Celebrated with immense enthusiasm and vibrant traditions throughout India, Ganesh Chaturthi—also known as Vinayaka Chaturthi—is among the most prominent festivals in Hindu culture. This ten-day celebration in Karnataka is distinguished by intense spiritual awe, intricate customs, and communal celebrations. Homes are converted into places of celebration and devotion, and streets are enlivened with processions, religious music, and vibrant decorations. This blog will cover the Ganesh Chaturthi sweets in Karnataka, the most popular confectionery stores in the state, traditional cuisine menus, online sweet delivery services, and frequently asked questions. Whether you’re celebrating in a peaceful village in the Western Ghats or a busy city like Bangalore, this guide will help you enjoy the season’s sweetness. 

Giving Lord Ganesha sweets is a lovely and significant custom that is at the centre of these festivities. Lord Ganesha is deeply associated with offerings of food, especially sweets, and is fondly referred to as Modakapriya, meaning ‘the lover of Modaks. With ancient recipes that have been handed down through the years, this takes on a very unique flavour in Karnataka. These candies represent happiness, plenty, and cherished family memories in addition to being offerings. 

Making sweets is frequently a family activity, with grandparents teaching the next generation the subtleties of creating the ideal chiroti, obbattu, or kadubu. Sweets preparation, offering, and sharing are deeply spiritual practices based on devotion and thankfulness. Additionally, it highlights Karnataka’s varied cuisine, which blends flavours from the coast, hills, and plains to produce a singular, happy experience.

Best Ganesh Chaturthi Sweets in Karnataka

Karnataka’s festival cuisine is a beautiful fusion of elegance and sweetness. Here are ten of the most popular sweets that are traditionally made and enjoyed during Ganesh Chaturthi. The naivedya, or food offered to the deity before being shared with others, frequently includes these delicacies, which have traditional importance.

1. Kayi Kadubu (Steamed Modak)

It is a must-have offering and the classic Ganesh Chaturthi dessert. Kayi Kadubu, a speciality from Karnataka, is similar to the classic modak, with a tender rice flour shell filled with a sweet mixture of grated coconut and jaggery, often fragrant with a hint of cardamom. To preserve the dumpling’s delicate flavours and health advantages, it is steamed.

During the main puja, these are served freshly prepared in the morning. Although steamed versions are popular in South Karnataka, some homes in coastal regions and North Karnataka also make fried versions, which give the soft filling a crispy feel. 

2. Obbattu (Holige)

A popular festive delicacy, Obbattu—known as Puran Poli in many regions of India—is cherished during celebrations. This classic Karnataka sweet flatbread is filled with a flavorful mixture of coconut and jaggery or sometimes a combination of chana dal and jaggery. After that, it is rolled out and cooked with a lot of ghee on a hot griddle. Obbattu is available in several regional variations, including bele obbattu and kayi holige, and is often prepared for major celebrations.

Obbattu, which represents wealth and family harmony, usually serves as part of the main course during Ganesh Chaturthi.

Related – Best Sweets for Ganesh Chaturthi

3. Mysore Pak

Without Mysore Pak, a rich and dense dessert prepared with gram flour, sugar, and a considerable amount of ghee, no list of Karnataka sweets would be complete. This treat, which came from the royal cooks of the Mysore Palace, is a perfect illustration of Karnataka’s diverse culinary customs.

It is served as prasada (blessed food) at holidays like Ganesh Chaturthi, but it has a particular position all year round. 

4. Karjikai (Karanji)

A different type of deep-fried dumpling dessert is Karjikai, which is the Karnataka equivalent of Karanji or Gujiya. It is packed with toasted coconut, jaggery, cardamom, and poppy seeds, and has a crunchy exterior composed of flour and ghee. Additionally, some recipes call for dry fruits or roasted chana dal powder.

This confection, which is especially well-liked in North Karnataka, is frequently prepared in big quantities and kept for days.

5. Rava Unde (Rava Ladoo)

Roasted semolina (rava), sugar, and ghee are the ingredients for this easy and adaptable dessert. Round balls are formed out of the mixture, and dry fruits are added as garnish. These ladoos are a kid’s favourite, simple to prepare, and portable.

As a festive snack or as part of the naivedya, Rava Ladoo is served during Ganesh Chaturthi.

6. Kobbari Mithai

Only a few ingredients are needed to make Kobbari Mithai, also known as coconut burfi: cardamom, sugar or jaggery, and grated coconut. After it has thickened, the dough is put on a pan and cut into squares or diamonds.

This dessert, which is frequently one of the first ones prepared in advance of the festival, perfectly encapsulates the spirit of Karnataka’s coconut-rich coastal cuisine.

7. Chiroti

A popular Christmas treat, chiroti is renowned for its delicate, flaky layers. Chiroti is made from maida (refined flour), rolled into thin sheets, stacked, and deep-fried. It can occasionally be dipped in sugar syrup or flavoured milk and is dusted with powdered sugar. 

In North Karnataka, this confection is especially well-liked and frequently offered to visitors as a unique holiday treat.

8. Gasagase Payasa (Poppy Seed Kheer)

Poppy seeds, coconut, jaggery, and a small amount of milk are combined to make a unique treat known as Gasagase Payasa. To produce a rich, nutty-flavoured payasa (kheer), the ingredients are mashed into a smooth paste and then cooked gradually.

It is particularly well-liked in Karnataka’s coastal areas and Malnad, where it is thought to have cooling effects.

9. Shavige Payasa (Vermicelli Kheer)

Shavige Payasa, which is made with roasted vermicelli boiled in milk and sweetened with sugar or jaggery, is another common dish in many homes. Often, cardamom is used to flavour it, and fried cashews and raisins are added on top.

Major pujas and dinners during Ganesh Chaturthi are frequently accompanied by this easy and satisfying dessert.

10. Ellu Unde

Known locally as elulu unde, sesame ladoo is a nutritious delicacy that also holds deep cultural and festive importance. Made from roasted sesame seeds and jaggery, these ladoos are valued not only for their health benefits but also for their symbolic significance during festive occasions.

Given its reputation for cleansing the body and spirit, elu is a significant sacrifice to Lord Ganesha.

Ganesh Chaturthi Sweets in Karnataka Near Me (Top 5 Sweet Shop Names)

Home-cooked sweets are valued for their traditional authenticity, but during Ganesh Chaturthi, confectioneries all over Karnataka go all out, producing festive combos and special versions of well-loved recipes. These stores are ingrained in family customs and serve as more than just food stops. Every year, many homes rely on the same “go-to” confectionery for their Ganesh Chaturthi offerings.

The following five Karnataka confectioneries are well-known for their Ganesh Chaturthi offerings:

1. Akkaravadasal Sweets – Bangalore

Akkaravadasal Sweets is a recognised brand for traditional South Indian sweets and is situated in the culturally vibrant neighbourhood of Basavanagudi. They serve fresh Kayi Kadubu, Obbattu, and coconut-based ladoos during Ganesh Chaturthi. To preserve authenticity and flavour, their confections are made using age-old techniques, frequently in small quantities.

Since demand tends to increase during the festival week, many Bangaloreans place pre-orders for Modaks and payasa mixtures well in advance.

2. Mahalakshmi Sweets – Hubli & Dharwad

Mahalakshmi Sweets, a reputed name from North Karnataka, is especially known for its signature treats like Karjikai, Chiroti, and Dharwad Peda. Traditional techniques and locally obtained ingredients are used to make these delicious delicacies. Their ghee and cardamom-flavoured Obbattu is a best-seller for Ganesh Chaturthi.

They often have long lineups during the event as both residents and visitors stock up on their favourites.

3. Kanhaiya Sweets – Mysuru

Kanhaiya Sweets combines North Karnataka specialities with the flavours of ancient Mysore. Both the soft, porous and the classic, ghee-laden varieties of their Mysore Pak are huge crowd-pleasers. They provide combo packs of Rava Ladoo, Coconut Burfi, and Modaks during Ganesh Chaturthi.

During the holiday season, their candy boxes are also well-liked presents in both corporate and family settings.

4. Raghavendra Stores – Mangalore

Raghavendra Stores, situated in the coastal city of Mangalore, is renowned for its unique payasa blends and a variety of coastal delicacies. They create fresh Kayi Kadubu with coconut fillings and Gasagase Payasa kits that showcase the region’s abundant produce.

Their sweets typically have a flavour of fresh coconut and local jaggery, which gives them a unique coastal twist that is unique to Karnataka.

5. New Modern Hotel (Sweet Counter) – Bangalore

Despite being most renowned for its tiffin fare, the New Modern Hotel’s sweet counter is a popular destination on significant holidays. They provide daily-made, freshly cooked Rave Unde, Shavige Payasa kits, and their famous Kadubu variants. It’s a well-liked destination for families doing their holiday shopping and cooking, and it’s close to VV Puram Food Street.

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Ganesh Chaturthi Food Menu

The naivedya, or food gift given to Lord Ganesha during the puja, is a significant component of Ganesh Chaturthi festivities. This offering is a representation of commitment, love, and thankfulness in addition to being a meal. While regional variations exist in Karnataka’s festival meals, most homes adhere to a framework that blends spiritual meaning, tradition, and flavour.

Morning Naivedya (Offered During the Main Puja)

Since many people adhere to the custom of presenting food at the Madhyahna kala, the most auspicious period, this is usually cooked before midday. 

• Steamed Kayi Kadubu (Modak) – Usually prepared fresh and served first.
  
• Obbattu (Holige) – Usually served wrapped in a banana leaf, this dish is prepared with ghee.
  
• Arecanut, banana, coconut, and betel leaf – Traditional components of any puja plate.
  
• Rava Unde (Rava Ladoo) – A commonly enjoyed festival sweet that’s simple and quick to whip up.
  
• Payasa (Kheer) – Shavige or Gasagase Payasa are the most common.
  

Festive Lunch (Served After the Puja)

Usually, the lunch is a satvik meal, which is meticulously and carefully made and devoid of garlic or onions.

Starters & Side Dishes:

• Kosambari – A cool and refreshing salad prepared with soaked moong dal, cucumber, and grated coconut.
  
• Hesaru Bele Thovve – A gentle moong dal recipe.
  
• Majjige Huli – Vegetables with a subtle spice, cooked in a rich coconut and buttermilk gravy.
  

Main Course:

• Ghee-topped Steamed Rice
  
• Bele Saaru (dal-based Rasam)
  
• Poori or Chapati (optional in some households)
  

Sweets & Desserts:

• Karjikai or Kobbari Mithai
  
• Gasagase Payasa or Hesarubele Payasa
  
• Obbattu served with a dab of ghee
  

Accompaniments:

• Happala (Papad), pickles, and Tambuli (spicy buttermilk)
  

Evening Snacks:

In certain households, a light snack or second offering is prepared in the evening:

• Sweet Avalakki (Poha) – Flavoured with cardamom and prepared using coconut and jaggery.
  
• Ellu Bella Mix – A blend of groundnuts, jaggery chunks, dry coconut, and sesame seeds.
  
• Seasonal Fruits and Boiled Groundnuts – Served fresh, often as a healthy, simple snack.
  

This dinner is both celebratory and filling since it is steeped in heritage and delivers a harmony of flavours—sweet, savoury, mild, and sour.

Ganesh Chaturthi Sweets in Karnataka Online

The way we celebrate festivals is changing as families become more international and lifestyles get faster. Online sweet delivery has grown in popularity, particularly in cities like Bangalore, Mysuru, and Mangalore, even though many households still make sweets the old-fashioned way.

Several platforms and stores in Karnataka now offer dependable, premium holiday sweets online, whether you’re trying to save time, give family members a sentimental treat while living away from home, or just want to experience a nostalgic taste. 

Where to Order Ganesh Chaturthi Sweets Online in Karnataka

Order holiday candies online from reputable local Karnataka confectionery stores and platforms to celebrate with ease. Many provide fresh delivery of classic favourites like pedhas, laddoos, and modaks to your home.

1. Anand Sweets & Savouries

Website: anandsweets.in
Anand Sweets, a prominent Karnataka-based brand, offers a wide range of traditional confections during Ganesh Chaturthi. Their online store includes the following highlights:

• Modak gift boxes (both fried and steamed varieties)
  
• Combination packs for Obbattu
  
• Mysore Pak (Classic and Ghee variants)
  
• Gift packets with decorations for a celebratory occasion
  

Along with shipping throughout India, they provide same-day and next-day delivery in Bangalore.

2. Hallimane Sweets

Website: hallimanesweets.com
This Bangalore-based company is well-known for its preservative-free, handmade candies. They have the following during the festival:

• Freshly prepared Modaks (Kayi Kadubu)
  
• Shenga Unde (peanut laddoos) and Rave Unde
  
• Payasa mixes and desserts made with coconut
  

They take bulk pre-orders for apartments and housing complexes and distribute all throughout Bangalore.

3. MTR Foods (via Amazon and BigBasket)

Known for its ready-to-make goods, MTR provides:

• Payasa Mix Instant (Shavige and Moong Dal)
  
• Mix of Holige (Obbattu)
  
• Mixture of Rava Ladoo
  

For people who are pressed for time but still want a homemade taste, these are perfect. accessible on well-known supermarket websites like Flipkart, Amazon, and BigBasket.

4. Zomato and Swiggy Instamart

During the week of Ganesh Chaturthi, these applications offer:

• Modaks from the local Mithai stores
  
• Christmas candy boxes and Payasa kits
  
• Offers from domestic cooks in the area
  

Availability varies by city, however, there are many possibilities in Bangalore, Mysuru, and Mangalore.

5. Local Homemade Sweet Sellers (via WhatsApp & Instagram)

Nowadays, a large number of home-based cooks in Karnataka operate small-scale confectionery businesses and accept orders through social media. Seek out nearby vendors who are providing:

• Customary family recipes
  
• Variants that are healthier or organic (for example, using jaggery instead of sugar)
  
• Orders that can be customised for community gatherings or modest pujas
  

An excellent method to help these micro-entrepreneurs while maintaining tradition is to place your orders online.

Conclusion

In Karnataka, Ganesh Chaturthi is the ideal fusion of joy, devotion, and delectable food. In addition to prayer and ceremony, the celebration unites individuals in the kitchen via laughter, shared recipes, and the traditional practice of making sweets as a sacrifice to God.

Every action adds to the continuity and delight that characterise Ganesh Chaturthi, whether you’re preparing Modaks from scratch using your grandmother’s recipe, waiting in line at your favourite confectionery, or placing an internet purchase to experience the festive magic.

The sweets of this season are more than food—they are symbols of blessings, plenty, and shared joy. Every sweet, from Kayi Kadubu and Obbattu to Gasagase Payasa and Mysore Pak, has a rich cultural history, a tale, and a memory.

As you celebrate this year, remember to value the history, love, and purpose that go into these treats in addition to their deliciousness.

FAQs

Q1. What is the most important Karnataka dessert during Ganesh Chaturthi? Ans:- The most significant and symbolic sweet offering to Lord Ganesha is thought to be Kayi Kadubu, or steamed Modak, which is also thought to be his favourite.

Q2. Is it possible to purchase Ganesh Chaturthi candies online in Bangalore or Mysuru? Ans:- Indeed, a number of reliable companies, like Hallimane, Anand Sweets, and others, provide home delivery and online ordering. 

Q3. Are Obbattu and Puran Poli the same individual? Ans:- Yes, Karnataka’s version of Puran Poli is called Obbattu. Both are festival flatbreads made with dal or coconut filling and jaggery, though the fillings and cooking techniques may differ slightly between locations.

Q4. What types of savoury foods are served at Ganesh Chaturthi? Ans:- The traditional dinner consists of steaming rice, majjige huli, dal (thovve), rasam (saaru), kosambari, and accompaniments like pickle and papad in addition to sweets.

Q5. Can traditional sweets be replaced with healthier options? Ans:- Indeed, healthier options include desserts like dry fruit laddoos and Ellu Unde (sesame-jaggery ladoo). In addition, some homemade payasa recipes substitute coconut milk and jaggery for sugar and condensed milk.

Q6. When is the customary Ganesh Chaturthi naivedya (sacrifice) made? Ans:- The offering is usually made during Madhyahna Kala, which is considered the most auspicious time of day for Ganesh Puja. Additionally, some houses serve sweets once more at the evening aarti.

Q7. Do I need any prior knowledge of traditional cooking techniques to produce these sweets? Ans:- Indeed. Shavige Payasa, Kobbari Mithai, and Rava Ladoo are just a few of the easy and beginner-friendly dishes. If time is of the essence, Modaks and Holige mixtures can also be made in advance.