The warmth of August fades, and the festive season bursts onto the scene. Ganesh Chaturthi is like the kickoff to the festive season. It bursts onto the scene with a crazy mix of colors, sounds, and pure devotion, turning Mumbai into one big party.
Growing Up with Ganpati Bappa
Growing up in Mumbai, Ganesh Chaturthi was a cornerstone of my childhood. From the majestic pandals to the bustling neighborhood celebrations, the infectious spirit of Ganpati Bappa filled the air. The most vivid memories I hold are of the exhilarating Ganpati Visarjan. The streets would come alive with the rhythmic beats of dhol-tasha, a mesmerizing spectacle as devotees danced and swayed, their love for their beloved deity overflowing.
Mumbai Chaos, Mumbai Magic
Let's not forget the iconic Mumbai traffic! Visarjan day is a unique experience in itself, a delightful kind of chaos that's hard to find anywhere else. Amidst the throngs of people and the gridlocked streets, the city unites in a celebration unlike any other.
A Touch of Mumbai for Your Celebrations
While I may not be in Mumbai this year, the memories of Ganesh Chaturthi remain vibrant. To bring a touch of Mumbai to your celebrations, why not try this delicious recipe for Cocoa Modaks, a delightful twist on the traditional treat?
Cocoa Modak Recipe
Ingredients:
- 12 oz khoya, crumbled (found in the frozen section of Indian stores)
- 1 tablespoon ghee
- ½ cup sugar
- 2 tablespoons cocoa powder
- Ghee for greasing molds
Instructions:
- Prepare the Khoya: Bring the khoya to room temperature and crumble it using your fingers.
- Cook the Khoya: Heat ghee in a pan and add the crumbled khoya. Cook on low heat until it melts and releases moisture.
- Add Sweeteners: Stir in sugar and cook for 1-2 minutes until the sugar dissolves.
- Incorporate Cocoa: Sift the cocoa powder to prevent lumps and mix it well into the khoya mixture.
- Form the Dough: Continue cooking on low heat until the mixture thickens and no longer sticks to the pan. Be careful not to overcook, as this can make the modaks dense.
- Cooling and Molding: Transfer the mixture to a bowl and let it cool completely. Grease your modak molds with ghee. Fill each mold with the mixture, pressing firmly to remove excess. Gently open the mold and remove the modak. Repeat until all the mixture is used.
Tip: Grease the modak mold before filling it with the mixture each time.
Celebrate in Style!
Enjoy your homemade cocoa modaks! Let us know if you try this recipe, and tag us @tintedheritage and use #tintedheritage to share your creations!
Happy Ganesh Chaturthi!
Anuja
P.S. To complete your festive décor and truly embrace the spirit of Ganesh Chaturthi, explore our range of festive products on our website!