Ganesh Chaturthi Recipes – 88 Vinayaka Chaturthi Recipes 2021

Ganesh Chaturthi or Vinayaka Chaturthi is one festival with which many of my childhood memories are associated with. Having grown up in Mumbai, I have witnessed and been a part of this awesome festival all through my growing up years.

This year Ganesh Chaturthi is starting on 10 September 2021 and as usual will last for 10 days. In this post I have shared a total of 88 recipes which includes 9 Modak varieties and 79 recipes for sweets, snacks and lunch or dinner that can be made for the Vinayaka Chaturthi festival.

So while making any recipe for Vinayaka Chaturthi please do check with your elders about the use of common ingredients like onion, garlic, spices or herbs etc as every community has different rules for fasting or festival recipes.

Many people don’t use onions and garlic while making recipes for the festival. So if any recipe has onions or garlic and you don’t use them then just skip the onions, garlic or any other excluded ingredient.

Most of the recipes mentioned below have vegan options also. If you are vegan then use oil instead of ghee and substitute dairy milk with coconut milk or almond milk.

Ganesh Chaturthi Festival

Ganesh Chaturthi is one of our favorite Indian festivals. Until last year we would visit the various Ganesha pandals in our area. But I don’t think this year it is possible.

Growing up my parents would take us at the various Ganesh pandals in South Mumbai during the 10 day festival.

Every year we would visit my mom’s friends place in Girgaum, Mumbai. From her home, we would see the awesome processions on the last Visarjan day.

We would also have a huge pandal in our locality. We would also take part in the Ganesh aarti both in the morning and in the evening.

I have grown up experiencing the positive vibe and celebration which happens during the Ganesh Chaturthi festival.

Ganesh Chaturthi is celebrated with equal festivity and devotion in many Indian states like Maharashtra, Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, Goa, Gujarat and so on.

The recipes which are prepared during Ganesh Chaturthi festival varies from state to state. E.g. Modak or Kozhukattai which is one of the favorite food of Bhagwan Ganesha is prepared differently and sundals which are prepared in South India are not made in Maharashtra.

In South India, the Ganesha festival is called as Pillayar Chaturthi or Vinayagar Chaturthi or Vinayaka Chavithi.

Apart from modak, ladoo is also the most favorite food of Bhagwan Ganesha. I have listed below many recipes from the blog that can be made during the Ganesh festival.

Modak Recipes

Modak is the most favorite sweet of Bhagwan Ganesha. There are many types of modak prepared during Ganesh Chaturthi. But the most famous Maharashtrian modak is steamed modak or ukadiche modak made from rice flour.

Many sweet shops serve readymade mava modak or peda modak in Maharashtra. In some shops advance orders are also taken for modak.

If you plan to prepare sweets for Bhagwan Ganesha then Modak and Ladoo are two sweets which are must. You can make either Boondi ladoo, Rava ladoo, Besan ladoo or Coconut ladoo.

Modak Recipes – 9 Varieties

1. Modak – This is the Maharashtrian modak recipe called as Ukadiche Modak and made with a coconut and jaggery stuffing. I have given the entire recipe in the recipe card below.

2. Fried modak – These fried modaks are made with whole wheat flour with sweet coconut and jaggery filling. They can also be made with all-purpose flour (maida).

3. Kozhukattai recipe – Kozhukattai or kolukattai is a festive South Indian sweet of steamed dumplings and is the South Indian variation of modak that is made in Maharashtra.

4. Rava modak or semolina modak – This is an easy modak recipe as no frying or steaming of the modak is required.

5. Chocolate modak – Prepared mainly from 3 ingredients chocolate, mawa or khoya and sugar.

6. Dry fruits modak – Sweet dumplings made from rice flour and stuffed with a mixture of mawa, poppy seeds, coconut and dry fruits.

7. Sweet Kozhukattai – South Indian recipe variation of modak that is made chana dal (bengal gram), fresh coconut and jaggery.

8. Mawa modak – Quick modak recipe made with khoya (evaporated milk solids), sugar and cardamom powder.

9. Mango modak – This delicious modak has a lovely taste of mangoes and is prepared with fresh mango pulp, khoya (evaporated milk solids), sugar and flavored with cardamom powder.

Maharashtrian Ganesh Chaturthi Recipes

Each family has its own traditional and favorite dish that they prepare. I am sharing Maharashtrian recipes from the blog, that can be made during the ganesha chaturthi festival. On the first day of Ganesh Chaturthi festival, modak is usually made.

1. Puran poli – one of the most popular festive recipe. These sweet flat breads are specially made for Ganesh Chaturthi. You can also check this Bobbatlu (Holige) recipe.
2. Patholi – steamed rice rolls made in turmeric leaves. Made during gauri ganesha festival in the konkan and Goan regions.
3. Poori bhaji – Maharashtrian version of potato curry with poori.
4. Varan bhaat – Goan style varan bhaat made with lentils and coconut
5. Kala vatana sambar – Malvani style sambar made during Ganesh Chaturthi
6. Alu vadi or patra – shallow fried and tempered steamed colocasia leaves, speciality snack from maharashtra and Gujarat.
7. Chawli usal – spicy coconut based curry made with black eyed beans
8. Batata bhajji – crisp golden batter coated fried potato slices.
9. Batata pohe or potato poha – easy to make and a popular breakfast dish from maharashtra.
10. Aloo methi – dry curry made with baby methi leaves and potatoes.
11. Khamang kakdi – popular Maharashtrian cucumber salad. Also known as kakdi chi koshimbir.
12. Kothimbir vadi – crisp coriander steamed fritters.
13. Sabudana vada – crisp fried patties made with tapioca pearls, peanuts and mashed potatoes. Slightly sweet and spiced to taste.
14. Suran chips – fried chips made from yam
15. Moong dal khichdi – special khichdi offered as naivedyam for bhagwan ganesha.
16. Varan bhaat – Maharashtrian style – served as naivedyam to bhagwan ganesha.
17. Sabudana khichdi – a delicious dish of tapioca pearls cooked with potatoes and peanuts. Vegan & gluten free recipe.
18. Sabudana thalipeeth – crisp and soft pancakes made with tapioca pearls, mashed potatoes, ground peanuts and spices.
19. Batata bhaji or aloo sabzi – no onion no garlic batata bhaji or dry potato curry.
20. Rice poori – crisp as well as soft poori made with rice flour. Gluten free and vegan recipe.
21. Kala vatana amti – no onion no garlic coconut based black peas curry.
22. Katachi amti – thin spicy dal made from the strained stock of cooked chana dal/bengal gram. Katachi amti is usually served with puran poli but also can be served with steamed rice.
23. Masale bhaat – spicy and aromatic one pot traditional rice recipe with veggies from the Maharashtrian cuisine.
24. Maharashtrian kadhi – no onion no garlic kadhi recipe.
25. Poori – crisp, golden and soft poori made with whole wheat flour, salt and water.
26. Green peas usal –  a semi dry curry from the Maharashtrian cuisine made with fresh peas (matar), coconut and spices. Mild sweet tones and lightly spiced.
27. Aloo vadi or patra – steamed & fried colocasia leaves rolls.
28. Sabudana khichdi – a delicious dish of tapioca pearls cooked with potatoes and peanuts. Vegan & gluten free recipe.
29. Poha chiwda – crisp, crunchy, sweet, savory and mildly spiced mixture made with rice flakes or poha, dry fruits and spices.
30. Amti recipe – a slightly spicy, sweet and sour Maharashtrian dal made from pigeon pea lentils (arhar dal).
31. Rishi panchami sabzi – rishi panchami is celebrated on the second day of Ganesh Chaturthi. One this day all sapta rishi (seven sages) are worshipped and remembered. Rishi panchami bhaji comprises of a dish containing of mix veggies.

Ganesh Chaturthi Sweets Recipes

No festive occasion is complete without sweets and so is the Ganesh Chaturthi festival. Some sweets from the blog that can be made during the ganesha festival.

1. Coconut ladoo – these are melt in the mouth ladoos are made with desiccated coconut and can be offered to bhagwan ganesha. You can also have a look at these other delicious variations like Coconut ladoo with khoya, Instant coconut ladoo and Coconut ladoo recipe made with condensed milk.
2. Motichoor ladoo – melt in the mouth ladoos made from gram flour/besan. Step by step recipe.
3. Sabudana ladoo – (interesting variation of ladoo made from tapioca pearls that can be offered to bhagwan ganesha. Can also be made during fasting or vrat)
4. Besan ladoo – (ladoos made from gram flour and dry fruits. One of the most popular ladoo variery in India. Specially on festivals like ganesha chaturthi, Diwali, Holi.
5. Rava ladoo – quick and easy recipe of rava ladoo made with semolina, khoya (evaporated milk solids) and desiccated coconut. Gets done in 20 minutes. You can also make Rava ladoo with khoya.
6. Boondi ladoo – popular Indian sweet made from gram flour batter.
7. Atta ladoo – easy and quick to prepare delicious ladoos made with whole wheat flour, sugar and ghee.
8. Maladu – ladoos made with roasted gram flour.
9. Poha ladoo – quick and delicious ladoo made with thick poha (flattened rice or parched rice), jaggery and ghee.
10. Til ladoo – simple recipe of ladoo prepared with sesame seeds, jaggery, peanuts and desiccated coconut. Another variation is til Til gud ladoo recipe.

More sweets recipes

1. Coconut barfi – smooth melt in the mouth fudge made with desiccated coconut and condensed milk. Step by step recipe. Can also be made into coconut ladoos. You can also make Coconut barfi with khoya. for more delicious barfi recipes you can check this Collection of 12 barfi recipes.
2. Karanji – crisp flaky fried pastry stuffed with desiccated coconut and dry fruits. Nevris are the Goan version of the Maharashtrian karanji and is made during Ganesh Chaturthi.
3. Carrot payasam – creamy and smooth payasam made with carrots, jaggery and coconut milk.
4. Rice payasam – konkan style payasam made with coconut milk and jaggery. Vegan recipe. Another variation is this South Indian style Paal payasam made with rice and milk. For more kheer recipes you can check this Collection of 26 kheer recipes.
5. Carrot halwa – (gajar halwa is one of the most popular halwa of India made almost all over India for festive occassions). You can also make Carrot halwa with condensed milk.
6. Lauki halwa – sweet Indian dessert made from bottle gourd (dudhi).
7. Atta ka halwa – a smooth sweet pudding made with whole wheat flour and ghee.8. Banana sheera – banana semolina pudding or halwa. Often made during festive occasions or during ganesh puja or satyanarayan puja or devi puja or for any auspicious occasion.
8. Moong dal halwa – addictive and delicious halwa made from moong dal (spilt husked yellow mung lentils).10. Apple halwa – sweet pudding made with apples, cinnamon and vanilla powder.
9. Sooji halwa – classic Indian semolina pudding made with semonlina (rava), ghee and dry fruits.
10. Badam halwa – predominant taste and flavor in this badam halwa is only of almonds. If you are fond of almonds then you will like this almond halwa.13. Sweet potato halwa – (can be made during any religious fasting)
11. Papaya halwa – (good for any religious fasting day)
12. Sooji kheer – quick and easy to prepare semolina (rava) pudding.
13. Seviyan kheer – vermicelli kheer is often served during festival or any occasion of celebration.
14. Rice kheer – a favorite Indian dessert made with basmati rice, milk, nuts and saffron.
15. Kesar burfi – a vegan sweet recipe made with saffron, semonlina and almonds.
16. Moong dal payasam – delicious creamy moong dal payasam made with yellow moong lentils, jaggery and coconut milk.
17. Fruit custard – mixed fruits with custard – a popular Indian dessert21. Dry fruits karanji – deep fried pastry made from whole wheat flour, stuffed with mawa, dry fruits, poppy seeds and desiccated coconut.
18. Shankarpali – crisp, flaky, melt in the mouth fried and baked biscuits. A popular festive snack from maharashtra.
19. Patholi – steamed rice rolls which are stuffed with fresh coconut and jaggery mixture.

Note: for more Halwa varieties you can check this Collection of 31 halwa recipes.

South Indian Vinayaka Chaturthi Recipes

1. Idli
2. Idli made with idli rava
3. Sweet paniyaram
4. Curd rice – a popular South Indian rice variety that is served with a South Indian meal or South Indian thali.
5. Lemon rice – crunchy, flavorful and sour rice recipe.
6. Rava Pongal – healthy breakfast recipe of Pongal made with rava and moong dal.
7. Ven Pongal – popular South Indian breakfast made with rice and yellow moong lentils.
8. Udipi sambar – lightly sweet, semi spiced, tangy and a flavorful sambar made with pigeon pea lentils (tuhar dal) and mixed vegetables.
9. Mysore bonda – crisp, soft and fluffy fritters made with urad dal, some spices and fresh coconut bits.
10. Tomato rasam – easy recipe of tomato rasam made Andhra style.
11. Drumstick rasam – a tangy version of rasam made with drumsticks.
12. Beetroot poriyal – or beetroot stir fry. poriyal is a preparation where the vegetables are sauted in spices and topped with grated coconut.
13. Medu vada – crisp fried black grams donuts shaped fritters. Popular South Indian snack. No onion no garlic version.
14. Coconut rice – light, mild South Indian coconut rice recipe made with fresh grated coconut.
15. Neer dosa – soft, thin, light and lacy crepes made with rice batter. No fermentation required.

Sundal recipes for Ganesh Chaturthi festival

Sundals are usually prepared in south India during Ganesh Chaturthi as well as for Navratri festival. Apart from above mentioned sundal recipes you can prepare sundal from sweet corn, moong beans, black eyed peas, peanut, chana dal also.

The method to prepare sundal is more or less same with some variations here and there. Sundals are good snack option, you can consider to quickly make for Ganesh Chaturthi.

• Rajma sundal
• White chana sundal
• Green peas sundal
• Black chana sundal

Wishing you all Happy Ganesh Chaturthi. I pray that Bhagwan Ganesha bestows prosperity, luck, wisdom and blessings to everyone.

This post from the archives (Sep 2013) has been republished and updated on 13 August 2020.

If you made this recipe, please be sure to rate it in the recipe card below. Sign Up for my email newsletter or you can follow me on Instagram, Facebook, Youtube, Pinterest or Twitter for more vegetarian inspirations.

This Ganesh Chaturthi Recipes post from the blog archives first published in September 2013 has been updated on 13 August 2020.