Chiwda is a rather classic Indian puffed rice mix, and was included in the companion cookbook to the novel "Ten Thousand Tongues: secrets of a layered kitchen" (2018). In the novel, one of the character, Shanta, prepares a quick chiwda to accompany cups of tea for her husband, and his new friend. In most Indian kitchens, this dish is part of every snack platter, and is particularly popular at Diwali.