Ganeshotsav 2026: Indulge in these delicious treats in Mumbai this festive season

A sketch of Japanese deity Kangiten. Pic/Wikimedia Commons

Bappa goes to Japan

Kangiten. Pic/youtube @bannoke

The 1200-year-old journey of Lord Ganesha to Japan is a remarkable story of cultural transformation. In the early ninth century, the Japanese monk Kukai brought Esoteric Buddhist teachings from China to Japan, carrying with them the elephant-headed deity, who became known as Kangiten, the ‘Deity of Bliss'.

While Ganesha is joyfully celebrated in India, Kangiten evolved into a more mysterious, hidden deity, with sacred statues kept veiled within temple sanctuaries. Yet one delicious thread of devotion endured. Priests offer kangidan, a deep-fried, pouch-shaped ‘bliss bun' believed to have evolved from India's beloved modak. A small, sweet reminder of how faith, food and culture can travel across centuries and continents, changing shape while keeping their heart.

Festive treats

Sofitel Mumbai BKC's Artisan Pastry Shop gives the traditional modak a contemporary patisserie twist. Choose from Saffron Rabdi, Chocolate Raspberry, Coconut Jaggery and Pistachio Mango, crafted by Chef Nilesh Dewulkar for festive gifting and celebrations.
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Price: Rs 450 onwards
TO ORDER: Artisan, Sofitel Mumbai BKC

Bappa's Mumbai

ITC Grand Central brings Ganeshotsav to the table with two festive experiences. Bappa's Bombay Lunch at Hornby's Pavilion is a generous Maharashtrian feast featuring Sabudana Vada, Koshimbir, Batatachi Bhaji, Amti, Masale Bhaat, Poori, Puran Poli, Ukadiche Modak, Shrikhand and Piyush. At Frederick's Lounge, Bappa's Bombay High Tea gives beloved city favourites such as Kanda Bhaji, Mini Batata Vada, Kothambir Vadi and Mirchi Vada a refined afternoon-tea treatment, alongside Mawa Modak, Coconut Laddu and
English teas.
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Price: Rs 1150 + taxes onwards
WHERE: ITC Grand Central, Parel

Sculptural sweets

House of IKAI brings an artful twist to Ganesh Chaturthi with its design-patented festive collection, inspired by Lord Ganesha's sacred trunk. The handcrafted modaks are naturally sweetened with monk sugar, making it a healthy, guilt-free option. Head to the outlet for an in-store Modak Live Making Station adds a hands-on festive touch.
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House of IKAI
Price: Rs 400 onwards
TO ORDER: houseofikai.com

Sweet celebrations

Toujours brings a contemporary touch to Ganesh Chaturthi with Marzipan and Chocolate Modaks, a Piñata Modak with chocolate treats, and festive Ganpati Cupcakes decorated with playful motifs. Return favours also include assorted modaks or brownie squares, a Ganesh Chaturthi Hamper, and a one kg Ganpati Cake in bestselling flavours.
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Price: R980 onwards
TO ORDER: toujours.co.in

Build your thali

Celebrate Ganesh Chaturthi with a vegetarian Festive Thali at Nitara, Hyatt Centric Juhu Mumbai. Build your own meal from a selection of festive favourites, choosing from sabudana khichdi or samak pulao, kuttu or ragi poori, chaat, curries, appetisers, chutneys, papad and dessert.
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Price: R1,100++ per person
WHERE: Nitara, Hyatt Centric Juhu Mumbai

Where to order ‘Gharghuti Modaks' from?

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Pallavi Darne, Versova, Andheri
>> 9820400373
Sarita and Yukta Gorgia, Khar
>> 9819951717
Supriya Gokhale, Vile Parle
>> 99201 21316
Prafaulla Bagve, Seawoods, Nerul
>> 9920018777
Mansi Patel, Kandivali
>> 7977921174
Darshana Ved, Versova
>> 9833121884
Bimba Nayak, Dadar
>> 9892758579
Geeta Vilankar, Wadala