Ganesh Chaturthi 2025: Date, Muhurat Timings, And 5 Classic Bhog Recipes
Quick Read
Summary is AI-generated, newsroom-reviewed
Ganesh Chaturthi is celebrated with devotion and joy across India. Devotees prepare to welcome Lord Ganesha into their homes with elaborate rituals, decorations, and festive foods. The festival marks the birth anniversary of Lord Ganesha, son of Lord Shiva, and people pray for wealth, prosperity, and success. According to the Hindu calendar, Ganesh Chaturthi falls in the Shukla Paksha of the Bhadrapada month, typically around August or September. Also called Ganeshotsav, it is a 10-day festival culminating with Ganesh Visarjan on the last day, Anant Chaturdashi.
Also Read: Ganesh Chaturthi Modak Tips: Make Perfect Udkiche Modaks Every Time With These Tips
Ganesh Chaturthi 2025: Date, Time And Muhurat
Ganesha Chaturthi will be observed on Wednesday, August 27, 2025
Madhyahna Ganesha Puja Muhurat - 11:05 AM to 01:40 PM
Duration - 02 Hours 34 Minutes
Ganesha Visarjan will fall on Saturday, September 6, 2025
Time to avoid Moon sighting on previous day - 01:54 PM to 08:29 PM, August 26
Duration - 06 Hours 34 Minutes
Time to avoid Moon sighting - 09:28 AM to 08:57 PM
Duration - 11 Hours 29 Minutes
Chaturthi Tithi Begins - 01:54 PM on August 26, 2025
Chaturthi Tithi Ends - 03:44 PM on August 27, 2025
(Source: Drikpanchang.com)
Also Read: How Saffron Adds A Dash Of Auspiciousness To Ganesh Chaturthi
How Ganesh Chaturthi Is Celebrated Across India
Ganeshotsav is observed across India with enthusiasm, but it holds a unique charm in Maharashtra. The Lalbaug Ka Raja idol and pandal are famous nationwide, attracting thousands of devotees. Beyond community worships, many families bring Ganesh idols home and perform daily rituals for ten days. Homes are decorated with lights and flowers, and the deity is adorned with fine clothes and floral jewellery. Devotees wear new clothes, clean their homes, and prepare an array of sweet and savoury dishes to please Lord Ganesha.
Significance of Offering Bhogs To Lord Ganesha
Food is central to Ganesh Chaturthi celebrations. Offering bhogs or prasads to Lord Ganesha is a gesture of devotion, gratitude, and seeking blessings. Sweet dishes such as modaks are believed to be the favourite of Lord Ganesha, symbolising happiness, prosperity, and removal of obstacles. Savoury dishes and seasonal fruits complete the offering, representing abundance and respect for nature's bounty. Preparing these foods is also a family activity, strengthening bonds and keeping traditional culinary practices alive.
Regional Variations In Ganesh Chaturthi Foods
While Maharashtra is famous for puran poli and ukdiche modak, other regions have their specialities. Tamil Nadu features kozhukattai, a rice dumpling with coconut-jaggery filling, while Karnataka enjoys holige and several ladoo varieties. Andhra Pradesh and Telangana often prepare ariselu and different types of laddu. Each region brings its unique flavours and techniques to the festival, showcasing India's rich culinary diversity.
5 Classic Sweet And Savoury Dishes For Ganesh Chaturthi
Here are five essential recipes that are widely prepared during Ganesh Chaturthi. These dishes can be offered as bhogs or enjoyed at home with family.
1. Puran Poli
A Maharashtrian favourite, puran poli is a paratha stuffed with a sweet dal filling. It is soft, generously spread with ghee, and melts in your mouth effortlessly. Click here for the recipe.
2. Modak
This sweet is a flour dumpling filled with coconut, jaggery, nutmeg, and saffron. The steamed version, known as 'ukdiche modak', is popular, though fried modaks are also enjoyed. Click here for the recipe.
3. Churma Ladoo
Churma ladoo is made from a mixture of atta, sugar, ghee, and nuts, powdered and shaped into ladoos or modaks. It is a traditional sweet often offered to Lord Ganesha. Click here for the recipe.
4. Sheera
Sheera is a rich pudding made with rava, sugar, dry fruits, and ample ghee. Some variations include pineapple or banana for added flavours. Click here for the recipe.
5. Kozhukattai
Kozhukattai is a steamed rice dumpling with jaggery and coconut filling. Unlike the usual modak shape, these sweets are round and bite-sized, making them easy to serve and enjoy. Click here for the recipe.
Tips For Preparing Ganesh Chaturthi Sweets At Home
Preparing sweets at home can be simple with a few practical steps that ensure your bhogs look and taste perfect:
Keep jaggery lumps-free by melting and straining them before mixing.
Steam modaks for 10-15 minutes to allow the filling to set perfectly.
Use fresh ghee generously to enhance both flavour and texture.
For ladoos, shape the mixture while it is slightly warm to prevent cracking.
These small steps help make your sweets visually appealing, delicious, and ready to be offered to Lord Ganesha.
How To Decorate Your Ganesh Idol And Pooja Space
Creating a beautiful pooja space enhances the festive mood and adds a personal touch:
Use fresh flowers, garlands, and lights to create a sacred atmosphere.
Make rangoli designs at the entrance to welcome devotees with traditional charm.
Dress the idol in clean clothes, silk scarves, and floral jewellery to reflect devotion and care.
This combination of decoration and thoughtfulness makes the setup visually stunning and spiritually uplifting for the festival.
Eco-Friendly Ganesh Visarjan Practices
Sustainable celebrations are becoming increasingly important for modern devotees:
Choose clay idols over plaster of Paris to reduce environmental harm.
Use natural colours for decorations instead of synthetic paints.
Immerse idols in small water tanks or artificial ponds to minimise water pollution.
Opt for plant-based decorations and reusable items wherever possible.
These practices allow families to maintain the grandeur of tradition while protecting the environment.
Quick Ganesh Chaturthi Menu Planning
Planning your festival menu in advance ensures smooth preparation and a balanced offering:
Alongside the five classic bhogs, include seasonal fruits, coconut sweets, and light savoury snacks.
Mix traditional sweets with simple savories to create a visually attractive and comprehensive pooja offering.
Organising the menu ahead of time reduces last-minute stress and ensures that every item is ready for the deity and guests.
This approach keeps your Ganesh Chaturthi celebrations organised, enjoyable, and memorable.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Time of India
2 hours ago
- Time of India
Baby ponds across Hyderabad being revived as Ganesh Chaturthi draws close
1 2 3 Hyderabad: With Ganesh Chaturthi days away, concerns over water pollution have resurfaced as environmentalists flagged gaps in immersion arrangements across the city. Despite the Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation (GHMC) reviving 74 baby ponds across 25 lakes, environmentalists say the efforts are far from adequate to handle the sheer scale of idol immersions. Environmentalists note that most immersion ponds are too shallow and cannot accommodate the volume of idols brought in during the festival, leading to overflow into natural water bodies. While GHMC has said that awareness drives are underway and additional personnel will be deployed at immersion sites this year, activists argue that enforcement has remained weak. "Despite the ban, Plaster of Paris (PoP) idols continue to be produced, with no action against manufacturers or buyers. Orders restricting them are issued only days before the festival, by which time hundreds of idols are already made and sold," said environmentalist Kolipaka Prakash. You Can Also Check: Hyderabad AQI | Weather in Hyderabad | Bank Holidays in Hyderabad | Public Holidays in Hyderabad | Gold Rates Today in Hyderabad | Silver Rates Today in Hyderabad He added that the combined effect of PoP idols and ritual waste, such as iron rods, plastic decorations, flowers, and fruits, was disastrous for lake ecosystems. "Paints used on these idols leach harmful levels of lead, cobalt, and zinc into the water, further depleting oxygen. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Do you have a mouse? Play this for 1 minute and see why everyone is crazy about it. Play Game Undo This is slow poisoning, not just for aquatic life but for people too," Prakash added. As per the Telangana Pollution Control Board data, many lakes especially the major ones like Hussain Sagar, Durgam Cheruvu, Malkam Cheruvu have seen spiked pollution levels post immersion. Their dissolved oxygen levels (DOL) have been found as low as 1.5 mg/l against the WHO's guidelines of 10 mg/l. Similarly, the biochemical oxygen demand (BOD) levels on average remained 40 mg/l against the acceptable limit of 20 mg/l. While the chemical oxygen demand (COD) levels which have been found after the immersion in the Hussain Sagar are bad as wastewater as it crossed 200 mg/l last year. The contaminated water is often used by slum dwellers living near lake stretches, putting them at risk of skin ailments, respiratory infections, and even long-term illnesses such as cancer. "In fact, many lakes that see heavy immersions like Kokapet Lake, Kotha Cheruvu, Hydernagar Cheruvu, and others do not even have baby ponds. Our volunteers engaged in routine lake-cleaning drives have even found small idols regularly dumped directly into lakes, aggravating pollution levels," said Madhulika Chaudhary. Manognya Reddy from Kapra Revival Group said alternatives are available but poorly promoted. "We encourage small, eco-friendly idols made from flour and turmeric, which can be easily immersed at home. For those unable to make their own, clay Ganeshas are a better option. These can be immersed in buckets or in small apartment settings," she added. "We ensure that idols up to 10 feet are immersed into the baby pond, with the rest going into the main lake. We are focusing on minimising water pollution in the lakes. Every year, as soon as the pond fills up, they are cleaned to make more space for other idols. We are going to station officials also at the gates to divert the idols from the lake to the ponds," said an official from the GHMC. Stay updated with the latest local news from your city on Times of India (TOI). Check upcoming bank holidays , public holidays , and current gold rates and silver prices in your area.
NDTV
4 hours ago
- NDTV
8 Iconic Maharashtrian Snacks For Ganesh Chaturthi Celebrations
In a rush? Can't cook? Ganesh Chaturthi 2025 is set to begin on August 27. Many people are eagerly looking forward to this festival, and preparations are in full swing. Foodies are anticipating the chance to enjoy a range of festive delicacies - especially sweet ones like the famous modak. But if you're someone who prefers savoury treats, we have got you covered. Ganesh Chaturthi is a great time to indulge in delicious Maharashtrian snacks. These traditional delights are full of flavour. To get you started, we have listed some popular ones below: Ganesh Chaturthi 2025: Add These 8 Maharashtrian Snacks To Your Ganesh Chaturthi Celebrations 1. Batata Vada This iconic Maharashtrian snack is sure to be a crowd-pleaser. This ball-shaped vada has an aloo (potato) filling and a besan coating. Since this is a deep-fried indulgence, a festive celebration like Ganesh Chaturthi is the perfect excuse to enjoy batata vada. You can also serve it in the form of vada pav. 2. Kothimbir Vadi If you love the flavour of coriander ("kothimbir" in Marathi), you need to try this Maharashtrian snack. Kothimbir Vadi is made by combining these aromatic green leaves with besan and spices. The mixture is first steamed, then cut into pieces and fried until crisp. It has a unique texture that is absolutely irresistible. 3. Alu Vadi This yummy Maharastrian snack is made using colocasia leaves and besan. Also popular in Gujarat, Alu Vadi is especially savoured in the monsoon season. If you want to give your Ganesh Chaturthi celebration a distinctive traditional touch, add this dish to your menu. If you cannot make it from scratch, order it online. 4. Kanda Bhaji For many of us, no get-together feels truly complete without pakoras or bhajiyas. In Maharashtra, a particular type of onion fritter known as Kanda Bhaji is quite popular. It is wonderfully crunchy and pairs well with sweet and spicy chutneys. It is also beloved as a rainy day snack. 5. Poha Chivda Want something relatively light yet satisfying to munch on during your Ganesh Chaturthi celebrations? Opt for Maharashtrian-style poha chivda. This home-style snack mix combines roasted poha with peanuts, curry leaves, spices and other tasty elements. You can make/buy it in advance and store it for a long time. 6. Sabudana Vada If you're observing a fast (vrat/upvas) for Ganesh Chaturthi 2025, sabudana vada could be added to your diet - depending on the type of fast. But even if you're not restricting yourself, this snack is a delicious way to satisfy your hunger pangs at any time. Don't forget to relish it with curds and green chutney. 7. Thalipeeth If you're looking for a Maharashtrian snack that doesn't need to be deep-fried, choose thalipeeth. It is a wholesome flatbread-like delicacy made with different grains. Thalipeeth will keep you full for longer and will help you stay energised during Ganesh Chaturthi festivities. If you don't have time to cook, order it via a food delivery app. 8. Nivagrya Wondering what to do with leftover ukad at home? Ukad refers to the rice flour base used for the covering of the famous ukadiche modak during Ganesh Chaturthi. You can use it to make a savoury treat known as Nivagrya. This Maharashtrian recipe uses just a handful of ingredients: rice flour, green chillies, cumin, coriander and salt. Pieces of this mixture are steamed to prepare a unique festive snack. Try these Maharashtrian snacks soon and let us know your favourite. Happy Ganesh Chaturthi 2025!
Hindustan Times
13 hours ago
- Hindustan Times
Severed limbs leave Kishtwar's Chisoti shaken as several remain missing a week after cloudburst
A week after cloudburst hit Chisoti in Jammu and Kashmir, the recovery of almost as many severed limbs as intact bodies have left villagers and doctors at the Atholi sub-district hospital shaken. Dr Rakesh Kotwal, posted at the Atholi sub-district hospital, said that the final toll could be much higher.(X/ @SSPKishtwar) The hospital is located about 30 km from the affected area. Earlier this week on Monday, an intact body and a severed leg were recovered during rescue operations, Times of India reported. A day later on Tuesday, four more bodies and two severed feet were recovered, taking the death toll in the disaster to 68. Kishtwar district commissioner Pankaj Sharma said that the bodies and limbs recovered had been sent to GMC Kishtwar for DNA profiling, adding that DNA samples of kins had been collected and were being matched with the bodies recoevered from the debris. Sharma said that while there was no clear picture of those missing initially, in the days after the floods, the kin of the missing pilgrims had come forward and shared information with the command and control centre set up by the administration. 'Initially, 137 people were reported missing, out of whom 62 were rescued alive,' Sharma said. However, Dr Rakesh Kotwal, posted at the Atholi sub-district hospital, said that the final toll could be much higher. 'The way things are, the toll will not stop here,' Times of India quoted Kotwal as saying. Flash floods, triggered by a cloudburst, hit Jammu and Kashmir's Kishtwar on August 14. A large group of pilgrims were gathered at the Chisoti village, which is a key stop on the pilgrimage to the Hindu shrine Machail Mata Mandir, and were collecting food from a langar (community kitchen) when the floods washed them away. The floods also flattened a makeshift market, damaged 16 houses and government buildings, three temples, a 30-metre-long bridge and four water mills, PTI reported. The rescue efforts are underway, with personnel from the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), CISF, Border Roads Organisation (BRO), civil administration, army and police engaged, along with local volunteers.
