There is always that one person who arrives at your Ganpati with a box of sweets. Sometimes it is modaks. Sometimes kaju katli. Sometimes a suspiciously fancy dry-fruit box that will sit untouched in the fridge for the next three weeks! Swapnil Joshi’s family has a different idea. During his appearance on Curly Tales’ Tere Gully Mein, Swapnil spoke about a Ganpati tradition at his home that has nothing to do with collecting more mithai.
Swapnil Joshi Has A Different Ganpati Gifting Tradition At Home
While he joined us for modaks and sabudana vada and visited one of Mumbai’s iconic pandals, he revealed that guests are encouraged to bring something that can actually be put to use.
This year, that meant 200-page notebooks. Not because modaks are suddenly persona non grata at the Joshi household. Swapnil Joshi was pretty clear about that.
Also Read: 8 Maharashtrian Foods That Complete A Ganpati Thali, From Puran Poli To Bharli Vangi
No, Modaks Aren’t Banned
There is no anti-modak agenda here. Swapnil Joshi explained that mithai is an important part of Indian celebrations. It represents happiness, sharing and all the good things that come with a festival. But there is also the reality that people are increasingly conscious about what they eat.
So why not take the festive gifting ritual in another direction?
Instead of everyone arriving with another sweet box, his family suggests something practical. And the request changes from year to year.
One year, it was notebooks. Another year, pencil boxes. There have also been years when guests were asked to bring chawal and different kinds of dals.
Basically, Ganpati comes with a new shopping list every year.
Swapnil Joshi Turns Ganpati Gifting Into Something Practical
Swapnil Joshi revealed that Ganpati stays at his home for around one-and-a-half days. During that time, plenty of people visit. If each person brings something useful, the little contributions quickly add up.
A notebook isn’t just a notebook when you collect hundreds of them. It can end up with a student who needs it.
A pencil box can actually be used. Rice and dal don’t need an explanation. They eventually become food on someone’s table.
And that is what makes the idea interesting. It doesn’t turn Ganpati into a donation drive or make the festival feel any less festive. People still come home, eat, meet each other, pray and celebrate. The modaks are still very much part of the picture.
The only thing that changes is what some people choose to carry through the door. A box of mithai is lovely. But sometimes, a 200-page notebook can carry a little more with it.
And when Bappa leaves after one-and-a-half days, that notebook gets to stay behind and continue doing its job.
Also Read: Why Is Ukadiche Modak Considered Bappa’s Favourite? Know Its Significance & Recipe
Cover Image Courtesy: Internal
FAQs
What is Swapnil Joshi's Ganpati tradition?
Swapnil Joshi revealed that his family encourages Ganpati guests to bring useful items instead of repeatedly bringing boxes of sweets. The requested item changes each year.
What did guests bring to Swapnil Joshi's home this year?
This year, guests were encouraged to bring 200-page notebooks. In previous years, the family has suggested items such as pencil boxes, rice and different kinds of dals.
Does Swapnil Joshi's family ban modaks during Ganpati?
No. Swapnil Joshi clarified that sweets and modaks remain an important part of the celebrations. The tradition is about adding practical gifting to the festivities, not eliminating mithai.
