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As summers approach to an end and the weather is starting to become a little windy at nights, I couldn’t help but remember how back at home this was the time when we would start making lots of Shakarpara for the whole family. Gearing up for Diwali, hoping to make these paras in bulk because all the relatives would be expecting personalized Pre-Diwali gifts and treats. Just thinking about it made me teary eyed, that how I would do anything to just have one bite of my mom’s hand made Shakarpara right now.

THE FESTIVAL OF LIGHTS

For those of you who don’t know what Diwali is, I’d love to tell you all about it. The Indian festival of lights, Diwali, is a time for happiness, festivity, and feasting. This celebration represents the triumph of good over evil and light over darkness. Families join together to eat a variety of festive dishes, light oil lamps(Diyas), and decorate their homes. And one of the traditions that Diwali brings with it, is eating lots of Shakarpara with family and friends.

This Shakarpara I keep mentioning, is a savory snack that is very similar to Chin Chin.  Bite-sized, crunchy, and mildly sweet. However, locating authentic Shakarpara can be difficult for many Indian immigrants residing in Canada. It can be quite difficult to resist the overwhelming sense of nostalgia during such festivals. Here’s when Chin Chin, a lovely substitute, comes in.

A LITTLE ABOUT CHIN CHIN

A popular snack in many African nations, Chin Chin is  Prepared with a basic dough of flour, sugar, butter, and milk. It is then deep-fried to a golden perfection making it crisp, and subtly sweet. Because of its versatility, Chin Chin can be eaten as a snack, dessert, or even as a celebratory treat during festivals and celebrations. Its lovely crunch and delicate sweetness gives it a worldwide appeal that attracts people of all ages.

Imagine giving your loved ones a box of Chin Chin during Diwali. It not only conveys a sense of home, but also the spirit of mutual understanding and cultural exchange. Giving Chin Chin is more than just passing along a snack; it’s a way to celebrate the love of good cuisine that unites all people and share a bit of African culture.

Chin Chin can arouse the same sentiments of coziness and affection among Indian immigrants that Shakarpara does. They may relive their childhood memories of celebrating Diwali with family and friends and indulging in the festive delights that made the event memorable.

EVOKING NOSTALGIA

Particularly for people who are living abroad from their native country, nostalgia is a strong feeling. It’s a yearning for the comforts of home, for the tastes and smells that are eternally connected to one’s cultural identity. Diwali can serve as a heartbreaking reminder of one’s remoteness from home for Indian immigrants living in Canada. The event may seem lacking if the precise festive mood cannot be achieved or if the typical sweets cannot be located. Here’s where Chin Chin can come in handy. Its texture and flavor may not be exactly the same as Shakarpara’s, but they might nevertheless evoke a cozy feeling of home.

Giving Chin Chin as a Diwali gift is more than just serving a snack; it’s a way to connect people from India and Africa, share a bit of cultural history, and make new memories that honor traditions. 

It is a great way to celebrate the wide diversity of cultures that make our world so beautiful, in addition to enjoying a tasty snack.