7 Easy Modak Recipes for Ganesh Chaturthi 2026: Traditional to Chocolate

Edited by: Anjum M
Updated: NewsPoint | 11 Sept 2026, 4:19 pm
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Ganesh Chaturthi 2026 will be celebrated on September 14, bringing with it prayers, beautifully decorated idols and festive feasts. Among the many offerings prepared for Lord Ganesha, Ganesh Chaturthi modak recipes hold a special place. From classic Ukadiche Modak made with coconut and jaggery to chocolate, mawa and dry-fruit versions, these easy recipes offer something for every sweet lover.
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7 Modak Recipes for Ganesh Chaturthi 2026

Modak is traditionally associated with Lord Ganesha and is a popular festive offering during Ganesh Chaturthi. While the steamed Ukadiche Modak remains a classic, several modern variations have become equally popular.

Here are seven easy modak recipes you can prepare at home this festive season.


1. Ukadiche Modak

Ukadiche Modak is one of the most traditional Maharashtrian preparations for Ganesh Chaturthi. It features a soft rice-flour covering with a sweet coconut and jaggery filling.

Ingredients

For the covering:


  • 1 cup rice flour
  • 1 cup water
  • 1 tsp ghee
  • A pinch of salt
  • For the filling:
  • 1 cup freshly grated coconut
  • ¾ cup grated jaggery
  • ½ tsp cardamom powder
  • 1 tsp ghee
  • A pinch of nutmeg powder, optional

Method

  1. Heat ghee in a pan and add coconut and jaggery.
  2. Cook on low heat until the jaggery melts and the mixture thickens.
  3. Add cardamom and nutmeg, then let the filling cool.
  4. Boil water with salt and ghee. Gradually add rice flour while stirring.
  5. Cover and let the mixture rest briefly before kneading it into a smooth dough.
  6. Divide the dough into portions and flatten each into a thin disc.
  7. Add the filling, make pleats around the edges and seal at the top.
  8. Steam for about 10–15 minutes, until the covering looks cooked and slightly glossy.
  9. Serve warm with a little ghee.

2. Fried Modak

If you enjoy sweets with a crispy exterior, fried modak is a delicious alternative to the steamed version. The crunchy covering pairs well with the soft coconut-jaggery filling.

Ingredients

For the dough:

  • 1 cup all-purpose flour or whole-wheat flour
  • 1 tbsp semolina
  • 1 tbsp ghee
  • Water as required
  • For the filling:
  • 1 cup grated coconut
  • ¾ cup jaggery
  • ½ tsp cardamom powder
  • 1 tsp ghee
Method

  1. Combine flour, semolina and ghee. Add water gradually and make a firm dough.
  2. Cover and rest the dough for 15–20 minutes.
  3. Cook coconut and jaggery until the mixture thickens. Add cardamom and cool.
  4. Make small dough balls and roll them into thin discs.
  5. Add the filling, create pleats and seal the top.
  6. Fry in medium-hot oil until golden and crisp.
  7. Drain on a kitchen towel and serve once slightly cooled.

3. Chocolate Modak

Chocolate modak gives the traditional festive sweet a contemporary twist. It is particularly appealing to children and anyone who enjoys chocolate-based desserts.


Ingredients

  • 1 cup crumbled mawa
  • ½ cup powdered sugar
  • 2 tbsp cocoa powder
  • 2 tbsp milk
  • ½ tsp cardamom powder
  • 1 tsp ghee
  • Chopped nuts, optional
Method

  1. Heat ghee in a non-stick pan and add the crumbled mawa.
  2. Cook on low heat while stirring continuously.
  3. Add powdered sugar and cocoa powder and mix well.
  4. Add milk gradually if the mixture is too dry.
  5. Cook until the mixture comes together like a soft dough.
  6. Add cardamom and chopped nuts if desired.
  7. Let it cool slightly.
  8. Grease a modak mould, fill it with the mixture and press firmly.
  9. Carefully remove the modak from the mould.
  10. Refrigerate briefly for a firmer texture if preferred.

4. Mawa Modak

Mawa modak is rich, creamy and easy to prepare with just a few ingredients. Its soft texture and mildly aromatic flavour make it a festive favourite.

Ingredients

  • 2 cups crumbled mawa
  • ¾ cup powdered sugar
  • ½ tsp cardamom powder
  • A few saffron strands, optional
  • 1 tsp ghee
  • Chopped pistachios or almonds
Method


  1. Heat ghee in a heavy-bottomed pan.
  2. Add mawa and cook on low heat until smooth.
  3. Add powdered sugar and stir until the mixture thickens and starts leaving the sides of the pan.
  4. Add cardamom and saffron.
  5. Turn off the heat and allow the mixture to cool slightly.
  6. Grease a modak mould and press the mixture into it.
  7. Unmould carefully and garnish with chopped nuts.

5. Dry Fruit Modak

For those who prefer a nutty and naturally sweet option, dry fruit modaks are a great festive choice. Dates help bind the roasted nuts into a soft mixture that can be shaped easily.

Ingredients

  • ½ cup almonds
  • ½ cup cashews
  • ¼ cup pistachios
  • ½ cup seedless dates
  • 2 tbsp desiccated coconut
  • ½ tsp cardamom powder
  • 1 tsp ghee
Method

  1. Lightly roast the almonds, cashews and pistachios.
  2. Cool and pulse them into a coarse mixture.
  3. Blend the dates separately into a thick paste.
  4. Heat ghee and cook the date paste for a few minutes.
  5. Add the ground nuts, coconut and cardamom.
  6. Mix until the ingredients form a soft, mouldable mixture.
  7. Allow it to cool slightly.
  8. Press portions into a greased modak mould and carefully unmould.

6. Besan Modak

Besan modak combines the familiar roasted flavour of gram flour with the traditional modak shape. It is a simple choice when you want something different from the usual coconut-based filling.

Ingredients


  • 1 cup besan
  • ½ cup powdered sugar
  • ¼ cup ghee
  • ½ tsp cardamom powder
  • 2 tbsp chopped nuts
  • A pinch of saffron, optional
Method

  1. Heat ghee in a heavy-bottomed pan.
  2. Add besan and roast on low heat, stirring continuously.
  3. Continue until it develops a nutty aroma and turns slightly golden.
  4. Let it cool slightly.
  5. Add powdered sugar, cardamom and chopped nuts.
  6. Mix until the mixture becomes soft enough to shape.
  7. Grease a modak mould and press the mixture into it.
  8. Unmould gently and let the modaks set before serving.

7. Coconut Modak

Coconut modak is one of the easier options for a quick festive preparation. Condensed milk gives it a creamy texture, while cardamom adds a familiar Indian sweet flavour.

Ingredients

  • 2 cups freshly grated coconut
  • 1 cup condensed milk
  • ½ tsp cardamom powder
  • 1 tsp ghee
  • Chopped nuts, optional
Method

  1. Heat ghee in a pan and add grated coconut.
  2. Cook on low heat for a few minutes.
  3. Add condensed milk and mix well.
  4. Cook until the mixture thickens and begins to leave the sides.
  5. Add cardamom and chopped nuts.
  6. Turn off the heat and let the mixture cool slightly.
  7. Grease a modak mould and press the mixture firmly into it.
  8. Unmould and allow the modaks to cool before serving.

Which Modak Is Best for Ganesh Chaturthi?

The best modak depends on your taste and how much time you have for preparation.


  • Ukadiche Modak: Best for a traditional Ganesh Chaturthi offering.
  • Fried Modak: Ideal for those who prefer a crispy texture.
  • Chocolate Modak: A fun choice for children and chocolate lovers.
  • Mawa Modak: Perfect for a rich and creamy festive sweet.
  • Dry Fruit Modak: A nutty option with dates and dry fruits.
  • Besan Modak: Great for those who enjoy the flavour of roasted gram flour.
  • Coconut Modak: A convenient option when you want a quick recipe.

Tips to Make Perfect Modaks

A few simple precautions can make your homemade modaks easier to shape and more enjoyable to eat.

  • Keep the rice-flour dough covered while making Ukadiche Modaks so it does not dry out.
  • Ensure the coconut-jaggery filling is thick rather than watery.
  • Avoid adding too much filling, as this can cause the modak to split.
  • Cool cooked fillings before placing them inside a dough covering.
  • Cook mawa mixtures on low heat to prevent them from becoming dry.
  • Lightly grease the mould before shaping the modaks.
  • For fried modaks, maintain medium heat so the outside cooks evenly.
  • Store leftover modaks according to their ingredients and preparation method.

Ganesh Chaturthi 2026 Date and Puja Muhurat

Ganesh Chaturthi 2026 will be celebrated on Monday, September 14. The festival falls during Chaturthi Tithi in Shukla Paksha of the Hindu month of Bhadrapada.

According to the timings provided:

  • Chaturthi Tithi begins: 7:06 AM on September 14
  • Chaturthi Tithi ends: 7:44 AM on September 15
  • Madhyahna Ganesha Puja Muhurat: 11:02 AM to 1:31 PM on September 14
The Madhyahna period is considered particularly auspicious for Ganesh Puja, as tradition associates Lord Ganesha's birth with midday. Devotees can offer homemade modaks along with other traditional naivedya.

Ganesh Chaturthi 2026 Moon Sighting Restriction

A traditional practice associated with Ganesh Chaturthi involves avoiding sight of the Moon during a specified period on Chaturthi. According to the belief, seeing the Moon during this time may lead to Mithya Dosha or Mithya Kalank, traditionally linked with false accusations or undeserved blame.


For Ganesh Chaturthi 2026, the stated restriction period is:

  • Begins: 9:01 AM on September 14
  • Ends: 8:08 PM on September 14
  • Duration: 11 hours 8 minutes
Those who follow this traditional practice can plan their activities accordingly.

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