Ganesh Chaturthi, also known as Vinayaka Chaturthi, is a Hindu festival celebrated with great fervour and devotion in India and by Hindus around the world. This vibrant and colourful festival marks the birthday of Lord Ganesha, the elephant-headed deity who is widely revered as the god of wisdom, prosperity, and the remover of obstacles. Ganesh Chaturthi 2023: Ganpati Pandals in Mumbai That You Should Visit This Ganeshotsav.

The festival typically falls in the Hindu calendar month of Bhadrapada, which usually corresponds to August or September in the Gregorian calendar. This year, it will be observed on Tuesday, September 19. During the ten-day celebration of Ganesh Chaturthi, devotees prepare a variety of delicious dishes such as Prasad (offering to the deity) or Naivedya (food offering) for Lord Ganesha. Modak, a sweet dumpling, is considered Lord Ganesha's favourite and is an integral part of the offerings. As you celebrate Ganesh Chaturthi 2023, we at LatestLY have bought a list of some popular dishes, including Modak, that are commonly prepared as Prasad during this festival. Go Vegan This Ganesh Utsav With These Plant-Based Modaks.

1. Modak

Modak (Photo Credits: Wikimedia Commons)

Modak is the quintessential sweet dish offered to Lord Ganesha. It is made from rice flour or wheat flour dough filled with a sweet mixture of grated coconut, jaggery or sugar, and cardamom. These dumplings are then steamed or fried.

2. Ukadiche Modak

Ukadiche Modak (Photo Credits: Wikimedia Commons)

This is a steamed version of Modak. The outer covering is made from rice flour and filled with coconut and jaggery mixture. It is a traditional and beloved Prasad.

3. Coconut Ladoo

Coconut Ladoo (Photo Credits: Wikimedia Commons)

Coconut ladoos are made from grated coconut and condensed milk or sugar. They are easy to prepare and are a favourite offering to Lord Ganesha.

4. Kheer

Kheer (Photo Credits: Wikimedia Commons)

Rice or vermicelli kheer (rice pudding) made with milk, sugar, and flavoured with cardamom and saffron is also offered to Lord Ganesha.

5. Puran Poli

Puran Poli (Photo Credits: Wikimedia Commons)

Puran Poli is a sweet flatbread made from wheat flour and stuffed with a sweet lentil and jaggery filling. It is commonly offered during the festival.

6. Besan Ladoo

Besan Ladoo (Photo Credits: Wikimedia Commons)

Besan ladoos are made from roasted gram flour (besan), ghee, sugar, and flavoured with cardamom. They are a popular Prasad item.

7. Sheera

Sheera (Photo Credits: Wikimedia Commons)

Sheera is a semolina-based sweet dish made with ghee, sugar, and flavoured with cardamom and saffron. It's a simple yet delicious Prasad.

8. Chana Dal Payasam

Chana Dal Payasam (Photo Credits: Flickr)

A sweet dish made from chana dal (split chickpeas), coconut milk, jaggery, and flavoured with cardamom and nuts.

9. Fried Modak

Fried Modak (Photo Credits: Wikimedia Commons)

Some people prefer to fry Modak instead of steaming them. These are deep-fried dumplings with a crispy outer layer and a sweet filling.

10. Rice Dishes

Rice Dishes (Photo Credits: Flickr)

Various rice dishes like pulao, tamarind rice (puliyodarai), and coconut rice are also prepared as Prasad.

Ganesh Chaturthi 2023 Prasad: 

These offerings are made with great devotion and love as a symbol of gratitude to Lord Ganesha during the festival of Ganesh Chaturthi. The Prasad is then distributed among devotees as a blessing and a way to share the joy of the festival.

Wishing everyone a Happy Ganesh Chaturthi 2023!

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Sep 12, 2023 05:27 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).