In Indian culture, festivals and food are inseparably intertwined. Each celebration has its own culinary traditions, with dishes that hold cultural significance and are prepared specially for these occasions. At Masala House in Concord, we celebrate these traditions by featuring festival specials throughout the year.
Diwali: The Festival of Lights
Diwali, one of India's most important festivals, is celebrated with an abundance of sweets and savory snacks. Families across India prepare elaborate feasts and exchange mithai (sweets) as gifts.
Traditional Diwali Foods:
- Kaju Katli: Diamond-shaped cashew fudge with silver varq (edible silver leaf)
- Gulab Jamun: Deep-fried milk solids soaked in rose-scented syrup
- Besan Ladoo: Sweet balls made from chickpea flour, ghee, and sugar
- Samosas: Crispy pastries filled with spiced potatoes and peas
- Chivda: Savory snack mix with flattened rice, nuts, and spices
Each year at Masala House Concord, we host a special Diwali dinner featuring these traditional treats alongside our regular menu. It's become a popular tradition for families throughout Contra Costa County to celebrate this festival of lights with us.
Holi: The Festival of Colors
Holi celebrates the arrival of spring and the triumph of good over evil. It's known for its vibrant colors and joyful atmosphere, with food playing a central role in the festivities.
Traditional Holi Foods:
- Gujiya: Sweet dumplings filled with khoya (reduced milk), nuts, and dried fruits
- Thandai: Cooling spiced milk drink, sometimes infused with bhang (cannabis)
- Puran Poli: Sweet flatbread stuffed with a lentil and jaggery mixture
- Dahi Bhalla: Lentil dumplings topped with yogurt and chutneys
- Malpua: Sweet pancakes soaked in sugar syrup
Our annual Holi celebration at Masala House brings a taste of this colorful festival to Concord, with special menu items and traditional music creating a festive atmosphere that our East Bay customers look forward to each year.
Eid: A Celebration of Community
Eid al-Fitr marks the end of Ramadan, the Islamic holy month of fasting. It's celebrated with elaborate feasts that bring together family and friends.
Traditional Eid Foods:
- Biryani: Fragrant rice dish with meat, spices, and aromatics
- Sheer Khurma: Vermicelli pudding with dates, nuts, and milk
- Kebabs: Various grilled meat preparations
- Haleem: Slow-cooked stew of meat, lentils, and pounded wheat
- Phirni: Ground rice pudding served in earthen pots
At Masala House, we honor the diversity of Indian culture by featuring special Eid dishes that showcase the rich Muslim culinary traditions of India. Our Concord location becomes a gathering place for community members celebrating this important festival.
Navratri: Nine Nights of Celebration
Navratri is a nine-night festival honoring the goddess Durga. During this time, many observers follow specific dietary restrictions, avoiding certain grains and focusing on "sattvic" (pure) foods.
Traditional Navratri Foods:
- Sabudana Khichdi: Tapioca pearl dish with peanuts and potatoes
- Kuttu ki Puri: Buckwheat flour bread
- Singhare ka Halwa: Water chestnut flour pudding
- Makhana Kheer: Foxnut pudding
- Fruit Chaat: Spiced fruit salad
During Navratri, our Concord restaurant offers a special fasting menu that adheres to traditional restrictions while still providing flavorful, satisfying meals for our Contra Costa County customers observing the festival.
Pongal: Harvest Celebration
Pongal is a four-day harvest festival celebrated primarily in South India. The festival's namesake dish symbolizes abundance and prosperity.
Traditional Pongal Foods:
- Ven Pongal: Savory rice and lentil dish with black pepper and cumin
- Sakkarai Pongal: Sweet rice with jaggery and nuts
- Vadai: Savory lentil donuts
- Payasam: Sweet milk pudding with rice or vermicelli
Each January, we bring a taste of this South Indian celebration to Concord with special Pongal dishes that introduce our East Bay customers to the diverse regional traditions of India.
Baisakhi: Punjabi New Year
Baisakhi marks the Punjabi New Year and the spring harvest. It's celebrated with vibrant folk dances and festive meals that showcase the robust flavors of Punjab.
Traditional Baisakhi Foods:
- Chole Bhature: Spiced chickpeas with fried bread
- Makki di Roti with Sarson da Saag: Cornmeal flatbread with spiced mustard greens
- Lassi: Sweet or salted yogurt drink
- Pinni: Sweet flour and ghee balls with nuts
Our Baisakhi celebration at Masala House Concord features live Bhangra performances and a special menu highlighting the hearty, flavorful cuisine of Punjab. It's become a popular event for both our Indian and non-Indian customers throughout Contra Costa County.
Experience Festival Foods Year-Round
At Masala House in Concord, we believe that the joy of festival foods shouldn't be limited to specific dates. That's why we regularly feature festival specialties as weekend specials throughout the year.
Follow us on social media or join our email list to stay informed about upcoming festival celebrations and special menus. We invite you to experience the rich cultural traditions of India through its festive foods right here in Concord, CA.
For large groups celebrating Indian festivals, we also offer special catering packages that can be customized to include traditional festival foods. Contact us to learn more about bringing authentic festival flavors to your next celebration in Contra Costa County.
