Ganesh Chaturthi 2026: Ganesh Chaturthi is a festival filled with colour, devotion, family traditions and, of course, festive food. Among the many sweets prepared during the celebrations, modak holds a special place and is closely associated with Lord Ganesha.
While the traditional coconut-and-jaggery modak remains a favourite, home cooks can experiment with different flavours and ingredients. From a classic steamed version to a no-fuss dry fruit recipe and a chocolate twist, there are plenty of ways to prepare modaks at home.
If you’re looking for easy modak recipes for Ganesh Chaturthi 2026, here are three options worth trying:
1. Dry Fruit and Dates Modak
If you want a modak that doesn’t require making a separate dough, the dry fruit and dates version is a convenient choice.
Dates and figs provide natural sweetness, while almonds, walnuts and pistachios add texture and richness. Since the mixture can be shaped directly in a modak mould, this recipe can be particularly useful for beginners.
Ingredients
1 cup seedless dates
½ cup dried fig
½ cup almonds
½ cup walnuts
½ cup pistachios
1 tsp ghee
½ tsp cardamom powder
How to make dry fruit modaks
1. Finely chop the dates and figs or pulse them into a coarse mixture.
2. Lightly dry-roast the nuts and crush them. Avoid grinding them into a fine powder if you want some texture.
3. Heat ghee in a pan and add the dates-and-fig mixture.
4. Cook on low heat until the mixture softens and starts coming together.
5. Add the crushed nuts and cardamom powder. Mix thoroughly.
6. Allow the mixture to cool enough to handle.
7. Grease a modak mould lightly with ghee.
8. Press portions of the mixture firmly into the mould and carefully remove the shaped modaks.
Why try this recipe?
This is one of the simpler modak recipes to make at home because it doesn’t involve steaming or preparing rice-flour dough. The combination of dried fruit and nuts also gives the modaks a naturally rich flavour.
Tip: If the mixture feels too dry to hold its shape, warm it slightly and knead it gently before filling the mould.
2. Traditional Coconut-Jaggery Steamed Modak
For those who prefer a classic festive sweet, Ukadiche Modak is a popular Maharashtrian-style preparation.
Unlike instant or chocolate versions, this recipe involves making a soft rice-flour covering and filling it with coconut and jaggery. The modaks are then steamed until the outer layer becomes soft and cooked.
The recipe does require a little practice, particularly when shaping the dough, but the result is worth the effort if you’re looking for a more traditional Ganesh Chaturthi preparation.
Ingredients
For the outer covering:
1 cup rice flour
1 cup water
1 tsp ghee
A pinch of salt
For the filling:
1 cup freshly grated coconut
½ cup jaggery
½ tsp cardamom powder
1 tbsp poppy seeds, optional
How to make Ukadiche Modak
1. Heat the water and ghee in a pan and add a pinch of salt.
2. Once the water is hot, gradually add the rice flour while stirring continuously to avoid lumps.
3. Cover and cook briefly.
4. Transfer the mixture to a suitable surface and knead carefully while it is still warm to form a smooth dough. Handle hot dough carefully.
5. For the filling, heat jaggery until it begins to melt.
6. Add the grated coconut, cardamom and optional poppy seeds.
7. Cook until the mixture becomes slightly sticky but isn’t excessively wet.
8. Divide the rice-flour dough into small portions.
9. Flatten each portion and shape it into a small cup.
10. Add some coconut-jaggery filling to the centre.
11. Bring the edges together and shape the dough into a modak.
12. Steam the modaks for approximately 10 minutes, or until the outer covering is cooked.
Tips for softer steamed modaks
The consistency of the dough makes a big difference. It should be smooth and pliable rather than dry or crumbly. Keep the prepared dough covered so that it doesn’t lose moisture while you’re shaping the modaks.
Similarly, avoid making the filling excessively wet. A moist filling can make the outer covering difficult to seal.
3. Easy Chocolate Modak
Not every festive sweet has to follow the traditional recipe. Chocolate modaks are a popular modern alternative, especially for children and anyone who enjoys chocolate-based desserts.
This version combines melted chocolate with crushed biscuits, nuts and condensed milk. It requires no steaming and can be prepared using a modak mould.
Ingredients
200 g dark or milk chocolate
1 cup crushed Marie biscuits
½ cup roasted nuts such as cashews, almonds and pistachios
2 tbsp condensed milk
How to make chocolate modaks
1. Melt the chocolate using a double boiler, stirring until smooth.
2. Add the crushed biscuits and roasted nuts.
3. Mix in the condensed milk.
4. Stir until the ingredients are evenly combined and form a mouldable mixture.
5. Lightly grease a modak mould with ghee.
6. Fill the mould with the chocolate mixture and press firmly so that the modak holds its shape.
7. Repeat with the remaining mixture.
8. Refrigerate for around one hour or until the modaks are firm.
9. Remove them carefully from the mould before serving.
Why chocolate modaks are worth trying
Chocolate modaks are ideal if you’re looking for a quick Ganesh Chaturthi sweet without the process of preparing and steaming rice-flour dough. You can also adjust the texture by changing the amount of crushed biscuits or nuts.
For a richer flavour, dark chocolate works well. Milk chocolate can be used if you prefer a sweeter, milder taste.
Which Modak Recipe Should You Try?
The best recipe depends on how much time you have and what kind of flavour you’re looking for.
Modak Best for Preparation
Dry Fruit & Dates Modak Quick, no-fuss festive sweet Easy
Coconut-Jaggery Modak Traditional Ganesh Chaturthi celebrations Moderate
Chocolate Modak Kids and chocolate lovers Easy
If you’re making modaks for the first time, dry fruit or chocolate modaks can be easier starting points. If you’re looking for a traditional Maharashtrian preparation, Ukadiche Modak is the classic choice.
How to Make Modaks at Home More Easily
A few simple preparations can make the process smoother:
Use a modak mould
A mould can help beginners achieve evenly shaped modaks without having to master the traditional hand-shaping technique immediately.
Prepare the filling first
Whether you’re making coconut-jaggery, dry fruit or chocolate modaks, having the filling ready before shaping can make the process faster.
Don’t overfill the mould
Too much filling can make the modak difficult to close and remove. Press the mixture firmly but avoid packing it excessively.
Keep the texture in mind
For steamed modaks, the dough needs to remain soft and pliable. For no-cook or chocolate versions, the mixture needs enough moisture and binding ingredients to hold its shape.
Make them in advance when possible
Chocolate and dry fruit modaks can generally be prepared ahead of serving. Steamed modaks are best enjoyed fresh, although they can be prepared earlier and reheated appropriately.
A Modak for Every Ganesh Chaturthi Table
Modaks don’t have to be limited to one recipe. A festive platter can include traditional coconut-jaggery Ukadiche Modak alongside dry fruit and chocolate variations, giving family members different flavours to enjoy.
The important thing is to choose a recipe that matches your time, skill level and preferred taste. Whether you want an authentic steamed sweet or an easy modern version, homemade modaks can add a special touch to your Ganesh Chaturthi 2026 celebrations.
