We all know Lord Ganesha has 108 names, but how many of us know one of the names of Lord Ganesha is "Modakapriyaya", means Modak priya (ମୋଡକ ପ୍ରିୟୟା).

There are different tales from folklore that describe how Ganesha liked Modak. Here are two versions:

Ganesha loved Ladoo, but one day Kailash ran out of ladoos. The panicked Parvati started looking for ways to cope with the situation within a short time. Ultimately, the mother came up with something new for Ganesha — white in colour and looked like ladoos but was different. The goddess Parvati prepared the 'Modak' which Lord Ganesha relished with great joy and pronounced, thereafter, that Modaks would be the dish that should be offered to him to please him.

Another tale narrates that Devas once visited Shiva-Parvati and presented a 'Modak'. The one to eat this 'Modak' would become knowledgeable in all scriptures, science, art, and writing. As both brothers Kartikeya and Ganesha were not willing to share the 'Modak' with each other, Parvati decided to test both sons. Whoever among them proved the true meaning of sincerity and devotion would get the sweet.

While Kartikeya visited all spiritual places in all lokas, Ganesha walked around his parents and showed his unconditional love towards them. Impressed by her younger son's idea of true devotion, Goddess Parvati gave him the 'Modak' and this is how he became fond of it.

The Modak remains a symbol of devotion, wisdom, and the love that Lord Ganesha holds for his devotees.