BALLS OF SUGAR

A few kilometeres from the Enchanting Riverine Sanctuary of the Cursed River Chambal flows the River Yamuna. In sharp contrast this River is revered and thus the temple village of over 108 temples, Bateshwar ( 60 kms from the city of the Taj , Agra) ,Uttar Pradesh  lies on the banks of the Yamuna.

Mountains of White Sugar Balls can be seen decorating all the shops that lead to the Temples which dot the region in large numbers.

These act as Magnets for many a Winged Species, have a look .

three-kinds
The White Sugar Mountain attracts all

The Indian Honey Bee ( English), MadhuMakhi ( Hindi), Apis cerana indica  (Scientific name) finds nectar in these White Sugar Balls or Ram Ladoos which double up as  offerings in Hindu temples.

bee-on-suger-ball
All in Brown

Another species with a striped Abdomen but as engrossed as it’s cousin above donned in Brown.Both belong to the Genus Apis.

yellow-abdomen
Yellow Stripes is fully Immersed in Sugar balls

The Wasp ( English), Tattaya ( Hindi) , Ropalidia marginata (Scientific name) is no close cousin to the Indian Honey Bee but finds common cause in these Balls of Sugar.

wasp
Yellow Jacket

We were are all engrossed, Winged Insects, Bees & Wasps in the Balls of Sugar and the cameraman with them.

Enchanting I would say, do you agree ?

Published by

mukul chand

51 year old entrepreneur who has traveled extensively around the world for work and pleasure , is based in New Delhi, India. A passionate traveler born with a love for flora and fauna, is an active naturalist and amateur photographer. Here he shares his unique insight into Incredible India revealing its mysterious and exotic treasures. Writing from his heart he shares his experiences as he crisscrosses this vast and amazing land.

28 thoughts on “BALLS OF SUGAR”

  2. Do I understand correctly, white sugar balls, are they industrial sugar and bees make honey with them? Not with the flowers…My mind confused in here dear Mukul, interesting, very interesting. I need more to learn. Thank you, I wouldn’t have been the cameraman for them 🙂 Love, nia

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    1. These Sugar Balls are man made and usually offered to the Gods in Temples. As they are sweet bees, wasps and Flies collect around them. I saw little Mountains of these Sugar balls which had hundreds of Bees, wasps and Flies as you can see in the picture.

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      1. Interesting! Remember long ago … people offering butter…they smeared butter on the Godess Kali’s body. In the Great Temple in Madurai. Compare all candlelights, flowers…all over the world.

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  9. हमने एक छोटी सी कोशिश की है अपने ब्लॉगस में विज्ञान व गीता, भागवद, शिवपुराण व रामायण के द्वारा कियूनीवर्स कायाहै। अगर पसंद आए तो अपने ब्लॉग पर व फेसबुक पर अवश्य शेयर करें।

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    1. How interesting. Not difficult at all, i was in a region of India where I saw many Bee Keepers. It is only a a 2 hour drive from Delhi and am sure the exchange of ideas would be mutually beneficial.I would be happy to introduce you to them.

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      1. The other interesting thing is why honey bees would be on sugar balls. Bees of course normally collect both pollen (for protein) and nectar (for energy) from flowers. But bees are like us humans and if dinner is offered on a plate they don’t have the hard work of visiting flowers.

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  12. ha ha ..interesting write up..being an Indian, I have seen and eaten these wonderful sugar balls as you call them (Elachi Dana is what they are
    called here in Delhi )..was planning to write a my next blog on Incredible India and Mukul you have just given a reason the mention these sugar balls if and where ever I will mention any temple 🤣🤣

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