Ganesh Chaturthi, a vibrant and much-loved Hindu festival, is celebrated with great enthusiasm across India and by Hindus worldwide. One of the most cherished aspects of this festival is the preparation and offering of Prasad or Naivedya to Lord Ganesha. Prasad holds immense significance during Ganesh Chaturthi, and it includes a variety of delectable dishes, with Modak being the highlight. Let's delve into the importance of Prasad during Ganesh Chaturthi and explore the delicious offerings that grace the festival for ten days.

Why is Prasad Important for Ganesh Chaturthi?

Offering Prasad is a way for devotees to establish a spiritual connection with Lord Ganesha. It signifies a gesture of gratitude and devotion, acknowledging the blessings received from the deity.

Prasad is considered pure, and devotees believe that anything offered to the deity becomes sanctified, and partaking in Prasad is a way to purify one's soul. Preparing and sharing Prasad fosters a sense of community and togetherness. Families and communities come together to create these offerings, strengthening their bonds.

Ganesh Chaturthi is not just a religious festival but also a celebration of India's rich cultural heritage. Prasad preparation and distribution are integral to this cultural celebration.

Ganesh Chaturthi Prasad, Naivedya and Modak for 10 Days

Ganesh Chaturthi typically spans ten days, and each day is marked by special offerings to Lord Ganesha. Here's a glimpse of the daily Prasad offerings during this auspicious period:

Day 1 - Sukhdi: On the first day, Sukhdi, a sweet made from ghee, jaggery, and wheat flour, is offered to please Lord Ganesha.

Day 2 - Kheer: Creamy and aromatic rice kheer is prepared on the second day to delight Gajanana.

Day 3 - Puran Poli: Devotees offer Puran Poli, a delectable flatbread stuffed with sweet lentil filling, on this day.

Day 4 - Modak: Modak, Lord Ganesha's favorite, is the highlight on this day. These sweet dumplings are typically filled with coconut and jaggery.

Day 5 - Undrallu: Undrallu or steamed rice flour balls are offered to Lord Ganesha on the fifth day.

Day 6 - Chana Sundal: A healthy and protein-rich Chana Sundal, made from chickpeas is presented to the deity on the sixth day.

Day 7 - Sweet Poha: Flattened rice cooked with jaggery and coconut, known as Poha, is offered to Lord Ganesha.

Day 8 - Banana Sheera: Banana Sheera, a sweet banana dessert, is prepared and offered as Prasad on the eighth day.

Day 9 - Coconut Rice: On this day, devotees make Coconut Rice as an offering to Lord Ganesha.

Day 10 - Modak (again): The festival culminates with another round of Modak, symbolizing the departure of Lord Ganesha.

Watch Ganesh Chaturthi 2023- Prasad, Naivedya and Modak for 10 Days:

The preparation and offering of Prasad during Ganesh Chaturthi hold a special place in the hearts of devotees. It symbolizes devotion, gratitude, and the joy of sharing with loved ones. The 10-day celebration is not just about appeasing Lord Ganesha's palate with his favourite Modak but also about preserving cultural traditions and fostering community bonds.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Sep 18, 2023 01:33 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).