Lord Ganesha’s birthday is celebrated as Ganesh Chaturthi in India. It is a grand celebration in many states like Maharashtra, Goa, Gujarat, Telengana, Karnataka, Tamilnadu, Madhya-Pradesh, and Chhattisgarh. On this occasion, there will be many Poojas and Homas to honor the deity.
Ganesha is the first deity to be worshipped during important religious events. This is because he is the God of new beginnings who is propitiated for auspicious results in any venture. Like other Gods, Ganesha has some favorite things which are offered to him during worship. Here are some of the offerings made to him during Ganesha Chaturthi.
Modak: Modak is a favorite food of Ganesha. He is also called ‘Modakpriya’, on account of this. It is a sweet rice dumpling stuffed with grated coconut and jaggery and steamed. Nowaadays, there are many varieties of modaks.
Motichoor Ladoos: Like Modaks, Ganesha has a fondness for Motichoor Laddoos. This delicious sweetmeat is one of his greatest indulgences.
Puffed Rice (Murmure): Murmure is a name for puffed rice and is a sweet dish. It is easy to make, and it is not very expensive. Ganesha loves laddoos made from murmure, which are usually offered by those who can’t afford more expensive offerings.. When offered with true love and devotion, all offerings have the same value to Ganesha.
Banana: Ganesha likes most fruits, and the banana is a great favorite with him. So devotees always include a bunch of bananas as an offering during Ganesh Pooja.
Durva Grass: Durva grass is dear to Ganesha. It is believed that durva grass is good for indigestion and relieves pain instantly. It is the custom to offer 21 blades (leaves) of grass to him during worship.
Conch Shell/Shankh: In portraits of Ganesha, one of his arms is seen holding a conch-shell, i.e., Shankh. The Conch shell has a sacred role in Hindu culture as it is used in temples during worship. It is auspicious to blow the Shankh during the Ganesh Pooja.
Sindoor (Red Vermilion): Ganesha loves to be smeared with sindoor, especially during Ganesh Chaturthi Festival.
Marigold and Erukku Flowers: The Gods are attracted to the scent of flowers. They can remove negativity from a person’s soul. This is why flower garlands are offered to the Gods. Marigold and Erukku flowers are Ganesha’s favorites.
Basil (Tulsi): The Indian name for Basil is Tulsi. Ganesha loves this plant. Tulsi leaves are dipped in holy water and sometimes placed separately in the Pooja thali, during Ganesha worship.
Dhatura Bel: Ganesha’s father, Shiva, is always offered leaves of Dhatura Bel during Pooja. Ganesha, too, loves them.
