Ganesh Chaturthi is a Hindu festival that honours Lord Ganesha, the son of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati. The festival is held all over India, but the biggest and most elaborate celebrations take place in Maharashtra and some parts of Western and Southern India. However, Jaipur, the ‘Pink City’, has its own special excitement during this grand festival. Ganesha also known as Vighnaharta (the problem solver) and pratham pujya (the first deity to be worshipped), holds a revered place in Hinduism. This festival marks his birthday, commencing in the Hindu calendar month of Bhadrapada on the shukla chaturthi, typically falling between August and September. The festivities span 10 to 12 days, leading to Anant Chaturdashi.
The pink city of Jaipur is adorned with several temples dedicated to Lord Ganesha, and among the most renowned is the Moti Doongri Temple. During Ganesh Chaturthi, millions of devotees gather at these temples for darshan (a divine sight) and to participate in the festivities. Additionally, Amer, a historical town near Jaipur, houses the Aakede ke Ganesh Ji temple, attracting thousands of devotees from the region. In Amer, a colourful rally is organized, featuring tableaux depicting Lord Ganesh, while Jaipur hosts a majestic procession with 40-50 tableaux on the day following Chaturthi, called the shobha yatra.
While the city embraces the festive atmosphere, households also seize the opportunity to partake in the celebrations. The day of Ganesh Chaturthi begins with devotees waking up early to gather at renowned temples, seeking Lord Ganesh's blessings. Across India, it’s a common sight to see miniature idols of Lord Ganesh being placed at the main entrances of households for protection, as he is considered the primary deity to be worshipped. In Jaipur, an elaborate puja is performed at the household entrance, offering homemade sweets, including modaks, to Lord Ganesha. Not just homes but also at the entrance gates of the walled city called the chaar darwaze. And the menu remains consistent, featuring the mouthwatering ‘Dal Baati Churma’. As the festivities persist, kitchens are filled with the fragrance of ghee, with piping-hot and delicious baatis cooking in special baati cookers. However, the traditional way of preparing baati is based on fire cooking in chulhas over cow dung cooking.
Local youth groups and traders unite to organize elaborate setups called pandals to house Ganesh idols. After 7 or 10 days of festivity, these idols are carried in a grand procession to the Maota Lake in Jaipur.
Here are 5 types of churma you can prepare churma at home for Ganesh Chaturthi
Wheat Churma: Made from coarsely ground wheat flour, this classic churma is sweetened with jaggery or sugar, and flavoured with ghee and cardamom. It's a staple during Ganesh Chaturthi and offers a delightful crunch and sweetness.
Besan Churma: This variation replaces wheat with gram flour (besan). It's roasted to a golden brown, mixed with ghee and sugar, and shaped into small laddoos. Besan churma provides a unique nutty flavour and is a popular choice.
Moong Dal Churma: Moong dal churma is a healthier alternative. Roasted moong dal is ground to a coarse consistency and mixed with jaggery, ghee, and spices. It offers a delectable combination of sweetness and earthy flavours.
Almond and Pistachio Churma: For a touch of richness and nuttiness, try churma infused with crushed almonds and pistachios. These nuts add a delightful crunch and elevate the taste, making it a perfect indulgence during the festival.
Bajra Churma: Rajasthanis relish this version. Bajra coarsely blended with wheat or semolina this churma is sweetened with jaggery or sugar. The natural sweetness and texture make this churma a delectable treat.