Ganesh Visarjan 2020: Bid Farewell To Lord Ganesha With Panchakajjaya- Traditional South Indian Naivedyam

The 10-day Ganeshotsav culminates today (September 1, 2020) with Visarjan. On this day, devotees bid farewell to their beloved deity by immersing the idol in water. This ritual of Ganesh Visarjan, also referred to as Anant Chaturdashi, is no less than a festive affair. People put up spectacular procession, with aarti, music, dance and colours, while carrying Ganesh idol for immersion. It is noteworthy to mention that food plays an important role in the process. Devotees offer different types of sweet and savoury dishes to Lord Ganesha.

Keeping this in mind, we bring the recipe of Panchakajjaya, a traditional South Indian naivedyam (bhog). Panchakajjaya is usually prepared during the celebrations of Ganesh Chaturthi in Karnataka.

'Pancha' in Sanskrit stands for five; meaning that this dish includes five different types of ingredients for preparation. The Panchakajjaya recipe is quick, fuss-free and can be churned out in just 15 minutes. All you need to do is dry-roast, grind and mix all the ingredients together. The texture of this dish often resembles North Indian staple 'Panjiri'.

Here's The Recipe For Panchakajjaya:

Ingredients:

Chana dal- half cup

Sesame seeds (til)- half cup

Freshly grated coconut- half cup

Jaggery- half cup

Ghee- 1-2 tablespoon

Cardamom (elaichi) powder- a pinch (for flavouring)

Method:

Step 1. Dry roast the chana dal in a deep bottom pan. Keep aside.

Step 2. Dry roast the sesame seeds till they crackle and release a nutty flavour. Keep aside.

Step 3. Transfer the chana dal in a blender and grind it coarsely. Repeat the same with sesame seeds. Do not blend the two ingredients together.

Step 4. Pound the jaggery with mortar and pestle and prepare a coarsely ground powder. You may also use jaggery powder instead.

Step 5. Now, take the coarsely ground chana dal and sesame seeds in a mixing bowl, add rest of the ingredients and mix everything together with hand. Panchakajjaya is ready for offering.

Variation:

• You may add sugar or honey instead of jaggery.
• You can also replace chana dal with popped rice (khil/khoi) or flattened rice (poha).

Try this dish at home and offer it to Ganapati Bappa!