Residents embrace modak mania

Once a delicacy popular in South Indian households and temples, modak has now found a place in Ludhiana’s festive spread. With Ganesh Chaturthi celebrations gaining momentum across the city, local halwais and boutique sweet shops are rolling out an array of innovative modak varieties that are as eye-catching as they are indulgent. Modak stands as a delicious symbol of culinary fusion and cultural adoption—a sweet that has travelled far, and now feels right at home.

Traditionally made with rice flour, jaggery and coconut, the steamed ukadiche modak was long considered a regional offering. But Ludhiana’s sweet tooth has evolved—and so has its festive menu. From chocolate-infused modaks to dry fruit-packed delights, the city’s confectioners are blending tradition with creativity.

“Five years ago, there were hardly any customers that asked for modaks,” says Ramesh Gupta, owner of a popular sweet shop in Model Town. “Now, we prepare over 10 varieties. Chocolate, mawa, kesar and even strawberry modaks—people want something new, but still rooted in tradition.”

“We never grew up with modaks, but now they’re part of our celebrations,” says Simran Kaur, a homemaker from Sarabha Nagar. “My kids look forward to trying new flavours every year—it’s become a tradition,” she added.

“We used to associate modaks with Maharashtra or South India, but now they’re everywhere in Ludhiana,” said Rohit Malhotra, a college student, adding, “I tried a chocolate modak yesterday—it was divine. Festivals are evolving and so are our taste buds.”

“The demand for modaks has doubled this year,” said Rajinder Pal, a halwai near Ghumar Mandi. “People are asking for fusion flavours—rose, pista, even paan. It’s exciting to see Ludhiana embrace this with such enthusiasm,” he said.

Pistachio is having its moment in the culinary spotlight—whether it’s creamy pistachio butter, indulgent chocolates or artisanal ice creams, this vibrant green nut has become a favourite across menus. So naturally, modaks, too, have joined. This festive season, Ludhiana’s halwais are crafting rich, velvety pista modaks that blend tradition with trend, proving that even age-old sweets can evolve with modern tastes. The pista modak, made with pistachio paste and mawa, offers a rich, nutty taste and a vibrant green hue that makes it a festive favourite.

“I tried the pista modak at a boutique sweet shop on Ferozepur Road it was unlike anything I’ve had before,” said Ananya Kapoor, a college student. These varieties reflect Ludhiana’s growing appetite for fusion sweets that honour tradition, while embracing creativity. With modaks now available in various flavours across the city, Ganesh Chaturthi has truly become a celebration of both faith and flavour.