Celebrate Diwali: Recipes, activities and crafts to do with your kids

Who’s the author? Renu Bhardwaj is a food blogger and content creator and, as a mum of two, she is passionate about creating affordable, delicious meals for busy families. Originally from Manchester and now based in Scotland, Renu works in higher education while sharing budget-friendly, easy recipes with her growing online followers. In 2024 she was named Scottish Food Influencer of the year.

What’s it about? Wanting to introduce her own children to the traditions and dishes of her childhood, Renu struggled to find suitable books about the hugely significant – and widely celebrated – festival of Diwali, and thus the idea for Celebrate Diwali was born.

Combining recipes for the perfect Diwali feast alongside simple yet beautiful craft projects to do with your children, this book bring together everything you need to celebrate the festival of lights in style. The recipes cover starters, mains, sides, desserts and drinks and each one is beautifully photographed with clear step-by-step instructions. As well as favourite recipes such as samosa chaat, paneer biryani and gulab jamun, there are ideas for edible gifts such as coconut ladoo and rangoli sugar cookies.

There are also step-by-step guides to creating homemade gifts and decorations for your home, from Diwali lanterns to paper garlands, so that the whole family can get involved. And with handy checklists and countdown calendars, this is a book you can come back to year after year.

Recipes and projects we love: Achari Aloo, Dal Makhani, Kachumber Salad, Kulfi, Masala Chai, Marigold Flower Garlands, and Diwali Lanterns.

Perfect for: The many families who celebrate Diwali up and down the country, as well as those who want to learn more about the food and traditions associated with the festival.