Ganesh Chaturthi, one of the most auspicious Hindu festivals, will be celebrated on 27th August 2025. Dedicated to Lord Ganesha, the remover of obstacles and the God of wisdom and prosperity, this festival is marked by grandeur, devotion, and cultural unity across India, especially in Maharashtra. Families and communities welcome Lord Ganesha into their homes and hearts with joy, sweets, prayers, and colorful decorations.
Significance of Ganesh Chaturthi
Ganesh Chaturthi is celebrated as the birth anniversary of Lord Ganesha. Devotees believe that worshiping Him during this time removes obstacles, brings prosperity, and fulfills wishes. The celebrations usually last for 10 days, ending with Anant Chaturdashi, when the idol is immersed in water with chants of “Ganpati Bappa Morya”.
Ganesh Chaturthi Muhurat 2025
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Ganesh Chaturthi Date: 27th August 2025 (Wednesday)
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Madhyahna Ganesha Puja Muhurat: 11:04 AM to 01:36 PM
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Chaturthi Tithi Begins: 06:49 PM on 26th August 2025
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Chaturthi Tithi Ends: 09:53 PM on 27th August 2025
Performing the puja during the madhyahna (midday) is considered most auspicious as it is believed to be the birth time of Lord Ganesha.
Lord Ganesha’s Attire on Ganesh Chaturthi
On this day, devotees lovingly dress the idol of Lord Ganesha in beautiful silk or cotton dhotis, often in colors like red, yellow, green, or orange, which symbolize energy, purity, and auspiciousness. Some also adorn the idol with gold ornaments, sacred threads, and flower garlands. Among flowers, marigold and hibiscus are considered most dear to Ganesha. Dressing and adorning the idol is not just a ritual but a heartfelt expression of devotion.
Modak Recipe – Lord Ganesha’s Favorite Sweet
Ingredients for Steamed Modak (Ukadiche Modak):
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1 cup rice flour
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1 cup grated coconut (fresh)
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½ cup jaggery
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2 tbsp ghee
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½ tsp cardamom powder
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Water (for dough)
Preparation:
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Stuffing: In a pan, heat ghee, add grated coconut and jaggery. Cook until the jaggery melts and blends well with the coconut. Add cardamom powder for flavor and keep aside.
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Dough: Boil water with a little ghee, then slowly add rice flour, stirring to avoid lumps. Knead into a smooth, soft dough.
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Shaping Modak: Take small portions of dough, flatten them, fill with the coconut-jaggery stuffing, and shape into Modaks.
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Steaming: Place the Modaks in a steamer and cook for 10–12 minutes. Serve warm with ghee.
Types of Modak for Ganesh Chaturthi
Modak is considered Lord Ganesha’s favorite sweet, and devotees prepare different varieties during Ganesh Chaturthi. Here are the most popular ones:
1. Ukadiche Modak (Steamed Modak)
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Traditional Maharashtrian delicacy.
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Made with rice flour dough stuffed with jaggery and grated coconut.
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Steamed in banana leaves or turmeric leaves for extra aroma.
2. Fried Modak
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A crunchy version where wheat flour or maida dough is stuffed with jaggery-coconut filling and deep-fried.
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Stays fresh longer and perfect as prasad.
3. Chocolate Modak
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A modern twist for kids and sweet lovers.
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Prepared with chocolate, cocoa powder, or melted choco bars.
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Sometimes combined with dry fruits or condensed milk.
4. Dry Fruit Modak
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Healthy and rich in energy.
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Made with almonds, cashews, pistachios, dates, figs, and ghee.
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No added sugar—naturally sweet from dates and dry fruits.
5. Mawa Modak
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Also known as Khoya Modak.
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Prepared using mawa (khoya), sugar, and cardamom.
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Can be flavored with saffron or rose essence.
6. Kesari Modak
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Modak flavored with saffron strands and cardamom.
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Has a rich aroma and golden-yellow color.
7. Fruit Modak
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A refreshing version made with fruits like mango, pineapple, or strawberry.
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Often prepared with fruit pulp and milk powder.
Ganesh Chaturthi Puja Rituals
The puja rituals of Ganesh Chaturthi hold deep spiritual meaning and are performed with utmost devotion. The celebration begins with idol installation, where the idol of Lord Ganesha is placed on a clean platform or mandap covered with a red or yellow cloth, symbolizing purity and prosperity. Once the idol is installed, devotees perform Sankalpa (a vow), where they promise to worship Lord Ganesha with devotion and sincerity throughout the festival.
The next step is invocation (Avahan), where Ganesha is invited into the home through mantras and prayers. Devotees chant powerful Ganesha mantras like “Om Gan Ganapataye Namah” and offer symbolic items such as durva grass (21 blades), fresh flowers, fruits, and sweets. After invocation, the most important part of the puja is the Naivedya (offerings). Lord Ganesha is fond of Modak, so 21 Modaks are offered along with coconut, jaggery, bananas, and hibiscus flowers.
Every day, morning and evening aarti is performed with family and neighbors, accompanied by devotional songs, bhajans, and prayers. The sound of bells, conch, and clapping fills the atmosphere with positivity, making the home feel divinely blessed.
Ganesh Chaturthi Decoration Ideas
Decorating the puja space is a special part of Ganesh Chaturthi, as it enhances the festive spirit and creates a divine atmosphere. Many families prefer a traditional theme, using marigold garlands, mango leaves, banana leaves, and earthen lamps to give a cultural touch. A floral mandap with roses, lotus, and hibiscus flowers can also be created around the idol, symbolizing purity and devotion.
In recent years, eco-friendly decoration has gained popularity. Devotees use clay idols, bamboo, paper decorations, and natural elements to promote sustainability while celebrating with the same grandeur. For a lively ambiance, lighting plays an important role. Diyas, fairy lights, and colorful LED lights brighten up the puja area and make the idol look even more majestic.
Some families also experiment with creative backdrops, using cloth drapes, rangoli designs, and symbolic patterns like Om, Swastik, and Lotus to highlight the divine presence of Lord Ganesha. Whether simple or grand, what matters most is the devotion and love with which the decorations are done.
Conclusion
Ganesh Chaturthi 2025 will once again bring joy, devotion, and unity among families and communities. By preparing delicious Modaks, adorning Lord Ganesha with beautiful attire, following traditional puja rituals, and decorating the space with creativity, devotees can make the celebration truly special.
This Ganesh Chaturthi, welcome Lord Ganesha into your home with love and
devotion, and may He bless you with happiness, wisdom, and prosperity.
