Vinayaka Chavithi Sweets: What to Offer and What to Serve

Vinayaka Chavithi is the first big festival of the Telugu calendar year and the offerings are specific. Ganesha's naivedyam is fixed by tradition, and most families follow it closely.

Undrallu are the essential item: coarse rice rava steamed into small balls, offered plain and eaten with ghee. They are simple, they are quick, and no substitute is accepted.

Kudumulu, the steamed rice dumplings with a coconut and jaggery filling, are the Andhra cousin of the Maharashtrian modak. Both are offered; which one appears depends on the household.

Laddu is the sweet most associated with Ganesha in the popular imagination, and Boondi Laddu is what most families place before the idol. Bandar Laddu, with its coarser boondi and heavier ghee, is the richer version.

For the days after, when the idol is at home and visitors come through, keep something that holds. Kobbari Louz, Mysorepak and a tin of Chekkalu will carry a week of guests better than anything milk-based.

If you are ordering, place it three or four days ahead. Vinayaka Chavithi week is when the season starts and production fills up quickly from that point onward.