Exclusive! Rohit Saraf visits Chinchpoklicha Chintamani: Mumbai comes alive during Ganeshotsav

As Mumbai celebrates Ganeshotsav with joy and fervour, BT’s Blockbuster Bappa series saw actor Rohit Saraf seek blessings at theChinchpoklicha Chintamani pandal. Speaking about his fond memories of Ganesh Chaturthi, he says, “Ganesh Chaturthi has always been such a specialtime for me.” Rohit says, “Growing up, it wasn’t just about the rituals but the atmosphere — the music, the colours and the smell of modaks in the air.

I have these vivid memories of being surrounded by family, with everyone coming together, laughing and celebrating. There’s a sense of warmth and belonging that this festival brings, which always stays with me.”‘During this festival, I like to slow down a little and take in the positivity that it brings’Rohit says, “For me, Ganesh Chaturthi is as much about devotion as it is about community. I enjoy visiting some pandals, offering prayers, and of course, indulging in the food. But mostly, I like to slow down a little and take in the positivity that the festival brings.”The actor didn’t grow up with pandal hopping being a part of his childhood. “It was only after I moved to Mumbai at 15 that I got to experience the true grandeur of Ganesh Chaturthi — the larger-than-life idols, the incredible creativity of the decorations, the energy of the crowds, and the devotion that fills the air. Honestly, thereon, I’ve been in love with it. There’s something about the way Mumbai comes alive during Ganpati.

It feels like the city has one heartbeat, and you can’t help but be a part of it. Even though I didn’t grow up with it, the festival has become an important part of my life and my connection with this city,” he shares.‘My mom makes the best modaks’When it comes to food, he admits with a smile, “I’m 100% a modak guy (laughs). I look forward to them every year. The traditional ukadiche modaks are my favourite, but honestly, I don’t discriminate — chocolate, dry fruit, mawa, bring them all on! My mom makes the best ones, so it’s become a family tradition that I guard very dearly.”

About Chinchpoklicha ChintamaniEstablished in 1920, Chinchpoklicha Chintamani is one of Mumbai’s oldest and most revered Ganesh mandals. Its aagman ceremony is a dazzling spectacle of dhol-tasha troupes, govinda formations and massive crowds that embody the spirit of Mumbai’s festive fervour. Beyond celebration, the pandal is deeply committed to community impact — channelling nearly 60% of its income into social services, including a subsidised medical centre and a reference library for local students.