Ganesh Chaturthi is a joyous festival marked by celebration and divine indulgence, particularly with an array of sweet treats. As devotees honour Lord Ganesha, they also savour a variety of traditional sweets that enhance the festive spirit. Here are five delightful sweet dishes to enjoy during this auspicious time:

Modak

Modaks, often regarded as Lord Ganesha’s favourite sweet, are essential during Ganesh Chaturthi. These dumplings, usually filled with a blend of jaggery, coconut, and cardamom, are either steamed or fried to achieve perfection. The combination of the sweet, fragrant filling and the soft, chewy exterior makes modaks a delightful treat for the taste buds.

Ladoo

Ladoos are available in many varieties, but the favourites during Ganesh Chaturthi include besan ladoos (crafted from chickpea flour), rava ladoos (prepared from semolina), and boondi ladoos (composed of small gram flour balls). Each type boasts its own distinct texture and flavour, providing a delightful assortment to suit every palate. These round, sweet balls also made of boondi, and coconut.

Puran Poli

Puran Poli is a traditional flatbread filled with a sweet lentil mixture. In Marathi, the sweet filling is called Puran, and the flatbread is known as Poli. Despite being a sweet dish, its ingredients contribute to its nutritional value. This delightful flatbread has several variations across Western and Southern India.

This traditional Maharashtrian dish is often prepared for various celebrations, particularly during festivals such as Ganesh Chaturthi, Holi, Gudhi Padwa, and Akshaya Tritiya.

Karanji

Karanji is a traditional Indian sweet, popular in various regions, including Assam. It is a deep-fried pastry filled with a mixture of grated coconut, sugar, and cardamom. The outer shell is made from a dough of flour and ghee, which is rolled out, filled, and then folded into a half-moon shape before frying. Karanji is often prepared during festivals and special occasions, offering a delightful blend of crispy texture and sweet, aromatic filling.

Pedha

Pedha is a delectable sweet treat crafted from condensed milk or khoya, infused with the essence of cardamom, and frequently adorned with nuts such as almonds or pistachios. Its velvety texture and delightful, aromatic taste make it a favourite during festive celebrations, particularly Ganesh Chaturthi.

Enjoy these traditional sweets and make your Ganesh Chaturthi celebrations even more special!

ALSO READ | Ganesh Chaturthi: A Few Snapshots