Around Town: Inside Ladu Samrat’s round-the-clock hustle to feed Lalbaug and the whole of Mumbai this Ganpati

In the bustling neighborhood of Lalbaug, Ladu Samrat's factory never ceases as preparations for the Ganpati festival intensify. Since Thursday, machines have been non-stop, producing sweets with modaks taking center stage. By the festival's end on September 24, the brand anticipates selling over 10,000 kg of modaks, including 4,000 kg of mawa modak and 3,500 kg of motichoor laddu, alongside an equal amount of snacks.

The area around Ladu Samrat becomes a popular spot during Ganpati, with people visiting for snacks like misal pav, vada pav, and poori bhaji. The business has evolved since its inception in 1967, expanding from a small shop to a 180 sq ft establishment offering a diverse range of items, including upvas-friendly fare. Manager Siddhant Rakshe, who took over in 2023, notes that sales of certain items have significantly increased, with motichoor ladu sales up eightfold in just two years.

The factory operates around the clock during the 10-day festival, with customer hours extended to midnight. Special attention is given to preparing for the festival, with staff carefully managing shifts and ensuring sufficient stock based on previous year's sales. The factory's logistical challenges are magnified by street closures and the need for additional water tankers to store the goods.

Among the numerous sweets prepared, Ukadiche Modak, sold at Rs 45 each, experiences a surge in demand, with 10,000-12,000 pieces being sold on the first day alone.