Ganesh Chaturthi 2026: Make Your Festive Spread Colourful With Chef Rubal Pupneja’s Gulkand Rainbow Modak

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Ganesh Chaturthi 2026 is a time for bringing home Lord Ganesha, spending time with loved ones and, of course, enjoying festive food. Among the many delicacies prepared during the celebrations, modak holds a special place as one of Lord Ganesha's favourite sweets. While the traditional version continues to be a festive staple, creative interpretations can also give the familiar sweet a colourful and contemporary touch.

As Ganesh Chaturthi brings families together across India, traditional food and festive sweets remain an important part of the celebrations. From homemade delicacies to prasaad, the festival is closely associated with recipes that carry generations of culinary traditions.

Marking the festive occasion, The Ashok, New Delhi, presents a contemporary interpretation of the traditional modak through Chef Rubal Pupneja's Gulkand Stuffed Rainbow Modak. The preparation brings together the familiar khoya-based sweet with gulkand, coconut, nuts and aromatic spices, while layered colours give the classic modak a contemporary visual interpretation.

The recipe reflects the way traditional Indian festive cuisine continues to evolve, while retaining the familiar flavours and ingredients associated with the occasion.

Gulkand Stuffed Rainbow Modak

Photo Credit:

PR

Ingredients

For the outer layer
· Khoya - 300 g
· Ghee - 70-80 g
· Elaichi powder - ½ tsp
· Milk powder - 50 g
· Saffron milk - 20 ml
· Pista puree - 20 g
· Orange extract/edible colour - 10 ml

For the stuffing

· Gulkand - 50 g
· Desiccated coconut - 60 g
· Elaichi powder - ½ tsp
· Tutti frutti - 20 g
· Cashews - 10 g
· Sesame - ½ tsp

How To Make Chef Rubal Pupneja's Gulkand Stuffed Rainbow Modak

• Heat ghee in a pan and cook the khoya until it begins to leave the sides of the pan. Add elaichi powder and milk powder, mix well and allow it to cool.
• For the stuffing, combine gulkand, desiccated coconut, elaichi powder, tutti frutti, cashews and sesame.
• Divide the khoya mixture into four equal portions. Leave one portion white and colour the remaining portions using pista puree, saffron milk and orange extract.
• Using a modak mould, layer the coloured khoya, place the stuffing in the centre and shape into modaks.
• Serve on festive occasions.

Chef's Note: Natural ingredients such as pistachio and saffron can be used to add colour and flavour. Edible food colours may be used as an alternative where required.

Photo Credit:

Image is AI-generated

Add A Colourful Twist To Ganesh Chaturthi 2026 Celebrations

Modak is one of those festive sweets that instantly brings the spirit of Ganesh Chaturthi to the table. This Gulkand Stuffed Rainbow Modak gives the traditional sweet a colourful presentation while bringing together familiar flavours such as khoya, coconut, gulkand, nuts and elaichi.

For Ganesh Chaturthi 2026, this recipe can be a fun addition to the festive menu, especially for those who enjoy giving traditional recipes a contemporary touch. With its layered colours and sweet gulkand-filled centre, Chef Rubal Pupneja's creation offers a different take on a beloved festive favourite.