Ganesh Chaturthi Special Bhog Preparations
Ganesh Chaturthi is around the corner and Ganpati Bappa’s devotees are immersed in preparation mode to celebrate his birthday in a big way. This year Ganesh Chaturthi falls on 19th September and like every year, the preparation can be seen and felt in the markets and homes. Starting from the day of Ganesh Chaturthi till Ananta Chaturdashi, when the festival comes to an end with Bappa’s Visarjan, this 10-day festival is a time to celebrate in many ways. Devotees prepare different types of speciality sweet dishes for their Bappa which are offered to Ganpati Bappa as a Bhog (preparations offered to Deities while worshipping).
Here are some very favourite dishes of Ganesh Ji that his devotees prepare to offer him. The 10-day festival kick-starts on September 19, 2023. All these days, usually people try to make different sweet dishes, as sweets are Ganesh Ji’s favourite. It is believed that if you offer him sweets of his choice (though he likes all types of sweets), he fulfils all the desires of his devotees. Some of the favourite sweets of Bappa you can prepare for Bappa and also relish with your family as you soak up in the festivities of this vibrant festival.
Modak
Modak is a type of sweet dumpling that is considered to be Ganpati’s favourite sweet dish. Therefore, you will rarely find a house celebrating the festival without preparing modaks. Devotees offer ‘Bhog’ of modaks to Bhagwan Ganesha on the very first day of the festival. You will need rice flour, maida or white flour, homemade pure ghee, coconut, dry fruits and jaggery to make these sweet dumplings.
Sheera
Sheera is a traditional halwa made with suji (made of wheat). You will need pure ghee and sugar/jaggery to prepare Sheera and can add lots of dry fruits to it. Many people add bananas to the traditional Sheera as an offering on the occasion of Ganesh Chaturthi.
Puran Poli
Puran Poli is one of the most loved festive dishes made in Maharashtra on every auspicious occasion. During the ten days of Ganesh Utsav, devotees of Ganesh Ji prepare Puran Polu to offer him as a bhog. Puran Poli combined with modak is one of the most popular combinations of Bhog served to Ganpati during Ganesh Utsav.
Coconut Ladoo
Coconut ladoo is another very popular sweet dish devotees of Ganpati Bappa prepare during this festive time. These coconut ladoos are offered as Bhog to Lord Ganesh on Ganesh Chaturthi.
Payasam
Payasam or Payesh or Kheer is one of the most loved traditional sweets of Hindus in Bharat. The main ingredients to make payasam are rice, milk, jaggery, coconut, and cardamom.
Khas Khas ka Halwa
Many devotees prepare poppy (khas khas) seeds halwa at this festive time. It is prepared of poppy seeds, milk, ghee, cardamom and sugar. You can add dry fruits to it to make it more flavoursome.
21 Veggie Stir Fry
There is a tradition of preparing a mixed veggie of 21 different vegetables. You can add any vegetable to this. Finely chop them and stir fry them in oil. Add salt, turmeric and spices as per your choice. This preparation too is offered to Bappa on Ganesh Utsav.
Above are some of the festive preparations are are very popular during Ganesh Chaturthi. However, if you want to make more dishes, you can always make them. Our Bhagwan Ganesh loves to eat different types of dishes and sweet dishes are his favourite. But make sure, your preparations are only vegetarian with no garlic and onion.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I make Khichdi Bhog for Ganesh Ji?
A: Yes, you can make and offer khichdi as Bhog to Ganesh Ji, but make sure you are making it in a sattvic manner.
Q: What else can I prepare as a Bhog on Ganesh Puja?
A: You can prepare any item you want to offer to Lord Ganesh. But it should be pure veg with no garlic and onion. Also, since you will be offering it to God, make it a point that you prepare all the Bhog in Shuddha utensils and Sattvic manner.
However, if you are not very sure and want to prepare multiple bhog items Ganesh Chaturthi on and also want to know about the rituals, you can talk to our Pandits and astrologers here for guidance.
