FESTIVE OFFERINGS TO LORD GANESHA

Ganesh Chaturthi also known as Vinayak Chaturthi or Ganeshotsav is a Hindu festival commemorating the birth of the Hindu god Ganesha. The festival is marked with the installation of Ganesha’s clay idols privately in homes and publicly on elaborate pandals (temporary stages). Observances include chanting of Vedic hymns and Hindu texts, such as prayers and vrata (fasting) Offerings and prasad from the daily prayers, that are distributed from the pandal to the community, include sweets such as modaka as it is believed to be a favourite of Ganesha. The festival ends on the tenth day after the start, when the idol is carried in a public procession with music and group chanting, then immersed in a nearby body of water such as a river or sea, called visarjan on the day of Ananta Chaturdashi. In Mumbai alone, around 150,000 statues are immersed annually. Thereafter the clay idol dissolves and Ganesha is believed to return to his celestial abode. He is believed to remove obstacles and usher in success and prosperity. 2. Wisdom and knowledge: Ganesha is revered as the god of wisdom, intellect, and learning. His prominent head signifies the importance of using intelligence to surmount life’s challenges.

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Although the origin of Ganesh Chaturthi remains unknown, it became increasingly popular after a public celebration was initiated by political activist, Bal Gangadhar Tilak in Maharashtra in the year 1893. It was a means to form a “Hindu nationalist identity” and rebel against British rule. Athletic and martial arts competitions are also held at public venues, along with reading texts and group feasting. The festival celebrates Ganesha as the God of New Beginnings and the Remover of Obstacles as well as the god of wisdom and intelligence and is observed throughout India, especially in states such as Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, Karnataka, Kerala, Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu and Goa.

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We all know that Lord Ganesha loves modak and laddoos; hence, it is suggested to offer him different varieties of modak and laddoos during his stay at home. As per experts, devotees who observe fast should avoid eating savoury dishes before offering prayer and arti to Bappa every morning until his departure. Flattened or beaten rice is mixed with ghee, grated coconut flesh, and seasonal fruits and offered to Lord Ganesha, as it is believed that he loves this simple prasad. Dhurva: Ganesha is known for his love for food. He likes to eat many things and enjoys hearty meals. According to Hindu mythology, Lord Ganesha was also named ‘Modapriya’ for his immense love for Modaks and was believed to be his favourite food. It is believed that offering 21 Modaks as a bhog can satiate Lord Ganesha and Lord Shiva at the same time.

Here are a few sweet offerings to Lord Ganesha this festive season: Ganapati Bappa Moriya!!!

Recipe-1] KARANJI KI MITHAAS

RECIPE- 2] NUTKHUT SEVIYAAN

RECIPE-3] MEETHI MUSKAAN SWEET

RECIPE-4] TRIKONA MITHAI

RECIPE- 5] DILKHUSH KHEER KI PESHGI

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