Introduction :

Going by the Ganesh Chaturthi reels and shorts on Facebook and Youtube, the talks in offices about murti bookings, decorations and murti sizes, the excitement is clearly palpable and is fast catching on. Naturally, it’s after two years that we will be celebrating this frenzy in its full pomp and splendour. We are already getting glimpses of the things to come and it sure is going to be one fantastic community festival.

Lord Ganesha is worshipped as the God of wisdom, knowledge, prosperity , wealth and is addressed as ‘Vighnaharta’ or the remover of obstacles. His name is chanted at the beginning of every auspicious occasion and even pujas. The elephant-headed God with a huge body has the tiny mouse as his ‘vahan’ and every part of his body teaches us ways of living life.

A day before this grand utsav, another festival – the Hartalika Teej is celebrated in a few states of northern, eastern and western India. Hartalika Teej is observed by married women for the long and healthy life of their husbands and by unmarried girls to get a desirable husband. On this day, prayers are offered to Goddess Parvati, who as per legend performed intense penance to please Lord Shiva who then agreed to their matrimonial alliance.

The Rituals and the Prasad

When performing Ganesha puja, he is offered durva – a three-headed grass, hibiscus flower and his favourite food, the modak. The modaks are served in odd numbers such as batches of 3, 5 and 7 etc. On the occasion modaks are made the traditional way as steamed or fried, besides other offerings as per the region and culture of the place one belongs to. With changing times, the modak has also evolved and so have the other offerings.

https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/life-style/events/ganesh-chaturthi-2019-history-importance-and-rituals-of-vinayaka-chavithi/articleshow/70877033.cms

https://www.hinduismfacts.org/hindu-gods-and-goddesses/lord-ganesha/

Let’s take a look at what the devotees offer their beloved Lord Ganesha.

1. Chocolate Mango:
   Modak ‘Modakpriya’ as he is also called, modaks are always made on this occasion. If not in the traditional way, then mawa modak or any other easy-to-use ingredient, and there are dozens of such recipes like this one with an interesting twist. Surprise the Lord with two very diverse and versatile ingredients, chocolate and mango. This dark chocolate and mango-filled bonbons dusted with gold are truly a sight to behold.

   Recipe Link: https://www.sanjeevkapoor.com/Recipe/Motichoor-Laddoo.html

2. Puran Poli:
   Even the non-Maharashtrians love it. The joy of having the Puran Poli with a generous pouring of warm ghee or served with a bowl of milk is indescribable. Sometimes light yellow or plain, it’s amazing how a sweetened gram-jaggery mixture stuffed in a maida/wheat cover can have everyone asking for more.

   Recipe Link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f9HuEeXSAow

3. Maharashtrian Gujiya: Yet another superbly delicious offering that vanishes off the plate. One of the ‘bhog’ delicacies, the sweet, syrupy, crescent-shaped gujiya made with a stuffed coconut-jaggery filling needs to be closely guarded. The sweet pastry tastes amazing with the flaky, crunchy cover and gooey stuffing.

   Recipe Link: https://www.foodfood.com/recipedetails/mahrashtrian-gujiya

4. Pineapple sheera:
   Simple sheera made impressive with pineapple and a touch of saffron, making it a sweet-tangy delicacy. A heavy and flavourful sheera is a sure shot way to please beloved Bappa.

   Recipe Link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g1JaksMRXcw

With these bhog ideas, we have shown you sure ways to offer Bappa. Besides this, there will always be other options such as shrikhand, satori in Maharashtra and Gujarat, coconut rice, rava pongal and payasam in the South.

Ganesh Utsav Preparations

Besides the prasad preparations, there are two equally important aspects of Ganeshutsav celebrations. One, the colourful and vibrant decorations and second, the snacks to be served to guests who visit for darshan. Those who don’t keep the idol, do make it a point to visit on invitation. Most households offer snack dishes comprising usually the healthy ceral chivda, that is a sweet and spicy, light, crunchy mix of cornflakes, pressed rice, roasted peanuts and split and roasted Bengal gram.

Then there is the kachori that is offered and when it’s the kachori stuffed with dry fruits, aa ha haa what a feeling!

.. and of course the prasad is there too..
We are sure, you are all set to welcome your Beloved Bappa !!

May He shower all his Blessings on You !! Ganpati Bappa Morya!