Telly stars look to auspicious beginnings this Ganesh Chaturthi

Maharashtra and the nation is celebrating Ganesh Chaturthi with traditional gaiety today. With this begins the festive season in India. Ganesh Mahotsav sees Bollywood stars as well as stars of the small screen join in the festivities in a big way. This year is no different. Some of India’s favourite TV stars speak about how they are celebrating Ganesh Chaturthi and what Ganpati means to them… 

Sourabh Raaj Jain: “This will be the second time Ganpati Ji will come home. We all are very excited. Ganpati Ji will stay at my place for five days. He will be accompanied by a lot of celebrations, joy and a lot of sweets.” 

Ankur Nayyar: “Bappa is coming over for two days at our place. I am a God fearing person, so I believe everything that happens in my life is due to His blessings. I am grateful to Bappa for everything. Ganpati festival spreads the feeling of oneness and togetherness, across religions caste and creed. Ganpati marks the beginning of everything auspicious. The other festivities also start with Ganpati.” 

Srishti Jain: “I usually celebrate Ganesh Chaturthi with my family and close friends. The day is filled with visits to my friends’ and relatives’ houses. Bappa is the cutest and most adorable God. I think he is everyone’s favourite because he is portrayed as a friend more than a God. Like the movie, ‘My Friend Ganesha’. I was once performing during the festival at a function for Bappa. While I was on the stage, I almost met with a very unfortunate accident, but by Bappa’s grace, nothing happened. I had a strong feeling that he was protecting me. Ganpati festival for me is a day of huge celebration and people enjoying to their heart’s content.”  

Vicky Ahuja: “In Mumbai, Ganpati festival has a different kind of charisma. I eagerly wait for the festival every year. I don’t get Ganpati at my place, but I will visit my friend’s place and temples. Since childhood, I pray to Bappa before starting anything. I feel his presence all the time, when I am working, sleeping or eating. Ganesh Chaturthi is one of the most important Hindu festivals celebrated throughout India with great devotion. Lord Ganesh is the symbol of wisdom, prosperity and good fortune.” 

Tarun Khanna: “This will be the 6th year straight that Ganpati ji will be coming to our house. I feel blessed that I have been able to bring him home all these years. He comes for one and a half days every year. He is not only a God for us, but is a friend, brother as well as a guru. I feel his presence everywhere, especially when I see my son Adamya. It’s my favourite festival. The only thing I don’t like is when people block the roads for visarjan.” 

Juhi Parmar: “I will be out for a family vacation during the Ganpati festival, so won’t be able to see Mumbai decked up this year. It’s great to see how people forget all their differences and unite during this festival.”