Lighting Up Diwali: A Festival of Flavour and Community

Diwali in Australia

Diwali, the Festival of Lights, is celebrated by over 800,000 Australians of Indian origin, along with many from Sikh, Jain, and Buddhist backgrounds. From Sydney’s Opera House glowing gold to Melbourne’s bustling Federation Square festivities, Diwali has become a multicultural event embraced by Australians of all backgrounds.

Beans and Lentils: The Heart of Diwali Cuisine

At the core of many Diwali dishes are pulses—nutritious, versatile, and deeply rooted in Indian culinary tradition. Here are some of the most commonly used varieties during the festive season:

• Toor Dal (Split Pigeon Peas) – Essential in dishes like Sambhar and Dal Tadka, this lentil is a staple in South Indian and Maharashtrian households.
• Chana Dal (Split Bengal Gram) – Used in savoury snacks like dal vada and sweet treats like chana dal halwa.
• Moong Dal (Split Mung Beans) – Light and easy to digest, moong dal features in festive dishes like khichdi and dal fry.
• Urad Dal (Black Gram) – Integral to idli, dosa, and medu vada, urad dal is also used in rich preparations like dal makhani.
• Rajma (Red Kidney Beans) – Popular in North Indian cuisine, especially in rajma masala, often served with rice.

These ingredients are not only central to traditional recipes but also align with modern dietary preferences—high in protein, gluten-free, and rich in fibre.

Specialty Ingredients for Diwali in 2025

For Australian suppliers like TFB Trading Australia, Diwali presents a unique seasonal opportunity. Stocking high-quality lentils, beans, and specialty seeds to support both those manufacturing Indian delicacies locally and those repacking to supply retail and food service.

This year there have been some challenges with limitations in the supply of Kidney Beans and good quality Mung Beans.

Celebrating Diversity Through Food

Diwali is more than a religious festival—it’s a celebration of community, generosity, and shared joy. Ingredient suppliers play a quiet but powerful role in this celebration, helping families recreate the flavours of home and share them with neighbours across Australia.

As many of our customers light the lamps this Diwali, let’s also light the way for deeper cultural understanding and culinary exploration.