Celebrating Ganesh Chaturthi: Ayush Shrivastava reflects on his festive journey

Mumbai: Ayush Shrivastava, currently captivating audiences with his performance in Shemaroo Umang's popular show Shamshaan Champa, has shared his heartfelt reflections on celebrating Ganesh Chaturthi. For many, this festival is a time of vibrant celebrations and deep devotion, and Ayush's experiences beautifully capture the essence of how this festival has evolved in his life.

Growing up in Jabalpur, Ayush recalls Ganesh Chaturthi as a cherished time for his family. "Ganesh Chaturthi was always so special to me. We’d bring Ganpati Ji into our home, but there wasn’t a big tradition of inviting guests or performing aartis," he reflects. The simplicity and intimacy of his family celebrations in Jabalpur were deeply meaningful, setting the stage for a profound connection with the festival.

However, moving to Mumbai brought Ayush a whole new perspective on Ganesh Chaturthi. "When I moved to Mumbai, I was amazed by how everyone comes together—friends, family, and even strangers—all celebrating with such devotion," he says. The vibrant atmosphere and grand celebrations in Mumbai were a stark contrast to his earlier experiences, offering a new level of excitement and community spirit.

Ayush fondly recalls his initial experiences with the city's famed pandal hopping. "I’ve done more pandal hopping in Jabalpur, but the excitement around Lalbaughcha Raja in Mumbai was incredible. When I first came to Mumbai in 2016, I waited in line for 10 hours just to get a glimpse of Bappa, and it felt like I was in a wonderland." This vivid description highlights the overwhelming and enchanting experience of participating in Mumbai's massive Ganesh Chaturthi celebrations.

Despite his busy schedule, Ayush maintains his connection to traditional celebrations. "While I love the hot, coconut-filled modaks here, my family tradition at home is making besan laddus, which are my all-time favorites." This blend of old and new traditions reflects his personal evolution while staying rooted in cherished customs.

Ayush attributes his continued success to the blessings of Ganpati Ji. "I think it’s the blessing from Bappa that I haven’t been out of work for the last 2 years; hence, I haven’t had much time for pandal hopping, but I still soak in the festival’s unmatched energy on set." His gratitude and spiritual connection underscore the deep significance of the festival in his life.