Renu Bhardwaj, based in Scotland with her husband and two children, is passionate about creating affordable, delicious meals for busy families. Originally from Manchester, she draws inspiration from her childhood memories of her mother’s kitchen filled with the aroma of homemade Indian dishes. Struggling to find suitable books to introduce her children to Diwali, Renu authored “Celebrate Diwali,” a resource featuring recipes, crafts, and activities to help families learn about the festival.
Speaking to Asian Voice, Renu discusses her book which includes recipes for busy families to prepare during festivities, importance of involving children in celebration through activities and much more.
Can you tell us about some standard recipes from your book that made the perfect Diwali feast? Are they based on traditional dishes or your own personal taste?
Oh, well, I'm a big foodie, so I have to say all the recipes are amazing! But the ones that really resonate with me are those connected to special moments, especially at religious functions. For example, my mum always makes creamy kheer, which we call Nani ji's kheer, and it's a must-have rice pudding that’s close to my heart. Another favourite of mine is samosa chaat, or some kind of chaat, and of course, the traditional Punjabi dish Chole Bhature — it's a classic that ties everything together perfectly.
I also wanted to add a modern twist to the book, so I included masala chips, potato bites, which are a fun hybrid of tikki and batata vada. I think it's important to have a nice mix of traditional and modern flavours.
Many families struggle to balance tradition and time in the kitchen. What are some quick yet authentic recipes you have included for busy families that can easily prepare?
As working families in the UK, I know how challenging it can be to manage everything, especially around Diwali. That’s why I included a checklist at the back of the book – a guide to help busy families stay organised, or even for those unsure of what to do. It covers everything from planning to preparing in advance. For instance, you can prepare chutneys, drinks, and festive ice cubes a few days ahead, so they're ready when you need them. For dishes like Chole Bhature, you can cook the chickpeas the day before, and then on Diwali, all you need to do is prepare the dough and fry it.
The goal is to break down the process, making it easier for families to celebrate without the stress of last-minute cooking. If Diwali falls on a weekend, that’s great, but if it’s a weekday and you’re juggling work, kids, and everything else, this checklist helps simplify things. It’s about making Diwali special, even when time is limited.
How important do you think it is to involve children in the celebration, you know, through activities like cooking and crafting? How does this bring families closer during the festival?
I think it’s really important to involve children in the Diwali preparations, because when I was younger, I would just see my mom doing everything, and we were only there for the poojas. We never really understood the process. Writing this book made me realise that Diwali is more than just a single day—it’s a five-day celebration, but growing up, we were only exposed to parts of it here and there. Getting children involved, starting with the pre-Diwali cleaning, is key. It’s not just about tidying up—it’s about setting the tone for a happy home and a clear mind. It’s important to explain why we do these things instead of just telling them what to do, as is often the case in many Asian families.
Once the cleaning is done, you can involve them in other parts of the celebration, like cooking. I now have my kids help out in the kitchen—whether it’s setting the table, arranging the diyas, or lighting the candles. These are tasks that can be done in the days leading up to Diwali, not just on the day itself, and I’ve included them in the checklist in my book to help make the process smoother.
The craft side of Diwali is also exciting, and my book includes different crafts suitable for different age groups. Whether it’s making garlands, painting, or decorating diyas, there are activities for children of all ages to get involved in and feel connected to the celebration.
How does your book help families create a beautiful, vibrant Diwali atmosphere without breaking the bank?
As a food waste blogger, I'm very conscious of sustainability, and I’ve incorporated that into the book. For example, I suggest upcycling items from around the house, like making lanterns from jars or candles from oranges—simple, eco-friendly crafts that anyone can do. There’s also a section on hosting a Diwali party without breaking the bank, with tips on setting a budget and decorating using items you already have at home. The book provides practical advice for everyone, regardless of their budget or circumstances.
One of the key things I wanted to address is how to celebrate Diwali if you’re away from family, perhaps newly married or living independently for the first time. Traditionally, the eldest in the family takes charge of organising everything, but this book aims to guide those who may not have that support. It offers ideas on how to celebrate and explains the steps involved, helping to pass down these traditions to the next generation.
What do you hope readers take away from your book, beyond the recipes and you know, crafts, about the essence of Diwali and how it can be celebrated with loved ones?.
I'm thrilled to see non-Indians buying my book, showing that Diwali’s appeal goes beyond religion. Many have shared memories of celebrating with friends, which makes me happy. I hope the book becomes a resource for everyone, especially schools, to highlight the meaning behind the five-day celebration, not just the food and crafts.
I’ve included a lot of helpful elements, like mantras, the Diwali calendar, and even a Diwali Eve box for kids, similar to Christmas traditions. There are tips on how to prepare for Diwali, from making crafts and sustainable gifts to planning meals and decorating using items already in your home. I've also added sections on Bandi Chhor for Sikhs and how to explain Diwali to children. My hope is that this book becomes a go-to guide for people to truly appreciate and celebrate Diwali each year.
What is your fondest memory of celebrating Diwali and how it has influenced the way you approach the festival in your new book?
Growing up, Diwali always had a special routine that I fondly remember. We’d start by celebrating at home in the evening—getting dressed up, doing pooja, and then heading to my aunt’s house. It was followed by a big family meal, and then came the fireworks. I used to be scared of them, especially when they seemed to come in through the window! Each family would bring their own fireworks, trying to outdo one another, which made it so exciting. We’d exchange gifts, get lots of money, and enjoy delicious food. It was such a warm, joyful time with family, and that's the memory that always stays with me—starting with cleaning the house and ending the day feeling full and happy.
*Book is available on Amazon
Instagram: @hey_renu
