Celebrating Ganesh Chaturthi with Telly Stars

Though not written in the Vedas, nor the Upnishads, Ganesh Chaturthi is one festival celebrated with full spirit and grandeour. When there were days when India cried for freedom, where people could not meet in groups, nor could celebrate any festivals, Lokmanya Tilak started this very custom of Ganesh Chaturthi, as an excuse of social gathering, but with a hidden agenda, that is to plan and exchanges ideas or messages related to the countries' freedom. The positive vibes, the power of Lord Ganesha, was such, that miracles happened everywhere, and this very practice once started by a freedom fighter, has now become one of the most auspicious festival for Hindus, all across the globe.

What are your plans for Ganapati?

I am taking two days off, and going to Pune for the festival. For me, Ganesh Chturthi means a lot. For some reason, I’ve also been attached to Ganeshji. I have been shooting day and night for the last one week, so I can take two days off and celebrate the festival with a big bash. I will go to my school, where I’ll witness the Ganesh Sthapna and be a part of the Upasana. And then, I’ll even spend time with my family; for the last six months, all I have been doing is going for shoots and coming home; this will be a good break for me.

Is there a tradition that you follow each year for the festival?

Yes, every year, I visit the big mandals of Pune with family and friends, and I am glad that I can do it this year too.

People say that because of festival like Ganesh Chathurthi, Mumbai is getting more and more polluted, what do you have to say about that?

Honestly, more than water pollution, I am more worried about the cultural pollution that is going on. This festival was started for a reason, that is to get social in a positive way, and to spread positive energy among everyone, and even to energise ourselves to get more work done. Now people drink, smoke, play bollywood songs in mandals, and that is just not right. Rather, make use of this time to do something positive in everyone’s life. Yes I agree, the water pollution issue is a problem; for that, people can start using food colors that dissolve in the sea and can make idols that are environmentally friendly idols, and we also need to go easy on noise pollution. Seriously, people need to start understanding their culture and the foundation of every festival, rather than modernizing and polluting the culture and customs.

A message to all your fans for Ganapati?

I wish you all a very happy Ganesh Chaturthi and all I can say is that this year, with every bit of energy you have, scream out with all your heart - Ganapati Bappa Moriya.

What are your plans for Ganapati?

Yes, I make sure, I visit at least one mandal for darshan, no matter what.

People say that because of festival like Ganesh Chathurthi, Mumbai is getting more and more polluted, what do you have to say about that?

Yes, actually the whole environment gets polluted. Actually, what lacks is the level of discipline among everyone. Ok, understood that it’s a festival and people get carried away, but then they need to make sure that they keep the environment in mind too. They should use idols made out of clay, rather than using crackers and loud speakers, they should use the Lazeem (a Marathi musical instrument). In Pune, Ganapati is celebrated in the most ideal way. People of Mumbai should really pay attention to that.

A message to all your fans for Ganapati?

I would like to wish them a happy Ganesh Chathurthi.

What are your plans for Ganapati?

If I am not shooting, then I am surely visiting friends and relatives. I love going to Pandals to see the Ganapatis. I usually go to Dadar Shivaji Park, Lalbagh Ka Raja and the big pandal in Wadala. Ofcourse, I will go and meet up with all my near and dear ones.

Is there a tradition that you follow each year for the festival?

There is no tradition as such. But yes, I love to meet people, so I usually spend the day meeting all my relatives and friends, who I do not meet that often, because of busy schedules. One thing I love , is to participate in Aartis. I make it a point to reach the pandals in the evening, so that I can learn the aarti. I love the tune and rhythm in which they all sing.

People say that because of festival like Ganesh Chathurthi, Mumbai is getting more and more polluted, what do you have to say about that?

It is really sad that during the Visarjan, there is lot of traffic jam. In case of emergency, people who need doctor’s attention might get stranded on the road. People who need to commute for some urgent work will not be able to reach their destination in quick time. Fortunately, police has been taking measures to handle the crowd during Visarjan. But it will be nice if the festivities happen sound-free, too much of crackers and smoke does pollute the environment. We need to save our environment. As far as idols being immersed in the sea is concerned, I think it is fine, because as per my knowledge, the idols are made of clay, that easily gets melted in water. So that should not be a problem. The Government has also taken right steps and has put a ban on flowers being thrown into the sea. Our people are slowly improving, awareness is surely there. But we need to get better with every passing year.

One wish that you would want Ganesha to fulfill?

Nothing as such.. (laughs). I will not ask for anything and bribe God. I just want to enjoy and have fun. But yes, if I want to ask something, then I only wish that I will not be shooting on Ganesh Chaturthi.. (smiles).

A message to all your fans for Ganapati?

Enjoy the festival and keep up the spirit of the festival. Do not overdo things, just for the sake of it, you enjoy the day truthfully. Lokmanya Tilak started this custom of Ganesh Chaturthi with a motto of ‘Getting people together and closer’. So this is the most important thing, meet your dear ones and enjoy the day..