DivineInfoGuru.com What should be Prasad on Ganesh Chaturthi?
Prasad (or prasadam) is an offering made to a deity during religious rituals, and it’s considered blessed and sacred. On Ganesh Chaturthi, the traditional Prasad offered to Lord Ganesha typically includes a variety of foods that are believed to be the deity’s favorites. Here are some common items that can be considered for offering as Prasad on Ganesh Chaturthi:
- Modak: Modak is the most iconic and significant Prasad for Ganesh Chaturthi. It is a sweet dumpling made with a filling of grated coconut, jaggery, and spices, enclosed in a rice flour or wheat flour dough.
- Kozhukattai: Similar to modak, kozhukattai is a South Indian variation of the sweet dumpling. It can have various fillings like coconut, jaggery, lentils, or sesame seeds.
- Coconut Rice: A simple and flavorful dish made by cooking rice with grated coconut, curry leaves, mustard seeds, and other spices.
- Payasam/Kheer: A creamy rice or vermicelli pudding cooked in milk, sweetened with jaggery or sugar, and flavored with cardamom and saffron.
- Puran Poli: A sweet flatbread made by stuffing a mixture of chana dal, jaggery, and coconut into a wheat flour dough. It’s then rolled out and cooked on a griddle.
- Sundal: A savory dish made from boiled and seasoned legumes like chickpeas, black-eyed peas, or green gram. It’s a nutritious and protein-rich offering.
- Fruits: Fresh fruits, especially those that are in season, can also be offered as Prasad.
- Dry Fruits: Nuts and dried fruits like almonds, cashews, and raisins are also suitable as part of the Prasad.
- Jaggery: Raw or unrefined jaggery pieces are often offered as a symbol of sweetness and purity.
- Panakam: A traditional sweet and spiced drink made from jaggery, water, cardamom, and sometimes a hint of lemon juice. It’s very refreshing and is offered as a cooling drink to Lord Ganesha.
When offering Prasad, it’s important to do so with devotion and a pure heart. After the offering, the Prasad is distributed among devotees as a blessing from the deity. The specific items chosen for Prasad can vary based on regional traditions and personal preferences.