India, Sept. 10 -- The humble modak, the traditional sweet offered to Lord Ganesha, is taking on new forms this year ahead of Ganesh Chaturthi. While the traditional ukadiche modak continues to hold its place on the festive table, makers are experimenting with the shape in inventive ways - turning it into chocolate-filled treats, pairing it with motichoor and pistachio kunafa, or giving it a Bengali twist with sandesh. The idea, however, isn't necessarily to replace tradition. Instead, these contemporary versions are finding a place alongside tradition.

At Toujours, based in Mumbai's Andheri West, the festive offering includes milk, dark and white chocolate modaks, along with colourful cashew marzipan versions. The latter draws on the fa...