Whenever amma start making some yummy bhakshanam( traditional snacks) she first starts with a small conical mount with turmeric powder kneaded together and place some kumkum at the top of it. Following this is when she start actually making the dough for ribbon pakoda, omapodi, chakkuli or murukku. Through this process they are invoking the blessings of the food loving God, Ganesh who will probably remove any obstacles in the tricky process of getting these snacks done.
Taking that a step further, we are making turmeric Ganesh this year to add to our collection of Ganesha idols at home.
Taking that a step further, we are making turmeric Ganesh this year to add to our collection of Ganesha idols at home.
Why we make Ganesha idols at home?
The festival joy is one my children have never experienced as we never were in the right location at the right time. So with Indian festivals, this was always the case as we couldn’t travel during this time. So we started small by getting air drying clay Ganesha. Then started the issue of visarjan. To solve this too, we started making easy food based Ganesha ideas. This makes it easy for us to plan the visarjan as well without having a water body near us. This also solves the issue of sediment formation or pollution of the wsterbodies.
DIY Ganesh idols we have tried
So far we have made a few different idols and repeated a few others
and the classic rice flour (kozhakattai maav) dough Ganapathy.
This year we attempt to make a wheat and turmeric flour, Haridra Ganapathy.
Significance of turmeric ganesha
It is a common sentiment that anything with a pinch of turmeric has a sanctifying ability. The turmeric Ganesha is supposed to be on of the 32 different varieties of the God. As an obstacle remover, the turmeric Ganesha is regarded higher in ability. This form of Ganesha is also considered to guide you in the right path. This Ganesha is also not so strict and a bit more benevolent, hence more suitable to be made at home.
Get the ingredients to make Haridra Ganapathy
Turmeric powder: good quality turmeric powder is a great spice to keep at home. It is not just a colouring agent, but a main ingredient in this idol making. The idol is considered pious as it is made from this turmeric.
Wheat flour: wheat flour is the second ingredient in this recipe. It adds enough volume to the dough and make it pliable to fold and mould. You can use APF as well if you prefer.
Oil:cooking oil or sesame oil is added. This makes the dough smooth and a bit shiny. It is essential to add it, and not skip it. Keep some oil aside for coating the idol once it is done.
Oil:cooking oil or sesame oil is added. This makes the dough smooth and a bit shiny. It is essential to add it, and not skip it. Keep some oil aside for coating the idol once it is done.
Water: to bind into a smooth tough dough add just enough water. You can opt for rose water for fragrant idol.
Let’s make the Turmeric ganesha idol
Making the turmeric idol is as much a fun even as it is pious. It is up to you to decide which way you take it.
Making the dough :We need o make a firm but smooth dough to make the Ganesh statue.
Making the dough :We need o make a firm but smooth dough to make the Ganesh statue.
Measure out one cup of wheat flour, half cup turmeric powder, one table spoon oil and mix well in a bowl. Add water a little at a time and knead into a smooth dough.
Festivties and naivedyums following Ganesh stapana
The Ganesh idol is usually kept for 11 days and regular pooja and prasad are a part of it. We have outlined a lot of what we do and the collection of naiveduyms in a post.
If you are running around and doing multiple things at the same time
will come in handy for prasad and double up as snacks for the run
Can we make the statue with just turmeric powder?
Yes, this is absolutely possible and considered pious. The dough is a bit harder to work with for kids as it breaks easily. Since the combination is only water and turmeric powder, it is a dry one with no sticky gluten like effect. However, if you are fairly familiar with the idol making, then it will not be too difficult to smooth the idol.
Stay connected
Making Ganesha idols at home are an actual privilege and a delightful time to spend with children creating. Since the turmeric dough is pretty much like play dough, make this easy Ganesha idol is perfect for little hands too. I agree it may not be perfect Ganesha idol, for us it is the thought behind it that counts.
If you are making the idol, leave us a note in comments or rate this post. We would love to hear from you.
Please do subscribe to this blog as we plan to bring forth easy recipes throughout this season.
Pin this for later
See you in the next post.
If you are making the idol, leave us a note in comments or rate this post. We would love to hear from you.
Please do subscribe to this blog as we plan to bring forth easy recipes throughout this season.
Pin this for later
See you in the next post.
