Traditional Ganesh Chaturthi Prasad: A Guide to Sacred Offerings

One of the fondest childhood memories many of us hold close to our hearts is of the special Ganesh Chaturthi prasad offered during the festival that celebrates Lord Ganesh’s birth. Home seems to have a different meaning during that time. It’s one filled with all your loved ones, extended family, delicious food, and never-ending conversations. As grownups, each day is a fast-paced one. But what keeps us all involved, from one festival to another, apart from the faith and devotional element, is the idea of slowing down; to take a moment, and think of all those honey-dewed memories intertwined with delicious foods served as Ganesh Puja prasad. It’s why most people say, the fondest memories are those that are made in the kitchen.

Be it the excitement of standing next to your mother in the kitchen as a kid, or the peaceful moments of solitude as a grown-up, the space holds a soft corner in most of our hearts. No matter where you are, the one thing that always pulls you back to your childhood roots is the distinct smell of coconut that emanates from your kitchen during these special days.

As the auspicious occasion of Ganesh Chaturthi knocks on our doors, we hope these traditional festive desserts bring a smile to your face, and fill you with a gush of happy memories.

Here are some Ganesh Chaturthi prasad recipes that are also supposedly Ganesh ji’s favorite food items that you must try this festive season:

Panchamrit:

Ingredients:

• 2 tbsp milk
• 2 tbsp yogurt
• 2 tbsp honey
• 2 tbsp ghee
• 2 tbsp sugar
• 1/2 tsp tulsi leaves (basil), chopped (optional)
• 1/4 tsp cardamom powder

Method:

1. In a clean bowl, mix milk, yogurt, honey, ghee, and sugar. Please stir the ingredients well until the sugar dissolves completely.
2. Add chopped tulsi leaves and cardamom powder to the mixture. Now, mix them well until all is combined.
3. Transfer the Panchamrit to a clean bowl, and offer it to Lord Ganesh during the puja.
   
   

Sabudana Kheer:

Ingredients:

• 100 gm sabudana (tapioca pearls)
• 1l milk
• 100 gm sugar
• 60 ml water
• 35 gm cashews, chopped
• 30 gm almonds, chopped
• 40 gm raisins
• 1/2 tsp cardamom powder
• 2 tbsp ghee

Method:

1. First and foremost, you must soak the sabudana in water for two to three hours until they soften completely.
2. Take a pan, heat the ghee in it, and then add the soaked sabudana. Saute for a few minutes until the pearls become translucent.
3. To prepare the kheer, you need to add the milk to the pan and bring it to a boil. Reduce the heat and let it simmer, stirring occasionally, until the milk thickens slightly.
4. After this, add the sugar and continue to cook until the sugar dissolves completely.
5. Now add the chopped cashews and almonds, along with raisins and some cardamom powder. Mix well and cook for another five to seven minutes, until the kheer reaches a desired consistency.
6. Transfer the Sabudana kheer to a clean bowl and offer it as prasad. You can serve it while it is still warm or you can even serve it chilled.

Chana Sundal:

Ingredients:

• 200 gm chickpeas (kabuli chana)
• 40 gm grated coconut
• 1 tbsp oil
• 1 tsp mustard seeds
• 1 tsp urad dal (split black gram)
• 1 tsp chana dal (split Bengal gram)
• 2 dried red chilies
• 1 sprig of curry leaves
• A pinch of asafoetida
• Salt to taste
• 1 tbsp chopped coriander leaves (for garnish)

Method:

1. Prepare the chickpeas. For this, you need to soak the chickpeas overnight in water. After this, drain and pressure cook with fresh water and a little bit of salt until they’re soft but not mushy. Drain the water and set it aside.
2. Temper the spices. For this, you need to heat oil in a pan, and then add the mustard seeds and let them splutter. Now, add urad dal, and chana dal, while you saute until they turn golden brown. After this, add dried red chillies, curry leaves, and asafoetida. Saute for a few seconds until the spices release their aroma.
3. Combine the chickpeas. For this, you need to add the cooked chickpeas to the pan. Mix well and saute for a few minutes.
4. After this, add the grated coconut and salt to taste. Mix well and cook for two to three minutes until the coconut is well incorporated with the chickpeas.
5. Now, transfer the Chana Sundal to a clean bowl and offer it as prasad. Garnish with chopped coriander leaves before serving if you want to.
   
   

Celebrating Ganesh Chaturthi is incomplete without offering traditional prasad to Lord Ganesha, symbolizing devotion and gratitude. These sacred offerings, from the creamy Sabudana Kheer to the simple yet flavorful Chana Sundal, bring a unique spiritual essence to the festivities.

Preparing these Ganesh Chaturthi prasad recipes with love and care not only honors the deity but also strengthens our connection with our roots and culture. As you try these sacred dishes, remember they are more than just food; they are an offering of devotion, faith, and reverence. Let these recipes add a touch of tradition and divine blessings to your Ganesh Chaturthi celebrations.

Method:

1. Prepare the chickpeas. For this, you need to soak the chickpeas overnight in water. After this, drain and pressure cook with fresh water and a little salt until they are soft but not mushy. Drain the water and set aside.
2. Temper the spices. For this, you need to heat oil in a pan, and then add in the mustard seeds and let them splutter. Now, add urad dal and chana dal while you saute until they turn golden brown. After this add dried red chillies, curry leaves, and asafoetida. Saute for a few seconds until the spices release their aroma.
3. Combine the chickpeas. For this, you need to add the cooked chickpeas to the pan. Mix well and saute for a few minutes.
4. After this, add the grated coconut and salt to taste. Mix well and cook for two to three minutes, until the coconut is well incorporated with the chickpeas.
5. Now, transfer the Chana Sundal to a clean bowl and offer it as prasad. Garnish with chopped coriander leaves before serving if you want to.
   
   

Celebrating Ganesh Chaturthi is incomplete without offering traditional prasad to Lord Ganesha, symbolizing devotion and gratitude. These sacred offerings, from the creamy Sabudana Kheer to the simple yet flavorful Chana Sundal, bring a unique spiritual essence to the festivities.

Preparing these Ganesh Chaturthi prasad recipes with love and care not only honors the deity but also strengthens our connection with our roots and culture. As you try these sacred dishes, remember they are more than just food; they are an offering of devotion, faith, and reverence. Let these recipes add a touch of tradition and divine blessings to your Ganesh Chaturthi celebrations.