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Ganesh Chaturthi is a festival of devotion, joy and food. This festival is not just about the elephant-headed God but also about families coming together to relish traditional dishes that are full of flavour and heritage. Every recipe made and shared during this festival has a special place in the hearts of those who make and share it, carrying forward stories and memories from one generation to the next.
The essence of Ganesh Chaturthi is best seen in the South Indian recipes that adorn the festival table. From sweet treats like modak which is supposed to be Ganesha’s favourite to savoury dishes like sundal, each dish adds its own flavour to the festival. These recipes are not just food they are love, tradition and the joy of being together as a family.
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Make this Ganesh Chaturthi, cook these South Indian recipes and let the flavour fill your home and your family and friends. Happy Ganesha Chaturthi!
Kozhikattai
A South Indian sweet dumpling, Kozhikattai is made during Ganesh Chaturthi as an offering to Lord Ganesha. These steamed dumplings are made from rice flour and filled with coconut, jaggery and cardamom, symbolising purity and devotion. Kozhikattai is soft and sweet and a favourite among Ganesha’s devotees, especially in Tamil Nadu.
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Bobbatlu
A festive sweet in Andhra Pradesh, Bobbatlu is a sweet flatbread filled with a rich mixture of chana dal (split chickpeas), jaggery and cardamom. Soft and aromatic, this is made during Ganesh Chaturthi to worship the god of wisdom and prosperity. Bobbatlu represents the joy of the festival and is shared among family and friends as a symbol of togetherness.
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Chana Sundal
Chana Sundal is a savoury dish made with boiled chickpeas, tempered with mustard seeds, curry leaves and grated coconut. It’s a popular prasad during Ganesh Chaturthi, especially in Tamil Nadu. Sundal is a healthy and protein-rich prasad that reflects the simplicity and wholesomeness of the festival and is a staple in many homes during the festival.
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Pulihora
Pulihora also known as tamarind rice is a tangy and flavourful dish made with rice, tamarind paste and a mix of spices. It’s a special dish in South Indian festivals including Ganesh Chaturthi where it’s made as an offering to Lord Ganesha. The flavours of the dish symbolise the balance of different tastes in life and are believed to please the god and bring good luck and harmony.
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Nei Appam
Nei Appam is a sweet, golden brown fritter made from rice flour, jaggery and banana, deep fried in ghee. This is a traditional dish prepared during Ganesh Chaturthi in Kerala and Tamil Nadu. Nei Appam is not only a tasty treat but also a sacred offering to Lord Ganesha, symbolising sweetness and devotion and is believed to bring his blessings for prosperity.
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Ela Ada
A traditional Kerala dish, Ela Ada is a steamed rice flour pancake filled with a sweet mixture of jaggery and coconut, wrapped in banana leaves. This is a special dish during Ganesh Chaturthi where it is offered as prasad. The banana leaves give a unique aroma to the Ada and the dish is loved for its soft texture and subtle sweetness, hence a perfect offering to Ganesha.
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Beetroot Halwa
Beetroot Halwa is a beautiful and healthy dessert made by cooking grated beetroot in milk, sugar and ghee with cardamom. This is a variation of the traditional halwa prepared during Ganesh Chaturthi to add some colour to the prasad.
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The earthy sweetness of the beetroot and the aroma of the spices makes this a special offering to Lord Ganesha, symbolising sweetness and vibrancy.
