Named after 'Bajre Da Sitta,' Modi Sweets' specialty, Sitta, has been Rajgarh's pride for a century

In the pre-Independence era when Rajgarh was part of the Bikaner state, Maharaja of Bikaner Ganga Singh sent a messenger expressing his desire to try a new sweet during his stay in Rajgarh. At that time, a young Dulichand Modi, running a small sweet shop, experimented with a new sweet made from pure cow milk. The resulting cylindrical-shaped sweet, coated with sugar-coated poppy seeds, resembled pearl millet or 'Bajre da Sitta' in the local language. Dulichand named this creation 'Sitta,' and Maharaja Ganga Singh appreciated the effort. Since then, Sitta sweet has become synonymous with Rajgarh, a tehsil in Churu district, Rajasthan. 

Even today, Modi Ji Sweets, now managed by the fourth generation continues to connect Rajgarh with metropolises and foreign lands through its specialty, 'Sitta.'

"For nearly a century, Sitta sweet has remained associated with Rajgarh. It was initiated by our late grandfather Dulichand, and now, our fourth generation, including my nephew Chandresh, a Chartered Accountant, has joined the family business," says Mukesh Modi. "People from major cities in India and even foreign countries are purchasing Sitta from our shop."

Following Dulichand, his younger son Punam took over the reins and relocated the shop from an inner lane to its current location in the outer lane of the market.

Subsequently, three of Punam's five siblings, Parmesh, Mukesh and Chhagan, also joined their father in the family's business. 

Besides the shop in Rajgarh market, the family owns three factories dedicated to preparing sweets.

"Apart from Sitta, our Kaju Katli also enjoys high demand. During Diwali, we receive special orders for gifting, prompting us to stop taking orders ten days prior to meet the demand," says Chhagan.

After Sitta gained popularity, especially among the people of the Shekhawati belt, the pre-Independence region of the Bikaner state, numerous sweet shops in Rajgarh & surrounding areas started making Sitta. However, the original Modi Ji's shop continues to maintain its supremacy in Sitta preparation. "In our Sitta preparation, we avoid using preservatives, ensuring it's made from pure cow milk and crafted with the warmth of generations," says Mukesh.