A gift box full of laddoos and dried fruits is so passé. Millennials prefer curated gift hampers ranging from traditional Diwali treats and organic/healthy snacks—some even appreciate recipe books on how to prepare sugar-free Diwali sweets at home. To help you decide how best to spoil your loved ones through this modern-day Diwali ritual, we’ve rounded up the best gift hampers to get your hands on prior to the festival of lights.
Crowne Plaza
If you’re still scouring malls and high-end stores for that elusive must-gift Diwali hamper, then look no further. Aroma, the lounge and deli within this five-star property, has a curated gift basket to brighten up your festivities. It comprises everything from quirky green tea scented candles and diyas to moulded chocolates and non-alcoholic wine. Their large mithai box will also include the world-famous moti choor ladoo, dates burfi, other traditional sugary goodies.
The Gateway Hotel by Taj
From chocolate dipped dates to banana walnut bread loaf, this premium gift hamper is definitely breaking the pattern. However, this luxury property isn’t just about coconut macaroons, and brownies—they promise the most exciting selection of traditional diyas and luxurious Diwali sweets too. Think silver leaf covered badam pista rolls, apple peda, kaju katli, balushahi, gulkand, and more.
Kochi Marriott
Any reason, any season; Marriott will put their culinary experts to the test to prepare the best gift hampers. This time, they’ve let their in-house halwai have free reign, especially with regards to authentic North Indian Diwali sweets. Like a decadent pista burfi made out of 100 per cent mawa and chakra-looking kaju jalebi (unlike the fairly common kaju katli). Incense from Rajasthan and hand-crafted Diwali torans, are also part of this hamper.
anoop.p@newindianexpress.com
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