This post includes Ganesh Chaturthi Recipes, from traditional modak (kozhukattai) to prasadam, sweets like laddu (ladoo), appe, kheer(payasam), and lunch recipes. Ganesh Chaturthi is celebrated on Wednesday, August 27, 2025.
|| Wish you all a very Happy Gowri Ganesha Festival ||
Ganesh Chaturthi, also known as Vinayaka Chaturthi in South India, is a very auspicious day celebrated throughout the country. On this day, we pray to Lord Ganesha or Ganapati Bappa that all good tasks started this year should be completed without any vignas (obstacles). Lord Ganesha is also called Vigna Vinayaka.
Ganesh Chaturthi Special Recipes
Ganesh Chaturthi sweets and lunch recipes, prasadam and naivedyam, vary from one family to another, region to region, and from state to state.
Modak, a popular recipe and Ganapati bappas favorite, is known as kozhukattai in Kerala and Tamil Nadu. When you visit the Mangalore Udupi region, you will see that modak is deep-fried and made with bananas, totally different from Maharashtrian steamed or ukadiche modak, made from rice flour.
Along with modak, appe (paniyaram), panchakajjaya (sweet poha), chakli, nevri (gujiya), and ladoo is believed to be Lord Ganesha's favorite food. I am from the coastal region of Karnataka, India. So, most of my recipes are influenced by this region.
Check with your family elders and follow the traditions and fasting rules. Some regions do not prefer onion-garlic recipes; all the recipes below are without onion and garlic. Meanwhile, others do not eat regular salt, rice, or wheat flour on fasting or festival days.
To make it easy for all of us, I have listed some of the popular traditional sweets and savory recipes, both South Indian and North Indian, prepared on the occasion of Ganesha Chaturthi. I hope this makes your job easier. These recipes can be prepared for sankashti chaturthi as well.
Also, don't miss to check on some of the best and classic Indian desserts as well as vrat and fasting recipes.
Eat Well, Stay Healthy & Happy! Ganpati bappa morya pudhchya varshi lavkar ya!
Modak
Modak is a traditional sweet recipe for Ganesh Chaturthi and is prepared in different ways. Maharashtrian Modak, made with rice flour and stuffed with sweet and coconut filling, is a very popular one and offered as naivedyam to Lord Ganesha.
Along with modak, for other traditional naivedyam make 21 appe, also known as paniyaram or appo in konkani ( rice appe, temple style appe, or instant wheat appe) and ladoo like rava ladoo, besan ladoo, or coconut ladoo.
Ganesh chaturthi special Ukadiche Modak
Ukadiche Modak is a popular steamed sweet dumpling from India prepared on the occasion of the Ganesh Chaturthi festival using rice flour, coconut, and jaggery as main ingredients.
Check out this recipe.
Mangalorean style Banana Modak (Kele Mulik)
Modak is a very popular naivedyam recipe prepared for lord Ganesha (Ganapati) on the occasion of Ganesh Chaturthi and Sankashti Chaturthi. Today's post is all about banana modak, also known as kele mulik, a traditional fried modak recipe from Konkani cuisine. I call it an Indian-style donut hole. These modaks can be prepared in less than 30 minutes.
Check out this recipe.
Chocolate or Bounty Modak
Bounty Modak or Chocolate Modak is a rich and creamy, addictive and melt-in-mouth recipe that you should try for Ganesh Chaturthi this year. Bounty Modak is going to be a sure-shot crowd-pleaser. Ganpati Bappa Moraya.
Check out this recipe.
Ganesh Chaturthi Prasadam
Along with modak, as mentioned earlier, some of the popular naivedyam and prasadam recipe that is made during the Ganesh Chaturthi festival includes panchamrit (panchamrut), appe, also known as paddu, appo, paniyarm and panchakajjaya (panchkadayi). Other sweet as well as savory snacks that are traditionally made in North Indian and South Indian include karanji (gujiya), shankarpali, chakli (murukku), vada, patoli, ladoo (laddu), kheer and payasam, halwa, etc.
Panchamrut Recipe
Panchamrut (Panchamrit) is the holy and sacred recipe, a mixture of 5 ingredients: milk, curd, ghee, honey, and sugar, used traditionally in Hindu worship for puja and abhisheka, which is distributed to devotees as prasad.
Check out this recipe.
Panchakajjaya - 3 ways, Jaggery Based Sweet
Panchakajjaya or Panchkadayi is a very popular prasad or naivedyam recipe from Mangalore, Udupi region of Karnataka, prepared during festivals like Ganesh Chaturthi, Varamahalakshmi, Janmashtami, Navratri, Diwali, etc.
Check out this recipe.
Gujiya (Nevri or Karanji)
Gujiya is an addictive, flavorful, and delicious Indian sweet recipe that is crispy and flaky on the outside with melt-in-mouth filling on the inside. Gujiya is specially prepared for Holi, Ganesh Chaturthi, Teej, and Diwali.
Check out this recipe.
Thick Milk Dessert Basundi
Basundi is a traditional Indian dessert that is rich, sweet, and creamy, made with thickened milk. This milk-based dessert is served during special occasions, festivals, and celebrations.
Check out this recipe.
Puran Poli
Puran Poli (Obbattu, Holige) is a traditional Indian sweet lentil stuffed flatbread recipe that is soft, light, and highly addictive. This dessert is prepared using chana dal (split yellow chickpeas or kadle bele), jaggery (brown sugar), cardamom powder, and flour.
Check out this recipe.
Classic Rice Appe (Konkani Style)
Sweet Rice Appo or Appe or Paniyaram is a soft and delicious melt in mouth Indian recipe prepared using rice, banana, jaggery (or sugar).The sweet version of appe is mainly prepared on the occasion of Ganesha Chaturthi or sankashti chaturthi.Modak and Appe is believed to be lord Ganesha’s most favorite food and twenty one modak and appe are offered as Naivedyam. I wish you all a very happy Gowri Ganesha Festival.
Check out this recipe.
Patholi - Classic Konkani Ganesh Chaturthi Special
Patoli or Patholi or Patoleo is a steamed Indian dish where the rice rolls or dumplings are filled with jaggery and coconut mixture. The highlight or the unique aroma of this dish comes by steaming it in turmeric leaves.
Check out this recipe.
Banana Appam (Appo)
Sweet Paniyaram or Banana Appam is an instant, and easy-to-make Indian snack or dessert recipe prepared using wheat flour, ripe banana, and jaggery as the main ingredients in less than 20 minutes.
Check out this recipe.
Murukku or Chakli
Murukku or Chakli is a crunchy, highly addictive, savory Indian snack made with five ingredients. It is traditionally prepared during festivals like Janmashtami, Ganesh Chaturthi, Diwali, and Navratri and is frequently served at home as a tea-time snack.
Check out this recipe.
Vada (Nippattu, Chekkalu)
Nippattu or Tandla Vado are crispy and crunchy deep-fried rice crackers made with just five ingredients.This nippatu is different from the ones that are sold in bakeries in Bangalore. Both are prepared using rice, but the spices and other ingredients make them different in taste and texture.
Check out this recipe.
Samo Rice Chakli
Samo Rice Chakli or Vrat Chakli is a crispy and crunchy fried dough or spiral-shaped savory snack prepared using five ingredients.These savory treats are the best accompaniment for evening tea or coffee during festivals like Diwali, Navratri, etc. I love munching these snacks throughout the day.
Check out this recipe.
Kayi Holige (Coconut Sweet)
Kayi Holige is a classic and traditional South Indian sweet prepared using flour, jaggery (brown sugar), and coconut. This filling differs from other puran poli and is served during festivals like Ugadi, Sankranti (Pongal), Ganesh Chaturthi, Diwali, and Ram Navami.
Check out this recipe.
Sweet poha prasad
Mangalorean Sweet Poha Prasad: A popular and easy-to-make naivedyam and prasadam recipe prepared traditionally using poha, coconut, jaggery, sesame seeds, and cardamom powder. This sweet dessert can be made in less than 10 minutes.
Check out this recipe.
Sweets for Ganesh Chaturthi
In this section, I have included ladoo (laddu), kheer and payasam, halwa, and burfi (barfi) sweets made for the Ganesh Chaturthi festival in North India and South India.
Classic Besan Laddu
Besan Ladoo or Besan Laddu is a popular, best, and easy Indian sweet recipe prepared using gram flour (besan or chickpea flour), ghee, and sugar. These laddus are served or distributed to friends and family during special occasions and festivals such as Diwali, Ganesh Chaturthi, and Holi.
Check out this recipe.
Atta Laddu or Churma Ladoo
Atta Ladoo or Wheat Flour Laddu with Jaggery is a classic and rich, melt-in-mouth, and irresistibly delicious Indian sweet recipe that you should prepare during any special occasion. I bet you can’t stop after eating one. I have received rave reviews from those who have tasted this laddu, so I am sure it will be a crowd favorite when you serve it to your loved ones.
Check out this recipe.
Rava Coconut Ladoo
Rava Laddu (Rava Coconut Ladoo) is an easy-to-make melt-in-mouth Indian sweet recipe prepared using basic ingredients from your kitchen in less than 30 minutes. One of the traditional Indian sweet recipes prepared during Raksha Bandhan, Ganesh Chaturthi, Diwali, etc.
Check out this recipe.
Badam Ladoo
Badam Laddu (Almond Ladoo) is an easy-to-make, melt-in-mouth bite-size treat prepared using five ingredients in less than 30 minutes. This Indian sweet ladoo is flourless and gluten-free.
Check out this recipe.
Coconut Laddu with 3 ingredients
Coconut Ladoo, popularly known as Nariyal Ke Laddu, is a quick & easy to make, soft & melt-in-mouth instant Indian sweet prepared using three simple ingredients from your kitchen in less than 15 minutes. These laddus are gluten-free and can be easily made vegan. Make this traditional coconut ladoo for Raksha Bandhan, Independence day, Janmashtami, Navratri, Ganesh Chaturthi, Diwali, Varamahalakshmi, or any special occasion any time of the year. It is very simple and easy to make and loved by all.
Check out this recipe.
Ganesh chaturthi special ladoo
Laddu with jaggery is a traditional recipe from the Mangalore and Udupi region, part of Coastal Karnataka in India. Laddu is prepared mainly during Janmashtami and Ganesh Chaturthi and offered to God in the form of naivedyam and then distributed as prasad.
Check out this recipe.
Sheera (Suji Ka Halwa)
Sheera is a popular Indian pudding dessert recipe with delicious flavor, ready in less than 20 minutes. Sheera Recipe or Sooji Ka Halwa is prepared using ghee, rava (sooji, semolina), sugar, and dried fruits & nuts of your choice. This Indian dessert is offered to God during Ganesh Chaturthi, Varalakshmi pooja, Navratri, Diwali, Ram Navami, Kanya puja, Makara Sankranti, Sai Guruvar, etc., in the form of naivedyam or prasad.
Check out this recipe.
Badam halwa
Badam Halwa is a popular Indian sweet recipe that is rich and melts in the mouth with aromatic flavor. This halwa is made using almonds (badam), ghee(clarified butter), milk, and sugar and flavored with cardamom and saffron(kesar). Almond halwa dessert can be prepared in less than 30 minutes.
Check out this recipe.
Pineapple sheera (kesari)
Pineapple Kesari, also known as Pineapple sheera or Pineapple halwa, is a quick and easy-to-make, melt-in-mouth delicious Indian dessert prepared in less than 20 minutes. This Indian sweet will entice your taste buds and satisfy all your sweet cravings.
Check out this recipe.
Coconut Burfi, Traditional Way
Coconut Burfi (Nariyal Barfi) is a traditional Indian sweet recipe prepared using only three ingredients in less than 30 minutes. This barfi sweet is easy to make, highly addictive, and flavorful.
Check out this recipe.
Coconut Barfi with Jaggery
Coconut Barfi is a melt-in-mouth, flavorful, and addictive Indian sweet recipe prepared using just 2 ingredients - fresh coconut and sticky jaggery in less than 30 minutes.
Check out this recipe.
Plain white milk barfi
Milk Barfi or Milk Powder Burfi is a popular, easy to make melt in mouth Indian dessert recipe prepared using five basic ingredients from your kitchen in less than 30 minutes—a perfect Indian sweet recipe to make for Diwali, Raksha Bandhan, Holi, or any special occasion.
Check out this recipe.
Rice Kheer (Doodh Pak)
Rice Kheer is a delightful and luxurious, traditional old-fashioned Indian rice pudding prepared using rice, milk, nuts, and aromatic spices. This is dessert meant for the royals!
Check out this recipe.
Vermicelli Kheer
Semiya Payasam or Vermicelli Kheer is a classic, easy-to-make, and popular Indian dessert recipe made with vermicelli (seviyan), milk, sugar, nuts, and cardamom or saffron in less than 20 minutes. This vermicelli pudding is prepared for Indian festivals and special occasions. Both stovetop and instant pot instructions are added.
Check out this recipe.
Chana Dal Kheer
Sabudana Chana Dal Payasam (Kadalai Paruppu Payasam) is a flavorful and easy-to-make South Indian sweet or pudding recipe made with dal, sabudana, jaggery, and coconut milk. This sweet payasam is prepared during festivals like Ganesh Chaturthi, Onam, and Navratri, for naivedyam and prasadam, and during Fasting, upvas, and vrat days.
Check out this recipe.
Sabudana Kheer
Sabudana Kheer, or Tapioca Pudding, is a popular, creamy, and classic Indian sweet pudding dessert prepared with tapioca pearls, milk, and sugar as the main ingredients.
Check out this recipe.
Breakfast & Lunch Recipes
This section includes North and South Indian breakfast recipes, lunch menu ideas, snacks, fritters, sundal, and more that are prepared for the Vinayaka Chathurthi festival.
Some popular ones are sabudana khichdi, chickpea sundal, fritter (podi from Mangalore), idli steamed in jackfruit leaves, dahi poha, samak chawal (varai), etc.
Sabudana Appe
Sabudana Appe is a quick and easy-to-make Indian snack that is crispy and crunchy on the outside with a soft and melt-in-mouth texture on the inside. This recipe is a no-fry version of traditional sabudana vada.
Check out this recipe.
Sabudana Khichdi
Sabudana Khichdi is a popular Indian breakfast recipe or comfort food prepared using sago or tapioca pearls, potatoes, crunchy and roasted nuts, lemon juice, and spices. It is chewy and fluffy in texture. Sago khichdi is one of the most popular fasting, upvas, or vrat recipe prepared during the Navratri season. This is also known as sago pilaf or pulao or pulav, aloo or potato khichdi, sabudana usal, or saggubiyyam upma.
Check out this recipe.
Sundal with Chickpeas
Sundal is an easy-to-make, healthy, protein-packed Indian recipe served for breakfast or an evening snack prepared using black or white chickpeas as the main ingredient. This sundal recipe is also popularly prepared during Gowri Ganesh Chaturthi, Navratri, and served in temples as prasad. It is also prepared on fasting and vrat days as it is a no onion, no garlic recipe.
Check out this recipe.
Green peas sundal (usli)
Pattani Sundal is a protein-packed, easy-to-make Indian breakfast recipe prepared using green peas, aromatic spices, and coconut. Like the traditional chickpea sundal, this version using peas is also prepared during Gowri Ganesh Chaturthi, Navratri, and served in temples as prasadam. Sundal or usli is also prepared on fasting and vrat days as it is a no onion, no garlic recipe.
Check out this recipe.
Sabudana Vada
Sabudana Vada is a crispy and addictive popular Indian snack or finger food prepared using sago, potatoes, and a few spices. These fried vadas are crunchy on the outside and chewy on the inside. Sabudana Vada is specially made during fasting, vrat, and upvas days like Navratri, Ekadashi, etc.
Check out this recipe.
Aloo Rasedar
Aloo Rasedar is a quick, easy-to-make Indian curry prepared using potatoes and tomatoes with aromatic spices. You need less than 30 minutes to make this simple potato curry. Serve it with dosa, poori, or any Indian flatbreads for breakfast, lunch, or dinner.
Check out this recipe.
Idli steamed in jackfruit leaves
Idli in Jackfruit leaves or Khotte Kadubu is a healthy and comforting, soft and fluffy savory cake, a two-ingredient popular Indian breakfast recipe. The idli batter is prepared using urad dal (split black lentil) and rice rava is fermented and steamed.
Check out this recipe.
Sabudana Idli
Sabudana Idli is an easy-to-make, soft, and spongy idli recipe that can be prepared for breakfast or an evening snack. No soda, urad dal, rice or grinding is required to make these idlis. You can also serve this on fasting and vrat days like Navratri, ekadashi, etc.
Check out this recipe.
Pulao with Samak Chawal
Samak Chawal Pulao or Barnyard Millet Pilaf is quick and easy to make, flavorful & fluffy, one-pot or one-pan recipe that can be prepared in less than 30 minutes. It becomes even more wholesome, satisfying, and tasty when you add more vegetables to the recipe.
Check out this recipe.
Dahi Poha - sweet and spicy
Dahi Poha (Curd Poha or Flavored Yogurt) is a quick and easy-to-make, cooling, and refreshing recipe prepared in 2 ways (sweet & spicy version) in less than 20 minutes. No cooking is required, only tempering.
Check out this recipe.
Konkani chane gashi
Chane Gashi is a popular no onion, no garlic recipe from Konkani cuisine prepared using chickpeas along with either raw jackfruit (kadgi) or potatoes (aloo) or yam (suvarnagedde) in a thick coconut spiced sauce.
Check out this recipe.
Mangalorean dalitoy
Pepper Dal, also known as Karkala temple-style dalithoy, dali tove, meere dali, daali toy, thoy, thove, konkani style dal, is easy to make dal recipe using toor dal (lentil). Pepper Dal can be served with steamed rice or with Indian breakfast items like idli, dosa, shevige, etc.
Check out this recipe.
Maharashtrian Batata Poha
Tarri Batata Poha is a spicy and flavorful, protein-packed, easy-to-make breakfast recipe prepared using chickpeas, poha (rice flakes), and batata (potato) as the main ingredients.Batata Poha is a popular street food recipe from Maharashtra and Gujarat. Poha, along with tarri, is so filling that it can also be served as one complete meal (lunch or dinner) during fasting, upvas, or vrat days.
Check out this recipe.
Mixed Vegetable curry (valval)
Vegetable Curry with Coconut Milk, popularly known as valval, is a Konkani dish from Mangalore prepared using a mixture of seasonal vegetables and coconut milk. This tastes best when served with steamed rice. Vegetables in coconut milk is a vegan, gluten-free, and no onion no garlic recipe.
Check out this recipe.
Temple style lemon rice
Lemon Rice or Chitranna is a very delicious and flavorful rice with right amount of crunchiness, spiciness, and tanginess. Lemon rice is a comfort food at many homes. If you have left over rice, then this dish can be prepared and served in less than 10 minutes.
Check out this recipe.
Coconut Rice
Coconut rice is a healthy, easy-to-make, flavorful rice dish prepared using grated coconut, aromatic spices, and rice. This coconut rice recipe is vegan, and dairy-free. If you have leftover rice, you can make this rice recipe in less than 10 minutes.
Check out this recipe.
Mangalorean podi (fritters)
JeevKadgi Podi
Jeev Kadgi Podi | Breadfruit Rava Fry or Fritters are deep-fried bites, crispy on the outside, soft and creamy on the inside, makes a perfect side or snack for any special gathering or festivals. These fritters can be prepared in less than 30 mins. The recipe is vegan and gluten-free.
Check out this recipe.
Fried Sweet Plantains
Fried Plantains or Sweet Plantain Fritters are delicious and easy-to-make snacks or finger foods prepared using ripe plantains and chickpea flour (besan) in less than 20 minutes. This plantain recipe is vegan, dairy-free, and gluten-free.
Check out this recipe.
Phagila Podi
Pagila podi, also known as Kantola fries, is a crispy seasonal special in the Coastal regions of India (Karnataka - Mangalore, Udupi; Goa; West Bengal; Orissa; etc.) prepared using spiny gourd. These fries are addictive with their unique taste and texture.
Check out this recipe.
Karate Podi (Bitter melon Fritters)
Bitter Melon Fritters Recipe (Karate Podi or Kakarakaya fry): These are crispy and crunchy, easy-to-make finger food prepared using rice flour, bitter gourd (karela), and chile powder. Serve this as a side for lunch with dalitoy and steamed rice for a traditional Konkani meal.
Check out this recipe.
Mixed vegetable podi
Vegetable Fries or Konkani Podi is a crispy, quick, and easy-to-make side dish prepared using vegetables, rice flour, and chile powder as the main ingredient. Serve this with classic dalitoy and steamed rice for a simple and comforting meal.
Check out this recipe.
Also, try gajbaje (mangalorean vinayaka chaturthi recipe) and patrado (pathrode).
Recipe FAQs
What is the special dish of Ganesh Chaturthi?
Modak made with rice flour and filled with jaggery and coconut is the most special dish and considered the favorite food of Lord Ganesha.
What to offer as prasad in Ganesh Chaturthi?
Traditionally, modak, panchamrut, panchakajjaya, chakli, nevri (gujiya), and puran poli are among the top dishes that are offered as naivedyam and prasdam for Ganesh Chaturthi.
Recipe card
Ganesh Chaturthi Recipes | Prasadam Recipes for Vinayaka Chaturthi
This post includes Ganesh Chaturthi Recipes from traditional modak (kozhukattai) to prasadam, sweets like laddu (ladoo), appe, kheer(payasam) and lunch recipes. This Ganesha festival is also known as vinayagar chaturthi.
Ingredients
Traditional Modak Ingredients
- 2 cups Coconut grated
- 1 cup Jaggery powder or grated
- ¼ teaspoon Cardamom powder
- 2 tablespoon Ghee
- 1 cup Rice flour
- 1 ½ cups Water approx, check steps
- ¼ teaspoon Salt adjust to taste
Ganesh Chaturthi Special Dishes
Instructions
- The filling made using coconut and jaggery for steamed modak can also be used to make other sweets like sweet poha, gujiya, patholi, kayi holige. The outer covering is what gets changed.
- You can check stepwise pictures on making of modak with and without mold.
Video
Notes
- Plan your Ganesh Chaturthi lunch menu and click on the recipes given above for detailed special sweets, snacks, and prasadam recipes.
- Wish you all a very happy Gowri Ganesha festival
Nutrition
Calories: 126kcalCarbohydrates: 20gProtein: 1gFat: 5gSaturated Fat: 4gPolyunsaturated Fat: 0.1gMonounsaturated Fat: 1gCholesterol: 4mgSodium: 35mgPotassium: 39mgFiber: 1gSugar: 12gVitamin C: 0.3mgCalcium: 7mgIron: 0.4mg
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!
Note: We originally posted this Ganesh Chaturthi recipe in Sept 2018. It has now been modified in July 2024 with Expert Chef Tips, FAQs, Storage Instructions, etc.
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Helen
These all look so delicious, especially the sweets! Yum!
Radha
This is an amazing collection and I would be happy to try a few for the upcoming festival. Thanks for sharing.