Ganesh Chaturthi is one of India’s most cherished festivals, celebrating the birth of Lord Ganesha, the deity of wisdom, prosperity, and new beginnings. The festival, also known as Vinayaka Chaturthi, is marked by vibrant processions, elaborate rituals, and community gatherings. It usually takes place in the Hindu month of Bhadrapada (August-September) and is particularly grand in Maharashtra, Karnataka, and other parts of India.
Why is Ganesh Chaturthi Celebrated?
Lord Ganesha is considered the remover of obstacles and the god of intellect. The festival begins with the installation of beautifully crafted Ganesha idols in homes and pandals (temporary public stages), followed by ten days of prayers and offerings. On the final day, Anant Chaturdashi, the idols are immersed in water, symbolizing Lord Ganesha’s return to his celestial home.
The vibrant energy of Ganesh Chaturthi is amplified by the mouth-watering traditional dishes prepared as offerings (prasad) during the festival. Below are some recipes that are both delicious and symbolic of this auspicious celebration.
Modak: Ganesha’s Favorite Sweet
Modak is an essential offering during Ganesh Chaturthi. These sweet dumplings are said to be Lord Ganesha’s favorite.
Ingredients:
- Rice flour: 2 cups
- Grated coconut: 1 ½ cups
- Jaggery: 1 ½ cups
- Ghee: 1 tbsp
- Cardamom powder: 1 tsp
- Salt: A pinch
Instructions:
- Filling: Heat ghee in a pan, add coconut and jaggery. Stir until they combine well. Add cardamom powder and set aside.
- Dough: Boil water with salt and ghee. Add rice flour to the boiling water while stirring continuously. Cover and let the mixture cool slightly before kneading it into a smooth dough.
- Shaping Modak: Roll out small portions of the dough, flatten them, and place a spoonful of the filling inside. Fold and shape the dough into modaks.
- Steaming: Steam the modaks for 10-15 minutes. Serve warm with a drizzle of ghee.
Puran Poli: A Traditional Sweet Flatbread
Puran Poli is a classic Maharashtrian dish, often enjoyed during festivals like Ganesh Chaturthi.
Ingredients:
- Chana dal: 1 cup
- Jaggery: 1 cup
- Cardamom powder: 1 tsp
- Wheat flour: 2 cups
- Ghee: As needed
- Turmeric: A pinch
Instructions:
- Filling: Cook chana dal until soft, drain, and mash it. Cook with jaggery until a thick paste forms. Stir in cardamom powder.
- Dough: Knead wheat flour with a pinch of turmeric and water to form a soft dough. Let it rest for 20 minutes.
- Assemble: Roll the dough into small discs, place the filling in the center, and gently roll it out again.
- Cooking: Cook on a hot griddle, applying ghee on both sides until golden brown. Serve warm.
Sabudana Khichdi: A Fasting Delight
Sabudana Khichdi is a popular dish during the Ganesh festival, especially for those observing fasts.
Ingredients:
- Sabudana (tapioca pearls): 1 cup
- Boiled potatoes: 2, diced
- Roasted peanuts: ¼ cup, ground
- Green chilies: 2, chopped
- Cumin seeds: 1 tsp
- Ghee: 1 tbsp
- Salt: To taste
Instructions:
- Soak Sabudana: Soak sabudana for 4-5 hours or overnight. Drain well.
- Cook: Heat ghee, add cumin seeds, green chilies, and boiled potatoes. Sauté for a few minutes before adding the sabudana and ground peanuts.
- Simmer: Cook on low flame until sabudana becomes translucent. Add salt and garnish with coriander. Optional: squeeze some lemon juice for tang.
Rava Sheera: A Comforting Sweet
Rava Sheera is a semolina-based dessert, easy to prepare yet rich in flavor, often made during festivals like Ganesh Chaturthi.
Ingredients:
- Rava (semolina): 1 cup
- Sugar: ¾ cup
- Water/Milk: 2 cups
- Ghee: 2 tbsp
- Cardamom powder: 1 tsp
- Cashews and raisins: Handful
Instructions:
- Roast Rava: In a pan, roast the rava with ghee until golden brown.
- Boil Liquid: In another pan, boil water or milk with sugar, cardamom powder, cashews, and raisins.
- Combine: Slowly pour the sugar mixture into the roasted rava, stirring continuously to avoid lumps. Cook until the mixture thickens. Serve warm.
Ganesh Chaturthi is not just a spiritual festival but also a time to indulge in delightful food, especially traditional sweets like modaks and puran polis. By preparing these sacred dishes, you bring a piece of the festival’s joy into your home. This Ganesh Chaturthi, delight your family and friends with these delicious recipes while offering prayers for prosperity and happiness.
Ganpati Bappa Morya!