Ganesh Chaturthi in Maharashtra is as much a celebration of food as it is of faith. As Maharashtrian homes prepare for the festival, kitchens start buzzing with families planning to prepare during Ganesh Chaturthi. From age-old recipes like Rushi Chi Bhaaji and Varan Bhaat to desserts like Kharwas and Modaks, Maharashtrian food for Ganesh Chaturthi is a celebration of Marathi culture in all its glory. In this article, let’s take a look at the best Maharashtrian foods to try during Ganesh Chaturthi!
1. Modak
No Ganesh Chaturthi is ever complete – or can ever begin – without modaks! Traditionally believed to be Ganesha’s favorite sweet, this dish is an important part of Maharashtrian culinary heritage. The classic modak is often steamed – and called ukdiche modak in Marathi.
It is made with steamed rice-flour dough and stuffed with a filling of grated coconut, jaggery, and cardamom. There are also the talniche modak, which are fried and swap the rice-flour dough for wheat dough. For the most authentic modak experience, we recommend slightly opening the modak and pouring in a generous amount of ghee – you might thank us later!
2. Puran Poli
A Maharashtrian festive spread puts great emphasis on the balance of sweet and spicy flavors, and the puranpoli is quite good at maintaining that balance. The puranpoli is a humble flatbread made by stuffing a wheat or refined-flour dough with a filling of cooked chana dal, jaggery, cardamom and sometimes nutmeg.
The stuffed dough is then rolled out evenly and cooked on a hot griddle with ghee until golden brown. It is traditionally served warm with a generous dollop of ghee and warm milk or a spiced curry.
Puran poli is especially popular during festivals because it brings together the rich, comforting flavors of jaggery, dal and ghee in one dish. It is a popular dish made not only during Ganesh Chaturthi but also during Bail Pola, Holi, Diwali, and occasions like weddings and birthdays.
Also Read: How Goa Celebrates Ganesh Chaturthi: From Matoli Decorations To Modak
3. Alu Wadi
If you’re craving a savory snack, look no further than a crispy piece of Alu Wadi. Also known as patra outside Maharashtra, this snack is made by coating spiced gram-flour mixture, often with jaggery, on colocasia leaves. The leaves are then rolled, steamed and cut into slices before being tempered or fried.
The result is a snack that balances sweet, sour, spicy and earthy flavors. It can be enjoyed as part of a festive meal or simply with a cup of tea. During festivals, the alu wadi is a crucial side dish on most Maharashtrian dinner tables!
Also Read: State On A Plate: Exploring Authentic Maharashtrian Cuisine In Mumbai
4. Kakdi Kheer
The kakdi kheer is a lesser known Maharashtrian dish that deserves more attention. Most cultures in India have their own version of kakdi kheer – made with grated cucumber, milk, and sugar. This traditional dessert might sound unusual at first, but it is surprisingly refreshing.
Grated cucumber is cooked with milk and sweetened, with cardamom often added for fragrance. Depending on the household, the recipe may include ingredients such as coconut or nuts. Its light, cooling character makes kakdi kheer particularly interesting as part of a festive spread, often during summer as well.
5. Rushi Chi Bhaaji
Rushi Chi Bhaaji, also called Rishi Panchami bhaji, is a traditional mixed vegetable preparation associated with Rishi Panchami, which falls during the Ganesh Chaturthi period.
It is one of the comparatively less popular Maharashtrian foods during Ganesh Chaturthi but has profound significance. It combines a variety of seasonal produce and the vegetable preparation has several versions depending on local vegetables. The vegetables are generally cooked simply, allowing their natural flavors to shine.
The dish is particularly significant because it is associated with traditional festival food practices and the use of fresh, seasonal produce. If you want to explore Maharashtrian food beyond the usual favorites, this is one dish worth trying.
6. Kothimbir Wadi
A kothimbir wadi is a classic Maharashtrian snack made from coriander. It is mixed with gram flour, spices, and other seasonings to create a thick batter. Then it is steamed, cut into pieces, and pan-fried or deep-fried until crispy on the outside. It is served typically with coconut chutney or a mint-coriander chutney.
It works perfectly as a side dish and is often served with rice-dal as an accompaniment.
Buying modaks in Pune? Read our guide first for the best recommendations!
7. Batata Bhaaji & Puri
Sometimes, the simplest combinations make the most wholesome festive meals and the batata bhaaji & puri combination is one such pairing.
The batata bhaji is a lightly spiced potato preparation, often cooked with turmeric, curry leaves, and mustard seeds. It is served with hot, puffed puris, adding a nice balance of spice and deliciously crisp and indulgent element to the meal. The combination is a familiar part of Maharashtrian home cooking and is one of the most popular Maharashtrian dishes.
Also Read: Where To Eat In Lalbaug After Lalbaugcha Raja Darshan: A Complete Food Guide
8. Thalipeeth
The thalipeeth is one of the most beloved Maharashtrian dishes, popular as a healthy snack. It is a savory multigrain flatbread made with a flour mixture that can include a roasted multigrain flour. It also includes onion, coriander, green chillies, cumin, and other seasonings depending on family recipes.
The dough is flattened and cooked on a hot griddle with distinct holes in the center for better cooking. It is served with chutneys and a generous amount of ghee or loni or curd. The thalipeeth is popular during Ganesh Chaturthi but is a common breakfast dish across Maharashtra regardless of the occasion!
9. Varan Bhaat
Amid all the elaborate festive preparations, sometimes nothing feels more comforting than varan bhaat. This quintessential Maharashtrian combination pairs simple dal, or varan, with steamed rice.
The dal is deliberately uncomplicated, often seasoned only with turmeric and tempered with ghee and spices. It is served over hot rice with a drizzle of ghee. The comforting staple dish showcases the simpler yet wholesome side of Maharashtrian cuisine. The varan bhaat is one of the most popular Maharashtrian dishes and is particularly enjoyed during festive seasons for a comforting meal experience.
Which places have the best modaks in Mumbai? Find out in this blog!
10. Kharwas
End your Ganesh Chaturthi feast on a sweet note with kharwas. It is a traditional Maharashtrian milk pudding. Traditionally, kharwas is made using colostrum milk obtained after a cow or buffalo gives birth. The milk gives the pudding a rich, delicate texture.
It is sweetened and flavored with cardamom or saffron before being steamed until it sets into a pudding-like consistency. The dessert is best served chilled or at room temperature and is often a cherished part of Maharashtrian festive food.
Author’s Note
As a Maharashtrian person having eaten most of these dishes since childhood, I’d say that Maharashtrian food is quite diverse, underexplored, and has something for everyone. While dishes like modaks, puran poli, and varan bhaat are popular, many dishes like rushi chi bhaaji and kakdi kheer remain less popular.
Summing Up
Maharashtrian foods are quite diverse, rich, and full of flavors. From steamed delicacies to deep-fried comfort food, there is something for everyone in Maharashtrian cuisine. This Ganesh Chaturthi, we recommend trying out these Ganesh Chaturthi food items. Ganesh Chaturthi food is ultimately about more than just what appears on the plate. It reflects Maharashtra’s rich culinary traditions, seasonal produce, family recipes and the spirit of sharing that makes the festival so special.
