Ganesh Chaturthi 2024: Seek blessings of Bappa with these delicious foods

Ganesh Chaturthi is a vibrant Hindu festival celebrated with great enthusiasm across India. (Image: Canva)

Ganesh Chaturthi is a vibrant Hindu festival celebrated with great enthusiasm across India. It marks the birth of Lord Ganesha, the elephant-headed god of wisdom, prosperity, and new beginnings. Colourful decorations, prayers, and delicious food characterise this ten-day festival. Lord Ganesha is considered the Vighnaharta and the bringer of good fortune. Ganesh Chaturthi is a time for devotees to offer prayers, seek blessings, and express their devotion to him. The festival is celebrated with great pageantry. Idols of Lord Ganesha, made of clay or plaster, are installed in homes or public places. These idols are adorned with colourful decorations and garlands, and offerings of flowers, fruits, and sweets are made.

The importance of food during Ganesh Chaturthi

Food plays a significant role in the celebration of Ganesh Chaturthi. It is believed that offering Lord Ganesha his favourite food is a way to please him and seek his blessings. The festival is a time for feasting and sharing delicious food with family and friends. Here are some popular foods that are traditionally served during Ganesh Chaturthi:

Modak: These sweet dumplings, made with flour, coconut, and jaggery, are considered the favourite food of Lord Ganesha. They are available in various shapes and sizes, but the most popular is the spherical modak. The modak is said to represent the head of Lord Ganesha, and it is believed that eating a modak is equivalent to offering one to the god.

Ladoo: Ladoos are another popular sweet dish made with ingredients like chickpea flour, coconut, and ghee. They come in different types, including besan, coconut, and boondi. Ladoos are known for their rich taste and are a favourite among children and adults alike.

Puran Poli: Puran poli is a sweet flatbread stuffed with a sweet filling made of urad dal and jaggery. This traditional Maharashtrian dish is a must-have during Ganesh Chaturthi. The sweet filling and the flaky crust of the puran poli make it a delightful treat.

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Sambhar Vada: A savoury dish consisting of crispy lentil fritters (vadas) served in a tangy and spicy sambhar, sambhar vada is a popular South Indian delicacy enjoyed during Ganesh Chaturthi. The combination of the crispy vadas and the flavourful sambhar makes for a satisfying meal.

Shrikhand: It is a sweet yoghurt dessert made with thick, strained yoghurt, cardamom, and saffron. It is often served with puri. Shrikhand is a refreshing and light dessert that is perfect for the humid weather during Ganesh Chaturthi.

Kheer: Kheer is a sweet rice pudding made with rice, milk, and sugar, and often flavoured with cardamom or saffron.

Payasam: Payasam is another sweet rice pudding, similar to kheer, but often made with different ingredients like lentils or vermicelli.

Bhajiya: Bhajiya, or pakora, is a deep-fried snack made with vegetables or pulses. They are often served with chutney or ketchup.

Chaat: Chaat is a savoury snack that can be made in various ways, but it typically includes a combination of sweet, sour, spicy, and salty flavours. It can be made with ingredients like potatoes, chickpeas, yoghurt, and tamarind chutney.