Modak , 歓喜団 is an Indian sweet popular in states of Maharashtra, Goa and in the regions of Konkan in India. The sweet filling on the inside of a modak consists of freshly grated coconut and jaggery while the outer soft shell is made from rice flour or wheat flour mixed with khava or maida flour. It is used for offering Lord Ganesha during prayers
Modak can be deep fried or steamed. The steamed version called as ukdiche modak is often eaten hot with ghee.
During Ganesh Chaturthi, the puja usually concludes with an offering of 21 or 101 modaks to Ganesha as prasadam.
In Japan, a sweet similar to modak known locally as Kangidan (歓喜団), is offered to god Kangiten, the Japanese version of Lord Ganesha.
Kangidans are made from curds, honey, and red bean paste. They are wrapped in kneaded dough made from parched flour and shaped like a bun before they are deep fried.
May Lord Ganesha keep enlightening your lives and bless you always. Wishing you a Happy Vinayak Chaturthi!
