Ganesh Chaturthi or Vinayaka Chaturthi is just around the corner, and it's one of India's most widely celebrated festivals. The festivities are marked by vibrant celebrations throughout the country. Here’s a delightful list of sweets and snacks you can prepare for this Ganesh Chaturthi!
Ganesh Chaturthi is one of India's most widely celebrated festivals, and no celebration is complete without food. This roundup brings together 60+ Ganesh Chaturthi recipes from the blog - modak, ladoo, barfi, kheer, halwa, and a full spread of Maharashtrian and South Indian prasad and festive dishes - so you can plan your entire menu for Bappa's homecoming in one place.
Ganesh Chaturthi (also called Vinayaka Chaturthi) marks the birth of Lord Ganesha and is celebrated for 10 days. In 2026, it begins on September 14 and ends with the idol immersion, Anant Chaturdashi, on September 25. Modak is the festival's signature sweet, believed to be Ganesha's favorite, and is traditionally the first dish offered as prasad.
Here’s a delightful list of sweets and snacks you can prepare for this Ganesh Chaturthi!
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What is Ganesh Chaturthi?
Ganesh Chaturthi is a 10-day Hindu festival celebrating the birth of Lord Ganesha, revered as the Lord of Wisdom and the remover of obstacles. Ganesha is traditionally worshipped before any new beginning, which is why he's also known as the Lord of Beginnings.
For ten days, clay idols of Ganesha are welcomed into homes and public pandals and worshipped daily, accompanied by chants of "Ganpati Bappa Morya, Mangal Murti Morya." The festival closes with Ganesha Visarjan on Anant Chaturdashi, when the idols are carried in procession and immersed in water.
In South India, the same festival is celebrated as Vinayaka Chaturthi (or Vinayaka Chavithi) - Ganesha is honored there as Vigna Harta, the remover of obstacles, which gives the festival its name.
Sweets play a central role in the celebrations and are offered to Ganesha as prasad (naivedya) before being shared with family and guests. Below, you'll find Ganesh Chaturthi sweets and snacks organized by category, plus regional Maharashtrian and South Indian menu ideas if you're planning a full spread.
A note on ingredients: many traditional Ganesh Chaturthi and Vinayaka Chaturthi recipes are made without onion and garlic, since satvik (pure) food is preferred during the festival. Recipes below that include onion or garlic are marked - simply omit them if you're keeping a satvik kitchen for the festival.
Modak Recipe For Ganesh Chaturthi
Modak is the festival's signature sweet and is traditionally the first offering made to Ganesha - legend holds it's his favorite food.
Ladoo Recipes
Barfi Recipes
Kheer Recipes
Halwa Recipes
More Sweets For Vinayaka Chaturthi
Maharashtrian Ganesh Chaturthi Recipes
Every family has its own favorite dishes for Ganesh Chaturthi. Here are Maharashtrian recipes from the blog that work well for the festival - modak is traditionally made on the first day of the celebration.
Please note: some recipes below include onion and garlic. Omit them if you're keeping a satvik kitchen during the festival.
Breakfast & Snacks
Vrat-Friendly Green Chutneys:
Lunch or Dinner
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South Indian Vinayaka Chaturthi Recipes
Every family has its own favorite dishes for Vinayaka Chaturthi. Here are South Indian recipes from the blog that work well for the festival - modak is traditionally made on the first day of the celebration.
Please note: some recipes below may include onion and garlic. Omit them if you're keeping a satvik kitchen during the festival.
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More Recipe Collections You Might Like
If you're planning your full festival menu, these roundups from the blog pair well with this one:
Diwali Recipes - Ganesh Chaturthi kicks off the festival season, and Diwali isn't far behind. This roundup has 40+ sweets, snacks, and mains to help you plan ahead for the Festival of Lights.
Indian Sweets & Desserts - Want more mithai options beyond what's on this list? This collection rounds up 20+ classic Indian desserts that work just as well for Ganpati prasad as they do for any other celebration.
Indian Appetizers - Hosting friends and family for get-together? This roundup has 35+ starters and snacks to serve before the main meal.
Instant Pot Indian Recipes - This collection of 35+ Instant Pot recipes cuts down on hands-on time without cutting corners on flavor.
Vegan Indian Recipes - Keeping a satvik or fully plant-based kitchen this year? This roundup has 130+ dairy-free recipes spanning curries, snacks, and sweets.
Diabetes-Friendly Indian Recipes - Planning a lighter festival spread? This collection has 99+ dishes that keep the festive flavor without the sugar spikes.
FAQ's
Ganesh Chaturthi 2026 begins on September 14 and continues for 10 days, ending with Anant Chaturdashi (idol immersion) on September 25.
Modak is the most traditional offering, since it's believed to be Ganesha's favorite sweet. Other common prasad items include ladoo, kheer, coconut burfi, and other festive sweets made without onion or garlic.
According to tradition, modak, a steamed or fried dumpling with a sweet coconut-jaggery filling is offered to Ganesha as his favorite food and is typically the first dish prepared on the first day of the festival.
Many families cook satvik (pure) food during the festival and skip onion and garlic in their dishes. It's a personal or family tradition rather than a strict rule, several recipes in this roundup are naturally onion-and-garlic-free, and others can be easily adapted.
Ganesh Chaturthi is celebrated for 10 days, though some households and communities observe shorter durations of 5, 7, or 11 days before immersion.
They're the same festival - Ganesh Chaturthi is the name used in North and West India, while Vinayaka Chaturthi (or Vinayaka Chavithi) is the name used in South India.
Wishing you a very Happy Ganesh Chaturthi!
I hope you guys enjoy this collection of Ganpati recipes. If you try any of the recipes, leave a comment or share on Facebook or Instagram. I would love to hear back from you!
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