21 Ganesh Chaturthi Puja Items NRIs Often Forget · 2026 Checklist
Sheetal Chouhan21 Ganesh Chaturthi Puja Items NRIs Often Forget · 2026 Checklist
It's September 13. Ganesh Chaturthi is tomorrow. You've ordered sweets. You have an idol. You think you're ready.
Then morning comes. You start the puja. And you realize: you don't have flowers. Or durva grass. Or kumkum. Or a bell. You're scrambling 30 minutes before the aarti to find a grocery store that's open.
This is the most common problem we hear from NRIs: the small things. The items that seem obvious if you grew up watching your mom prepare, but that you forget when you're planning from thousands of miles away.
This checklist fixes that. Here are 21 items that go into a proper Ganesh Chaturthi puja. Get these by Sep 13, and you're set.
The 21-Item Checklist
1. Ganesh Idol (Clay, Metal, or Digital Print)
What it is: The centerpiece of your puja. A representation of Ganesh that you'll worship for 10 days (Maharashtrian) or 1 day (South Indian).
Where to find it: Indian grocery stores usually stock clay idols Sep 1-10. Online options (Amazon, local Indian shops, or Desify's free silver idol included with sweet orders).
Size: 2-4 inches for apartments. 6-12 inches if you have space.
Material: Clay idols are traditional for visarjan. Metal idols (silver, brass, bronze) are permanent. Choose based on whether you plan to do visarjan (1 day cycle) or keep it year-round.
Common mistake: Ordering an idol from India thinking it will arrive by Sep 14. Wrong. Order by Aug 25 at the latest, or find one locally.
2. Durva Grass (Or a US Alternative)
What it is: Fresh grass blades, ideally 4 tufts tied with a thread. Offered to Ganesh as a symbol of prosperity and abundance.
Where to find it: This is the tricky one in the USA. True durva grass (a specific species) isn't available in US grocery stores. Here's what NRIs do:
- Option 1: Find real durva online. Some specialized Indian import sites ship frozen durva. Order 2 weeks in advance. It arrives frozen, thaw on Sep 14 morning.
- Option 2: Use any fresh green grass. Go to a park and pick some fresh, green grass (not from a lawn with pesticides). Wash it. Use 4 clean blades tied with a thread. It's not technically durva, but the spirit is there.
- Option 3: Use a potted plant. If you can't find grass, use a small potted plant (a plant with small leaves). It symbolizes the same thing: life, growth, abundance. Offer it in front of the idol. It's an acceptable modern adaptation.
- Option 4: Skip it. If durva is impossible to find, skip it. Offer extra flowers instead. Ganesh will understand.
Common mistake: Thinking durva is mandatory and stressing about it. It's important, but it's not the make-or-break item. Flowers, sweets, and prayer are more important.
3. Flowers (Red, White, or Yellow)
What they are: Offered to the idol. Red flowers symbolize devotion. White symbolize purity. Yellow symbolize joy.
Where to find them: Any grocery store (Whole Foods, Trader Joe's, Safeway). Buy on Sep 13 evening or early Sep 14 morning.
How many: A small bouquet (6-10 stems) is plenty. Separate the petals or leave them whole. Both are fine.
Which flowers work: Roses, marigolds, carnations, sunflowers. Avoid sunflowers if possible (they're not traditional). Marigolds are most traditional but harder to find in US grocery stores. Roses and carnations work perfectly.
Common mistake: Buying flowers too early (Sep 10-11). They'll wilt by Sep 14. Buy on Sep 13 or morning of Sep 14.
4. Modak (Or Regional Sweets)
What they are: The essential offering. Modak for Maharashtrians. Bobbatlu/Bellam sweets for Andhra/Telangana. Other regional sweets for other regions.
Where to find them: Desify (order by Sep 8, delivery by Sep 14). Local Indian bakeries (if available in your city). Frozen imports from Indian grocery stores (less fresh, but available).
Quantity: At least 4-6 pieces for the puja offering and family sharing. If you're inviting people over, get a larger quantity (10-15 pieces).
Common mistake: Waiting until Sep 14 to order sweets online. Too late. Order by Sep 8.
5. Other Sweets (Motichur Laddu, Boondi Laddu, Kaju Katli, Etc.)
What they are: Additional sweets to offer throughout the 9-day celebration (Maharashtrian) or to share with guests on Sep 14 (South Indian).
Why needed: You can't offer the same modak every single day for 9 days. Variety is appreciated. And if guests come, having multiple sweets to share is important.
Where to find them: Same as modak: Desify, local Indian bakeries, or frozen imports.
Quantity: Get a mixed box with 4-5 different types of sweets. This covers your needs for 9 days + guest sharing.
Common mistake: Thinking modak alone is enough. It's not. Get variety.
6. Coconut (Fresh, Whole)
What it is: Offered to Ganesh. Symbolizes purity. The white meat inside is sometimes used to prepare offerings.
Where to find it: Any grocery store with a produce section. A single fresh coconut is enough.
What to do with it: Place it whole in front of the idol as an offering. Or, break it open (carefully) and offer the white meat. Or use coconut water in the puja. Or just leave it as a symbol.
Optional: This isn't as critical as flowers or sweets. If you can't find coconut, skip it.
7. Turmeric (Haldi Powder)
What it is: Turmeric powder. A pinch is offered to the idol and used to make tikka (a dot on the forehead). Symbolizes auspiciousness and purity.
Where to find it: Any grocery store (spice aisle). Buy pure turmeric powder, not turmeric-ginger blends.
How to use: Mix a small amount with water to make a paste. Apply a small dot on the idol's forehead. Apply a small dot on your own forehead during aarti. Keep a small bowl of it in front of the idol as an offering.
Common mistake: Confusing turmeric with kumkum (see below). They're different. Get both.
8. Kumkum (Red Vermillion Powder)
What it is: Bright red powder. Applied to the idol and to your forehead. Symbolizes auspiciousness and marriage/devotion.
Where to find it: Any Indian grocery store. It's in the spices/powders section. Also called "sindoor" or "vermillion."
How to use: Apply a small red dot to the idol's forehead. Apply a small dot to your forehead during aarti. Keep a bowl of it in front of the idol as an offering.
Consistency: Kumkum should be a fine red powder, not a paste. If it's too thick, it won't apply smoothly.
Common mistake: Using regular red food coloring instead of kumkum. They're not the same. Get actual kumkum.
9. Roli (Orange/Yellow Vermillion)
What it is: An orange-yellow powder made from turmeric and other ingredients. Used for tilak (dot on forehead). Symbol of auspiciousness.
Where to find it: Indian grocery stores, same aisle as kumkum.
How to use: Apply to your forehead during aarti. Optional but traditional.
Optional: If you have kumkum, roli is optional. Kumkum is the main one.
10. Rice (Raw Uncooked)
What it is: Raw rice grains. Offered in small quantities during puja. Symbol of prosperity.
Where to find it: Any grocery store (rice aisle). Buy plain white rice.
How to use: Place a small handful in front of the idol as an offering. Or scatter a few grains around the mandap as a blessing.
Quantity: A small handful is enough. This isn't a major item, but traditional to have.
11. Betel Leaves (Paan Leaves)
What they are: Large, green heart-shaped leaves. Offered to Ganesh. Considered sacred in many traditions.
Where to find them: Indian grocery stores. Sometimes available at higher-end grocery stores in diverse neighborhoods.
How to use: Place a single leaf in front of the idol as an offering. You can put a few on the mandap around the idol.
Optional: Not as critical as flowers or sweets. If you can't find them, skip it.
12. Agarbatti (Incense Sticks)
What they are: Incense sticks. Burned during aarti. Create a fragrant atmosphere for the worship.
Where to find them: Indian grocery stores, or any shop that sells incense (even drugstores like CVS).
Which brand: Nag Champa is the most popular. HEM is also good. Cheaper brands work fine too.
How many: Buy a small box. You'll use 1-2 per day for 9 days, so a box of 20 sticks is plenty.
Apartment consideration: If your smoke detector is sensitive, use only one stick per aarti. Or light it for just 5 minutes then blow it out. Or use one stick in a closed bedroom (if possible) to minimize apartment-wide smoke.
Common mistake: Buying incense too early. It loses fragrance if stored too long. Buy on Sep 10-12.
13. Diya or Candle (Oil Lamp or Substitute)
What it is: A small lamp or candle lit during aarti. Represents light and spirituality.
Where to find it: Indian grocery stores (clay diyas are cheap, $0.50-1 each). Or use a candle from home. Or buy an electric LED diya to avoid fire risk in apartments.
What you need: If using a clay diya, you'll also need oil (see below). If using a candle, just use the candle.
Apartment consideration: If your building has strict fire codes, use an LED electric diya or a candle. Both are fire-safe.
Quantity: One diya/candle per aarti is enough. If you want multiple, that's fine too.
14. Oil (For the Diya)
What it is: Oil to fill the diya (oil lamp). Traditional is sesame oil or ghee, but any oil works (vegetable oil, coconut oil, etc.).
Where to find it: Any grocery store (cooking oils aisle). You probably have it at home already.
How much: A tiny amount. A tablespoon fills a diya. Buy a small bottle of sesame oil specifically for puja (usually available at Indian grocery stores) if you want to be traditional.
Optional: If you're using a candle instead of a diya, skip the oil.
15. Cotton Wicks (For the Diya)
What they are: Small twisted cotton pieces that fit inside the diya and soak up the oil, creating a flame.
Where to find them: Indian grocery stores sell small packs of wicks ($1-2). Or make your own by twisting cotton thread.
How many: A small pack has 10-20 wicks. That's plenty for 9 days of aarti.
Optional: Again, if you're using a candle, skip this. Only needed for clay diyas.
16. Bell (Ghanti)
What it is: A small brass bell. Rung during aarti to call the deity's attention and mark moments of worship.
Where to find it: Indian grocery stores, or meditation/yoga shops, or Amazon. Cost: $3-10.
Size: A small bell (2-3 inches) is perfect. Large temple bells are overkill for home worship.
Quantity: One bell is enough. Ring it at the start of aarti and at the end.
Optional: If you don't have a bell, you can substitute by clapping or playing devotional music on a speaker.
Common mistake: Thinking a bell is mandatory. It's traditional but not essential. Prayer and flowers matter more.
17. Conch (Shankh)
What it is: A large seashell. Blown during puja to mark sacred moments. Creates a specific sound that's considered auspicious.
Where to find it: Indian grocery stores, or specialty shops, or online (Etsy, Amazon). Cost: $5-20 depending on size.
Difficulty: Blowing a conch is a skill. If you don't know how, it's fine to skip it or just hold it without blowing.
Optional: Less common than a bell. Many households skip the conch entirely. Not mandatory.
18. Janeu (Sacred Thread)
What it is: A white or yellow twisted thread worn across the chest during puja. Symbol of sacred commitment and purity.
Where to find it: Indian grocery stores. A single janeu costs $1-3.
How to wear it: Place it over your left shoulder and across your chest to your right hip. This is done at the start of puja.
Optional: More common in Brahmin households, but anyone can wear it during puja. Not mandatory, but traditional.
19. Plate (Puja Plate or Small Tray)
What it is: A small plate or tray used to arrange puja items in front of the idol. Makes it look organized and aesthetic.
Where to find it: Indian grocery stores sell small brass or metal puja plates. Or use any decorative small plate you have at home.
What goes on it: Rice, kumkum, turmeric, a few flower petals, the bell, etc. Everything the idol needs for worship.
Optional: Not mandatory, but helps organize the puja space.
20. Water (Drinking Water and Ritual Water)
What it is: Clean water used in two ways: (1) for ritual purposes (bathing the idol symbolically, or making pastes), (2) for drinking/distribution as blessed water after puja.
Where to find it: Your tap. Or use bottled water if you prefer. Keep it in a small bowl in front of the idol.
How much: A small bowl (maybe 1 cup of water) is enough.
Ritual practice: Some traditions involve offering water to the idol, then drinking it as blessed water (tirtha). This is optional but meaningful.
21. Cloth (For the Mandap and Dressing the Idol)
What it is: Clean cloth used to drape the mandap and sometimes to dress the idol. Traditionally yellow, red, or white.
Where to find it: Any fabric you have at home. Or buy a small piece of fabric from a fabric store ($3-5). Color: yellow (auspicious), red (devotion), or white (purity). Any of these work.
Size: A small piece (1-2 feet) is enough to drape a shelf or table where the idol sits.
Function: Makes the mandap look intentional and sacred. Not mandatory, but traditional.
The Quick Shopping List (If You're Overwhelmed)
If 21 items seems like too much, here's the absolute minimum (7 items):
- Ganesh Idol
- Flowers
- Modak (or regional sweets)
- Turmeric + Kumkum (powders)
- Agarbatti (incense) or candle
- Oil (if using a diya)
- Bell (optional, but nice to have)
These 7 items cover the essentials. Everything else is supplementary but traditional.
Sourcing Strategy by Timeline
Sep 1-10: Order modak and sweets from Desify or local vendors (online). Buy durva grass if available online.
Sep 11-12: Buy flowers, incense, turmeric, kumkum, and other pantry items from local grocery stores or Indian shops.
Sep 13 (Day Before): Final checks. Confirm you have everything on the list. Buy any last-minute items.
Sep 14 (Morning): Set up the mandap. Arrange all items. Do the puja.
FAQ: Puja Items
Is durva grass mandatory?
It's traditional, but not mandatory. If you can't find it, use fresh grass from a park, a potted plant, or extra flowers instead. Ganesh will understand.
Can I use artificial flowers instead of real ones?
Preferably not. Fresh flowers are considered more auspicious. But if real flowers are unavailable, artificial is better than nothing. Buy quality artificial flowers that look real.
What if I can't find modak? Can I use a different sweet?
Yes. If modak is unavailable, use any traditional sweet (laddu, barfi, halwa, pedha, etc.). The spirit of offering a blessed sweet is what matters, not the specific type.
Do I need all 21 items, or can I skip some?
The first 7 on my "minimum" list are truly essential. Everything else is traditional but optional. Tailor based on what's available and your budget.
Can I substitute items? For example, if I can't find turmeric, can I use mustard powder instead?
Turmeric specifically is used for puja. Mustard powder is not a substitute. But if turmeric is truly unavailable, you can skip it. It's not as critical as flowers or sweets.
Where should I buy puja items if there's no Indian grocery store nearby?
Flowers and basic items: any grocery store (Whole Foods, Trader Joe's, Safeway, etc.). Specialty puja items (bell, diya, incense, kumkum): Amazon, Etsy, or order online from Indian shops and have them shipped. Plan ahead (order by Sep 10).
The Spirit vs. The Logistics
Here's the truth: Ganesh Chaturthi is a celebration of removing obstacles. If you're an NRI scrambling to find durva grass or a specific type of incense, you're missing the point. The spirit of the celebration matters more than the logistics.
Yes, these 21 items are traditional. Yes, they're part of a centuries-old ritual. But if you can only get 10 of them, that's still 80% authentic, and Ganesh knows your heart.
What matters: you're showing up. You're creating a space for devotion. You're offering what you can. That's the celebration.
Ready to celebrate Ganesh Chaturthi with all the right items? Start with Desify sweets (order by Sep 8 for Sep 14 delivery). Then gather the other items on this checklist. You'll have everything you need for an authentic, joyful celebration.