Ganpati Chaturthi or Vinayaka Chaturthi is one of the biggest festivals in India and especially in states like Maharashtra, it is a big deal. This grand festival is to welcome Lord Ganesha, the remover of obstacles and god of wisdom, prosperity and new beginnings. As homes and streets come alive with decorations, devotional music and joyous processions, the air is filled with spirituality and festivity.
At the centre of this festival is the preparation of traditional recipes that hold a lot of cultural and religious significance. These dishes are prepared as Bhog Prasad and offered to Lord Ganesha and then shared with family and friends, symbolising the collective joy and devotion of the community. From Modak, believed to be Ganesha’s favourite sweet to savoury delights like Puran Poli and Rishi Panchami Bhaji, the festival is a foodie’s paradise. Cook with family this Ganpati Chaturthi.
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Vada
Made with soaked and ground lentils like urad dal or chana dal, mixed with a spice blend, curry leaves and green chillies. Crispy outside and soft inside, vada is a versatile dish that goes well with chutneys and sambar, so it is a great accompaniment to the sweet dishes on your festival menu. Traditionally a snack or breakfast item, vada adds a nice crunch to any meal on Ganesh Chaturthi.
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Ukadiche Modak
Ukadiche Modak with its thin steamed outer covering made from rice flour and sweet jaggery and coconut filling is the traditional offering on Ganesh Chaturthi. With the warm aroma of cardamom, these dumplings are not just a treat but a form of devotion as they are Lord Ganesha’s favourite. The process of making these modaks has been passed down through generations so it is a must-have for every household celebrating the festival.
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Besan Laddoo
Soft and melt-in-the-mouth sweets are a part of Indian festivals, especially during Ganesh Chaturthi. Made from roasted gram flour (besan) with ghee, sugar and a hint of cardamom, besan laddoos are rich in taste and texture. Easy to make and shaped into perfect rounds, they are a popular prasad offering. Their taste and aroma give you the feeling of celebration and togetherness.
Rava Laddoo
Rava Laddoos are small bite-size sweets made from semolina (rava), sugar, ghee and aromatic cardamom. Quick to make and a common festive treat, often garnished with cashews and raisins for extra richness. Rava Laddoos may look simple but are full of flavour, a must-have during Ganesh Chaturthi. Light and crumbly they are irresistible and perfect to share with family and friends.
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Patholi
A Konkani sweet, patholi is a festival speciality with a distinct flavour. Made by spreading a rice flour batter on turmeric leaves, filling with coconut and jaggery mixture and then steaming, patholi is a taste of coastal Maharashtra. The turmeric leaves give a subtle earthy flavour and the sweet filling is a nice contrast. Patholi is not just a treat for the tongue but also a visual delight so it is a special addition to Ganesh Chaturthi.
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Shrikhand
Shrikhand is a creamy sweet made from strained yoghurt, sugar, saffron and cardamom. Often garnished with nuts like almonds and pistachios, this cold dessert is a nice treat during the hot days of Ganesh Chaturthi. Silky and delicate it is a nice contrast to the other festival dishes, a sweet ending to a meal.