As celebs mark Ganesh Chaturthi, they talk about Bappa and low-key celebrations

Mona

Ganesh Chaturthi officially begins the festival season. While the celebrations are muted, under the shadow of the third wave of the pandemic, celebs are looking forward to the festival. They talk about their special bond with Bappa and how he took many of them in his embrace when they started to call Mumbai their home!

Favourite time

Being from a Maharashtrian family, Ganesh Chaturthi has been a favourite time of the year. We always get Ganpati home; my grandmom makes delicious ukadiche modak. Before Covid, Ganesh Chaturthi would be the perfect time to meet and greet a lot of people; we would have nearly 200 people at our home on the first day. This year too we will be bringing Bappa home with lots of love, but will miss seeing the many people. Every year on the first day of the festival, my guru, Sanjeev Chimmalgi, hosts a midnight classical music concert at his home; the excitement to finish all the activities during the day and then sing in front of Bappa is unmatched.

— Jashan Bhumkar, singer

Virtual connect

I truly believe Lord Ganesha is our Vighnaharta, so this is the best time to thank him for all the blessings he has showered on us. I am in LA currently, so will be connecting with my friends and family via video calls.

— Isha Chhabra, actress

Positive vibes

Ganesh Chaturthi brings along fresh breath of energy and positivity. I am sure Lord Ganesha would want low-key celebrations in these tough times. I totally support eco-friendly Lord Ganesha idols. Hope Lord Ganpati gets good luck for us.

— Sayantani Ghosh, actress

Safe amp; sound

Ganesh Chaturthi is a 10-day festival in Mumbai and I’m always excited to celebrate it. I will decorate my place with flowers and lights; hold a puja at home and visit the temple with my friends. Traditional festivities have been toned down due to the pandemic, but the fervour is intact.

— Anju Jadhav, actress

True blessings

When I was new to Mumbai and my journey in acting had just begun,after some months of struggle the first time I faced the camera was on the auspicious day of Ganesh Chaturthi. I took this as a hint that Bappa has got my back and has sent me his good wishes.

— Shaily Priya, actress

Eco-friendly approach

I hail from the Land of Gods — Uttarakhand. Ganesh Chaturthi starts the festival season. I am a propagator of Sparsh Ganga and always step ahead to save the environment in any sort of way. This year I will bring an eco-friendly Ganesh ji that can be recycled.

— Arushi Nishank, actor

Real saviour

Ganesh ji is the real saviour of people. Celebrations can still be fun if all rules set by the government are followed. I hope Bappa continues to bless us and my show Bade Acche Lagte Hain 2.

— Abhinav Kapoor, actor

Being friendly

Ganesh Chaturthi is a festival to celebrate relationships. Every year I go to Gurmeet-Debina, Vivek Oberoi, Ankit Bathla, Raaj Shandliya and other friends’ home to celebrate.

— Karan Singh Chhabra, actor