By Neeraj Kumar
Patna: Diwali preparations are in full swing, with everyone busy shopping to meet their festive needs. Among the seasonal favourites, sugar sweets shaped like elephants, horses, and camels are especially popular. These sweets, with deep mythological significance, are highly sought after in the markets of Masaurhi.
It is believed that offering these sugar sweets—made of batasha (sugar drops) and cardamom seeds—to Goddess Lakshmi invites her blessings. This custom drives people to buy these sweets, and despite modern trends, demand for them remains strong in the markets.
This cultural tradition, particularly vibrant in rural areas, keeps ancient customs alive. In Masaurhi, toy-like sweets crafted from sugar for Diwali are said to make the festival feel complete. Nearly every household purchases these sweets, and preparations in the Masaurhi market are well underway.
Artisans are working tirelessly to meet demand. Many also believe that during the worship of Goddess Lakshmi, these sugar sweets hold special significance as prasad. The sweets, especially appealing to children, remain more popular in rural areas than urban ones.
According to some, the Puranas mention Goddess Lakshmi’s association with elephants, horses, and camels. Thus, these toy sweets are offered as prasad in her honour during Diwali, a tradition that has persisted, particularly in villages. Notably, tomorrow, Thursday, is Diwali.
As part of the offerings to Goddess Lakshmi, sweets shaped like elephants, horses, and camels are prepared. “This prasad is said to please the Goddess,” said Deepak Kumar, a shopkeeper in Masaurhi Market.
