Lala Kedarnath Aggarwal, affectionately known as Kakaji, and the visionary founder of the renowned sweets and snacks brand Bikanervala, passed away at the age of 86 on Monday. His remarkable journey from selling bhujia and rasgullas in buckets on the streets of old Delhi to establishing a culinary empire has left an indelible mark on the gastronomic landscape. The demise of Kakaji is not just a loss to Bikanervala; it signifies the end of an era that has enriched palates and touched countless lives, as stated by the company in an official statement.
Bikanervala, operating over 60 outlets across India and with a global presence in countries such as the USA, New Zealand, Singapore, Nepal, and the UAE, stands as a testament to Kakaji’s entrepreneurial spirit and culinary prowess. Shyam Sunder Aggarwal, the Managing Director of Bikanervala Group, expressed, “Kakaji’s departure is not just a loss to Bikanervala; it’s a void in the culinary landscape. His vision and leadership will forever guide our culinary journey.”
The Inspirational Journey:
Kedarnath Aggarwal embarked on his entrepreneurial journey in Delhi, inheriting a sweet shop named Bikaner Namkeen Bhandar from his family in the bylanes of Bikaner, Rajasthan, dating back to 1905. However, Kakaji, driven by larger ambitions, ventured to Delhi in the early 50s with his brother Satyanarayan Aggarwal. Armed with family recipes passed down through generations, they initially faced the challenges of selling bhujia and rasgulla on the streets of old Delhi.
Despite the initial struggles, the unique taste of Bikaner soon gained recognition, and the Aggarwal brothers’ hard work began to bear fruit. Setting up shop in Delhi’s Chandini Chowk, they continued to use their family recipes, evolving into what we now know as Bikanervala.
The brand quickly became synonymous with culinary excellence, particularly renowned for delicacies like Moong Dal Halwa, Bikaneri Bhujia, and Kaju Katli. What began as a humble venture evolved into a culinary institution, with Bikanervala eventually venturing into the restaurant business and opening multiple outlets across the country.
Under the leadership of Manish Aggarwal, the third-generation entrepreneur who joined the business in 2000, the brand expanded its horizons. The introduction of a new brand, Bikano, marked a strategic move to diversify offerings. This era saw Bikanervala securing export licenses and witnessing substantial growth, with the empire’s value reaching an impressive Rs 1,300 crore (US$ 178 million).
Legacy Continues:
As the news of Kakaji’s passing reverberates, Radhey Mohan Aggarwal, Director of Bikanervala Group and Kakaji’s eldest son, emphasizes the commitment to carrying forward the legacy with a deep sense of responsibility. Bikanervala, under Radhey Mohan Aggarwal’s guidance, promises to remain a reflection of Kakaji’s values – a place where every dish tells a story, and every customer is regarded as part of the extended family.
The life and achievements of Lala Kedarnath Aggarwal serve as an inspiration to aspiring entrepreneurs and a testament to the power of perseverance and a commitment to excellence. His legacy, woven into the fabric of Bikanervala, continues to tantalize taste buds and create memories, ensuring that Kakaji’s vision lives on through the delectable offerings of one of India’s most beloved culinary brands.
