Holi isn’t a one-size-fits-all festival. Depending on where you are in India, Holi might mean getting drenched in colored water, being playfully chased with sticks, or simply enjoying a poetic celebration of spring. But while every region has its own take on the festival, there’s one thing that remains unchanged—the love for festive sweets.
No Holi is complete without indulgent, festive sweets. And if you pay attention, you’ll notice a common ingredient sneaking its way into every treat—nuts! Whether it’s almonds in Gujiya, cashews in Puran Poli, or pistachios in Malpua, nuts add the perfect crunch, richness, and festive indulgence to Holi sweets.
So, let’s take a vibrant journey across India to discover the different types of Holi, the traditions behind them, and of course, the delicious nut-filled treats that make them special!
1. Lathmar Holi (Uttar Pradesh)
If you think Holi is just about throwing colors, welcome to Lathmar Holi in Barsana and Nandgaon—where women (yes, women!) take sticks and playfully "beat" men, all in the spirit of reenacting Krishna and Radha’s legendary love story. It’s fun, feisty, and full of food-fueled energy.
The Sweet Star: Gujiya
Gujiya is North India’s official Holi sweet, and for good reason. Imagine a deep-fried pastry stuffed with khoya, almonds, cashews, and pistachios—crispy on the outside, rich and nutty on the inside.
Festive Pairing: Love the sweet-salty combo? Try Go Nuts Sea Salt Caramel Almonds for a Gujiya-inspiredsnacking experience!
2. Phoolon ki Holi (Vrindavan)
Holi in Vrindavan isn’t about colors—it’s about flowers. Inspired by the divine love of Radha-Krishna, the celebrations here involve temples showering devotees with fragrant flower petals, creating a mesmerizing, dreamy experience.
The Sweet Star: Thandai
You can’t visit Vrindavan during Holi and not sip on Thandai—a chilled, saffron-infused milk drink blended with almonds, pistachios, and spices. It’s smooth, fragrant, and gives you the energy to keep up with the celebrations.
Festive Pairing: Want to balance that creamy sweetness? Munch on Go Nuts Thai Chilli Cashews—a spicy contrast to Thandai’s cool flavors!
3. Basanta Utsav (West Bengal)
In Shantiniketan, Holi is celebrated as Basanta Utsav—a graceful festival where students and artists dress in yellow, sing Tagore’s songs, and welcome spring with dance, music, and poetry. Instead of chaotic color fights, Holi here feels like a painting in motion.
The Sweet Star: Malpua
Malpua is Bengal’s answer to pancakes—crispy on the edges, soft in the center, and soaked in sugar syrup. Topped with crushed almonds and pistachios, these little golden beauties melt in your mouth with every bite.
Festive Pairing: Need something to contrast Malpua’s sweetness? Try Go Nuts Truffle Edamame—an earthy, umami-rich snack to balance out the syrupy indulgence!
4. Kamudu Pyakthi (South India)
Holi might not be as grand in the South, but Tamil Nadu and Andhra Pradesh celebrate Kamudu Pyakthi—where bonfires are lit to mark the triumph of good over evil. Here, festive sweets are deeply influenced by the region’s love for coconut and cashews.
The Sweet Star: Coconut Laddoos
These bite-sized treats made with grated coconut, jaggery, and cashews are a Holi staple in South India. They’re soft, nutty, and just the right amount of sweet to keep the festivities going.
Festive Pairing: Want a spicy twist? Try Go Nuts Party Mix, a mix of nuts and bold flavors to shake things up!
5. Yaoshang (North-East India)
In Manipur, Holi is called Yaoshang—a six-day-long festival that blends Holi colors with traditional Manipuri folk dances and sports competitions. Instead of just a day of madness, it’s a whole week of cultural immersion!
The Sweet Star: Pitha
A soft, rice-flour dumpling stuffed with coconut, jaggery, and nuts, Pitha is a Northeastern favorite during Holi. The delicate flavors make it one of the most unique Holi sweets in India.
Festive Pairing: Love nutty textures? Go for Go Nuts Trail Mix—a crunchy, fruity blend that pairs beautifully with traditional festive sweets.
6. Urban Holi
In cities like Mumbai, Delhi, and Bangalore, Holi has taken on a new avatar. Think music festivals, pool parties, and Holi-themed brunches with fusion desserts replacing traditional Holi sweets. But even in these modern celebrations, glimpses of tradition remain—especially in the flavors.
The Sweet Star: Chocolate & Nut Fudge
Instead of laddoos, expect dense, chocolate-loaded squares packed with almonds, walnuts, and cashews at modern Holi parties. A perfect fusion of traditional crunch with contemporary indulgence!
Festive Pairing: Need a snack that matches the party vibes? Try Go Nuts Party Mix, the ultimate Holi snack for the modern foodie!
No Matter the Holi, Nuts Make It Better!
From the North’s Gujiya to the South’s Coconut Laddoo, the East’s Pitha to the West’s Malpua, one thing remains unchanged—nuts tie every Holi sweet together. They add crunch, richness, and the perfect festive indulgence to make Holi sweets unforgettable.
So, whether you’re celebrating Holi with flower petals in Vrindavan or EDM beats in Mumbai, make sure your snack game is as strong as your color game. Go Nuts with festive flavors like Thai Chilli Cashews, Truffle Edamame, and Party Mix—because Holi isn’t just about colors, it’s about flavors too!
Which Holi celebration would you love to experience? And which nutty snack would you pair with it?