Karan Gokani’s sweet treats for Diwali – recipes

These ladoos are sweet, nutty morsels of dough perfect for sharing, while a quick Indian take on a bread pudding should be an instant hit

Diwali is often called the festival of lights, a celebration of good over evil. It’s the most widely marked festival in India and feels a bit like Christmas does in the west. It’s synonymous with fireworks, bright colours, endless parties and tables creaking under the sheer weight of food and desserts. No Diwali is complete without boxes of sweets (mithai) and dried fruit exchanged between friends and family. In the UK, we keep those traditions alive, dressing up, visiting temples, reading Indian mythology to the kids and, most importantly, gathering with friends from every background and religion. For me, Diwali is about togetherness and sharing food that feels special, but doesn’t keep you in the kitchen for hours. The bread pudding is my take on the indulgent shahi tukda, while the ladoos are perfect to gift or to enjoy with a cup of chai after the feast.