FT NEWS

The most awaited and vibrant festival of Ganesh Chaturthi is around the corner. From bringing Bappa idol at home, performing aartis and preparing delicious modaks makes this festival the favourite for many of us. &TV artists Akshay Mhatre and Manish Agarwal of Ghar Ek Mandir – Kripa Agrasen Maharaja Ki, Ambrish Bobby and Akansha Sharma of Aur Bhai Kya Chal Raha Hai? and Rohitashv Gour of Bhabiji Ghar Par Hai are all excited as they share with us their plans to celebrate the festival this year.

Akshay Mhatre, known as Varun Agarwal in &TV’s Ghar Ek Mandir – Kripa Agrasen Maharaja Ki shares, “My ancestral home would host the biggest Ganpati Mahotsav of all time. The entire family would come together on this extremely auspicious day. However, from last year onwards my parents and I have started bringing Bappa to our Mumbai home. We are preparing the house for the grand entry of Bappa and we will welcome him with durva, flowers, and his favourite modak. Once Bappa is home, we never leave him alone. My family members and I take rotations to stay awake and take care of Bappa in shifts. While owing to pandemic we will not be hosting too many guests at our place, we are organizing a virtual ceremony for our extended family members and friends to seek blessings.” 

Ambrish Bobby, known as Ramesh Prasad Mishra in &TV’s Aur Bhai Kya Chal Raha Hai? says, “This joyous occasion marks the birth of Lord Ganesha, the God of new beginnings and fresh start. Ever since my childhood, I have been a firm believer of Ganpati Bappa and I start my day by chanting his name. Ganesh Chaturthi is the most awaited festival for all of us and we celebrate it every year. To kick off the celebrations my family and I will thoroughly clean our house and decorate it with flowers and diyas. We prepare twenty-one types of sweets for him which is later distributed among neighbours and friends.” 

Vishal Nayak, Manish Agarwal in &TV’s Ghar Ek Mandir – Kripa Agrasen Maharaja Ki says, “I have a sweet tooth and make the most of it during the festival of Ganesh Chaturthi. The homemade rice and wheat modaks always make my mouth water and become a part of my cheat diet during Ganesh Chaturthi. Another reason why I wait for this festival is to live a week full of life, music, and dance. We call for a special bhajan mandali to conduct aartis in the evening as relatives come to offer prayers. It is a sight to behold, the house is spruced up with garlands and everyone is dressed in their best clothes. I wish you all a lovely and happy Ganesh Chaturthi.” 

Akansha Sharma, known as Sakina Mirza in &TV’s Aur Bhai Kya Chal Raha Hai? shares, “I long for the days of celebration during Ganesh Chaturthi. I have always been drawn to Ganpati and his teachings. He evokes a sense of happiness and strength in me. This year I am fasting and conducting pooja for his blessings. I have this dream that the day I can purchase a house for myself, I will visit Siddhivinayak Temple and pay my respects to him. While I am missing out on the zealous festivities in Mumbai, I will be celebrating my favourite festival in Lucknow.” 

Rohitashv Gour, known as Manmohan Tiwari in &TV’s Bhabiji Ghar Par Hai says, “Ganesh Chaturthi celebrating is a long-standing tradition in my house. As always, we will continue the ritual of having a Ganpati murti at home which will be eco-friendly so that it does not harm the environment. I feel we must keep the planet safe and while we want to participate in Ganpati visarjan, we should be aware of the eco-friendly options. My family and I are extremely enthusiastic during this season as we love to treat our guests to the delicious food and in-lieu of the virtual settings, we will be creating a zoom link for those who wish to join in. This Ganesh Chaturthi, I pray for the health and happiness of my family and those around me.”