Ganesh Chaturthi: Delicious modak recipes to try

• Seven modak recipes are shared for Ganesh Chaturthi 2026 celebrations.
• Options include traditional steamed Ukadiche and modern chocolate types.
• The festival falls on 14 September 2026 with specific puja timings.

Ganesh Chaturthi Modak Recipes: Ganesh Chaturthi is one of the most cherished Hindu festivals, celebrating the birth of Lord Ganesha, the beloved deity of wisdom, prosperity and new beginnings. In 2026,

the festival falls on Monday, September 14, during Chaturthi Tithi in the Shukla Paksha of Bhadrapada.

The occasion brings homes and public pandals to life with beautifully adorned Ganesha idols, prayers and traditional offerings of flowers, fruits and sweets. At the heart of these offerings is the much-loved modak, a sweet closely associated with Lord Ganesha and an essential part of the festival’s celebrations.

Read More: When Is Ganesh Chaturthi 2026? Date, Muhurat, Rituals, Story And Wishes

From classic steamed Ukadiche Modak to chocolate, dry-fruit and mawa varieties, there are several ways to prepare this festive favourite. Here are seven delicious modak recipes to try this Ganesh Chaturthi.

7 Modak Recipes To Try This Ganesh Chaturthi

Modak is one of the most recognisable sweets associated with Ganesh Chaturthi. While the traditional Ukadiche Modak remains a favourite, modern versions offer different flavours and textures.

Whether you prefer a steamed sweet, a rich mawa filling or a quick no-cook preparation, these seven recipes can add variety to your festive menu.

Ukadiche Modak

Ukadiche Modak is a traditional steamed Maharashtrian preparation made with a soft rice-flour covering and a sweet coconut-jaggery filling.

Ingredients

For the covering:

• 1 cup rice flour
• 1 cup water
• 1 teaspoon ghee
• A pinch of salt

For the filling:

• 1 cup freshly grated coconut
• ¾ cup grated jaggery
• ½ teaspoon cardamom powder
• 1 teaspoon ghee
• A pinch of nutmeg powder, optional

Read More: Ganesh Chaturthi 2026: 10 Things To Buy Before Welcoming Ganpati Bappa Home

How to make

1. Heat ghee in a pan and add grated coconut and jaggery.
2. Cook over low heat until the jaggery melts and the mixture thickens.
3. Add cardamom and nutmeg, mix well and allow the filling to cool.
4. For the covering, bring water to a boil with salt and ghee.
5. Gradually add rice flour while stirring continuously.
6. Cover and allow the mixture to rest briefly.
7. When warm enough to handle, knead it into a smooth, soft dough.
8. Divide the dough into small portions and flatten each into a thin disc.
9. Place some filling in the centre, create pleats around the edges and bring them together at the top. Seal carefully.
10. Steam the modaks for around 10 to 15 minutes, or until the covering looks cooked and slightly glossy. Serve warm with a light brushing of ghee.

Fried Modak

Fried modaks are crisp on the outside and filled with a sweet coconut-jaggery mixture. They are a popular alternative for those who prefer a crunchy texture.

Ingredients

For the dough:

• 1 cup all-purpose flour or whole-wheat flour
• 1 tablespoon semolina
• 1 tablespoon ghee
• Water as required

For the filling:

• 1 cup grated coconut
• ¾ cup jaggery
• ½ teaspoon cardamom powder
• 1 teaspoon ghee

Read More: Ganesh Chaturthi 2026: 10 Eco-Friendly Ganpati Decoration Ideas For Home

How to make

1. Mix flour, semolina and ghee. Gradually add water and knead into a firm dough. Cover and allow it to rest for 15 to 20 minutes.
2. Meanwhile, cook coconut and jaggery in a pan until the mixture thickens. Add cardamom powder and allow it to cool.
3. Divide the dough into small balls and roll each one into a thin disc. Add the filling, fold the edges into pleats and seal the top.
4. Heat oil in a deep pan over medium heat. Fry the modaks until golden brown and crisp.
5. Drain on a kitchen towel and serve once slightly cooled.

Chocolate Modak

Chocolate Modak adds a modern twist to the traditional festive sweet. It is especially popular with children and chocolate lovers.

Ingredients

1 cup crumbled or grated mawa

• ½ cup powdered sugar
• 2 tablespoons cocoa powder
• 2 tablespoons milk
• ½ teaspoon cardamom powder
• 1 teaspoon ghee
• Chopped nuts, optional

How to make

1. Heat ghee in a non-stick pan and add the crumbled mawa.
2. Cook over low heat, stirring continuously.
3. Add powdered sugar and cocoa powder. Mix thoroughly.
4. Add milk little by little if the mixture feels too dry.
5. Continue cooking until it comes together into a soft dough-like mixture.
6. Add cardamom powder and chopped nuts if desired.
7. Allow the mixture to cool slightly.
8. Grease a modak mould with a little ghee and fill it with the mixture.
9. Press firmly and remove the modak carefully.
10. Refrigerate briefly if you prefer a firmer texture.

Read More: Ganesh Chaturthi 2026: How To Choose The Right Size Ganesh Idol For Your Home

Mawa Modak

Mawa Modak is a rich and creamy version prepared with milk solids, sugar and aromatic spices. It requires fewer ingredients and can be prepared relatively quickly.

Ingredients

• 2 cups crumbled mawa
• ¾ cup powdered sugar
• ½ teaspoon cardamom powder
• A few strands of saffron, optional
• 1 teaspoon ghee
• Chopped pistachios or almonds for garnish

How to make

1. Heat ghee in a heavy-bottomed pan.
2. Add crumbled mawa and cook over low heat until it softens and becomes smooth.
3. Add powdered sugar and continue stirring until the mixture thickens and begins to leave the sides of the pan.
4. Add cardamom powder and saffron.
5. Turn off the heat and allow the mixture to cool until it is comfortable to handle.
6. Grease a modak mould and press the mixture into it.
7. Unmould carefully and garnish with chopped pistachios or almonds.

Dry Fruit Modak

Dry Fruit Modaks are ideal for those who prefer a rich, nutty sweet. They can be made with a combination of nuts, dates and other dried fruits.

Ingredients

• ½ cup almonds
• ½ cup cashews
• ¼ cup pistachios
• ½ cup seedless dates
• 2 tablespoons desiccated coconut
• ½ teaspoon cardamom powder
• 1 teaspoon ghee

How to make

1. Lightly roast the almonds, cashews and pistachios in a dry pan.
2. Allow them to cool and pulse them into a coarse mixture.
3. Blend the dates separately until they form a thick paste.
4. Heat ghee in a pan and add the date paste. Cook for a few minutes.
5. Add the ground nuts, coconut and cardamom powder.
6. Mix until the ingredients come together into a soft, mouldable mixture.
7. Allow it to cool slightly.
8. Grease a modak mould and press portions of the mixture into it.
9. Unmould carefully and serve.

Besan Modak

Besan Modak combines the familiar flavour of roasted gram flour with the festive shape of a modak. It is a good option for those looking for a nutty, traditional-style sweet.

Ingredients

• 1 cup gram flour or besan
• ½ cup powdered sugar
• ¼ cup ghee
• ½ teaspoon cardamom powder
• 2 tablespoons chopped nuts
• A pinch of saffron, optional

How to make

1. Heat ghee in a heavy-bottomed pan.
2. Add besan and roast it over low heat, stirring continuously.
3. Continue until the besan develops a nutty aroma and turns slightly golden.
4. Turn off the heat and allow it to cool slightly.
5. Add powdered sugar, cardamom powder and chopped nuts.
6. Mix thoroughly until the mixture becomes soft enough to shape.
7. Grease a modak mould lightly and press the mixture into it.
8. Unmould gently and allow the modaks to set before serving.

Coconut Modak

Coconut Modak is a simple option for anyone looking for a quick festive sweet. It uses coconut, condensed milk and cardamom to create a soft, creamy texture.

Ingredients

• 2 cups freshly grated coconut
• 1 cup condensed milk
• ½ teaspoon cardamom powder
• 1 teaspoon ghee
• Chopped nuts, optional

Method

1. Heat ghee in a pan and add grated coconut.
2. Cook over low heat for a few minutes.
3. Add condensed milk and mix well.
4. Continue cooking until the mixture thickens and starts leaving the sides of the pan.
5. Add cardamom powder and chopped nuts.
6. Turn off the heat and allow the mixture to cool slightly.
7. Grease a modak mould and press the mixture firmly into it.
8. Unmould carefully and allow the modaks to cool before serving.

Which Modak Is Best For Ganesh Chaturthi?

The choice depends on personal preference and the time available for preparation.

1. Ukadiche Modak is ideal for those looking for a traditional steamed preparation with coconut and jaggery.
2. Fried Modak is a good choice if you prefer a crisp exterior.
3. Chocolate Modak offers a modern flavour and can be particularly appealing to children.
4. Mawa Modak is rich, creamy and festive, while Dry Fruit Modak provides a nutty alternative.
5. For a quick preparation, Coconut Modak requires fewer steps, while Besan Modak offers the familiar flavour of roasted gram flour.

Tips For Making Perfect Modaks

• A few simple tips can help ensure that your modaks hold their shape and taste fresh.
• Keep rice-flour dough covered while shaping Ukadiche Modaks so that it does not dry out.
• Make sure the coconut-jaggery filling is not watery.
• Do not overfill the modaks, as excessive filling can cause them to split.
• Allow cooked fillings to cool before placing them inside a dough covering.
• Cook mawa mixtures over low heat to prevent them from sticking or becoming too dry.
• Grease the modak mould lightly before using it.
• For fried modaks, maintain a medium oil temperature so that the outer layer cooks evenly.
• Store leftover modaks according to their ingredients and preparation method.

Ganesh Chaturthi 2026: Date and Puja Muhurat

Ganesh Chaturthi will be observed on Monday, September 14, 2026.

The festival falls on Chaturthi Tithi of Shukla Paksha in the Hindu month of Bhadrapada.

The Chaturthi Tithi timings are:

• Chaturthi Tithi begins: 7:06 AM on September 14, 2026
• Chaturthi Tithi ends: 7:44 AM on September 15, 2026

Ganesh Puja is considered especially auspicious during Madhyahna, or midday, as Hindu tradition associates Lord Ganesha’s birth with this period.

The Madhyahna Ganesha Puja Muhurat is 11:02 AM to 1:31 PM, giving devotees a puja window of 2 hours 28 minutes.

Devotees can offer modaks along with other traditional naivedya during the Ganesh Puja.

Ganesh Chaturthi 2026: Moon Sighting Restriction

A traditional belief associated with Ganesh Chaturthi is to avoid looking at the Moon during the prescribed period on Chaturthi.

According to this belief, seeing the Moon during the restricted period can lead to Mithya Dosha or Mithya Kalank, traditionally associated with false accusations or undeserved blame.

• For Ganesh Chaturthi 2026, the period to avoid moon sighting is:
• Start: 9:01 AM on September 14
• End: 8:08 PM on September 14
• Duration: 11 hours 08 minutes

Those following this traditional practice can plan their day accordingly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which modak is traditionally made for Ganesh Chaturthi?

Ukadiche Modak, a steamed rice-flour dumpling filled with coconut and jaggery, is one of the most traditional modaks prepared for Ganesh Chaturthi, particularly in Maharashtra.

Can modaks be made without a mould?

Yes. Ukadiche and fried modaks can be shaped by hand by making pleats around the edges of the dough and sealing them at the top. A mould is optional.

How long can homemade modaks be stored?

Storage depends on the ingredients and preparation method. Steamed modaks containing fresh coconut are best consumed fresh or refrigerated and eaten promptly. Drier varieties generally have a longer shelf life when stored in an airtight container.

When is Ganesh Chaturthi in 2026?

Ganesh Chaturthi will be celebrated on Monday, September 14, 2026.

When is Ganesh Puja Muhurat in 2026?

The Madhyahna Ganesha Puja Muhurat is from 11:02 AM to 1:31 PM on September 14, 2026.