NEIVEDHYA FOR GOWRI-GANESH FESTIVAL

 NEIVEDHYA FOR GOWRI-GANESH  FESTIVAL

In our family, we have a lot of faith in Shri Ganesh. I am so happy to have a large collection of Ganeshas at home collected over many decades. This picture is of Shri Ganesh in our garden. 

Naturally therefore, like millions all over India, we look forward every year to Ganesh Chaturthi- described as the Festival of Hope and Prosperity. While it is celebrated in most parts of India, nowhere is it celebrated with more fervour than in the State of Maharashtra. 

We recall our time in Pune with fond memories of Ganesh Chaturthi celebrations every year.  After all it was in Pune that in 1893, Bal Gangadhar Tilak was instrumental in moving a primarily private Ganesh puja in Maharashtrian homes to become a massive public celebration, as we know it today. 

As part of the Ganesh festival, there are many dishes offered to the God as "neivedhya"- this is a Sanskrit word which means an offering to the diety in a religious ritual. It is a sign of respect and gratitude first offered to the Lord before it is offered to others as prasad. 

As the Ganesh Chaturthi celebrations start this year on August 27, I am sharing the recipes of a few items that we offer as neivedhya in my home. 

1. Godu Appo : this is a sweet form of Appos which I make every year especially for Ganesh Puja. I make this with rice while as many make Appos with wheat. You will find the recipe here: 

https://www.cookingwithshobana.com/2013/09/godu-sweet-appo.html

2. Til Ke Ladoo: these are made of sesame seeds, known as til. This guest post in my blog is from my friend Mallika Nanda, who makes fabulous ladoos. The recipe is here. https://www.cookingwithshobana.com/2014/01/til-ke-ladoo-guest-post-by-mallika-nanda.html

3. Madgane : a popular sweet amongst us Konkanis, this is made of chana dal, jaggery and rice flour. You will find the recipe here. 

https://www.cookingwithshobana.com/2013/08/madgane-traditional-konkani-sweet-dish.html

4. Panchkadai: made for many festivals, this sweet is made of Bengal gram, fresh coconut gratings, grated jaggery etc. You will find the recipe here.

https://www.cookingwithshobana.com/2013/08/panchkadai-panchakajjai.html

5. Godu Phovu: made with beaten rice, this is again a popular dish offered as neivedhya. Here is the recipe. 

https://www.cookingwithshobana.com/2013/09/godu-sweet-phovu.html

I hope you will try out these time tested recipes for your Gowri- Ganesh festival! 

Here's wishing for you and your families Shri Ganesh's blessings in this year and the years to come. 

Jai Shri Ganesh!!