Maharashtrian Dishes to Try on Ganesh Chaturthi

Ganesh Chaturthi is one of the grandest festivities in Maharashtra. It is dedicated to Lord Ganesha and is a 10-day-long celebration where food is believed to be one of the most important parts. Every day, a different delicacy is made and offered to the deity. 

The mouth-watering Ganesh Chaturthi recipes and food are passed down through generations, and families come together to create an exquisite feast that pays homage to Lord Ganesha. Each dish carries its own symbolism and significance, infused with flavours that resonate with the spirit of the festival.

As Vinayak Chaturthi commences on 19th September in 2023, let’s embark on a flavourful journey through the traditional culinary treasures of Maharashtra, showcasing the unique flavours that grace the festive tables during Ganesh Chaturthi.

Ganesh Festival Foods

1. Modak

2. Puran Poli

3. Thalipeeth

4. Karanji

5. Sabudana Vad

6. Motichoor and Besan Laddoo

7. Rava Sheera or Sooji Halwa

8. Besan Barfi and Kaju Barfi

9. Kesari Shrikhand

10. Shakkar Para

11. Kheer

12. Satori

13. Basundi

Maharashtrian Food for Ganesh Chaturthi 

• Modak

Lord Ganesha is served some delicious ‘bhog’ and treats which are later distributed to the devotees. And, modaks are an unmissable sweet. There are several varieties of modaks prepared these days, including chocolate ones, the fried variant, kesar flavour, coconut crunch, and the dry fruit edition. Modaks are one of the most important Ganesh festival foods.

• Thalipeeth

  

Thalipeeth is a savoury dish. It is a multi-grain snack made using a combination of jowar and rice flour. It is easy to make, nutritious, and tasty. This Thalipeeth recipe is regularly made in every Maharashtrian house and is a great breakfast option. Try having them with pickles of your choice. Thalipeeth is a great Vinayak Chaturthi Maharashtrian food to enjoy with friends and family and is the best dish for health-conscious individuals. 

• Karanji

  

Karanji is very similar to gujiya made in North India. It is a fried pastry that contains a sweet stuffing of coconut, sesame seeds, almonds, cashews, raisins, cardamoms, nutmeg powder, sugar and ghee. The outer part is crispy and made from flour, milk, ghee, and salt. This sweet is offered to Lord Ganesha and loved by all. 

• Puran Poli

Puran Poli is a very popular Maharashtrian sweet. It is a sweetbread with a filling made of chana dal, jaggery, cardamom powder and lots of ghee. It is offered as bhog to Lord Ganesha and is an essential part of the puja.

• Sabudana Vada

  

It is a traditional prasad item that is prepared during Vinayak Chaturthi. It is a deep-fried snack, made of sabudana which is soaked overnight and mixed with boiled potatoes, roasted peanuts and spices to make a delicious treat.

• Shakkar Para

  

Shakkar Pala is a delightful Maharashtrian snack prepared during Ganesh Chaturthi festivities. It is made by deep-frying diamond-shaped flour and sugar dough pieces until they turn golden and crispy. These delicious treats are then coated with powdered sugar, adding a touch of sweetness to the celebrations. Ganesh Chaturthi is a joyous occasion celebrated with fervour and sharing Shakkar Para with loved ones adds to the festive spirit.

• Motichoor and Besan Laddoo

We all know that Lord Ganesha is fond of laddoos. Homemade motichoor and besan laddoos are so easy to make and taste divine. 

Besan laddoo features a rich and nutty taste. Made from roasted chickpea flour (besan), ghee, sugar, and a generous sprinkling of chopped nuts, these laddoos have a melt-in-your-mouth texture that is simply irresistible. Motichoor laddoos are made from tiny droplets of besan that are deep-fried and then shaped into laddoos. These golden-hued delicacies are adorned with fragrant saffron strands, cardamom, and chopped nuts, offering a delightful burst of flavours in every bite. If you’re in Maharashtra in September, you must try these Maharashtrian Dishes on Vinayak Chaturthi. 

• Kheer

  

Kheer is a popular and traditional sweet dish offered to Lord Ganesha during the auspicious occasion of Vinayak Chaturthi. It is a creamy rice pudding made with rice, milk, sugar, and flavoured with cardamom, saffron, and sometimes garnished with nuts like almonds and pistachios. The preparation and offering of Kheer symbolize devotion and reverence to Lord Ganesha, and it is later distributed as prasad (blessed food) among devotees to partake in the blessings of the deity.

• Rava Sheera or Sooji Halwa

Rava sheera is a classic Indian sweet. It is made on a regular basis at home, but it is also made on special occasions or festivals. This is a simple and easy dish made with minimal and basic ingredients, but has a lovely taste when topped with nuts.

• Basundi

  

Basundi is a popular and cherished sweet dish in Maharashtra and Gujarat and is prepared during Ganesh Chaturthi. It is a rich and creamy dessert made by simmering milk until it thickens and reduces, then adding sugar, cardamom, and sometimes saffron for flavour. Basundi is often garnished with nuts like almonds and pistachios, making it a delectable offering to Lord Ganesha during the festival. It is enjoyed by devotees as part of the festive celebrations.

• Besan Barfi and Kaju Barfi

These two Indian sweets are easily made at home. These are perfectly sweet and have a great texture. Besan and Kaju Barfi are not only festive delights but also symbols of auspiciousness and blessings. These are often prepared as offerings to Lord Ganesha and are enjoyed by family and friends during the festivities.

• Satori

  

Satori, a beloved Maharashtrian festive treat, is a delightful, sweet flatbread. This rich delicacy is prepared from a blend of khoya or mawa, ghee, besan, and milk. Its preparation involves expertise and care, resulting in a delectable and indulgent dessert. Served during special occasions and celebrations in Maharashtra, especially during Ganesh Chaturthi, Satori holds a special place in the hearts of locals, adding a touch of sweetness and joy to the festivities.

• Kesari Shrikhand

Ganesh Chaturthi is incomplete without some kesari shrikhand. It is a special dish made in Maharashtra during this festival. The simple sweet is made with yoghurt, sugar, salt, cardamom, chironji and kesar. One can add his/her favourite fruit flavours to enhance the taste and even try preparing almond and pistachio shrikhand, aam shrikhand or apple walnut shrikhand.

Apart from these, there are also dishes like varan bhaat, a healthy, wholesome meal made from toor dal and served with cooked rice; moong dal khichdi made with moong dal, rice and whole spices; and sabudana khichdi. You must visit Maharashtra during Vinayak Chaturthi, offer prayers to the deity, enjoy the grand processions, and relish these Maharashtrian delicacies. It will be an experience of a lifetime!