10 Best Sweets for Ganesh Chaturthi: You must try

Ganesh Chaturthi, one of the most widely celebrated Hindu festivals, marks the birthday of Lord Ganesha, the deity of wisdom, prosperity, and new beginnings. The festival is characterized by joyous gatherings, colorful processions, and most importantly, a variety of mouthwatering sweets that are prepared as offerings to Lord Ganesha. Known for his love of sweets, particularly Modaks, Ganesha inspires devotees to create an elaborate spread of traditional Indian mithai during the festivities. Here, we present a curated list of the 10 best sweets for Ganesh Chaturthi, which will not only delight Ganesha but also your family and guests.

 

1. Steamed Modak (Ukadiche Modak)

No Ganesh Chaturthi celebration is complete without Modaks. Steamed Modaks, known as Ukadiche Modak in Marathi, are the quintessential sweet offering to Lord Ganesha. These delicate dumplings are made from rice flour and stuffed with a sweet filling of grated coconut and jaggery, flavored with cardamom. Steamed to perfection, they are served with a drizzle of ghee, offering a melt-in-the-mouth experience. Steamed Modaks are considered Ganesha’s favorite, symbolizing prosperity and joy.

 

 

 

2. Fried Modak

For those who prefer a crispier option, Fried Modaks are an excellent alternative. Made with wheat flour or all-purpose flour, these modaks have a crunchy outer layer and a rich, aromatic filling of coconut, jaggery, and dry fruits. Unlike steamed Modaks, these can be prepared ahead of time and stored in an airtight container, making them a convenient and delicious snack to serve during the festival.

 

 

3. Mawa Modak

For a richer version of the traditional Modak, Mawa Modaks are a luxurious treat. Made with mawa (khoya), sugar, and flavored with saffron and cardamom, these Modaks have a creamy texture and an indulgent flavor. They are perfect for those who want to add a touch of opulence to their Ganesh Chaturthi spread.

 

Image Courtesy: Arti madan

 

 

4. Kesar Peda

Pedas are soft, milk-based sweets that melt in your mouth with every bite. Kesar Peda, made with mawa, sugar, and flavored with saffron, is a popular choice during Ganesh Chaturthi. These yellow-hued sweets are often shaped into small discs and garnished with pistachios, making them visually appealing and absolutely delightful.

 

 

5. Malai Peda

If you’re looking for something even creamier, Malai Pedas are a must-try. These sweets are made from condensed milk and flavored with cardamom, giving them a rich and creamy texture. Malai Pedas are often garnished with nuts and can be made in advance to be served as prasad or offered to guests.

 

 

6. Kaju Katli

Kaju Katli, or cashew fudge, is a popular sweet across India, especially during festivals like Diwali and Ganesh Chaturthi. Made with ground cashews and sugar syrup, these diamond-shaped delights are soft, nutty, and perfectly sweet. Kaju Katli is a great option for those who prefer sweets that are not overly sugary but still rich in flavor.

 

 

 

 

7. Besan Ladoo

Besan Ladoo, made from roasted gram flour (besan), ghee, and sugar, is another classic sweet that is commonly prepared during Ganesh Chaturthi. The nutty flavor of the besan, combined with the richness of ghee, creates a delightful ladoo that is both simple and satisfying. Besan Ladoos are easy to make and store, making them ideal for distributing among friends and family during the festivities.

 

 

8. Rava Ladoo

Rava Ladoos, made from semolina (rava), coconut, sugar, and ghee, are another favorite during the festival. These ladoos have a slightly grainy texture, which makes them unique compared to other sweets. Lightly spiced with cardamom and garnished with raisins and nuts, Rava Ladoos are easy to prepare and can be stored for several days.

 

 

 

9. Badam Halwa

Badam Halwa, a rich and luxurious almond dessert, is often prepared during festive occasions like Ganesh Chaturthi. Made by grinding almonds and cooking them with ghee, sugar, and milk, this halwa has a thick, velvety texture and a beautiful aroma. It's a great option for those who want to prepare a royal treat for Ganesha and their loved ones.

 

 

10. Coconut Barfi

Coconut Barfi, or Nariyal Barfi, is a simple yet delicious sweet made with grated coconut, sugar, and milk. The soft, chewy texture of the coconut, combined with the sweetness of sugar and the richness of ghee, makes this barfi a crowd-pleaser. You can add a hint of cardamom or saffron to enhance the flavor. Coconut Barfi is often cut into squares or diamonds and can be prepared quickly, making it an easy yet impressive offering for Ganesh Chaturthi.