Diwali Faral Cravings? Here’s How to Snack Smart Without Skipping the Fun

Diwali is around the corner, and so are the cravings: chakli, chivda, shankarpali, karanji, anarsa, you name it. The whole house smells like something frying, and somehow every container on the shelf is calling your name.

Here’s the thing, though. Most of us have the same quiet worry. All that oil, all that ghee. Delicious, yes. But is it worth it after a year of early alarms, workouts and careful eating? Be honest: do you really want to undo that in one festive week?

And let’s be real, nobody is skipping the faral. It’s Diwali. Avoiding it is neither realistic nor fun. So instead of binge eating the faral at midnight (we’ve all been there), or staring at the open container, (“just one more”), try something smarter: keep the festive snacking, change what you reach for in between.

Meet the Makhanawala’s Puffs

When the craving hits at 4 pm, or you need something crunchy while guests chat for the third hour, these are made for it. Roasted, crunchy and full of flavour - meet the Makhanawala’s puffs. These are roasted millet puffs. Made with jowar and quinoa, so you get that satisfying crunch without the heavy, oily aftertaste.

Protein rich millet goodness. Millets the comeback waited for centuries in our diets.

Flavours that don’t feel like a compromise. Peri Peri for the spice lovers, Chilli Chataka for the chatpata crowd, and Butter Tomato for when you want something comforting.

Ready to eat. No frying, no prep, no mess. Just open and crunch.

Why Millets, Why Now?

Jowar has been part of Indian kitchens for generations, long before “superfood” became a hashtag. Our grandparents ate bhakri without a second thought, and quinoa has since joined the table as a modern partner. Together, they make a guilt-free snack that feels both familiar and new.

Both grains are naturally gluten-free and bring fibre and plant protein to the bowl. So when you reach for a handful of puffs, you’re snacking on something with roots, not just a trend.

How to Fit Them Into Your Diwali

On the faral plate: Put a bowl of jowar puffs or quinoa puffs next to the chivda. Guests will reach for both, and your plate gets a lighter, crunchier option.

The 4 pm chai break: Swap the third chakli for a handful of puffs and your evening stays on track.

Movie nights and card games: Diwali means long evenings with family. Keep a bowl nearby so the heavy stuff doesn’t become the default.

A thoughtful extra for guests: Along with the mithai box, tuck in a pack of puffs. It’s a small gesture people actually remember.

Pick Your Flavour

Not sure which one to open first? Here’s a quick guide. Peri Peri is for the spice lovers who like a little kick with their chai. Chilli Chataka is for the chatpata crowd, who believe every snack needs a tangy punch. Butter Tomato is for the comfort seekers, and a gentler choice for anyone who doesn’t love heat.

Can’t decide? Keep all three on the table and let everyone pick. It’s also a fun way to start a friendly debate so pick your team.

The Balance Is the Point

Diwali isn’t about giving up the foods you love. It’s about enjoying them without the “why did I eat all that” feeling afterwards. Enjoy the karanji on Lakshmi Pujan, then reach for something lighter the rest of the week.