Being a Maharashtrian, Ganesh Chaturthi holds a special place in Shriya Pilgaonkar ’s life, and this year, it’s even more special as it comes on the heels of two big releases for the actor — Mirzapur The Movie and Haiwaan .
Excited about bringing in the festival, she says, “Ganesh Chaturthi is not just a festival of devotion to Lord Ganesha, but it’s also a celebration of Maharashtra’s culture, history, community and spirit.”
Daughter to actor-couple Sachin Pilgaonkar and Supriya Pilgaonkar, Shriya shares that the rituals for Ganesh Chaturthi at the Pilgaonkars have a long running tradition: start the day with an aarti at Siddhivinayak temple, then go to Sachin’s side of the family in Dadar, followed by a visit to Supriya’s side of the family. “Growing up, what was most exciting about Ganesh Chaturthi was that the entire family would come together. There would be amazing food and music. It was the only time perhaps, besides Diwali, where the whole family would come together. Our elders, my grandparents would share stories about their childhood days. So, it’s such a beautiful moment where traditions are passed down. But besides the festivities, what matters to Shriya is understanding the belief and meaning behind the celebrations. “Bappa is a representation of auspicious beginnings. Every day in our family, whenever we leave our house, we say ‘Ganpati Bappa Morya’ to start our day with the best energy. Even on a film set, the first shot is taken while saying ‘Ganpati Bappa Morya. We dedicate our art, our day, our kala, to the higher power, and that’s such a beautiful way of looking at it. You surrender all that you have to offer to a higher power.
So, I love that aspect of Indian culture, especially Ganesh Chaturthi,” she says.
