Story by Aja Goare
Photography by Hugo Martinez
A five-day festival that honors the victory of light over darkness, Diwali is one of the most popular holidays in Indian culture. Taking place each year in October, it is celebrated by Hindus, Buddhists, Jains and Sikhs during the Hindu lunisolar month Kārtika. Oil lamps are used to symbolize the light and traditional ceremonial foods are eaten with friends and family. A common well-wish shared on the occasion is: “May this auspicious occasion light up your life with happiness, joy and peace this Diwali.”
Here we are invited to a Diwali celebration, hosted by Neeta and Kunal Mittal of LXV Wine, who prepared all foods, and lovingly welcomed guests to their traditions. Event design was by Amanda Holder Events, and draping and floral design were by Flowers by Kim.
Traditional dishes served during the festivities and shared around this table include:
Saag – cooked spinach, often studded with cubes of fried paneer cheese
Paneer Masala – a curry of onion, tomato, ginger-garlic paste and aromatic spices
Jeera Aloo – potatoes, cumin seeds and Indian spices
Yellow Daal Tadka – dried, split pulses, meaning lentils, peas and beans with red onions, green peppers, chili powder, turmeric and roma tomatoes
Navratan Korma – vegetable curry made from a base of assorted nuts and seeds, aromatic spices, rich yogurt curd, cream or coconut milk
Achar – pickled fruits or vegetables
Naan – leavened flatbread
Veg Biryani – aromatic rice dish made with rice, veggies and spices
Papad – dough of black gram bean flour, either fried or cooked with dry heat until crunchy
Sheera – traditional Indian pudding made with semolina, ghee, sugar, cashews and raisins
Gulab Jamun – fried balls of a dough made from milk solids and semolina, soaked in an aromatic syrup
Rasgulla – ball-shaped dumplings of chhena and semolina dough, cooked in a light sugar syrup
A special thank you to our hosts and dinner guests:
Tracy Strann – Special Event/Project Consultant
Neeta Mittal – Vintner/Owner – LXV Wine
Kunal Mittal – Vintner/Owner – LXV Wine
Kirk Honeycutt – Author
Mira Advani Honeycutt – Wine Writer
Linda Parker Sanpei – Owner, Parker Sanpei
Richard Sanpei – Principal, RKS Vision Inc.
Debbie Thomas – Owner, Thomas Hill Organics
Kacia Burrell – Staff, LXV Wine
Dylan Koch – Staff, The Spoon Trade
Dr. Aiga Charles – OB/GYN
Hari Rajah
