Delhi NCR kitchens prepare modaks for Ganpati celebrations

Around 1,000 modaks a day are being made at the Maharashtra Stall in Dilli Haat INA as Ganpati celebrations begin across Delhi NCR. Co-owner Vaishali Chiplunkar said the stall brings in five to six additional workers for the festival alongside its regular restaurant staff.

Ukadiche modaks, made with rice-flour dough and a coconut-jaggery filling, remain on the menu. At Bombay Boy in Malviya Nagar, founder Nishit Dalal said the outlet made about 150kg, or roughly 2,400 modaks, last year and expects a similar or higher response this season.

Orders also include newer varieties. Life Artisanal Food director Bharati Sanghi said she has received about 60 to 65 orders, largely for the evening of sthapana and Chaturthi. Fruit-filled modaks have been more popular than steamed varieties, she said. Her deliveries include Gurugram, Golf Links, Swami Nagar, GK 1 and GK 2.

Gurugram-based home chef Malti Vig said a customer in Noida ordered 100 boxes and another in Vasant Kunj ordered 50. Group orders also include puran poli, churma laddus, chakli and vada pav.