Waquar Habib
Ganesh Chaturthi, a Hindu festival honouring Lord Ganesha, features the installation of clay idols in homes and public pandals. This year, the Puja Tithi runs from 6 to 17 September.
These steamed sweet dumplings are filled with a mixture of jaggery and coconut, flavoured with cardamom. Ukadiche Modak is considered Lord Ganesha’s favourite and is a must-have during Ganesh Chaturthi.
A sweet flatbread filled with a mixture of chana dal (split chickpeas) and jaggery, flavoured with cardamom and nutmeg. It is usually served with a generous dollop of ghee and is a popular choice for festive occasions.
Made from semolina (rava), sugar, ghee, and cardamom, these round, bite-sized sweets are quick to prepare and are a common festive treat. They are often garnished with cashews and raisins.
These soft, melt-in-the-mouth sweets are made from gram flour (besan), ghee, and sugar, flavoured with cardamom. They are easy to prepare and are a staple during Indian festivals.
A traditional sweet dish from the Konkan region, Patholi consists of rice flour batter spread on turmeric leaves, filled with a coconut and jaggery mixture, and then steamed. The aroma of the turmeric leaves infuses the dish with a unique flavour.
A creamy, chilled dessert made from strained yogurt, sugar, and flavored with saffron, cardamom, and nuts. Shrikhand is a refreshing and delicious treat, perfect for festive occasions.
These savoury fritters are made from lentils such as urad dal or chana dal, flavoured with spices, curry leaves, and green chillies. Vada is a flavourful accompaniment to sweeter dishes on the menu.
Crispy pastries filled with a spicy potato and pea mixture, samosas are perfect for serving as a snack to guests. The golden, flaky crust and the flavorful filling make samosas a crowd-pleaser.