storytelling
Why We Offer 21 Modaks to Lord Ganesha? Parent’s Guide To A Sacred Tradition
Published: 26/08/25
Updated: 29/08/25
It’s Ganesh Chaturthi, hope you have started with your festive preparations. And how about Bappa’s favourite, Modak? The sweet shiny modaks would be all set to welcome the divine Bappa.
But have you noticed one special tradition we have been following? Whenever we offer modaks to Bappa, the number is usually 21.
Why exactly 21? Why not 10 or 100? What’s so special about this number?
Why Number 21 Is Considered Sacred
In Hindu traditions, numbers often carry deep meaning. The number 21 is considered very auspicious. It is a combination of
- The 5 senses, which are sight, hearing, smell, touch and taste.
- 5 organs of action, which are hands, legs, speech, reproduction, and excretion.
- 5 vital energies or pranas that keep us alive.
- 5 elements of nature - earth, water, fire, air and space.
- 1 soul or atman.
When you add them, you get 21.
So offering 21 modaks is a way of offering everything we are to Ganpati with love.
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The Story Behind 21 Modaks
There is also a beautiful story behind it. Once, Goddess Parvati made 21 modaks and offered them to Lord Ganesha with love. Bappa enjoyed them so much that he declared:
"Whoever offers me 21 modaks with devotion will have their wishes fulfilled."
Since then, the tradition of 21 modaks started.
And that’s what makes our festivals so beautiful. They are stories that connect us, teach us, and stay alive through us.
May Bappa bless you and your family with wisdom and joy. Ganpati Bappa Morya! ????
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