Ganesh Chaturthi 2024: Dive into Auspicious Celebrations with Jai Madaan| Exclusive

Ganesh Chaturthi 2024: Jai Madaan has exclusively connected with whosthat360. She has shared insights about her Ganpati celebrations, cherished memories of the festival, and much more.

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What makes this Ganpati celebration particularly special for you?

Ganesh Chaturthi feels like a grand celebration, almost like a wedding for me. Hundreds of people gather, and we prepare food for more than 12 to 13 hours beforehand. During this time, I hardly slept for one or two hours, fully immersed in the festivity. We celebrate Ganpati for days, and for me, it's my heartfelt tribute to my Lord—a way to express my deep gratitude and devotion through this joyous occasion.

Can you share a cherished childhood memory with this festival that still brings a smile to your face?

I was born and raised in Mumbai, where Ganesh Chaturthi is celebrated with unmatched grandeur. For us, it's as significant and festive as Diwali. I vividly remember dressing up and visiting the vibrant Ganesh pandals scattered across the city, each one more spectacular than the last. The energy, devotion, and joy that fills Mumbai during this festival are truly unparalleled.

How has your connection with Ganpati evolved over the years, and what significance does it hold in your life today?

I have a large Ganpati idol in my office, and to me, he's like the true boss here. His presence is grand, sitting right beside my chair, overseeing everything. Since the day I started working, he's been with me, guiding me like the boss of the office. Every time I buy something new—whether it's a saree, jewelry, or anything special—I offer it to him first. I believe he adorns it before I do, and I receive his blessings through those hand-me-downs. For me, anything that represents goodness—whether it's food or something new, big or small—must be offered to him first before I can wear it or enjoy it.

What is your favorite aspect of the Ganpati festival, and how do you like to celebrate it?

For me, Ganpati represents the spirit of giving, so whenever I celebrate Ganesh Chaturthi, I make sure it's a grand occasion. Over three days, around 400 to 500 people come to visit—clients, relatives, and even passersby who walk in for darshan. There are two things I hold dear during this time. First, I ensure that no one leaves empty-handed; I give gifts to everyone who comes because Ganpati has blessed me so abundantly. Secondly, I love how Ganpati cares for everyone who steps through my doors for darshan. Guests are treated to a variety of foods from different cuisines, and it fills my heart with joy to see everyone leave feeling content and blessed.

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Are there any family traditions or rituals that you follow during Ganpati, and what's the story behind them?

There are two important rituals I follow during Ganpati, as for me, this marks the beginning of the most auspicious time of the year. After Ganpati, all good things seem to follow. I always wear new clothes and jewelry after offering them to him first. But more than that, for me, Ganpati arrives like a little child, and a child should never be left alone. So, after everyone has finished their darshan, I sleep in the same room with him for all three nights. I place my mat beside him and stay close, living with him during the festivities. I don't step out of the house or leave him for even a moment—it's a special time when my daughter and I keep him company and treat him like his cherished guest.

Each year, we make the celebration grander, with the idol's size growing. On the day of Visarjan, we have a unique tradition. I hand out paper and a red pen for everyone to write their wishes, which they then whisper into Ganpati's ear and also into his mouse's ear. Our Visarjan is eco-friendly and done right in our garden. We place Ganpati in a big tub, immersing him with water and coriander seeds. A few days later, the coriander begins to sprout, symbolizing how everyone's wishes are growing. I use the same mud that Ganpati was made from to nurture the garden, and for me, it feels like he is renewed, returning to us in other forms through the plants and the earth. All love this tradition, and for me, it's a beautiful way to keep Ganpati's blessings alive and flourishing.