mum).This simple dessert is traditionally prepared during Diwali as prasad, a blessed offering to the divine. It’s easy to make, and you can add your own twist with ingredients like mango, pistachios, or saffron.

Nannima’s Kheer (Grandma’s Rice Pudding)
Serves 4-5

Ingredients:

• 200g short-grain or basmati rice
• 1.5 litres whole milk
• 2–3 cardamoms, seeds removed and ground
• 225g granulated sugar
• Sliced almonds and pistachios, to decorate

Method:

1. Rinse the rice (if using basmati) and bring milk to a boil in a large pan.
2. Add the rice and cardamom, cooking for 30 minutes while stirring continuously to prevent it from sticking to the bottom or boiling over.
3. Reduce heat, stir in sugar and cook for another 30-45 minutes until creamy.
4. Garnish with almonds and pistachios, and enjoy!

For families like mine, Diwali is more than just a festival—it’s a chance to connect with our heritage, share delicious food, and make lasting memories. I’ve always found that involving my kids in the preparations—whether it’s making paper garlands or decorating homemade diyas—makes the experience even more fun.

These simple crafts, along with recipes like samosa chaat and coconut ladoo, are all in Celebrate Diwali—a book that I hope becomes a go-to guide for families, year after year. So, if you’re looking to create new Diwali traditions or bring back cherished ones, I hope this book inspires you to gather your loved ones, get creative, and enjoy all that Diwali has to offer!