Ganesh Chaturthi 2023: 6 ways to make Lord Ganesh idols with food items

Ganesh Chaturthi, the exuberant celebration of Lord Ganesh's arrival, is a time of joy, devotion and grandeur in India. While the tradition of sculpting clay idols is old, a contemporary eco-conscious wave has swept across festival celebrations, encouraging devotees to craft their idols using food items. In 2023, as the nation prepares to welcome the elephant-headed god, here are six imaginative, DIY Ganpati idols you can create with edible materials.

2 things you need to know

• DIY Lord Ganesh idols blend devotion with sustainability.
• The 10-day festival will be celebrated from September 19-28.

Fruit Ganesh

Embrace the vibrancy of nature by assembling a Ganpati idol made entirely of fresh fruits. Choose from a medley of colours and textures with bananas, apples, grapes and more. Secure the fruit pieces into the form of Lord Ganesh, using toothpicks to hold it all together. This edible masterpiece will not only grace your altar but also make for prasad after the festivities.

Chocolate Ganesh

Indulge your senses with a delectable chocolate Ganesh idol. Melt your favourite type of chocolate—be it dark, milk, or white—and pour it into a mould. Once it solidifies, remove the idol from the mould. Not only will this idol look divine, but will also make for sweet prasad that children will love.

(Try making Bappa idol from chocolate | Image: Pinterest)

Dry fruit Ganesh

For a nutritious and visually appealing idol, gather an assortment of dry fruits like almonds, cashews, raisins and walnuts. Arrange them carefully to recreate the divine shape of Lord Ganesh, using edible glue to keep it in place. This unique idol is a wholesome offering to the deity and symbolises abundance.

Turmeric Ganesh

Harness the sacred properties of turmeric by creating a vibrant yellow Ganesh idol. Mix turmeric powder with water to form a paste, and then sculpt the idol using a mould. After drying, this auspicious creation can be a centerpiece of your festivities.

(Try creating Turmeric Ganesha this Ganesh Chaturthi | Image: Pinterest)

Coconut Ganesh

Simplicity meets tradition in a coconut Ganesh idol. Carve the coconut into the likeness of Lord Ganesh using a knife or coconut grater. This pure and natural creation can be adorned with flowers and leaves.

(Coconut is used in making Modak, try making Ganpathi out of it | Image: Pinterest)

Modak Ganesh

Honour Lord Ganesh's love for modaks by shaping an idol with these sweet dumplings. Use steamed modaks for the body, cloves for the eyes and a cardamom pod for the trunk. This idol not only celebrates tradition but also serves as a delicious prasad.

As you create your own Ganesh idol with food items, remember to use fresh and high-quality ingredients. Handle them with care to achieve the desired form. Once your edible idol is complete, decorate it with flowers, leaves and other ornaments before placing it on a pedestal to offer prayers.