Ganesh Chaturthi, also known as Vinayaka Chaturthi, is a significant Hindu festival celebrated with great enthusiasm and devotion in India. This festival marks the birth of Lord Ganesha, the elephant-headed deity revered as the remover of obstacles and the god of wisdom and beginnings. This year, Ganesh Chaturthi Tithi begins on September 18 and will continue until September 19.
Ganesh Chaturthi is widely celebrated in states like Maharashtra, Gujarat, Karnataka, and Rajasthan. People across the country have geared up for the celebration. The festivities begin with the installation of elaborately crafted clay idols of Lord Ganesha in homes and public pandals (temporary shrines).
Devotees offer prayers, perform aarti (rituals), and offer various sweets and fruits to the deity. Food plays an essential role in Ganesh Chaturthi. It is considered that Lord Ganesha loves eating sweets, which are often offered to the deity as prasad. However, our stomachs can’t suffice on sweets. Thus, a pompous lunch menu is organised.
If you are confused as to what to make for lunch during the celebration of Ganesh Chaturthi, worry not, as we have a solution for you. We have prepared a long list of lunch menus that can be served to your guests and family members. Take a look:
- Gatte Ki Khichdi
If you want a quick meal on this special day, then gatte ki khichdi is the one for you. This is a hassel-free dish and does not take much time to prepare. It is a North Indian dish that combines the flavours of steamed gram flour dumplings (gatte) with aromatic spices and rice. It is a one-pot meal that is not only delicious but also a testament to the rich culinary heritage of Rajasthan. It's often served with yoghurt or a side of pickles.
- Palak Dal Khichdi
Even though it is a festival, you must not compromise on nutrients. Palak dal khichdi is a nutritious and comforting Indian dish that combines the goodness of lentils, rice, and spinach (palak). To prepare this dish, lentils and rice are cooked together with a flavorful blend of spices like cumin, turmeric, and garam masala. Fresh spinach leaves are added to the mix, imparting a vibrant green colour and a subtle earthy flavour. It can be served with a dollop of ghee, yoghurt, or a side of pickles for added flavour.
- Aloo Kachori
On this Ganesh Chaturthi, try something wholesome to satiate your festive craving. This savoury dish is prepared with a flavorful filling of mashed potatoes mixed with an assortment of spices, such as cumin, coriander, and garam masala. Fill the kachoris with the potato mixture and replace maida with atta for a guilt-free delight. This is often enjoyed with sabzi, tamarind chutney, mint chutney, or yoghurt.
- Varan Bhaat
It is not necessary to have a heavy meal during Ganesh Chaturthi. A simple dish like Varan Bhaat can satisfy your appetite after a day-long vrat. Varan is typically made from toor dal cooked with turmeric, salt, and a tadka of ghee, cumin seeds, mustard seeds, and asafoetida, which imparts a lovely aroma and taste to the dish. It's a staple in Maharashtrian cuisine and embodies the essence of home-cooked comfort food. It is served with steamed rice with a dollop of ghee, pickles, and papad.
- Aamti Dal
Aamti dal is a flavorful and aromatic lentil dish originating from the Indian state of Maharashtra. It's a staple in Maharashtrian cuisine, known for its unique blend of sweet, spicy, and tangy flavors. It is made of yellow gram dal with special goda masala, a unique Maharashtrian spice mix. The dish gets its distinctive taste from ingredients like tamarind, jaggery, and coconut, which impart a delightful balance of sweet and tangy notes. It is mainly served with steamed rice.
- Chole Bhature
Not only for this festival but in general, chole bhature holds a special place in our hearts. It is a North Indian dish, and we would urge you to prepare it for Ganesh Chaturthi. This combination of hot and puffy bhature served alongside spicy and tangy chole is a match made in culinary heaven. Chole bhature is often garnished with fresh coriander leaves, sliced onions, and a squeeze of lemon for an extra burst of flavor. We are sure that this dish will be your saviour after a long day.
- Singhade Ki Kadhi
Singhade Ki Kadhi is a unique and delicious Indian dish primarily associated with fasting during Ganesh Chaturthi. It is a simple kadhi recipe made using Singhade ki atta. This gluten-free recipe is a tangy, creamy, and smooth dish that can be paired with rice.
- Modak
This sweet delicacy is especially made during Ganesh Chaturthi as it is considered Lord Ganesha’s favourite. Modaks are made from rice flour or wheat flour dough, which is stuffed with a sweet filling typically consisting of jaggery, coconut, and cardamom. They come in various shapes, with the most iconic being the steamed or fried pyramid-shaped modaks.
- Puran Poli
Hailing from Maharashtra, this authentic dish is served to Lord Ganesha during Ganesh Chatuthi. It is made by stuffing a sweet and aromatic mixture called "puran," inside thin wheat flour dough. The stuffed dough is then carefully rolled into flatbread and cooked on a griddle with ghee until it turns golden brown. It has a blend of sweet and savory flavours.
- Boondi Laddoo
These round, bite-sized delicacies are made from boondi. The boondis are coated with sugar syrup and infused with cardamom or saffron. These boondis are then shaped into laddoos, which has a delightful combination of crunchy and soft textures with a burst of sweet and aromatic flavors. These are served as a prasad to Lord Ganesha.