Ganesh Chaturthi at home involves more than performing the puja. Families also need to arrange prasad, prepare meals and serve visitors arriving through the day. Cooking several dishes can become difficult when the celebration falls on a working day or only one person is handling the kitchen.
Food-delivery platforms such as Zomato can help fill some of these gaps. The exact selection will depend on the delivery location, but sweets, vegetarian meals, snacks and fasting options are commonly listed by restaurants across Indian cities.
Modaks for the Puja
Modaks are among the first items people search for during Ganesh Chaturthi. Ukadiche modaks have a steamed rice-flour covering filled with coconut and jaggery. These are best ordered from a nearby restaurant because they are generally served warm.
Traditional steamed modaks may not be available in every city. Mawa, dry-fruit and chocolate modaks sold by local sweet shops can be considered instead. Check whether the product is priced by weight or number of pieces before ordering.
Laddoos and Pedas for Prasad
Laddoos and pedas are easier to find across India and can be distributed as prasad. Common options include motichoor, boondi, besan and coconut laddoos. Pedas are usually made with khoya, sugar and cardamom.
These sweets can be purchased in boxes of different weights. If you are expecting visitors, calculate the quantity based on the approximate number of people rather than relying on the product photograph.
A Mixed Mithai Box for Visitors
A mixed mithai box works when you do not know what each guest may prefer. Depending on the sweet shop, the box could contain kaju katli, milk cake, barfi, peda and laddoo.
Read the product description because the selection shown in the image may not match the delivered box. If the exact assortment matters, contact the shop before placing a large order. Also check whether any of the sweets contain nuts.
Vegetarian Thali for Lunch
A vegetarian thali is one of the simpler ways to arrange lunch without ordering multiple dishes. It may include dal, rice, chapati, vegetable preparations, curd, pickle and a sweet. The contents differ between restaurants and regions.
Puri-Sabzi as a Meal Option
Puri with potato curry is available through restaurants and sweet shops in many Indian cities. It can be served at breakfast or lunch. This particular option is easy to manage and serve.
Dal, Rice and Paneer for a Group
Ordering dal, rice, paneer curry and Indian breads separately can work better for a family gathering. These dishes are available from a range of North Indian and multi-cuisine restaurants.
Separate dishes allow you to adjust the quantity based on the group. For instance, extra rice or rotis can be added without buying another complete thali. Ask whether onion and garlic are used if the family avoids them during the festival.
Samosas and Kachoris for Evening Guests
Samosas and kachoris can be served to guests who arrive between meals. They can be ordered by piece or as part of snack combos. Some outlets may also offer dhokla, pakoras or aloo tikki.
Fried snacks tend to soften during delivery. Choosing a restaurant located nearby and ordering close to serving time can help. Check whether green and tamarind chutneys are included.
Kheer, Halwa and Gulab Jamun for Dessert
Kheer, halwa and gulab jamun are listed by restaurants across the country and can be added to the main meal. Kheer usually needs refrigeration if it will not be consumed immediately.
Gulab jamun can be served warm, while halwa may arrive in individual or family portions. Check the serving size because a single restaurant portion may not be enough for several guests.
Options for People Observing a Fast
Sabudana khichdi, sabudana vada, fruit bowls, curd and lassi may be available for people observing a fast. Some restaurants also list vrat thalis containing sama rice, potato dishes and breads made with kuttu or singhara flour.
Fasting practices vary between families. A vegetarian label alone does not confirm that a dish is suitable for a vrat. Contact the restaurant to check whether it uses sendha namak and avoids onion, garlic, wheat flour and shared cooking oil.
What to Check Before Ordering
Festival items may be produced in limited batches and can sell out during the day. We would suggest placing puja and group orders early, especially if you have a number in mind.
Also Read: Beyond Modak: 10 Ganesh Chaturthi Sweets to Order Online