Modak is Lord Ganesha’s most beloved offering — so much so that he is called Modakapriya, "the one who loves modak". In Telugu homes, undrallu (kudumulu) hold the same pride of place. This HinduTone guide shares the traditional modak and undrallu recipes to offer as naivedyam on Ganesh Chaturthi 2026.

Offer 21 modaks as naivedyam if you can — the number 21 is auspicious in Ganesha worship. A clay idol, the puja, and fresh modak complete the celebration.

Ukadiche Modak (Steamed Modak) — Recipe

Ingredients: rice flour, water, ghee, salt; for the filling — grated coconut, jaggery, cardamom, and a little khoya/poppy seeds (optional).

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  1. Filling (puran): heat grated coconut with jaggery and cardamom until it thickens and comes together; cool
  2. Dough: boil water with a little ghee and salt, add rice flour, stir, cover and rest, then knead into a soft, pliable dough
  3. Shape: make small cups from the dough, fill with the coconut-jaggery puran, and pleat closed into the classic modak shape (a mould helps)
  4. Steam: steam the modaks for 10–12 minutes until glossy
  5. Offer warm as naivedyam, then share as prasadam

Undrallu / Kudumulu — Recipe

  1. Dry-roast rice rava (coarse rice flour) lightly
  2. Boil water with a little ghee and a pinch of salt; add soaked chana dal (optional)
  3. Add the rava to the water, stir to a soft dough, cover and rest
  4. Roll into small balls (undrallu) and steam for about 10 minutes
  5. Offer to Ganesha as naivedyam — a cherished Telugu prasadam

Tips & Variations

  • Fried modak: stuff a wheat-flour dough and deep-fry for a longer shelf life
  • Use frozen grated coconut and powdered jaggery to save time
  • A silicone modak mould makes shaping quick and neat
  • Make the puran a day ahead and refrigerate

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Why is modak offered to Ganesha?

Modak is believed to be Ganesha’s favourite sweet — he is called Modakapriya — so it is the principal naivedyam on Ganesh Chaturthi.

What is undrallu?

Undrallu (kudumulu) are Telugu steamed dumplings made from rice rava (and optional chana dal), offered to Ganesha as naivedyam.

How many modaks should I offer?

Twenty-one (21) is traditional and auspicious, but offer what you can with devotion.

Final Word

Nothing pleases Ganesha like fresh modak. Steam a batch of ukadiche modak and undrallu this Ganesh Chaturthi 2026, offer them with love as naivedyam, and share the prasadam with family and friends. Ganpati Bappa Morya!

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