Ganesh Chaturthi 2025: Muhurat Timings, Fasting Tips and 5 Traditional Bhog Recipes
Ganesh Chaturthi 2025: Muhurat Timings, Fasting Tips and 5 Traditional Bhog Recipes
Ganesh Chaturthi, also called Vinayaka Chaturthi or Ganesh Utsav, is celebrated across India to honor Lord Ganesha, the son of Shiva and Parvati. This year, the festival will be observed for ten days, starting on August 26 and ending on September 6.
During this time, devotees bring idols of Lord Ganesha into their homes, offer prayers, prepare sweets, and seek his blessings. The festival ends with Ganesh Visarjan on Anant Chaturdashi, when idols are carried in public processions and immersed in rivers or the sea.
Auspicious Timings for Ganesh Chaturthi 2025
Chaturthi Tithi will begin on August 26 at 1:54 PM and end on August 27 at 3:44 PM. The Madhyahna Ganesha Puja Muhurat will be observed on August 27 from 11:12 AM to 1:44 PM. Ganesh Visarjan will take place on Saturday, September 6. Devotees plan their rituals according to these timings to ensure they follow traditional customs.
Rituals and Traditions
During Ganesh Chaturthi, homes are decorated with flowers and rangoli designs. Devotees place clay idols of Lord Ganesha in their homes, wake up early, take a bath, wear clean clothes, and perform puja daily. Singing religious hymns, playing drums, and preparing special meals are part of the celebrations.
On the last day, the idol is immersed in a water body during Ganesh Visarjan, marking the farewell to Lord Ganesha. Devotees offer traditional sweets like modak and motichoor ladoos as prasad, hoping for the return of Ganpati Bappa the next year.
Fasting Guidelines
Fasting during Ganesh Chaturthi is flexible and depends on personal choice and health. Some observe a full-day fast, while others limit it to certain meals or hours. Devotees focus on physical and mental purity, avoid negative thoughts and gossip, and engage in prayer or mantra chanting.
Non-vegetarian food is not allowed, and many avoid onion and garlic. Fasting meals are made with minimal spices and oil, and regular salt is usually replaced with rock salt (sendha namak). Those observing a nirjal fast should ensure proper hydration before and after the fast.
5 Classic Bhogs for Ganesh Chaturthi
1. Modak
Modak is a must-have for Ganesh Chaturthi. To make it, prepare a dough from rice flour and shape small cups. Fill them with a mixture of grated coconut, jaggery, and chopped nuts. Steam the filled modaks for 10–15 minutes until soft, then serve warm.
2. Boondi Ladoo
Boondi ladoo is bright, orange, and sweet. To make it, fry tiny droplets of chickpea flour batter in hot oil until golden. Soak them in sugar syrup for a few minutes, then shape them into round ladoos while still warm.
3. Apple Kheer
Apple kheer is a fruity twist on traditional kheer. Cook rice in milk until soft, then add chopped apples, sugar, and a pinch of cardamom. Simmer for a few minutes until the mixture thickens, and serve slightly warm or chilled.
4. Basundi
Basundi is a creamy, nutty dessert similar to rabri. Boil full-fat milk slowly until it reduces to half, then add sugar, chopped nuts, and a pinch of saffron. Chill before serving or enjoy with warm puris.
5. Puran Poli
Puran Poli is a sweet flatbread from Maharashtra. Prepare a dough with wheat flour, then make a filling of cooked chana dal, jaggery, and cardamom. Roll the dough around the filling and cook on a hot griddle with a little ghee until golden brown.
