By Ujjainee Roy
September 2, 2024
Ganesh Chaturthi, one of the most widely celebrated festivals in India, marks the birth of Lord Ganesha, the beloved elephant-headed deity known as the remover of obstacles and the god of wisdom and prosperity. This festival is observed with great enthusiasm, particularly in Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, and Andhra Pradesh. Here are a few Ganesh Chaturthi dishes that you can make at home.
Modak is the most iconic dish associated with Ganesh Chaturthi and is considered Lord Ganesha's favorite sweet. These dumplings are made from rice flour or wheat flour and filled with a mixture of grated coconut, jaggery, cardamom, and sometimes dry fruits.
Puran Poli is a traditional Maharashtrian flatbread that is often prepared during festivals, including Ganesh Chaturthi. It consists of a sweet filling made from chana dal (split Bengal gram), jaggery, and cardamom, encased in a dough made from wheat flour.
Kozhukattai is the South Indian version of Modak, particularly popular in Tamil Nadu and Kerala. These steamed dumplings are made with rice flour and filled with a sweet mixture of coconut and jaggery. Kozhukattai can also be savory, with fillings like spiced lentils or seasoned vegetables
Patholi is a traditional Goan sweet dish made during Ganesh Chaturthi. It consists of rice flour batter spread on turmeric leaves, filled with a mixture of grated coconut and jaggery, and then steamed. The turmeric leaves impart a unique aroma and flavor to the dish, while the coconut-jaggery filling provides a sweet contrast
Rishi Bhaji is a traditional Maharashtrian dish prepared on the day of Rishi Panchami, which falls during the Ganesh Chaturthi festival. It is a mixed vegetable curry made with a variety of seasonal vegetables like pumpkin, colocasia, corn, and beans
Payasam, known as Kheer in North India, is a creamy and rich dessert made from milk, sugar, and rice or vermicelli, flavored with cardamom, saffron, and garnished with nuts and raisins. It is a staple in South Indian festivals, including Ganesh Chaturthi.