Ganpati Chaturthi 2025: Innovative Ganpati Prasad! The right blend of traditions and modernity

Globally over time Ganesh Chaturthi has established itself as one of India’s most hearty festivals that is celebrated in equal measures of devotion and gusto- and not to forget, delicious food at the heart of which lies the prasad, the sacred offering to the Almighty Lord Ganesha that is later distributed among devotees. While the traditional ware included Modaks, Puran Polis, and Sheera among others, changing lifestyles, dietary needs, and a shift towards health-consciousness sees families take the innovative path of fusing traditional with the healthy. What you now find occupying pride of place in middle-class and educated homes include recipes like Ragi Modaks, Foxtail Millet Sheera, and gluten-free snacks. And they only seem to be catching up!

Where Tradition Meets Innovation!
Ganpati Prasad is beyond a sweetmeat. It carries significance in that it is the Lord’s favourite food and thus said to represent sweetness, prosperity, and an unending sense of joy. “Prasad” in the traditional sense consisted of rice flour, jaggery, coconut, ghee, and wheat-based ingredients- timeless and tasty but not exactly healthy if eaten in quantities. With sedentary lives being on the upswing and dietary restrictions for the likes of gluten intolerance or diabetes being the norm, the road to salvation is paved with new ideas of sweetness and health- without compromising on taste or devotion in any way.


Ragi Modaks: Tradition + Nutrition!
Ragi, or finger millet is a staple due to its high calcium, iron, and fibre content and is thus the perfect replacement for rice flour. Steamed or fried, these Ragi Modaks are for everyone, be they health or happiness-conscious. Stuffed with traditional jaggery and coconut or modern fillings like dates, dry fruits, or nuts for a richer bite, these are a must-have for everyone, young or old.

Foxtail Millet Sheera: Discover the gold in the old!
Semolina/Sevia Sheera or halwa was always part of Ganesh festival prasad. Now it’s got a twist with the use of foxtail millet, an ancient gluten-free grain naturally fibre-rich with loads of protein, and antioxidants. With its natural wholesome nutty flavour, it goes easily with ghee, cardamom, and jaggery. Adding roasted nuts and saffron just elevates the festive feel while making it indulgent yet sacred.

Festive Snacks of Gluten-Free Grains! Inclusive like never before!
Ganpati prasad is about the community where everyone, even strangers must partake. Increasing awareness of celiac disease and gluten intolerance meaning the traditional must cater to everyone. Innovations like gluten-free laddoos made with besan, amaranth, or rajgira, or snacks made of quinoa, makhana (fox nuts), and chia seeds are the kind of things that has everything for everyone. Even the likes of traditional chaklis or sev have a makeover with jowar or bajra flour that keeps it as crunchy and flavourful as before.


Experimentation: The buzzword this Ganpati!
While Ganesh Chaturthi has always been about abundance and community feeding, the new wave of fusing it with old and forgotten grains brings in the thing of creativity and inclusivity. Families today are experimenting with ingredients and recipes besides sharing them across generations. Some even go the social media way with their ideas and are keeping alive the collective spirit of community and innovation while keeping traditions alive and intact.

To conclude, the Ganesh Chaturthi Prasad while always being about indulgence, has today added an element of mindfulness. Be it Ragi Modaks packed with nutrition or Foxtail Millet Sheera that revives forgotten grains, and gluten-free snacking to everyone around the dinner table, such innovations are a great balance of health, taste, and devotion- almost in the nature of “Vignaharta” when it comes to foods, tastes and health.

Contributed by: Ajay Kangralkar, Founder, SkyRoots Venture LLP