Ganesh Chaturthi, the day of welcoming Lord Ganpati, the favourite God of most people is finally here. Starting today, the 10-day festival of Ganeshotsav begins. As people have enthusiastically prepared over the last few days to welcome their favourite deity, the actual celebrations start in full swing today. Every Indian festival marks some special food items made especially for the days. And any celebration of Ganpati will be incomplete without Modaks. A modak is a steamed sweet dumpling filled with a mixture of coconut and jaggery. Ganesh Chaturthi 2018 Sthapana Muhurat: Auspicious Time, Puja Vidhi For Vinayaka Chaturthi. 

Although there are no specific recipes for all the 10 days, the first day of Ganesh Chaturthi is definitely incomplete without modaks. As per the rituals, an offering of 21 modaks is made to Lord Ganesha after the pooja as naivedyam after which devotees can have them. There are so many ways of making a modak and enthusiastic food lovers keep coming up with varieties of preparing the sweet dumpling. Making a modak is not easy, it requires a skill to get the perfect shape and size. Although there are special moulds to get them made quickly, it is still an effort.

On day 1, we give you a recipe of Ukadiche Modak which are preferably chosen for the first day of the festival. These are basic steamed sweet dumplings served with ghee on top. Ganesh Chaturthi 2018: Stories & Legends to Know Everything About Birth of Lord Ganesha & Why It Is Celebrated.

Take a look at the Ganeshotsav Special Recipe of Ukadiche Modak: 

As we mentioned earlier, there are many varieties in which modaks can be made. Depending upon the mixture and ingredients, the way of making also changes.

Here is another recipe of a Mava Modak:

Ingredients:

1. 3Kg Mawa(if hariyali mawa is good texture)

2. 1.5 Kg sugar or add as per taste

3. 200 Gm. Cardamom powder

4. 10 Gm. Saffron

5. 200 Gm. Ghee for Modak greasing

Method:

1. Heat pan in low flame and put mawa on it. As the mawa starts melting, keep stirring it on low flame.

2. When the mawa begins to melt add sugar in it and stir again.

3. When the mawa starts bubbling, add cardamom and saffron in the mixture.

4. Keep stirring on low flame until the mixture starts leaving the bottom of pan.

5. Transfer the mixture into a big bowl and wait for it to cool.

6. Place the mixer on a greased plate and mould it in the shape of a modak.

7. Garnish with saffron on top and the Mawa Modak is ready to be served.

(Recipe by Chef Kamlesh Rawat, Radisson Mumbai, Goregaon)

If you are someone with a sweet tooth, then you'd love gorging on these sweet dumplings. So enjoy these sweet dumplings and enjoy the festive spirit of Ganesh Chaturthi.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Sep 12, 2018 05:28 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).