Ganesh Chaturthi Prasadam
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Ganesh Chaturthi is just around the corner, and people are getting their homes and pandals ready to welcome him with joy and devotion. Lord Ganesha, known as the God of prosperity, knowledge, and wealth, brings blessings denoted by "Riddhi-Siddhi" in Hindu mythology.

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To celebrate his visit and make his stay pleasant, it is important to offer him foods he loves. From staple modak to popular kheer in the Ganesh Chaturthi celebrations, here are seven foods that Lord Ganesha loves and that can be included in his prasadam thali.

Chuda Ghasa

Chuda ghasa is primarily made of flattened or beaten rice, locally known as "chuda" in Odia. Ghasa means the main procedure of making the dish. The process involves rubbing Chuda. The more you rub, the better the taste. Fruits like chopped apples, bananas, coconuts, and pomegranate are mixed into the rubbed poha. It is considered an excellent dish that provides energy after a day-long fast. Popularly offered as a prasad to Lord Ganesh during Ganesh Chaturthi, chuda ghasa can be traced to the heartland of Odisha, where generations of families have passed down the art of making this dish.

Modak

Modak is a staple sweet dumpling that holds a special place in Ganesh Chaturthi celebrations. Made with a soft, steamed outer layer of rice flour or wheat flour, modak is filled with a sweet mixture of grated coconut, jaggery, and aromatic cardamom. This divine treat symbolises Lord Ganesh’s favourite offering. The sweet, fragrant filling inside the tender shell makes Modak a delightful prasadam that adds a touch of joy to the occasion.

Karanji

The Maharashtrian karanji recipe yields a crispy, flaky outer shell embracing a sweet coconut filling, making it a must-have treat as a prasadam on Ganesh Chaturthi. Known as Gujiya in North India, this delectable snack features a filling of coconut, jaggery, poppy seeds, and sesame seeds, along with assorted dry fruits and nuts. While contemporary variations offer creative fillings like chocolate, Oreo, or red velvet, the classic charm of this crescent-shaped delight endures.

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Satori

Satori, a festive Maharashtrian flatbread, is a perfect Ganesh Chaturthi prasadam. Made with mawa (khoya), poppy seeds, jaggery, and dry date powder, this sweet treat adds a special touch to the celebration. Stuffed into refined flour dough, Satori is rolled out and cooked with ghee until golden brown. It’s not only a delicious offering but also a wonderful way to enhance your festive spread.

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Basundi

Basundi, a rich and creamy dessert, is a delightful Ganesh Chaturthi prasadam. Made by simmering full cream milk with green cardamom and saffron until thickened, it’s sweetened to taste. Chopped cashews, almonds, pistachios, and roasted chirongi add texture and flavour. Serve warm, hot, or chilled, garnished with slivered almonds and pistachios for a festive touch.

Sheera

Sheera, a classic Indian sweet dish, is a comforting prasadam made from semolina (rava), ghee, and sugar. Infused with cardamom and garnished with cashews, almonds, and raisins, this soft and aromatic dessert is a beloved offering during Ganesh Chaturthi. Sheera’s warm, sweet flavour and satisfying texture make it a cherished part of the festive menu.

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Kheer Or Payasam

No festival in India is complete without kheer, payasam, or payesh, as it is called in different parts of the country. Lord Ganesha is offered many types of kheers, but a simple rice pudding is his favourite. Cooked in milk with sugar and flavoured with cardamom and saffron, kheer is also a popular prasadam prepared during Ganesh Chaturthi.