Before you dive into your Ganesh Puja, let’s get your checklist ready. Think of this like prepping for a spiritual guest – and in this case, the guest is none other than Vighnaharta Ganesha, the remover of obstacles and the bringer of boondi laddoos (yes, we wish).
Whether you’re doing the puja solo, with family, or with that one friend who always forgets the agarbatti, here’s your simple shopping list:
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Basic Items for Ganesh Puja:
1. Ganesh Idol
Clay, eco-friendly, brass, or even a printed photo (if you’re keeping it super simple).
If it’s for Ganesh Chaturthi, a clay idol is best so you can do visarjan later.
2. Puja Chowki (Platform)
Any small table or raised surface will do. Cover it with a clean cloth (preferably red or yellow – Ganesha’s favs).
3. Flowers & Durva Grass
Fresh flowers like marigold or hibiscus.
Durva grass (3-blade or 21-blade bunch) is a must-have. Ganesha loves it more than modaks (almost).
4. Fruits & Sweets (Naivedyam)
Banana, apple, or any seasonal fruit.
Modaks or laddoos – either homemade, store-bought, or “accidentally eaten and replaced quickly”.
5. Incense Sticks (Agarbatti) & Camphor (Kapoor)
Fragrance sets the mood. Camphor is for aarti.
6. Diya (Lamp)
Preferably ghee diya, but oil works too. Keep a matchbox or lighter ready (yes, obvious, but often forgotten).
7. Roli (Red powder) & Akshat (Unbroken rice grains)
For tilak and offering.
8. Panchamrit (Optional but Auspicious)
Mix: milk, curd, honey, ghee, sugar. It’s like a divine smoothie for Ganesha.
Or just use clean water if you’re short on ingredients.
9. Betel Leaves & Nuts (Paan & Supari)
Traditional offering – one or two will do.
10. Bell (Ghanti)
Not mandatory, but ringing it feels festive (and it gently reminds your neighbors it’s puja time