Boba Tea For Bappa: Thai Woman Shows Bangkok Devotees' Unusual Offering To Lord Ganesha Instead of Laddus - WATCH

An unusual devotion practice has drawn online attention to a Ganesha shrine in Bangkok, Thailand. Devotees are reportedly offering cups of bubble tea to Lord Ganesha instead of the traditional laddus associated with the Hindu deity in India. Bangkok-based Instagram user Piya Ping highlighted the shrine near Union Mall, a popular shopping center in the Thai capital, via a video she posted to her social media platform.

In the video, Piya displayed several large cups of boba milk tea placed in front of a Ganesha idol, accompanied by her own bubble tea offering to the deity. Piya explained that worshippers in Bangkok have developed their own way of showing devotion, choosing to bring their favorite bubble tea rather than sticking to traditional Indian sweets like laddus.

The shrine's proximity to the shopping mall is notable, as a guide near the shrine lists the floors where various bubble tea brands can be purchased, making it convenient for devotees to acquire a drink before visiting the idol. Piya suggested that the practice is linked to wishes and gratitude. Some devotees believe they should return to the shrine with additional bubble tea after their prayers for Ganesha have been fulfilled, with the number of cups potentially increasing each time.

In some instances, offerings have included hundreds of cups, with Piya mentioning offerings as large as 200 cups. The custom is being described as a "traditional belief with a very Thai twist," implying that the offering reflects something the devotees enjoy and consider meaningful, transforming a popular Thai beverage into part of their religious practice.