IIT Kanpur Develops Machine to Make Kedarnath Temple Prasad Laddus, Easing Women’s Workload

Kanpur/Dehradun: In a significant development for Kedarnath Temple’s prasad preparation, a research scholar at IIT Kanpur is designing a machine to automate the making of laddus, traditionally prepared from chulai (amaranth) and jaggery. This innovation aims to reduce the physical strain on women who currently prepare these sweets manually.

Simplifying Traditional Laddus Making
For decades, women in Rudraprayag, Uttarakhand, have been hand-pressing laddus using molds. The jaggery-based mixture tends to stick to the molds, making the process labor-intensive and often causing hand pain. Professor Satyaki Roy, Head of the Design Department at IIT Kanpur, explained that the idea for a mechanized solution arose after observing self-help groups preparing laddus for Kedarnath Temple during a field visit two years ago.

How the Machine Works
The device employs a lever-pulley mechanism, applying gentle pressure from the top. After filling 4–5 molds with the mixture, pressing produces ready laddus in a quick and efficient manner. According to Prof. Roy, the design significantly reduces manual effort while ensuring uniformity in laddu size and shape.

Prototypes and Testing
The project, sponsored by IIT Kanpur’s Design Innovation Centre, is led by PhD scholar Midhun. Seven to eight prototypes have been developed, with women from Rudraprayag, including Kanchan and her team, assisting in testing and providing feedback. Various mold materials—wood, aluminum, and steel—are being experimented with to optimize the process and prevent sticking.

This technological innovation is expected to modernize the traditional prasad-making process at Kedarnath Temple, enabling faster production with less physical strain, while preserving the authenticity of the laddus.