It is that time of the year again, when devotees pay their respects to the much love deity, Lord Ganesha. Even television actors take time off from their busy schedules to celebrate the festival with their family and friends. We talked to a few celebs who have been bringing home the idol for the last couple of years:
Arjun Bijlani: It’s been twenty-five years now since we have been bringing Ganeshji home. My dad started the ritual, and even though he passed away 11 years ago, I continued to bring the idol home. I have a special bond with Lord Ganesha; I strongly believe that whatever good has happened in my life it’s only because of him.
Ever since I have started to bring the idol home, my life has changed for the better. His presence spreads positivity. We keep the idol for one and a half day and then immerse it. Since I personally like motichoor ke ladoo, we give it as prasad to people who visit us during the festival.
Ankit Bathla: It’s the most amazing time of the year when Ganpati bappa comes home and brings positivity and prosperity with him. I keep it for one and a half days. I always have a theme for my decoration and I do it myself. I also love to wear ethnic clothes; so I always wear a dhoti and a kurta during this time.
Ssharad Malhotraa: I have been bringing Ganpati bappa home since the last five years; this is my sixth year. Since I am busy shooting Kasam, I am getting bappa home only for a day and a half only so that I can do full justice to the rituals.
As always, I will decorate the house with flashy lights, flowers and aroma candles. I like to keep it as bright and cheerful as possible. I can’t wait to get bappa home. Ganeshji has blessed me with the third hit show in my career. My film 1:13:7 (Ek Tera Saath) is releasing in October and I am sure I have bappa’s blessing for this project. I have a weakness for besan ke ladoo so I am going to give that as prasad to people seeking bappa’s blessings at my place.
Himmanshoo Malhotra: Earlier when I was living in rented apartments, I would always wish to get the idol home, but I was busy focussing on my career at that point. Now that I am settled, I have been getting the idol home for the past five years now. My wife Amruta Khanvilkar is a Maharashtrian and knows every ritual, so we celebrate the festival in a big way. I am getting an eco-friendly Ganesha this year.
