During Annakut, fourth day of Diwali, metro Detroiters offer mountain of food and sweets

© David Rodriguez Munoz, Detroit Free Press Janki Patel, left, Niharika Patel, Chandan Patel, Lata Patel, Panna Patel and Viraj Patel organize multiple dishes in front of an alter to celebrate Annakut in Sterling Heights on Tuesday, Oct. 25, 2022.

During the five days of Diwali, individuals across the South Asian diaspora come together for moments of prayer, gift-giving and family gatherings.

In recent years, food enthusiasts across cultures have become increasingly familiar with the third day of the holiday. Recognized as the festival of lights, Diwali is known for its lively celebrations centered on the lighting of oil lamps and firecrackers and the exchange of mithai, or traditional Indian pastries and confections.

However, it’s the fourth day of Diwali that is arguably overlooked by the general public, and it is a celebration rooted in the sharing of authentic Indian dishes and sweets.

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This year, Annakut, also known as Govardhan Puja or Annakoot, was celebrated Tuesday.

More:Diwali in metro Detroit is all about light, and sweets

“One of the traditions of Diwali is known as Annakut, which is a big feast, essentially,” said Suril Patel, Hindu Community Relations Council of Michigan treasurer and volunteer at Bharatiya Temple Of Metropolitan Detroit. “There’s a variety of foods that are prepared on that day.”

During Annakut, families prepare what is known as a mountain of food as an offering of thanks to the Hindu deity Krishna. That mountain represents Govardhan Hill, a sacred Hindu landmark in northern India.

“The significance comes from the story of Krishna and how he raised the Govardhan Hill in ancient times,” Patel said, adding that those who celebrate the festival often follow a common custom of preparing upward of 100 dishes and 56 sweets for the occasion.

Patel’s aunt and uncle Mradula “Lata” and Girish Patel have been carrying on the tradition of hosting the Annakut festival for extended family and friends for years. This year, the Patels welcomed Detroit Free Press photographers.

This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: During Annakut, fourth day of Diwali, metro Detroiters offer mountain of food and sweets