Laddoo popularity

There is something unique about Laddoos (a popular Indian sweet that is round and is made of chick pea flour and bound together with sugar syrup) . It struck me just last evening when I was served a laddoo by a friend whish was gifted by his friend on the occassion of buying a new swanky SUV (more on that later). First laddoos:

- these are round in shape
- three ingredients required are basic in nature, available all across India - chick pea flour (besan), sugar and oil/ghee (clarified butter)
- the units are small single portion
- are most common sweet for distribution
- are a common sweet with acceptability across all income segments (very poor to stinking rich)
- sweet for all good things/occassions

Poor make laddoos with no frills. Richness is demonstrated with its own customisation with ingredient additions (nuts, spices like saffron, quality of ghee etc). Super rich will add silver or gold foils on it. Even more money is used to add "visible" ingredients to demonstrate wealth/status.

Now a different line on laddoos.

These are most gifted items across segments. It has found a common phrase to replace the word "congratulations" as in on hearing a good news, response is "make me eat laddoos" (लडडू खिलाओ ) or "best wishes" (लडडू  कब खिलाओगे ). So when do you distribute laddoos

- on getting pregnant
- on child birth
- on child naming
- on cutting teeth
- on child starting to crawl
- on child starting to walk
- on birthday
- on starting to go to school
- on passing the exam
- on winning a competition
- on getting a job
- on buying a new asset (TV, washing machine, scooter, car etc)
- on getting an increment
- on starting a new business
- on getting engaged
- on getting married
- on moving to a new house
- on moving to a new job/desk/office
- on welcoming a neighbour

and on anniversary of any of the above. Laddoos are distributed also on non individual happiness, like

- in temples
- on public speaking
- on religious discourses
- on festivals
- on important days
- on winning elections

and the cycle goes on....

Basically on any occassion when one feels good.

Now why is laddoo such a popular dish. In my opinion it has deep roots in tradition, mythology and holy nature and a simple practicality

Practicality
- Laddoos are one of the most economic sweets to be made of most commonly available ingredients across the length and breadth of the country
- Laddoos are a bite sizes piece so easily distributable to individuals
- a common expression of sharing happiness (so it is a social thing)
- it lasts long in the equatorial/tropical weather

Mythology

- Laddoos are the favourite dish of Hindu God "Ganesha" (गणेश)
- Ganesha is the first God to be invoked for any good start/happening
- Laddoos also depict mother earth
-  Laddoos are not a perfect sphere just like earth
- A proper laddoo is made of 5 things (flour, water, oil, sugar and fire) just like the world if made of 5 ingredients (पंचतत्व )

Over the centuries and perhaps millennia, the tale of laddoos is uninterrupted. I have tasted laddoos of many local variations and each one is unique. Soem of the most popular ones are

- Motichoor (मोतीचूर )
- moti boondi (मोटी बूंदी )
- bikaner
- Tirupati
- Besan
- Resin (गोंद )
- Wheat flour (आटा )

This is one sweet that beats any other one hands down as far as distribution amongst one and all is concerned.

I am sure you would have tasted at least two varieties if not more. I am looking for more local varieties. Friends and others are welcome to explore and consume more.

Congratulations (बधाई हो और लडडू खिलाओ ).
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