Nashik: Modak and Ganeshotsav are so synonymous that the celebrations are incomplete without this delicacy anywhere in the state. Every part of Maharashtra has its typical flavor and recipe of modak. Sweet marts in city have a range of modaks, right from traditional ‘ukadiche modak’ to north maharashtra’s special Khandeshi modaks.With changing times, ingredients like cocoa, butterscotch and different types of chocolates have entered as sweet filling inside the modak and Nashikites have accorded rousing welcome to this change.A leading baker’s chain has introduced chocolate modaks in six flavors this year. “Chocolate modaks are in trend for three to four years. However, this year, we have moved a step ahead and introduced six flavours in cholocate modaks. A medium size modak costs Rs 7 while bigger one costs Rs 12 per piece,” said Milind Jahagirdar, director of the chain.Nashik is known for sweet mart chains as well as ‘halvai’ outlets. They have opened independent counters to sell modaks of different varieties. “Generally, 21 modaks are offered to Ganesha. So, we have kept the weight of modaks in such manner that 21 pieces can be accommodated in 250gm, 500gm and 1kg pack. You can get different sizes of modaks as per your needs,” said Parag Jivani, proprietor of a sweet mart chain.Big modaks are also in demand. So, many shops have prepared modaks weighing 250gm, 400gm and even 1kg. The modaks are available in prices ranging from Rs 200 to Rs 800 per kg. The special triangular packs resembling the shape of modak are also popular.Despite of the new varieties, traditional ukdiche modak have maintained their special demand over the years. People prefer to buy this type of modaks from households and not from sweet marts.“It takes special skill to make the authentic flavor of ukdiche modak. Moreover, you have to use gesi ghee and quality ingredients. We make ukadiche modak only on pre-orders. New varieties come and go, but craze for ukadiche modak are constant,” said Nandini Junnare, who makes ukadiche modak.This year, prices of ingredients like coconut, mawa, and ghee have gone up. As a result, modaks are also a bit costly. But the customers aren’t complaining. “Modaks are an inseparable part of the Ganeshotsav celebrations and prices going up by some bucks is not at all an issue for buyers,” said Vikram Pagar, a resident of the old city.

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