We all know lord Ganesh have 108 names, but how many of us know one of the names of lord Ganesh is “Modakapriyaya”, means Modak priya (ମୋଡକ ପ୍ରିୟୟା).

There are different tales from folklore describes how Ganesha liked ‘Modak’. Here are two versions

Ganesha like Ladoo, but one day Kailash run out of ladoos, then the panicked Parvati started looking for ways to cope with the situation with in short time. Ultimately the mother came with a something new for Ganesha which is white in colour and looked like ladoos but was different. The goddess Parvati prepared the ‘Modak’ which lord Ganesh relished with great joy and pronounced, thereafter, that Modaks would be the dish that should be offered to him to please him.

Another tale narrates, ‘Devas’ once visited Shiv-Parvati and presented a ‘Modak’. The one to eat this ‘Modak’ would become knowledgeable in all scriptures, science, art, and writing. As both brothers Kartikeya and Ganesh not willing to share the ‘Modak’ with each other, Parvati decided to test both sons. Whoever among them proved the true meaning of sincerity and devotion would get the sweet. While Karthikeya visiting all spiritual places in all lokas, Ganesha walked around his parents and showed his unconditional love towards his parents. Impressed by her younger son’s idea of true devotion, Goddess Parvati gave him the ‘Modak’ and this is how he became fond of it.

As per traditional rituals 21 number of ‘Modaks’ to be offered to Lord Ganesha on Ganesh Chaturthi.