When we think of Deepavali, the first things that come to mind are colourful kolams, beautiful traditional outfits, glowing oil lamps, and of course, the irresistible crunch of murukku!
But behind every perfectly twisted, golden-brown murukku lies a process that requires patience, strength, and a little self-control, especially when the freshly fried ones are too tempting to resist before Deepavali.
While making murukku may seem like a challenging task, there is more to this beloved snack than meets the eye. Its history, traditional preparation methods, and place in our festive celebrations tell a beautiful story of culture, craftsmanship, and togetherness.
What Does ‘Murukku’ Really Mean?
The word ‘murukku’ comes from the Tamil word meaning ‘to twist’, which describes the snack’s signature spiral shape.
Traditionally, murukku is made using rice flour and urad dal (black gram) flour, mixed with seasonings such as cumin seeds and sesame seeds. The dough is then shaped into intricate coils and deep-fried until crisp, giving murukku its familiar savoury taste and satisfying crunch.
Although it is now widely enjoyed throughout the year, murukku holds a special place during Deepavali, when families prepare batches to serve guests, share with neighbours and pack into containers for loved ones.
More than just a festive snack, its preparation reflects a tradition passed down through generations, with recipes and techniques often taught by mothers and grandmothers to younger family members.
Before Modern Murukku Presses, There Was the Art of Hand-Twisting
Today, making murukku has become more convenient with handheld presses and interchangeable moulds that help shape the dough into neat, uniform spirals. However, traditional murukku-making methods required considerably more hands-on effort and skill.
Kai murukku, for instance, is shaped entirely by hand. The maker carefully twists and coils the dough using their fingers, forming the familiar spiral without relying on a mechanical press. This technique requires practice, coordination, and patience to achieve the right shape and consistency.
Traditional kitchens also used manual presses made from wood, brass, or iron. These tools allowed the dough to be pushed through patterned discs to create different shapes. Heavy cookware, including traditional iron vessels, and perforated ladles were used to lower the murukku into hot oil and lift the finished snacks safely.
While modern tools have made the process easier, these traditional methods remind us of the skill and dedication involved in preparing something that many of us now enjoy with little thought about the effort behind it.
The Beautiful Chaos That Brings Families Together
Ask anyone who has helped prepare murukku for Deepavali, and they will probably have a story to tell.
There is the last-minute search for ingredients, the debate over who makes the best-shaped murukku, the friendly battle over who gets to use the press, and the person assigned to watch the hot oil. Then comes the important task of storing the snacks, and nobody can be sneaking a few pieces along the way!
It may be messy, tiring, and occasionally chaotic, but these are often the moments that become the most treasured memories.
Murukku-making is not simply about preparing enough snacks for the festive season. It is an opportunity for family members to gather in the kitchen, share stories, exchange laughter, and pass down little tips that may never appear in a recipe book.
For some, it is a grandmother’s special technique. For others, it is a mother’s familiar instructions or the laughter shared between siblings while trying to get the perfect spiral.
As our lives become busier with work, studies, and other responsibilities, finding time to sit together as a family can become increasingly difficult. Yet, a simple festive tradition such as making murukku gives everyone a reason to pause, reconnect, and create memories beyond the demands of everyday life.
This Deepavali, Make Memories Along With Murukku
At the end of the day, not every murukku needs to look perfect. Some may turn out beautifully shaped, while others may be a little uneven, too thick or slightly broken. But when they are made together with family, each piece carries a memory of the time and effort shared.
The true beauty of the tradition lies not only in the final product but also in everything that happens along the way.
So, this Deepavali, consider putting aside some time to make murukku with your family. Invite the younger generation into the kitchen, learn an old family recipe, or simply lend a hand with the frying and packing.
Sometimes, the sweetest part of Deepavali is not the murukku we eat, but the memories we make while preparing it together.
