Diwali is known as the Festival of Lights, but for many Indian families, it is also a celebration of food, family and sharing.
Along with traditional sweets, Indian snacks and namkeen are an essential part of Diwali gatherings. From crispy bhujia and sev to chakli, murukku, mathri and samosas, savory snacks add variety to the festive table and are perfect for sharing with family, friends and guests.
For Indian families celebrating Diwali in the USA, snacks are also an easy way to introduce friends and coworkers to the flavors of Indian cuisine.
In this guide, we'll explore some of the best Diwali snacks for 2026, including traditional Indian namkeen, party favorites and easy snack options you can buy or serve at home.
When Is Diwali 2026?
Diwali 2026 falls on Sunday, November 8 in the United States.
Families typically begin preparing several days in advance by shopping for groceries, cleaning and decorating their homes, planning meals and arranging sweets and snacks for guests.
The exact timing of Lakshmi Puja varies by location, so check your local Panchang or temple calendar for the appropriate timing in your city.
What Snacks Are Popular During Diwali?
Diwali snacks vary across regions of India, but some favorites are enjoyed by families across the country.
Popular options include:
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Bhujia
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Sev
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Mixture
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Chakli
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Murukku
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Mathri
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Namak para
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Samosa
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Kachori
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Pakora
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Papad
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Roasted nuts
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Spiced peanuts
Many of these snacks can be served alongside Indian sweets to create a balanced Diwali snack platter.
1. Bhujia
Bhujia is one of the most recognizable Indian namkeen snacks.
Made from ingredients such as gram flour and spices, bhujia has a crunchy texture and savory flavor that makes it easy to serve at parties.
You can serve it on its own or combine it with other namkeen varieties for a larger snack mix.
Why serve Bhujia during Diwali?
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Easy to share
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Crunchy and flavorful
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Works well with tea
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Suitable for parties
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Easy to include in gift baskets
2. Sev
Sev consists of thin, crispy strands typically made from gram flour and seasoned with spices.
It is commonly enjoyed as a snack and can also be used as a topping for Indian dishes such as chaats.
For Diwali, serve sev in a bowl alongside other namkeen or use it to create a colorful snack platter.
3. Indian Namkeen Mix
A good namkeen mixture combines different textures and flavors in one snack.
Depending on the variety, a mixture may contain:
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Sev
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Peanuts
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Lentils
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Chickpeas
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Rice flakes
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Spices
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Crispy noodles
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Fried savory ingredients
Namkeen is especially convenient when you're expecting several guests because it can be served straight from the package.
4. Chakli
Chakli is a crispy, spiral-shaped Indian snack made from flour and spices.
Different regions have their own versions, with ingredients such as rice flour, chickpea flour, wheat flour and various spices.
Chakli is particularly popular during Diwali and other Indian festivals.
It can be served as a standalone snack or included in a festive namkeen platter.
5. Murukku
Murukku is a South Indian crispy snack with a distinctive spiral shape.
Traditionally prepared using rice flour and other flours, murukku is seasoned with spices and fried until crisp.
For families with South Indian roots, murukku can be an important part of the Diwali snack table.
6. Mathri
Mathri is a crispy, savory North Indian snack often prepared using flour, ghee or oil and spices.
Its crunchy texture makes it suitable for serving with:
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Chai
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Pickles
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Chutneys
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Yogurt
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Other Indian snacks
Mathri can also be prepared ahead of time, making it convenient for Diwali entertaining.
7. Namak Para
Namak para is a simple savory snack made from flour, seasoning and oil or ghee.
It is crisp, salty and easy to serve.
Because it stores well when properly prepared and packed, namak para is also a popular homemade Diwali snack.
8. Samosa
The samosa is one of the most popular Indian savory snacks internationally.
A traditional samosa typically contains a spiced filling wrapped in a crisp pastry shell.
For Diwali parties, samosas can be served with:
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Mint chutney
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Tamarind chutney
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Yogurt
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Chaat toppings
They are particularly useful when you're serving snacks as part of a larger meal.
9. Kachori
Kachori is another festive Indian snack with a crisp outer shell and flavorful filling.
Depending on the regional variety, fillings can include dal, peas, spices or other savory ingredients.
Kachori pairs well with chutneys and can be served as part of a Diwali appetizer spread.
10. Spiced Peanuts & Roasted Snacks
Not every Diwali snack needs to be deep-fried.
Roasted or spiced snacks such as peanuts, chickpeas and nuts can add variety to your festive table.
They can also be combined with namkeen to create a simple homemade snack mix.
Sweet & Savory Diwali Snack Platter
One of the easiest ways to serve guests during Diwali is to create a platter containing both sweet and savory Indian favorites.
For example:
Savory
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Bhujia
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Sev
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Chakli
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Mathri
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Spiced peanuts
Sweet
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Kaju katli
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Besan ladoo
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Gulab jamun
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Peda
Extras
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Almonds
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Cashews
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Pistachios
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Dates
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Chutneys
This gives guests different flavors and textures without requiring a large meal.
Best Diwali Snacks for a Party
If you're hosting a Diwali party in the USA, choose snacks that are:
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Easy to serve
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Easy to share
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Suitable for different age groups
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Available in multiple flavors
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Convenient to prepare ahead of time
A simple party combination could include:
2 namkeen: Bhujia + mixture
2 crispy snacks: Chakli + mathri
1 hot snack: Samosa or kachori
2 sweets: Kaju katli + gulab jamun
1 dry-fruit option: Almonds and cashews
This gives you a variety of savory, sweet, crunchy and rich foods.
Diwali Snacks for American Friends
If you're inviting American friends or coworkers to your Diwali celebration, consider offering a selection of familiar and approachable Indian snacks.
Start with:
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Samosas
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Bhujia
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Sev
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Chakli
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Spiced nuts
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Gulab jamun
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Kaju katli
You can place small labels beside the dishes explaining what each snack contains.
For example:
Samosa: Crispy pastry filled with spiced potatoes and peas.
Bhujia: Thin, crispy savory noodles made with gram flour and spices.
Kaju Katli: Smooth cashew-based Indian sweet.
This can make the food more approachable for guests who are trying Indian snacks for the first time.
Best Indian Snacks for Diwali Gifting
Savory snacks can also be included in Diwali gift boxes.
Consider combining:
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Bhujia
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Namkeen mixture
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Sev
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Chakli
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Mathri
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Dry fruits
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Indian sweets
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Tea
A combination of sweet and savory products makes a more varied gift basket than giving sweets alone.
Homemade vs. Ready-to-Enjoy Diwali Snacks
Both options can work well depending on your schedule.
Homemade Snacks
Homemade snacks allow you to:
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Adjust spices
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Control ingredients
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Prepare regional specialties
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Make larger batches
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Continue family traditions
Popular homemade choices include chakli, murukku, mathri and namak para.
Ready-to-Enjoy Snacks
Packaged Indian snacks can save time, especially when you're hosting a party or attending multiple Diwali gatherings.
They're convenient for:
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Office celebrations
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Potlucks
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Family visits
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Gift baskets
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Last-minute entertaining
What Ingredients Do You Need to Make Diwali Snacks?
If you're making snacks at home, keep these Indian pantry staples available:
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Besan
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Rice flour
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Whole wheat flour
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Maida
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Sooji
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Cooking oil
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Ghee
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Cumin
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Ajwain
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Sesame seeds
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Red chili powder
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Turmeric
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Black pepper
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Salt
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Hing
Having these ingredients in your pantry makes it easier to prepare several different Indian snacks.
Diwali Snack Shopping List
Use this checklist when preparing for your celebration.
Namkeen
β Bhujia
β Sev
β Namkeen mixture
β Spiced peanuts
β Roasted snacks
Traditional Snacks
β Chakli
β Murukku
β Mathri
β Namak para
β Samosa
β Kachori
Sweets
β Kaju katli
β Gulab jamun
β Besan ladoo
β Peda
Pantry Ingredients
β Besan
β Rice flour
β Atta
β Maida
β Sooji
β Cooking oil
β Ghee
β Indian spices
Where Can You Buy Indian Diwali Snacks in the USA?
For families celebrating Diwali in the USA, shopping online can make it easier to find Indian snacks and pantry essentials in one place.
Singhcart offers Indian grocery products including Indian snacks, namkeen, sweets, rice, atta, besan, spices, cooking oils and dry fruits.
Whether you're preparing a Diwali party, putting together a potluck platter or looking for snacks to share with coworkers, shopping for your favorites in advance can make holiday preparation easier.
How Much Food Should You Buy for a Diwali Party?
The amount depends on the number of guests and whether snacks are being served before a full meal.
For a small gathering, two or three savory snacks plus two sweets may be enough.
For a larger party, consider offering four or five savory options along with several sweets and dry fruits.
If you're serving a full dinner, you may need fewer snacks per person.
Frequently Asked Questions About Diwali Snacks
What are the most popular Diwali snacks?
Popular Diwali snacks include bhujia, sev, namkeen, chakli, murukku, mathri, namak para, samosa, kachori and spiced nuts.
What is the most popular Indian namkeen for Diwali?
Bhujia, sev and assorted namkeen mixtures are popular choices for Diwali gatherings and snack platters.
What snacks can I make at home for Diwali?
Chakli, murukku, mathri, namak para and several varieties of savory mixtures can be prepared at home.
What are good Diwali snacks for a party?
Samosas, bhujia, sev, chakli, namkeen mixtures, kachori and spiced nuts are convenient choices for a Diwali party.
What Indian snacks are good for gifting?
Packaged bhujia, namkeen, sev, chakli, mathri and assorted snack boxes can be combined with Indian sweets and dry fruits for Diwali gifts.
What should I serve to American guests at Diwali?
Samosas, bhujia, chakli, spiced nuts, gulab jamun and kaju katli are approachable options for guests who may be trying Indian food for the first time.
Can I buy Indian Diwali snacks online in the USA?
Yes. Indian grocery stores serving the USA offer packaged Indian snacks, namkeen, sweets and pantry ingredients online.
Make Your Diwali Snack Table Special
Diwali snacks are about more than just food. They are part of the tradition of welcoming guests, sharing with family and enjoying time together.
Whether you choose crispy chakli, spicy bhujia, savory samosas, traditional murukku or a simple bowl of namkeen, adding a variety of Indian snacks can make your Diwali celebration more memorable.
For Diwali 2026, plan your grocery shopping early and keep a mix of sweet, savory, crispy and traditional Indian favorites ready for your family and guests.
Explore Singhcart for Indian snacks, namkeen, sweets, spices, rice, atta and other Indian grocery essentials online in the USA.
Related Diwali Guides
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Diwali Food Ideas for Families in the USA
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Diwali Gift Ideas for Friends and Coworkers
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How to Celebrate Diwali at Home in the USA
