Where people forget their grievances and apply colours to each other and share happiness, but the real joy of Holi is not enhanced only by colours, but the delicious dishes also double the sweetness of this festival.

Holi 2026 Recipes

Holi is not just a festival of playing with colours, but it also symbolizes mutual love, brotherhood, and the victory of good over evil. Holika Dahan is performed on the night of Phalguna Purnima, a day before Holi. The next day, Holi of colours is played, where people forget their grievances and apply colours to each other and share happiness. But the real splendour of Holi is not enhanced only by colours, but delicious dishes also double the sweetness of this festival.

In earlier times, papad, chips, dalmoth, and various snacks were prepared in homes several days in advance. Even though time may be scarce in today's hectic lives, some traditional dishes are still made in every home. If you want to make something special for your family and guests on Holi 2026, let us share some traditional and easy recipes that you can prepare in less time and with fewer ingredients. 

Holi Special Recipes with Tasty and Traditional Dishes 

1. Thandai:  Drinking Thandai on Holi is a long-standing tradition. Thandai not only tastes good but also cools the body. To make it, grind almonds, cashews, fennel seeds, black pepper, cardamom, and a little saffron into milk. Then, add sugar and serve chilled. You can also make Thandai by mixing instant Thandai powder available in the market with milk. 

2. Gujiya:  Holi is incomplete without Gujiya. It is a traditional sweet dish made especially for Holi. To make Gujiya, first knead a dough of refined flour (maida). Mix mawa (sweetened milk), dried fruits, and sugar for the filling. Roll out small puris, fill them with the mixture, and seal the edges tightly. Then, fry them over low heat until golden brown. You can also make mawa gujiya, gulkand gujiya, or baked gujiya. 

3. Dahi Bada:  Dahi Bada is a special part of the Holi platter. Everyone loves its sweet and sour taste. To make it, soak urad dal, grind it, and fry small vadas. Soak them in water to soften them, then add them to the beaten yogurt. Serve topped with tamarind chutney, green chutney, roasted cumin seeds, and red chili powder. 

4. Dal Kachori:  If you're looking for something spicy, dal kachori is a great option. Soak mung dal and grind it coarsely. Add cumin, coriander, and other spices and fry. Fill a flour dough with the dal mixture and shape it into kachoris. Fry them over low heat. They're crispy on the outside and spicy on the inside. 

Easy and Quick Holi Snacks

1. Namakpara:  Household chores pile up around Holi, leaving women struggling to make a quick meal. Namakpara is a great option. Mix flour with salt and carom seeds to form a stiff dough. Roll out the dough, cut into small pieces, and fry over low heat. Once cooled, store in an airtight container. 

2. Mathri:  Add salt and ghee to flour and knead into a stiff dough. Form small maris and fry them in oil. These stay crisp for 2-3 weeks. 

3. Salted Sev: Mix gram flour with salt, turmeric, and carom seeds to form a dough. Remove from the sev machine and fry in oil. Once cooled, store in a container. 

4. Salted Cashews:  Lightly roast cashews. Add salt, turmeric, and red chili pepper and stir over low heat. Store once cooled. 

5. Shakkarpara:  Mix ghee with flour and knead into a dough. Cut them into small pieces and fry them, then coat them in sugar syrup and let them dry.