Holi is more than just a festival of colours, it’s a celebration of joy, togetherness, and indulgence in traditional Holi food items that have been passed down through generations. The burst of flavours, the rich aromas, and the sheer indulgence of the special food of Holi make the festivities even more memorable. Whether it’s the sweet, crispy bite of a homemade Gujiya or the comforting warmth of desi ghee atta gond laddoo, Holi festival traditional food is as much a part of the celebrations as the colours themselves.
So, what food do they eat on Holi that makes it so iconic?
It’s a mix of sweet, savoury, and crunchy delights that have been enjoyed for centuries. In this article, we are here to discuss 5 traditional foods for Holi that capture the spirit of the festival and bring families and friends together with every bite.
Homemade Gujiya
If there’s one traditional Holi food that defines the festival, it’s Gujiya. There’s no Holi without these golden, crispy, sweet-filled pastries stacked high on trays, ready to be gobbled. The moment you bite into a Gujiya, the outer layer shatters slightly, revealing a rich filling of khoya, dry fruits, and coconut. It’s indulgent, it’s nostalgic, and it’s the kind of special food of Holi that takes you back to childhood celebrations with family. This was a time when elders fried them in large batches while kids hovered around, waiting to sneak one straight out of the hot oil.
In many households, the making of Gujiya is an event in itself. Everyone gathers in the kitchen, sealing the delicate edges, stuffing them with love, and frying them to perfection. Whether dusted with sugar or left plain, Gujiyas embody the essence of the Holi festival’s traditional food, reminding us that the best memories are made in the kitchen.
Kothambir Chiwda
Holi is chaotic, messy, and loud. This means that you need traditional food for Holi that’s easy to snack on between throwing colours and dodging water balloons.
That’s where Kothambir Chiwda comes in. This spiced, crunchy snack made with flattened rice and peanuts has the perfect balance of flavours—spicy, salty, and just the right hint of coriander to keep things fresh.
Unlike sweets that require sitting down with a plate, Chiwda is a Holi festival traditional food you can munch on while running around, chasing friends, and enjoying the excitement.
It’s not just a Holi snack, it’s a necessity. After an intense round of colour-throwing, you grab a handful of Chiwda, gulp down some Thandai, and you’re ready for round two. It’s the kind of special food of Holi that keeps the energy going without making you feel sluggish. And when the festival winds down, it’s the perfect thing to snack on while recounting the day’s best moments.
Narkel Naru
Holi sweets come in all shapes and textures, but nothing beats the simplicity of Narkel Naru. These soft, chewy coconut Ladoos are the kind of traditional Holi food items that instantly bring a sense of comfort. Unlike other elaborate sweets, these little coconut bites don’t need much, just freshly grated coconut and jaggery, rolled into perfect bite-sized Holi sweets.
What makes Narkel Naru a true Holi festival traditional food is how effortlessly it fits into the celebration. You pop one in your mouth, let the coconut and jaggery melt together, and before you know it, you’re reaching for another. They’re sweet, but not overwhelmingly so, making them a perfect balance to the stronger flavours that dominate Holi foods.
And the best part? They’re light enough to let you go back for more without feeling guilty.
Lauki Ki Barfi
When we’re talking about traditional food for Holi, Gujiya generally steals the spotlight. However, Lauki ki Barfi is the hidden gem that deserves just as much attention. Made from healthy bottlegourd and khoya, this Holi sweet might not be the first thing that comes to mind when you think of traditional Holi food items, but once you taste it, there’s no going back.
It’s soft, rich, and has that perfect melt-in-the-mouth texture that makes you close your eyes for a second just to savour it.
Lauki ki barfi is the kind of Holi festival traditional food that surprises you. It’s not overly sweet, and the bottlegourd gives it a subtle freshness that balances the richness of khoya. For those who find Gujiya a little too indulgent, this barfi is the perfect alternative. And let’s be honest, Holi is all about indulging in special food of Holi that brings back memories of home-cooked treats and festive gatherings.
Desi Ghee Atta Gond Laddoo
After hours of running around, throwing colours, and probably getting drenched in water, your body needs fuel. And nothing does the job better than a traditional Holi food like desi ghee atta gond laddoo. These laddoos are pure power and made with whole wheat flour, edible gum (gond), nuts, and lots of ghee. In fact, they’re the kind of traditional Holi food item that gives you the strength to keep celebrating long after the colours have settled.
There’s something incredibly comforting about biting into a Gond laddoo. The warmth of the ghee, the crunch of the Gond, and the slight nuttiness from the flour all come together to create a moment of pure bliss. It’s a reminder that Holi festival traditional food isn’t just about indulgence, it’s also about health and nourishment. This laddoo is what keeps you going when the day stretches into endless rounds of dancing, feasting, and storytelling.
Choose Nani Ka Pitara to Order the Best Food For Holi Online
Holi isn’t just a festival—it’s an experience. It’s about colours, chaos, laughter, and coming together over traditional food for Holi that has been passed down through generations. Whether it’s the sweet richness of homemade Gujiya, the satisfying crunch of Chiwda, or the warm, comforting bite of Gond Lladdoo, every dish carries a story, a memory, a tradition.
So, what food do they eat on Holi that makes it so special?
It’s the food that reminds us of home. The food that brings families together. The food that turns a day of colours into a celebration of love, tradition, and togetherness.
This year, make sure your Holi spread is filled with these traditional Holi food items and let the flavours of the festival bring you even closer to the people who matter most.
Order your favourite Holi Sweets and Holi Snacks from Nani Ka Pitara and celebrate the beautiful festival of colours now!