Must-Try Ganesh Chaturthi Dishes That Make the Festival Extra Special

Ganesh Chaturthi is a colorful and revered festival in India, which is celebrated with great fervor, especially in Maharashtra. Though devotion and cultural events are its core, food is no less important. The festival means delectable, often elaborate, vegetarian fare, much of which is presented to Lord Ganesha as "naivedya" or "bhog" prior to being consumed by devotees.Here's a guide to Ganesh Chaturthi food so you can enjoy the culinary offerings of this festive day

Celebrate Ganesh Chaturthi With These Iconic Dishes From Across India

Ganesh Chaturthi, a holy 10-day festival, is a time for religious fervor, family bonding, and, of course, a sumptuous spread of traditional fare. While the biggest highlight is paying homage to Lord Ganesha, the food traditions tied to the festival are no less important, with each dish giving a glimpse of rich culture. From sweet modaks to spicy bites, here's what generally adorns the plates during this festive season:

The Star of the Show: Modak

No Ganesh Chaturthi is complete without Modak. This sweet dumpling is Lord Ganesha's favorite, and it's offered to him in abundance. There are several popular variations:

1. Ukadiche Modak (Steamed Modak)

This is the most authentic and sacred variety. A tender rice flour outer cover and a sweet coconut and jaggery filling make these steamed modaks soft, melt-in-the-mouth, and truly fulfilling. Preparing them is a collective family activity and adds to the festive mood.

2. Fried Modak

A crispier version for those who do not like soft modaks is fried modaks. The filling is the same, but the exterior coating is deep-fried to a golden color.

3. Mawa Modak

These are prepared using khoya (evaporated milk solids) and sugar and are richer and heavier in texture, often flavored with saffron or cardamom.

4 Chocolate Modak and other new fusions

Over the recent past, innovative fusions such as chocolate modak, dry fruit modak, and even modak with savory fillings have been created, fulfilling different tastes while keeping the spirit of the traditional confection alive.

Also read: How to Celebrate Ganesh Chaturthi? A Guide to Millenials and GenZs

Other Sweet Delicacies

Aside from modak, an assortment of other sweets is made and consumed:

1. Puran Poli

A classic Maharashtrian flatbread, puran poli is a sweet paratha filled with a tasty filling of chana dal (split chickpeas) and jaggery, sometimes spiked with cardamom and nutmeg. It's typically served topped with a pat of ghee.

2. Shrikhand

A cool, creamy dessert of strained yogurt flavored with cardamom, saffron, and nuts. It can be served with puran poli or plain.

3. Basundi

A sweetened condensed milk dessert similar to rabri, flavored with nuts and cardamom. It's usually served cold.

4. Ladoos

Different varieties of ladoos, including motichoor ladoo, besan ladoo, and rava ladoo, are usually made as offerings and for general use.

5. Karanji (Gujiya)

Also like modak in shape but generally fried, karanji are sweet fried dumplings stuffed with grated coconut, dry fruits, and sugar.

6. Narali Bhat (Coconut Rice)

Sweet and aromatic rice preparation with grated coconut, jaggery, and spices such as cardamom and cloves. It is a lovely and auspicious dish.

Also read: Foodie Guide to Kolkata Durga Puja Prep Season

Savory Dishes and Festive Feast

While sweets are the mainstay, the savory preparations made during Ganesh Chaturthi are just as tasty and filling, making a complete festive meal. As it's a religious festival, all the dishes are mostly vegetarian.

1. Batata Vada

Spiced mashed potato fritters, covered with a batter made of gram flour (besan) and fried. Much-loved as a snack food, served frequently with chutney.

2. Sabudana Khichdi

A light, delectable preparation of sago pearls, peanuts, and potatoes, eaten frequently even on non-fasting days.

3. Poori Bhaji

Puffed bread fried crisp and accompanying a yummy potato curry. A traditional combo perfect for any festive gathering.

4. Varan Bhaat with Tup (Dal Rice with Ghee)

A humble but soothing combination of plain rice with a light, soupy dal (lentil stew), abundantly topped with ghee. It is usually the first prasad offered to Lord Ganesha.

5. Amti (Maharashtrian Dal)

A spicy and sour lentil dish, usually prepared with toor dal and seasoned with goda masala, tamarind, and jaggery.

6. Mixed Vegetable Curries

Different vegetable dishes such as mixed vegetable dry curries or gravies are prevalent, sometimes with seasonal vegetables.

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Things to Keep in Mind

• Sattvic Food: Most devotees like to make "sattvic" food during Ganesh Chaturthi, i.e., food that is fresh, pure, and onion- and garlic-free.

• Offering to the Lord (Naivedya): All food made, particularly modaks, must first be offered to Lord Ganesha as "naivedya" and then be eaten by the family and distributed to the guests.

• Celebrating with Devotion: The cuisine prepared during Ganesh Chaturthi is not merely about flavor; it's a part of devotion that symbolizes gratitude and prosperity.

Ganesh Chaturthi really presents a gastronomic voyage of authentic Indian flavors, and every dish has a story to tell and an experience to share in relating to the rich cultural heritage of the festival. So, go ahead and celebrate, and indulge in these heavenly goodies and enjoy the real essence of Ganesh Chaturthi!