Ganesh Chaturthi, the beloved festival celebrating the birth of Lord Ganesha, is not only a spiritual occasion but also a delicious one. Known as the god of wisdom and prosperity, Ganesha is also called Modakpriya, the one who loves modaks. Food plays a central role in the celebrations, with devotees offering homemade dishes as prasad (offering) and sharing festive meals with friends and family.
Here are six traditional and delightful dishes you can prepare to celebrate the festival with love, devotion, and mouth-watering flavor.
1. Ukadiche Modak (Steamed Modak)
The undisputed star of Ganesh Chaturthi, Ukadiche Modak is a steamed dumpling made with rice flour and filled with a mixture of jaggery and coconut. This soft, delicate sweet is believed to be Lord Ganesha’s absolute favorite. Flavored with cardamom and sometimes a hint of nutmeg, modaks are offered during aarti and enjoyed as a sacred treat.
Tip - Always steam modaks on a banana leaf or apply ghee on the steamer plate to prevent sticking.
Recipe
Heat 1 cup water with a pinch of salt and 1 tsp ghee.
Add 1 cup rice flour, mix, and cover for 5 mins.
Knead into a smooth dough.
For filling, cook 1 cup grated coconut with ¾ cup jaggery, cardamom, and nutmeg.
Shape dough into cups, fill, and close.
Steam for 10–12 mins.
2. Fried Modak
A crispier version of the traditional modak, fried modaks are deep-fried sweet dumplings with a wheat flour covering and the same rich coconut-jaggery filling inside. These last longer than the steamed version, making them perfect if you're preparing prasad for multiple days or guests.
Variation - Add chopped dry fruits to the filling for extra crunch and richness.
Recipe
Make dough with 1 cup wheat flour, 1 tbsp ghee, and water.
Prepare filling like Ukadiche Modak (coconut, jaggery, cardamom).
Roll dough into small discs, fill, and seal.
Deep fry on medium flame until golden.
3. Puran Poli
A Maharashtrian classic often made during festivals, Puran Poli is a sweet flatbread filled with a mixture of chana dal (split Bengal gram), jaggery, and aromatic spices like cardamom. The outer layer is made from wheat flour and rolled out thin before being roasted with ghee.
Serving suggestion - Best enjoyed hot with a dollop of homemade ghee or a bowl of warm milk.
Recipe:
Cook 1 cup chana dal till soft, drain, and mash.
Mix with 1 cup jaggery, cardamom, and cook until thick.
Make wheat flour dough with a pinch of salt and oil.
Stuff filling, roll gently, and roast with ghee on both sides.
4. Sabudana Khichdi
A staple during fasting, sabudana (tapioca pearl) khichdi is a light, flavorful dish made with soaked sabudana, peanuts, boiled potatoes, and mild spices. It’s a common offering during Ganesh Chaturthi, especially for those observing vrats (fasts).
Flavor boost - Add a squeeze of lemon and fresh coriander for brightness.
Recipe
Soak 1 cup sabudana for 4–5 hours.
Roast one fourth cup peanuts and crush coarsely.
Heat ghee, add cumin seeds, chopped potatoes, and cook.
Add sabudana, peanuts, salt, and green chilies.
Cook for 3-4 mins, finish with lemon and coriander.
5. Sundal
Popular in South Indian celebrations, Sundal is a savory dish made using boiled legumes such as chickpeas or moong beans. It’s tempered with mustard seeds, curry leaves, and dried red chilies, then finished with grated coconut. Though simple, it’s loaded with flavor and nutrition.
Why it stands out - It adds balance to an otherwise sweet-heavy festive plate.
Recipe
Boil 1 cup chickpeas until soft.
Heat oil, add mustard seeds, curry leaves, red chilies.
Add chickpeas, salt, and sauté.
Finish with ¼ cup grated coconut.
6. Rava Kesari (Sheera)
This vibrant semolina dessert is quick to make and hard to resist. Cooked in ghee with sugar, cardamom, saffron (optional), and water, Rava Kesari is often garnished with roasted cashews and raisins. It’s commonly served as prasad and loved by all generations.
Pro tip - Use warm water or milk while cooking to get the perfect soft texture.
Recipe
Heat 2 tbsp ghee, roast 1 cup rava until aromatic.
In another pan, boil 2 1⁄2 cups of water/milk with sugar, cardamom, and saffron.
Slowly add roasted rava, stirring continuously.
Cook until thick; garnish with roasted cashews and raisins.
Celebrating with Flavor and Devotion
Ganesh Chaturthi is not just about rituals—it's about coming together, cooking with love, and creating memories. These six dishes reflect the spirit of the festival: joyful, rich in tradition, and deeply satisfying. Whether you’re an experienced cook or trying these recipes for the first time, preparing food for Ganpati Bappa is a fulfilling experience.
So light the incense, sing the aarti, and let your kitchen be filled with the aroma of devotion. Bappa will surely bless your home with happiness and prosperity.
Ganpati Bappa Morya!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. What is the most important food offered to Lord Ganesha?
Ukadiche Modak (steamed modak) is considered the most important and beloved food offering for Lord Ganesha, which is why he is also called 'Modakpriya'.
2. Can I make these recipes without onion and garlic for Ganesh Chaturthi?
Yes, all the recipes listed here are traditionally sattvic, meaning they are naturally free from onion and garlic, making them perfect for festive offerings (prasad).
3. I am a beginner cook. Which recipe should I start with?
Rava Kesari (Sheera) and Sundal are the easiest and quickest recipes on this list, making them perfect for beginners. Ukadiche Modak is more challenging but very rewarding to make.
