Ganesh Chaturthi has brought its usual mix of devotion, colour and plenty of festive food across India. And in Maharashtra, where the 10-day celebration is particularly grand, even the humble modak has received a rather extravagant makeover this year.A sweet shop in Nashik is drawing attention for its unusual festive creation: a modak covered in 24-carat edible gold.Sagar Sweets, located at Vidya Vikas Circle, has introduced what it calls the ‘Golden Modak’. Priced at a hefty Rs 27,000 per kilogram, the sweet has quickly become one of the shop’s biggest attractions during the Ganesh Chaturthi celebrations.The modaks are covered with a layer of 24-carat edible gold, with additional gold and silver elements adding to their ornate appearance. It’s certainly a long way from the simple homemade modak traditionally offered to Bappa.
More than 25 varieties of modaks
The Golden Modak isn’t the only option available at the Nashik sweet shop. Sagar Sweets has introduced more than 25 varieties of modaks for the festive season, combining traditional flavours with newer and more elaborate versions.But the gold-covered variety has clearly grabbed the most attention. At Rs 27,000 per kg, it is aimed at those looking to make their festive offering a little more lavish.Modaks are among the sweets most closely associated with Lord Ganesha and are traditionally prepared as a naivedya, or food offering, during Ganesh Chaturthi. From the classic steamed modak filled with coconut and jaggery to chocolate, dry-fruit and other modern versions, the sweet has found plenty of variations over the years.The Golden Modak is simply the most extravagant one yet.
Why are modaks offered to Lord Ganesha?
There’s a reason modaks are such a familiar sight during Ganesh Chaturthi. In Hindu tradition, they are widely regarded as one of Lord Ganesha’s favourite sweets, which is why devotees prepare and offer them during the festival.Lord Ganesha is also known as Vighnaharta, or the remover of obstacles, and Pratham Pujya, meaning the deity worshipped first.For many families, offering modaks to Bappa is therefore as much a part of the celebration as the prayers and aarti. Maharashtra, in particular, has a strong tradition of preparing different kinds of modaks during the festival.
Ganesh Chaturthi celebrations across India
Ganesh Chaturthi began on September 14 this year and is being celebrated with enthusiasm across Maharashtra and several other parts of the country, including Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh and Telangana.The festival begins with devotees bringing home or installing clay idols of Lord Ganesha at homes and public pandals. The idol is ceremonially consecrated through the Prana Pratishtha ritual, followed by daily prayers, aartis and offerings.And then comes Ganesh Visarjan, when devotees take the idol for immersion and bid an emotional farewell to Bappa.Amid all the traditional rituals, food remains a big part of the festivities. And this year, at least in one Nashik sweet shop, the much-loved modak has been given a very expensive golden twist.
