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Modak
मोदक
Lord Ganesha's most beloved offering — the sacred sweet dumpling offered during Ganesh Chaturthi and daily puja.
Modak (मोदक) is the sweet dumpling most closely associated with Lord Ganesha. The name comes from Sanskrit मोद (moda, joy) — the "one that brings joy." It is the primary Naivedya offered to Ganesha during Ganesh Chaturthi and on Sankashti Chaturthi every month.
Varieties of Modak
Ukdiche Modak
Steamedउकडीचे मोदक · Maharashtra
Steamed rice flour shell with jaggery and coconut filling. The traditional, most auspicious form.
Talniche Modak
Friedतळणीचे मोदक · Maharashtra
Deep-fried wheat flour shell with sweet filling. Crunchier and easier to prepare.
Kozhukattai
Steamedகோழுக்கட்டை · Tamil Nadu
South Indian equivalent of Modak, offered during Ganesh Chaturthi in Tamil tradition.
Motichoor Laddu
Dryमोतीचूर लड्डू · North India
Round sweet offered to Ganesha in North Indian tradition as a Modak variant.
Why 21 Modaks?
The tradition of offering 21 Modaks to Ganesha comes from the Mudgala Purana. The number 21 represents the 21 forms of Ganesha's energy. During Ganesh Chaturthi, devotees offer 21 Modaks as Naivedya during the festival's main puja.