Ganesh Chaturthi, also called Vinayaka Chaturthi or Ganesh Utsav, is celebrated nationwide with great fervor in honor of Lord Ganesha, the son of Shiva and Parvati. This year, the ten-day festival begins on September 6 and concludes on September 17. Maharashtra and Gujarat celebrate this festival for 10 days.
Ganesh Chaturthi: A Nationwide Celebration
Ganesh Chaturthi is among India’s most widely celebrated festivals, particularly in Maharashtra and Gujarat. It is also observed with great enthusiasm in states like Odisha, Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, Goa, and Tamil Nadu.
People rejoice and welcome Ganpati Ji in pandals and do puja religiously (News9live)
During this joyful festival, devotees welcome Lord Ganesha idols into their homes, offering prayers and sweets while seeking his blessings. Devotees adorn their homes with flowers and rangoli designs, welcoming clay idols of Lord Ganesha in different forms. They perform puja, offering prasad and various offerings to the deity. The festivities also include singing devotional songs, dancing to the rhythm of drums, and preparing delicious meals. In Maharashtra and Gujarat, some people keep Lord Ganesha in their homes for 1.5, 3, or 7 days before immersion.
Before the festival, women in the household lovingly prepare a variety of sweets to offer as prasad to Lord Ganesha, which is later shared with family and friends. Many devotees also buy sweets from shops for offerings.
Delicious Prasad to Offer Lord Ganesha
Though Modak is famously known as Lord Ganesha’s favorite, many other traditional dishes are ideal offerings. Let’s explore a few other Prasad ideas!
Various Sweet Delicacies offered to Lord Ganesha (Cook with Kushi)
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Modak
Variety of Modaks like Khoa, Chocolate fusion, Pan and Jelly prepared for offerings (Times of India)
Modak is widely regarded as Lord Ganesha’s favorite prasad. These steamed dumplings are not only tasty but also a healthier option, as they are made without frying and use no refined sugar. The filling is a delicious blend of coconut, jaggery, and dry fruits, offering a naturally sweet taste.
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Puran Poli
Puran Poli offerings as prasad (Rajjo’s Kitchen)
No Maharashtrian festival is complete without Puran Poli, a sweet flatbread stuffed with a blend of jaggery, chana dal, and fragrant spices like cardamom and nutmeg. Puran Poli is an ideal offering for Lord Ganesha and a delightful prasad to share with family and friends.
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Motichoor Ladoos
Motichoor ka Ladoo, Ganpati Ji’s favorite (Awesome Cuisine)
Motichoor Ladoos can be offered to Lord Ganesha throughout the 10-day celebration. The image of Lord Ganesha holding a ladoo reflects his fondness for these vibrant orange sweets, making them a symbolic and beloved offering.
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Karanji
Karanji as prasad (Conscious Food)
Karanji, often called Gujiya in Western and Northern India is a crunchy pastry packed with a sweet blend of coconut, jaggery, and dried fruits. Usually deep-fried, Karanji is a cherished treat offered to Lord Ganesha, celebrated for its delicious flavor and satisfying texture. Many people consider it a favorite during festive seasons.
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Coconut Ladoos
Coconut Ladoos as prasad offered on Ganesh Utsav (Indian Veggie Delight)
Coconut ladoos are an excellent option for prasad. These small, round sweets, made with grated coconut and jaggery, are both easy to prepare and delightful in taste. With their straightforward ingredients and speedy preparation, they’re an ideal choice for a last-minute offering during Ganesh Chaturthi.
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Basundi
Basandi served as a offering to Lord Ganesha (Cook with Khushi)
Basundi, akin to Rabdi in Northern India, is a creamy milk-based dessert often enjoyed during festivals. The preparation involves boiling milk until it thickens, and then adding flavors like cardamom, saffron, and nutmeg. Fruits such as mango puree or custard apple are also mixed in, enhancing its taste and richness.
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Payasam
Traditional Payasam offered on Ganesh Utsav (YouTube)
Payasam, a well-known South Indian dessert, is a variation of kheer often served during Ganesh Utsav. It’s prepared by simmering rice with jaggery, milk, crushed coconut, and cardamom, creating a rich and flavorful treat.
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Satori
Satori as prasad for Ganpati occasion (LatestLY)
Satori is a traditional offering for Lord Ganesha, particularly popular in Maharashtra. This sweet flatbread is crafted from a harmonious mix of khoya, poppy seeds, sugar, ghee, and milk.
- Kheer
Kheer offered to Ganesh Puja occasion (Adobe Stock)
Traditional rice pudding is made by cooking rice and sugar in milk, then garnishing it with saffron and cardamom. Adding dry fruits can enhance its flavor.
Conclusion
Each of these offerings holds a special place in the hearts of devotees and is made with deep care and devotion. Whether you choose Ukadiche Modak, Puran Poli, Karanji, fruits, or Coconut Laddu, the essence lies in the love and reverence you infuse into preparing this prasad for Lord Ganesha. One can surely get these sweets from Amazon or BlinkIt or any other nearby sweet shops.
Ganesh Chaturthi – a festival of peace, happiness, and celebration (Times of India)
Well, this Ganesh Chaturthi, celebrate with these time-honored treats and fill your home with joy. Happy Ganesh Chaturthi to everyone!
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Sanghamitra Roychoudhary
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