Ganesh Chaturthi and the Special Bond with Modak
Ganesh Chaturthi is a highly popular festival celebrated with great devotion across India. It honors the birth of Lord Ganesha, the god of wisdom, wealth, and new beginnings. Ganesh Chaturthi is celebrated over a period of ten days, usually in August or September. During this time Ganesh idols are installed in homes and pandals and prayers, bhajans and offerings are offered daily. The festival concludes with Ganesh Visarjan, in which the idols are immersed in water with chants of “Ganpati Bappa Morya!”
Modak holds a special significance in this festival, as it is considered to be the favorite sweet of Lord Ganesha. Modaks are usually small dome-shaped sweets filled with coconut, jaggery, mawa or dry fruits and are offered as prasad to Bappa. Traditionally modaks and Ladoos are offered as a symbol of devotion and prosperity.
In this Recipe blog, we show you 5 easy and traditional Modak recipes—ranging from the classic Ukadiche Modak to the trendy Chocolate Modak—that you can easily make at home this Ganesh Chaturthi.
About Modak
Modak is a traditional Indian sweet, which has a great significance in Indian culture and festivals. It is made from rice flour, wheat flour or semolina and the inside is usually filled with coconut, jaggery, nuts or khoya (mawa). Modaks are shaped like small domes with the pointed tip symbolizing spiritual enlightenment, prosperity and God’s blessings.
Modak is known as Lord Ganesha’s favorite sweet. That’s why it is prepared and offered as the main dish and prasad during Ganesh Chaturthi. Devotees believe that offering modaks to Lord Ganesha brings happiness, wisdom, and success into their lives. Traditionally, 21 modaks are offered as bhog during the festival.
Over time, many variants of modaks have been created—ukadiche modak (boiled modak), chocolate modak, mawa modak, rava modak and fried modak (taliche modak). The taste of each variant is different, but the spirit of devotion and festival remains the same in every Modak.
5 Traditional and Easy Modak Recipes for Ganesh Chaturthi
Now let’s look at five different modak recipes you can prepare this festive season.
1. Ukadiche Modak (Traditional Steamed Modak Recipe)
When we talk about Ganesh Chaturthi special Modak recipes, the first name that comes to mind is the Ukadiche Modak. This traditional steamed modak is most popular in Maharashtra and is considered the ultimate prasad for Lord Ganesha. With a soft outer layer and a sweet coconut-jaggery filling, this modak is a favorite among devotees during the festival.
Ingredients for Ukadiche Modak Recipe
1 cup rice flour (for the outer covering)
1 ½ cups water
1 cup grated fresh coconut
¾ cup jaggery (gur)
2 tbsp ghee
½ tsp cardamom powder (elaichi powder)
A pinch of salt
How to make Ukadiche Modak
Prepare the Dough (Ukad):
- Add water to a pan with 1 tsp ghee and a pinch of salt, then heat until it comes to a boil.
- Gradually sprinkle in the rice flour, stirring nonstop to ensure a smooth, lump-free mixture.
- Cover with a lid and let it rest for 5 minutes.
- Once slightly cool, knead it into a smooth, soft dough. This is the ukad (outer covering) for modak.
Prepare the Sweet Stuffing (Saran):
- Melt ghee in a pan, then add grated coconut and jaggery.
- Cook on low flame until jaggery melts and blends with coconut.
- Add cardamom powder for a lovely aroma.
- Allow the stuffing to cool completely before filling.
Shape the Modaks:
- Grease your palms with ghee.
- Take a small portion of rice flour dough, flatten it into a cup shape.
- Place 1-2 tsp of stuffing in the center.
- Gently fold the edges upward and join them at the tip to shape a traditional pointed modak. (You can also use a modak mould for perfection.)
Steam the Modaks:
- Arrange the shaped modaks on a greased plate or banana leaf, ready to be steamed.
- Steam for 10–12 minutes until the outer covering becomes glossy and slightly translucent.
Your soft, aromatic, and authentic Ukadiche Modaks are ready to offer as prasad to Lord Ganesha.
2. Mawa Modak (Khoya Modak Recipe)
If you are looking for a quick, easy and tasty Modak recipe for Ganesh Chaturthi, then Mawa Modak, also known as Khoya Modak, is the perfect choice. Made with rich khoya, flavored with cardamom, and lightly sweetened, this modak is not only delicious but also very easy to prepare at home. It is one of the most popular Ganesh Chaturthi prasad recipes after Ukadiche Modak.
Ingredients for Mawa Modak Recipe
2 cups khoya (mawa)
¾ cup powdered sugar
1 tsp cardamom powder
A few saffron strands (optional, for flavor and color)
How to Make Mawa Modak
- Cook the Khoya: Heat khoya in a non-stick pan on low flame for 3–4 minutes until it softens and turns aromatic. Stir continuously to avoid sticking.
- Add Sweetness: Mix in powdered sugar and cardamom powder. Stir well until everything combines smoothly.
- Let the mixture cool for a few minutes until it’s warm enough to handle comfortably.
- Shape the Modaks: Grease your palms or use a modak mould to shape the mixture into beautiful modaks. Garnish with saffron strands if desired.
These Mawa Modaks are rich, soft, and melt in the mouth, making them an easy homemade modak recipe for Ganesh Chaturthi when you’re short on time but still want to prepare something special for Lord Ganesha.
3. Rava Modak (Stuffed Semolina Modak Recipe)
If you want to try something different from the traditional steamed modaks, the Rava Modak is a perfect option. Also known as Sooji Modak or Semolina Modak, this recipe is easy to prepare and gives a soft, melt-in-the-mouth texture with a sweet coconut-jaggery filling. This is a highly popular and simple homemade modak recipe, perfect for Ganesh Chaturthi celebrations.
Ingredients for Rava Modak Recipe
1 cup semolina (rava/sooji)
1 cup milk
½ cup sugar
1 cup grated coconut
½ cup jaggery (gur)
2 tbsp ghee
½ tsp cardamom powder
How to Make Stuffed Semolina Modak at Home
- Make the Khoya Base: Warm the khoya in a non-stick pan over low heat for 2–3 minutes until it softens and releases a pleasant aroma, stirring constantly to avoid sticking. Slowly pour in the milk and sugar, keep stirring continuously, and cook until the mixture thickens and turns smooth. Let it cool slightly.
- Make the Sweet Stuffing: In another pan, cook grated coconut and jaggery on low flame until the jaggery melts and blends well. Add cardamom powder for flavor and let it cool.
- Shape the Modaks: Take a small portion of the rava mixture, flatten it into a small disc, place the coconut-jaggery filling in the center, and seal it into a modak shape. You can also use a mould for neat results.
These Rava Modaks are soft, sweet, and filled with flavor, making them a unique yet traditional modak recipe for Ganesh Chaturthi. They are perfect for those who want a tasty variation apart from the classic Ukadiche Modak.
4. Chocolate Modak (Modern Fusion Modak Recipe)
If you want to add a fun and modern twist to your Ganesh Chaturthi sweets, the Chocolate Modak is a perfect choice. Loved by kids and adults alike, this fusion modak recipe combines the traditional richness of khoya with the delicious flavor of cocoa, making it a unique easy homemade Modak recipe for the festival.
Ingredients for Chocolate Modak Recipe
1 cup khoya (mawa)
½ cup powdered sugar
3 tbsp cocoa powder
Melted chocolate (optional, for garnish)
How to Make Chocolate Modak at Home
- Prepare the Khoya Base: Heat khoya in a non-stick pan on low flame for 2–3 minutes until soft and aromatic. Stir continuously to prevent sticking.
- Incorporate the Chocolate Flavor: Stir in powdered sugar and cocoa powder well, creating a smooth and rich chocolate mixture.
- Shape the Modaks: Let the mixture cool slightly. Lightly grease your hands or use a modak mould to shape the mixture into classic modak forms.
- Garnish (Optional): Drizzle or dip the modaks in melted chocolate for a festive look and extra chocolaty taste.
These Chocolate Modaks are soft, rich, and irresistibly delicious, making them a modern Ganesh Chaturthi special Modak recipe that your family, especially kids, will absolutely love.
5. Fried Modak (Talniche Modak Recipe)
If you love modaks with a crispy exterior and soft, sweet filling, the Fried Modak or Talniche Modak is a perfect choice. Unlike traditional steamed modaks, these golden-brown delights are crunchy on the outside and melt-in-your-mouth sweet inside. They make a wonderful prasad offering or a festive treat for family and guests.
Ingredients for Fried Modak Recipe
For the Dough:
1 cup wheat flour
2 tbsp semolina (rava/sooji)
2 tbsp ghee
Water (as required to knead a soft dough)
For the Stuffing:
1 cup grated coconut
½ cup jaggery
Chopped dry fruits (almonds, cashews, raisins)
Other:
Oil for deep frying
How to Make Fried Modak
1. Prepare the Dough
Combine wheat flour, semolina, and ghee in a bowl and mix well. Gradually pour in water while kneading to create a smooth, soft dough. Cover it and allow it to rest for 10 minutes to make it pliable.
2. Make the Sweet Stuffing
In a pan on low heat, cook grated coconut, jaggery, and chopped dry fruits, stirring continuously until the jaggery melts and combines with the coconut. Remove from heat and let the mixture cool slightly.
3. Shape the Modaks
Divide the dough into small balls and flatten each into a thin disc. Add 1–2 teaspoons of the coconut-jaggery filling in the center, carefully bring the edges together, and pinch the top to form the classic modak shape.
4. Fry the Modaks
Heat oil in a deep frying pan over medium flame until hot. Gently place the shaped modaks into the hot oil and fry them until they turn golden brown and crispy. Remove the fried modaks using a slotted spoon and let the excess oil drain on paper towels.
These Talniche Modaks are crispy, sweet, and packed with flavor—a delightful addition to your Ganesh Chaturthi celebrations. Perfect as prasad or as a festive snack for family and friends!
Conclusion
The festive spirit of Ganesh Chaturthi is truly felt when the sweet fragrance of freshly made modaks fills every corner of the home. From the authentic Ukadiche Modak to modern Chocolate Modaks, each recipe carries the festive spirit and devotion towards Lord Ganesha.
So this year, try these 5 Easy and Delicious Ganesh Chaturthi Modak Recipe and make your celebrations even more joyful.
Ganpati Bappa Morya! 🙏
