India is a land that speaks a hundred different languages, with at least as many cultures and cuisines. Still, despite the differences, something stands out-it is the mad desire for sweets. Traditional Indian sweets, commonly known as mithai, are not just a dessert; their significance transcends to culture, religion, and region. Every sweet has a tale, tradition, or peculiar taste passed on through generations. In the following blog post, we are going to take you through some of India's best-loved traditional sweets. And from the syrup-soaked treats of Bengal to nutty delights in North India, we will let you know it all.

1. Rasgulla and Rasmalai (West Bengal and Odisha)
While Rasgulla and Rasmalai are two other sweets which are symbolised with the light, syrupy sweets and the east Indian region, nothing represents it better than Rasgulla and Rasmalai. These are sweetmeats prepared from chhena (Indian cottage cheese), soaked in sugar syrup or flavored milk, that melt in the mouth. Rasgulla has a history in both West Bengal and Odisha, with both regions doing their own versions of this sweetmeat.

2. Gulab Jamun (All India)
No festival or celebratory meal in India is complete without the sweetness of Gulab Jamun! These golden brown dumplings made from the curdled milk-solids called khoya, are fried and drenched in a fragrant sugar syrup flavored with cardamom, rose water, or saffron. Gulab Jamun has found its craze across India and is served at weddings, festivals, and family occasions.

3. Mysore Pak, Karnataka
Originating from the royal kitchens of Mysore in Karnataka, Mysore Pak is a rich, buttery sweet made from ghee, gram flour, and sugar. It has a crumbly, melt-in-the-mouth texture and is perfect for those who enjoy indulgent sweets. This delicacy is especially popular during festivals like Diwali.

4. Peda (Uttar Pradesh)
Peda is a soft, dense sweet, chiefly prepared from khoya, flavored with cardamom and saffron. It often carries nuts on top and was believed to be good luck. The most renowned type of peda is that produced in Mathura Peda at Uttar Pradesh, in the holy city of Mathura and offered as prasad.

5. Ladoo (All India)
Ladoos are ball-sized sweets with a vast range of flavors in all of India. Some examples include besan ladoo, motichoor ladoo, boondi ladoo, and rava ladoo. The ingredients for various primary types differ in their use of nuts and dry fruits, all having a unique taste. Traditionally, ladoos are prepared in various Indian festivals: Diwali, Ganesh Chaturthi, among others, and in temples as prasad as well.

6. Kaju Katli (North India)
A popular treat during festivals, this sweet kaju katli is created with cashews and sugar, resulting in an extremely smooth and nutty texture. Garnished with a thin layer of edible silver called varak, the diamond-shaped sweet is as aesthetic as it is delicious. Arguably everybody's favorite Diwali treat and definitely one to be gobbled up on special days.

7. Chikki (Maharashtra)
Chikki is one of the most popular Indian brittle preparations using jaggery and nuts, such as peanuts. Originating from Maharashtra, it is something which is loved by people during the winter season. Chikki is crunchy with earthy flavor that is loved by sweet-toothed individuals.

8. Puran Poli of Maharashtra and Gujarat
Puran Poli is one of the popular sweet flat bread that is originally from Maharashtra and Gujarat. It contains sweet lentil stuffing mixed chana dal with jaggery and spices including cardamom. This yummy mithai is often prepared when important occasions come and it occupies a special place in Marathi and Gujarati homes.

9. Chenapoda (Odisha)
Known as Odisha's cheesecake, Chenapoda is a baked sweet made from chhena, sugar, and semolina flavoured with cardamom.  It makes it different from other Indian sweets due to its caramelised crust and well-balanced rich and dense texture. Chenapoda finds mass appeal in Odisha during festivals and marriages.

10. Phirni (North India)
Phirni is a rich, cardamom and saffron-scented rice pudding to which chopped nuts are sometimes added. Typically served in clay pots, this sweet treat is popular in North India, particularly during Eid and Diwali. Silky smooth in texture, mildly sweet, with the promise of a calming finish to such a rich meal.