New Delhi, Sep 14 (IANSlife): India, is known to be a land of diverse cultures, languages, and traditions. Its multiple festivals reflect this rich heritage. What adds a delightful dimension to these celebrations is the wide array of delectable foods that accompany them.

As the auspicious festival of Ganesh Chaturthi approaches, India gears up to feast on some delicacies that have gained worldwide claim. These festival foods are not just a gastronomic delight but also a testament to the country's culinary diversity. These dishes are prepared with love and devotion, often following age-old family recipes passed down through generations, especially the sweets. Traditionally, Indian festivals have been associated with indulgent feasts and sweet treats, but today's changing lifestyle and health-conscious consumers are influencing how these celebrations are observed.

Godrej Food Trends Report 2023 highlights the trends in traditional snacks, their consumption, and the way of cooking:

Traditional snacks - 47 per cent of experts believe that traditional snacks like Chakli, Bhakarwadi, Sev, and others made by home chefs will gain popularity.

Hyper-regional sweets - Health and lifestyle being a concern, 99 per cent of food experts believe that special diet versions of traditional mithai will be in demand and drive innovation in the segment. Moreover, 75 per cent of the panel believes that there is a rising interest in the hyper-regional sweet offerings.

Demand for regional cooking mediums - With the increased demand for hyper-regional cuisines, 71 per cent of the food panel has observed that consumers will opt for traditional desi oils over imported options for Indian cooking. Whereas 50 per cent of the experts predict that gourmet premium ghee varieties will see a rise in demand.

Convenient food with a health-conscious approach - There has been a notable shift in India's approach to festivities, with a significant emphasis on health and well-being even during celebratory occasions, 60 per cent of the panel predicts that diet and health-enhancing gadgets like steamers and air-fryers will be in demand this year.

Rushina Munshaw Ghildiyal, Managing Director of Perfect Bite Consulting and Curating Editor of the annual Godrej Food Trends Report adds, “Festive season in India is a tribute to our cherished Indian heritage and culture, and offers an opportunity to indulge in snacks and confections, both the traditional and the bold new offerings. It’s beautiful, how in India, the timeless flavors of the past seamlessly blend with contemporary creativity. With Ganesh Chaturthi around the corner, it's a fabulous time to savour the fusion of nostalgia and innovation in the culinary offerings we have.”