Ganesh Chaturthi 2025: 10 Traditional Maharashtrian Dishes To Make At Home For Festive Feels In UAE

If you are someone reading this article, chances are that you are in the UAE and are currently missing the festivities back home. Ganesh Chaturthi is undoubtedly one of the most revered and famous festivals in the state of Maharashtra of India. The celebration takes place for days with delicious food, beautiful processions and soulful melodies from dhol and nagada. And food plays an important role in all of these celebrations! If you are also missing home a little too much this Ganesha, here’s a list of some quintessential Maharashtrian dishes that you can make at home to get in festive feels, right here in the UAE.

Traditional Maharashtrian Dishes

1. Modak

This is a traditional dessert that’s served to Lord Ganesha, as it’s regarded to be his favourite sweet. And this is absolutely worth making at home! This is an Indian dumpling-like treat. It’s made from a soft rice flour dough, which is then steamed. After this, it’s filled with a sweet mixture, which comprises fresh grated coconut and jaggery. So, don’t forget to make this at home for festive feels!

2. Puran Poli

This is an Indian sweet flatbread, and it’s quite a famous Maharashtrian delicacy. A dish that’s made with wheat flour, this sweetened bread is perfect for those who like to savour treats that are not insanely sweet.

3. Masala Bhaat

Just as the name explains, masala bhaat is basically spiced rice. This is a tasty, spicy and aromatic one-pot traditional rice, which is made with a variety of vegetables. The flavours are enhanced with spices, herbs, nuts, and coconut, which just makes foodies go for a second serving.

4. Shrikhand

This is a fruit-based traditional treat, which is often served as a part of the thali. However, due to its delicious flavours, it’s also often relished with puri. A traditional dessert in both Gujarati and Marathi cuisines, the easy treat is made with powdered sugar and then flavoured with cardamom and saffron.

5. Katachi Amti

If you’re making pooran poli, then you will be left with water in which the dal was cooked. The best way to use that leftover water is by making Katachi Amti. This is basically a flavourful and spicy curry that pairs perfectly with rice. The spicy lentil-based dish is tangy and thin, which adds just the right amount of spices to your meal.

6. Kothimbir Vadi

A perfect snack for those who are in the mood for something crispy. A dish made with gram flour, coriander leaves, sesame seed, spices, and peanuts, this savoury and flavourful nibble is pan-fried or even deep-fried. Making the dish is quite simple! All you need to do is steam the coriander and gram cake cubes and then fry them to perfection. However, if you are someone who is health-conscious, you can even skip the whole frying bit and just relish it steamed.

7. Thalipeeth

This is a multi-grain flatbread that is especially popular in Western India. Made with a combination of flowers and spices, the flavour of this bread makes it an absolute favourite amongst foodies. The hearty and filling meal can be paired with yoghurt or even combined with a gravied dish for a flavour-packed meal.

8. Sabudana Khichadi

This is undoubtedly one of the most famous dishes in Maharashtra, but across the country. Made with Sabudana, you can add ingredients of your choice to this. If you are fond of potatoes, go ahead and add some boiled potatoes to mix; if you like peanuts, don’t be shy and add lots of them. Top it with spices and diced coriander, and your sabudana khichadi is ready.

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9. Karanji

Popularly known as gujiya, Karanji is basically a pastry, which is made with all-purpose flour and semolina. With a sweet filling that comprises desiccated coconut and nuts, this is quite a lovely treat that you will surely want to make at home, which will instantly transport you to the streets of your hometown

10. Amrakhand

A mango variation of shrikhand, this is another insanely popular traditional dessert that you just can’t miss making at home during Ganesh Utsav. With the last of mangoes still available in the market, don’t forget to combine them with your shrikhand to add a fruity punch to this traditional dessert. It’s refreshing and light, making for the perfect way to end your meal on a sweet note.

So, which one of these items will you be making first at home this Ganesh Utsav?

Cover Image Courtesy: Canva Pro/subodhsathe