Ganesh Chaturthi: Celebs share plans of celebrating the festival, cautious everyone to be careful and that this year they would pray for peace and a Covid free world

Ganesh Chaturthi on September 10 is the first festival of the season and disciples of the Lord can’t keep calm. The celebrations are usually huge in Mumbai but given the pandemic scenario things are going to be different, much like last year. Celebs talk about the festival, its significance, most memorable Ganpati celebration moment, if they get Ganesh idol home and their celebration plans this year amid the virus scare. Some of them, who are not from Mumbai, also share the experience of being introduced to the festival in the city where the celebrations are always grand and beautiful. Read on:
 
Jasmin Bhasin: Since the time I came to Bombay, I have been witnessing these wonderfully huge Ganpati celebrations. In my home town Kota, Rajasthan, I have seen Ganesh Chaturthi celebrations but in Mumbai the fervour is different. This city is filled with a complete festive atmosphere but given the pandemic scenario strict social distancing should be maintained and the celebration should be low key. I will visit a few friends who bring Ganpati home.

Kaveri Priyam: I am super excited that Ganpati is coming. Ganpati Bappa will soon be visiting our homes again and now that the pandemic situation has somewhat eased, rules have been relaxed, I think this time it will be a little more fun. I know it won’t happen like it used to before the pandemic but at least we can visit our friend’s house peacefully.

Nivedita Basu: 
Ganpati is one of my most favourite festivals because of my husband as his side of the family has been celebrating it for the past 27 years. They usually keep Ganesha home for a day and a half because for them it is like they don’t even visit anyone’s house, not even the neighbours as they avoid leaving Ganpati alone. But they have a lot of guests home during these two days. But last year was different, so is this year. Hence, I will visit my friends Arjun Bijlani, Sharad Malhotra and Vipul Mehta’s houses. I will also visit Ekta’s [Kapoor] place. I would urge everyone to avoid stepping out much keeping the third wave in mind and celebrate at home.

Munisha Khatwani: I love Ganpati festival because it’s the time to celebrate and meet people. And, of course it’s a feel-good factor because Ganpati is Vighnaharta and he removes all the obstacles from our lives and makes us feel very positive when you seek his blessings. I have a lot of memorial celebrations during this time and I also visit my friends and family. The most interesting experience for me was the time I visited Lalbaughcha Raja. There I felt so divinely blessed. And my best memory was being able to touch Lalbaughcha Raja’s feet. I haven’t got Ganpati home yet, but maybe in the future I will. For me, celebrations will be low key this year due to the pandemic.