Ganesh Chaturthi Food & Puja Guide: Modaks, Prasad, Samagri, Decorations & Traditions
There is a particular kind of excitement that comes with getting the house ready for Ganpati. One corner slowly becomes the puja space. Flowers appear on the shopping list. Someone starts thinking about modaks. The good thali comes out of the cabinet. And somehow, even after making three lists, there is always one thing everyone remembers at the last minute. Ganesh Chaturthi is celebrated in different ways across Indian households. Some families welcome Ganesha for a day, while others continue their celebrations for several days before Visarjan. The food changes from one region to another, as do the prayers, decorations and specific rituals. What remains familiar is the idea of welcoming Lord Ganesha with devotion, offering bhog, gathering with family and beginning the festive period on an auspicious note. For families celebrating away from India, a little planning makes an especially big difference. Fresh durva may require more effort to find than rice flour. Your favorite mithai shop may be miles away. A family recipe may need an ingredient that isn't sitting in the neighborhood supermarket. So instead of treating puja, food and decorations as separate jobs, it helps to plan the celebration as a whole. Here is a practical guide to doing exactly that.
Ganesh Chaturthi at a Glance