Bikanervala’s Chairman, Lala Kedarnath Aggarwal, dies at 86 years

Bikanervala's Chairman, Lala Kedarnath Aggarwal, who started as a street vendor and founded the renowned snacks and sweets brand, passed away on Monday, November 13, 2023, at the age of 86. Fondly known as Kakaji, his legacy is celebrated by Bikanervala, which issued a statement expressing that his demise marks the end of an era that has enriched palates and touched countless lives. The brand, currently spanning over 60 outlets in India and in countries such as New Zealand, Nepal, USA, Singapore, and the UAE, mourns the loss.

Shyam Sunder Aggarwal, the Managing Director of the group, remarked, "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."

Lala Kedarnath Aggarwal embarked on his entrepreneurial journey in Delhi, hailing from a family that owned a sweet shop since 1905. Originally named Bikaner Namkeen Bhandar, the shop offered a limited variety of snacks and sweets. In the early 1950s, Aggarwal, accompanied by his brother Satyanarayan Aggarwal, brought their family recipe to Delhi and began selling bhujia and rasgullas on the streets of old Delhi. Their hard work and the distinct, flavorful taste of Bikaner gained recognition throughout the city, leading to the establishment of a shop in Chandni Chowk, Delhi. Using their family recipe passed down through generations, the shop quickly became renowned for Kaju Katli, Bikaner Bhujia, Moong Dal Halwa, and more, eventually being renamed Bikanervala.

Radhey Mohan Aggarwal, Kakaji's eldest son and the Director of Bikanervala Group, stated, "As we bid farewell to a legend, we carry forward his legacy with a deep sense of responsibility. Bikanervala will continue to be a reflection of his values – a place where every dish tells a story and every customer is part of our extended family."