TV actors wish Happy Ganpati

Come the month of September and the entire city of Mumbai is brimming with devotion to the elephant god Ganpati. People from all walks of life, keep the idols at their homes ranging from one and half day to the full 11 days. In this surcharged holy atmosphere, how can our beloved TV stars be any different. Raqesh Vashisht aka Rohan of Hongey Judaa Na Hum says, “These 11 days are enchanting and spread divine feelings all around. Being a sculptor, I make Ganesha’s idol at home and my better half Riddhi decorates our puja room with love. We pray and wish that Mangal-Moorti showers his blessings on one and all. ” Prerna Wanvari of Parichay will keep the idol for all the 11 days. And unlike many others, this cute actress remembers all the rituals and bhajans by heart. “I love to sing them. It gives me an inner peace and satisfaction.” Prerna also bats for smaller size idols. “Agreed big size makes for beautiful watching, but we need to balance aesthetic sense with pollution concerns as well.” Pooja Ghai shares, “I have been keeping the idol for the past four years. I strongly believe in his power for my life had changed for the better within a week of keeping it the first time.” This year Pooja is keeping a Maharashtrian theme. “I will wear a Nauvari (traditional Maharashtrian drape) sari. We have decorated the house accordingly. Our visitors will also get to eat delicious Marathi food. Here Pooja adds, “that Hindu religion accords special importance to Ganesh ji hence all pujas first begin with him, so he is a very important god.” This year Pooja might visit Lalbagh Cha raja (Mumbai’s most popular public Ganpati pandal) for the first time. “Many people have told me that their wishes have been fulfilled going there. But since I have heard horror tales about huge lines and waiting for 17/18 hours, I will try to pull some influence.” Furthermore, Amit Behl states that till around five years back he and wife Vaibhavi would never keep Ganpati at home, but we would rather walk to Siddhivinayak temple (main Ganpati temple in the city) for darshan. “But then in 2007 we had a bad experience with the crowd. But luckily the coconut we got that day had a shape like Ganpati. After that miracle we bring bappa home every year.” Amit feels bad that most mandals these days have become money making rackets. “People there play lewd numbers, drink alcohol and gamble hence I don’t go to there. I rather pray at home for the remaining days of this festival which was started by Lokmanya Tilak.” Aashita Dhawan feels that her entire family has a great connect with Ganpati baba. “He is like a brother, friend or son to somebody. All the three days which we keep the idol are like a festival. My husband Shailesh (Gulabani) is the most attached to Ganpati hence on Visarjan (immersion) day he gets very emotional. Seeing him I also burst into tears. We also pack food for bappa so he does not get hungry on the way back.” Ashita who is pregnant says, “Shailesh wanted to keep Ganpati for more days this time but my condition did not allow for it, so maybe next year.” In closing, Ashita adds,” Since most people keep the idol for one and half day, visitors get troubled just getting the number of invites. We say we are keeping for three days, so come at ease.” Happy Ganesh Chaturthi to everyone!!!