Every year, Punekars try to add new flavour to the Ganpati festival in various ways - from the themes of the mandals to creating idols inspired by pop culture. But one tradition that has and will remain constant, is people’s love for the ukadiche modak. Though new flavours and variations of the modak keep surfacing, the original ukadiche modak's popularity is unparalleled. During the festival, Maharashtrian families invite their friends home to relish this coconut stuffed sweet treat. But if you are new to the city and have not made any local friends yet, these places in city have you covered...

Poona Guest House

The 84-year-old restaurant on Laxmi Road sells modaks all year round. They also offer amba modaks and frozen modaks. "Amba Modak is made from Alphanso pulp and is a big hit among modak lovers. This year, frozen modaks are selling like hot cakes. Made and frozen at - 80 degree celcius, those travelling outside Pune buy these, as they last for about six months. You just have to microwave or steam them in an idli cooker and they are ready. We’ve also opened a new outlet on Senapati Bapat Road that is managed by my son Sanaf," says Kishore Sarpotdar, who runs the place.


The modaks at Poona Guest House are not made using a mould. Place your order two days in advance. Ukadiche and frozen modaks at Rs 25 each. Amba modaks at Rs 50 each.



The Padhye family

The four-member Padhye family has been selling ukadiche modaks for two decades now and make around 1,000 modaks a day during the festival. The lady of the family, Preeti, who started the business, is now assisted by her daughters Kasturi and Rashmi. "We ready the ingredients a week before Ganapati festival. Our father (Parshuram Padye) helps in steaming them," she says. Priced at Rs 25 per piece, the family accepts orders for a minimum of 10 modaks.


Soham Dining Hall and Food Zone

Owned by Madhurima Panse, this place on JM Road has been serving modaks for more than 15 years now. While they recently introduced fried modaks, the demand for ukadiche modaks is still high. "Despite being sweet, modaks have health benefits and that's why people love them. We are selling modaks on all 10 days during the festival. There is also a special request for modaks during Gauri Pujan," says Madhurima.

If you are traveling, try their fried modaks that have a better shelf life. Priced at Rs 35 each.


The Limaye family

This family in Kothrud, supplies around 400 to 500 modaks a day during the festival. "My wife Veena, her sister and niece, Smita and Maithali Kolhatkar, and my niece, Hemlata Joshi, get together as a team and ready the orders," says Vireshwar Limaye, adding that making ukadiche modaks is a tradition she imbibed from her maushi (aunt). "She was quite the expert and I picked up the art from her. While making a modak, every step is crucial. Steaming the modaks precisely is intrinsic to success. No matter how tasty the saran, if the modak breaks, it is a flawed effort. Also, it goes without saying that the modaks must be perfectly shaped," she says. Priced at Rs 20 per piece.


Pramathesh Killedar

Pramathesh Killedar, owner of a catering unit on Kumthekar Road, has been winning the hearts of modak lovers for two and a half decades. "Ensuring your customers' confidence takes time and consistent performance. We sell around 1,000 modaks on the first day of the Ganapati festival, while on the other days, it's 200-300 pieces on an average." At Rs 10 a piece, these modaks are supplied to families and offices alike.


Tridal Sabhagruha

Kishore Medhi, the owner of Tridal Sabhagruha, takes pride in making 60,000 modaks a day. They supply to mandals, temples and households. "We are just making ukadiche modaks and sell them at Rs 20 each. We believe in sticking to the tradition, hence we refrain from experimenting with flavours," he adds.