For the last few days, people all over India are celebrating Ganeshotsav. In many places, there are unique decorations whereas in some places there are unique idols portraying various stories installed. The people are celebrating the festival with full enthusiasm and zeal after two years of the pandemic. Ever since the Ganeshotsav was introduced by Bal Gangadhar Tilak as a festival of the people, to motivate people to participate in the freedom struggle unitedly. Over so many years, one thing has been common when it comes to Ganeshotsav. That is, ‘Modak’ which has been the standard sweet even though there have been changes in height of the Ganpati idol or the way people celebrate. But do you know anything about this most unique and delightful sweet dumpling–Modak? And how did the modak become a part of Ganesha’s persona? Just like the other staple food, modak’s preparation also shows its connections with the land, especially the crops of the region. Since the festival is the main

Author-Dr.Aishwarya Nair