Every year when Ganesh Chaturthi arrives, homes come alive with poojas and delicious offerings made for Lord Ganapati. According to tradition, there are nine special naivedyams (offerings) that are considered especially dear to Ganesha. Presenting these during the festival is not just a custom—it is believed to bring the blessings, grace, and prosperity of the deity to devotees.
Modaks:
The most popular offering is the modak. Made with rice flour and jaggery, these sweet dumplings are a must for Ganesh Chaturthi. In many homes, modaks are the centerpiece, and Ganesha idols themselves are often depicted holding them, symbolizing his fondness for this sweet treat.
Poorna Boorelu:
Another beloved naivedyam is Poorna Boorelu (known as Pooran Poli in North India). Made of wheat flour, jaggery, and coconut, this sweet is often offered not just during Ganesh Chaturthi, but at the beginning of any auspicious event.
Laddus:
Besan (chickpea flour) and jaggery laddus are famous all over India and are another favorite of Ganesha. Many in Maharashtra believe that offering laddus to Ganesha brings prosperity to the household. After the festival, these laddus are shared with neighbors, with the belief that misfortunes will be kept at bay.
Palkova:
Palkova, made with milk, sugar, flour, and cardamom, is a thick milk sweet offered widely, especially in North India. There is a tradition that devotees must taste this offering immediately after the pooja. It is believed that presenting milk-based sweets attracts the blessings of Goddess Lakshmi as well.
Atukulu Payasam:
Atukulu (beaten rice) payasam is another significant sweet. There’s even a myth that Kubera once made this offering to Ganesha, who continued accepting it until Lord Shiva intervened!
Bananas:
As an elephant-headed deity, bananas are symbolic and loved by Ganapati. In many states, devotees first offer bananas before other sweets, hoping for wealth and prosperity.
Shrikhand:
Shrikhand, a mixture of yogurt, sugar, dry fruits, and cardamom, is especially popular in North India as an offering to Ganapati during Ganesh Chaturthi.
Garelu and Payasam:
In Telugu states, dishes like garelu (lentil fritters) and payasam (milk pudding) are also customary naivedyams. It is believed that Ganesha bestows happiness, success, and good health on those who offer these.
Across regions, each family has its own favorite recipes, but offering these nine special naivedyams with devotion is thought to undoubtedly invite the grace of Ganesha. This Ganesh Chaturthi, prepare these offerings at home and lovingly present them to the deity to receive blessings of happiness and abundance.
