- Avarna Jain,
Chairperson RPSG Lifestyle Media
The best part? These are all guilt-free!

As the festive season approaches, one thing remains constant at the heart of all celebrations: food. Sweets, ormithai, is paramount to every occasion. But this year, traditional sweets are getting a luxurious makeover. With a focus on quality, creativity, and health-conscious choices, brands like NIHIRA, Khoya, The Laddoo Wala, and Parsi Dairy Farm are reinventing mithai, making it the perfect indulgence for modern celebrations.
From vegan to fusion sweets, luxury mithai is transforming the way we enjoy our treats. However,Dr Anjali Hooda, obesity, advanced metabolic & functional medicine specialist, tells Manifest “Excessive sugar intake leads to the disruption of gut microbiome hence leading to Gut Dysbiosis and also leaky gut. Additionally, artificial sweeteners such as stevia, Splenda etc. though marketed as healthy, can lead to insulin resistance.”
But, don’t let the worry get to you, we present a curation and also mention every convincing reason to make these sweets a part of your celebrations this season.
Mithai is no longer a simple affair; it has evolved into an art form. Picture laddoos infused with Belgian chocolate, Kaju Katli adorned with silver or gold leaf, and sweets crafted from unique ingredients like Blue Lotus Extract and Sicilian Pistachio Paste. Brands like NIHIRA and Khoya have redefined traditional recipes into healthier delights, using only premium ingredients such as organic honey, rose petals, and exotic nuts. Packaged with elegance, each box is a work of art that brings the tradition ofmithaiinto a new era of luxury.

Even heritage brands like Parsi Dairy Farm, known for their pure dairy-based offerings, are evolving. Their malaipedashave been a festival staple for generations, and now they’re introducing sophisticated twists on their classics. For example, their Mawa Pan combines traditional textures with a unique presentation. This gourmet touch honours legacy while enticing a new generation with refined flavours.
Most popular Luxury sweets brands ensure there’s something for every dietary preference—whether vegan, gluten-free, or sugar-free.This festive season, fusion mithai is also taking centre stage. Traditional sweets are being reimagined with global flavours for a fresh, modern appeal. There are now laddoos filled with chocolate or truffles inspired bythandai(a cool drink made using almonds, fennel seeds, watermelon kernels, rose petals, pepper, poppy seeds, cardamom, saffron, milk and sugar). These treats are a delight for food experimentalists. Brands such as Khoya and NIHIRA are at the forefront of this trend, offering creative fusions that beautifully blend Indian tradition with international flair.

Behind every piece ofmithailies a story of tradition, but today, it’s shaped by reinvention. Take, for example, the renowned Mithaiwala who once only made classic laddoos and barfis now also experiments with saffron-infused chocolate truffles and rose-flavoured macarons for Diwali. “We’re custodians of a rich heritage”, he explains, “but in today’s world, we have no choice but to evolve. Reinvention isn’t a choice—it’s a necessity.”
This fusion of old and new brings about something unique that meets the desires of a larger consumer base and those who love to experiment with food constantly.
Presenting aManifestedit on limited-editionmithaisyou can gift your loved ones or simply gorge on them.
A luxurious trunk filled with Kesar Paan, Misri Saunf, assorted Chikki, Gold Pista Katli, and more. This premium assortment is crafted for a lavish gifting experience.

A beautifully curated box featuring Assorted Laddoos, Badam Lauj, Tangy Nuts, Traditional Indian Mixture, and Namak Para. With its earthy sage tones, this compact and chic box is a standout gift.

An elegant box bringing a touch of heritage with Suterfeni, Kaju Katli, Motichoor Laddu, and Date Square. Perfect for those who appreciate traditional flavours in a refined presentation.

Only available for a limited time, these artisanal creations are treasures of the festive season, each beautifully crafted for a memorable Diwali.