When Diwali arrives, Tamil Nadu lights up not just with diyas but with the irresistible aroma of freshly made sweets and snacks. Every household comes alive with laughter, music, and the delicious smell of ghee, Palm Jaggery, Jaggery balls and Country sugar — a true celebration of togetherness. Growing up, I remember my Mom waking up before dawn to make adhirasam, Karupatti Appam and murukku, her hands moving swiftly with decades of experience. Those flavors still define what Diwali means to me — homemade happiness.
If you love authentic Tamil flavors, this list of the Top 10 Traditional Sweets of Tamil Nadu for Diwali will bring back those cherished memories — all made using country sugar, vellam (jaggery), and palm jaggery for a healthy, chemical-free sweetness.
1. Adhirasam – The Star of Every Diwali – Made with Deep Love and Vellam
A true Diwali classic, adhirasam is a deep-fried sweet made from rice flour, a pinch of dry ginger, cardamom, and vellam (jaggery). The dough is fermented overnight, shaped into small discs, and fried in pure ghee / Cold pressed Groundnut Oil. Its crispy outer layer and soft interior make it an instant favorite.
Traditionally, grandmothers would test the jaggery syrup with their fingers — a skill passed through generations. Once the sugar syrup gets thicker, and when you pour in water, it wont get dissolved. This can be able to gether it with fingers and form a balls. Today, using vellam or palm jaggery keeps the flavor authentic and wholesome.
Quick Tip: Store Adhirasam in an airtight tin; it stays fresh for a week.
2. Thattai– The Crunchy Diwali Favorite
Though technically a savory, Thattai deserves a place on this list because no Tamil Diwali platter is complete without it. Made from rice flour, fried gram dal flour, A pinch of Long chilli powder, Curry leaves and sprinkled with ajwain, it’s shaped as round through a press and deep-fried to golden perfection.
There’s something so nostalgic about helping your mother twist those spiral shapes while chatting about festival plans. That crisp snap is pure joy with every bite.
How to Store: Keep murukku in airtight containers. Add a piece of tissue inside the jar to absorb moisture and retain crunch.
3. Karupatti Appam – A Sweet Made with Palm Jaggery
Karupatti Appam is a delightful festive sweet prepared using rice flour, banana, and palm jaggery (karupatti). It’s a healthier option for those who prefer sweets made without refined sugar. The smoky sweetness from karupatti gives it a depth of flavor that white sugar can never match.
This is one of those old traditional foods of Tamil Nadu that’s both nutritious and festive came from the villages of Tamil Nadu.
Serving Suggestion: Enjoy it warm with a drizzle of ghee on top.
4. Seedai – Crunchy and Addictive Balls
Seedai may be small, but it packs a burst of flavor. Made from rice flour, ghee, and a touch of coconut, these golden balls are crispy, mildly sweet, and deeply satisfying.
Traditionally prepared for Krishna Jayanthi as well, Seedai holds a special spot during Diwali in many Tamil homes. When made with cane sugar instead of white sugar, it becomes both tastier and more wholesome.
Storage Tip: Cool completely before storing in airtight jars to keep the crunch intact.
5. Thenkuzhal Murukku – The Classic White Murukku
Thenkuzhal Murukku is another traditional savory often made alongside sweets for Diwali. It’s lighter and more delicate than the spicy versions. The mix of rice flour, urad dal, and a dash of cumin seeds gives it that signature flavor and fragrance.
You can make Achu murukku also mixing cane sugar along with Murukku flour, using special mold’s and yes! every kids loves this more and more.
The joy of hearing that gentle crunch while chatting with family is unmatched. Pair it with mixture and seedai, and you’ve got the ultimate Tamil Diwali snack combo.
6. Mixture – The King of Festive Snacks
Mixture is not just a snack; it’s a symbol of Tamil celebration. A colorful combination of omapodi, boondhi, kara sev, and fried curry leaves tossed together with roasted nuts — it’s a balance of spice, crunch, and comfort.
Every family has its own recipe. Some add a spoon of vellam syrup or palm jaggery for a hint of sweetness. A handful of mixture on a plate with a sweet like adhirasam is all you need to feel festive.
Storage Tip: Store in a large steel container lined with paper to prevent sogginess.
7. Ribbon Pakoda (Seeval) – Crispy Ribbon Delight
Seeval, also known as Ribbon Pakoda, is a crunchy ribbon-shaped snack made with rice flour, besan, and butter. It’s one of those treats you can’t stop munching on once you start.
Traditionally fried in cold pressed groundnut oil, it’s flavored with red chili and asafoetida. When made fresh at home, it fills the entire kitchen with a comforting Diwali aroma.
Personal Tip: My mother always made an extra batch to send to neighbors — because Diwali joy is best shared.
8. Nei Urundai – Sweet Ghee Bliss
Nei Urundai literally translates to ghee balls. Made from roasted moong dal flour, ghee, and cane sugar, this melt-in-your-mouth sweet is both rich and light. It’s a great alternative to white sugar sweets and a favorite among elders.
It’s the kind of sweet that doesn’t need refrigeration — it only needs love and patience to make the perfect texture.
9. Boondhi Laddu – The Traditional Celebration Sweet
No Diwali is complete without the golden Boondhi Laddu. Made by frying tiny gram flour pearls and soaking them in sugar syrup before shaping them into laddus, this sweet is a centerpiece in every Tamil household.
For a healthy twist, you can make it using cane sugar syrup it still gives that same golden glow, just without chemicals.
Tip: Keep them in an airtight box lined with butter paper to avoid sticking.
10. Achu vellam Aval Urundai – A Quick and Healthy Sweet
For those who prefer light sweets, Aval Urundai made from flattened rice (poha), vellam, grated coconut, and cardamom is perfect. It’s a guilt-free treat that even kids love.
How to Make:
1. Roast aval lightly until crisp.
2. Melt achu vellam with a spoon of water.
3. Mix in coconut, cardamom, and shape into small balls.
It’s that simple — and made in under 15 minutes!
How to Use Country Sugar and Palm Jaggery in Traditional Sweets
Using cane sugar, vellam, or palm jaggery in your sweets doesn’t just make them tastier — it makes them healthier. These unrefined alternatives contain minerals like iron and calcium, unlike white sugar which offers only empty calories. The earthy flavor they add transforms even simple recipes into nostalgic delights.
When I switched from white sugar to can sugar from My V Naturals, I noticed how it gave my sweets a natural caramel taste and a beautiful brown hue — just like my grandmother’s versions.
How to Store Traditional Sweets of Tamil Nadu
Keep in Airtight Tins: Most sweets and snacks last 7–10 days when stored in clean, airtight tins.
Use Butter Paper: Line tins with butter paper to avoid sticking.
Avoid Moisture: Never use wet spoons or hands.
Ghee-Based Sweets: Store in cool, dry places; refrigeration changes texture.
Conclusion
Diwali is more than lights and fireworks — it’s about recreating the old traditional foods of Tamil Nadu that connect us to our roots. Every sweet or snack tells a story of tradition, patience, and love. This Diwali, try making these authentic treats at home using country sugar, vellam, or palm jaggery — for a celebration that’s healthy, chemical-free, and full of soul.
Bring home purity and tradition this Diwali — explore the range of natural sweeteners oils, and more with My V Naturals.
FAQs About Traditional Tamil Sweets
Q1. Can I make these sweets with white sugar?
Yes, but using country sugar, vellam, or palm jaggery gives them an authentic flavor and makes them healthier.
Q2. How long can these sweets be stored?
Most stay fresh for 7–10 days in airtight tins. Adhirasam and murukku can last even longer.
Q3. Which oil is best for frying Diwali snacks?
Use cold-pressed groundnut oil for an authentic Tamil flavor and crisp texture.
Q4. Are these sweets suitable for kids?
Absolutely! Just ensure portion control since they’re rich in ghee and jaggery.
Q5. Can I use palm jaggery instead of white sugar in all sweets?
Yes, palm jaggery is a healthy sugar alternative that adds depth and nutrients.
Q6. Where can I buy authentic country sugar, Palm Candy and palm jaggery?
You can find premium, chemical-free sugar and sweetners from trusted natural brands like My V Naturals.
Celebrate Diwali the traditional way — sweet, crunchy, and made with love.
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