The vibrant festivities of Ganesh Chaturthi in Mumbai reached an extraordinary peak this year as Girgaon Cha Raja, one of the city’s most cherished Ganesh pandals, showcased a record-breaking 851 kg traditional modak. Crafted with meticulous care, this colossal sweet was a collaborative effort between Fortune Edible Oil & Foods, Organized Outdoor Options, and MM Mithaiwala & Namkeen Pvt. Ltd. The creation has earned a place in the World Records Book of India as the largest traditional modak ever made.
Standing at an impressive 4 feet tall, with a middle width of 3 feet 8 inches and a base of 2 feet 4 inches, the modak was crafted using traditional ingredients: besan (gram flour), desi ghee, sugar, and elaichi (cardamom). The sheer scale of the sweet required nearly eight days of dedicated work by a team of artisans, designers, and engineers. From temperature-controlled mixing vats to a specially designed platform for transport, every detail was carefully planned to ensure the modak arrived at the pandal in pristine condition.
“This is more than just a record; it’s a celebration of our traditions and community spirit,” said Deepak Khatri, COO of Organized Outdoor Options. “The effort to create something of this scale while staying true to the essence of a traditional modak was a labour of love and devotion.”
The modak was displayed within an eco-friendly bamboo pandal at Girgaon Cha Raja, a pandal renowned for its century-long legacy of devotion and social messaging. Expected to be shared as prasadam with approximately 20,000 devotees, the sweet serves as a symbol of inclusivity and generosity, embodying the spirit of Ganeshotsav.
Vinay Sharma, Assistant Manager of Trade Marketing at AWL Agri Business Ltd., highlighted the cultural significance of the initiative: “At Fortune, we wanted to honour Lord Ganesha by creating something that reflects the authenticity of Indian traditions. Using pure ingredients like besan and desi ghee, this modak is a tribute to both faith and the richness of Indian agriculture.”
The project also marks a decade of collaboration between Organized Outdoor Options and AWL Agri Business Ltd., a partnership that has consistently championed culturally significant initiatives across India. The modak’s creation not only celebrates this milestone but also underscores the role of community-driven efforts in preserving and promoting India’s heritage.
As Mumbai’s streets buzz with the energy of Ganesh Chaturthi, the 851 kg modak stands as a testament to devotion, craftsmanship, and the power of collective effort. For the thousands of devotees visiting Girgaon Cha Raja, it’s a sweet reminder of the joy and unity that define this beloved festival.