I’m starting Ganesh Puja at home this year: Bibriti

"I love celebrating Ganesh Puja because it makes me feel connected to tradition, my family, and the positive energy that Lord Ganesha brings into our lives. Ganesh Puja used to be popular in Mumbai but now Kolkata too has taken up the celebrations in a grand way,” said actress Bibriti Chatterjee, who recently visited Kumartuli with us for an exclusive shoot ahead of Ganesh Chaturthi. The actress was happy to see the artisans making Ganesh idols and preparing the groundwork to meet Durga Puja idol demands. Excerpts from the chat:

To me, Ganesh Chathurthi is an auspicious occasion

Speaking to us, the actress said, “For me, Ganesh Chaturthi has always felt like the season of new beginnings. I feel Lord Ganesha’s arrival coincides beautifully with the monsoon showers – as if the rains themselves wash away all impurities, leaving the earth fresh and ready for renewal.With every drop,it feels like nature prepares us to welcome Bappa with hope, joy, anda promise to start afresh. I heard from Srabanti di that after she shot with Calcutta Times for Ganesh Chaturthi, she started Ganesh Puja at her home.”

Adding that Srabanti told her that worshipping Lord Ganesha is a source of solace – a space where peace and positivity gently find their way back to her, Bibriti said, “I can’t agree more after coming here in Kumartuli and getting to see so many Lord Ganesha idols. Following in Srabanti di’s footsteps, I’m starting Ganesh Puja at home this year, in my own little way. That’s why I bought an idol during the shoot. Also, Ganesh Chaturthi marks the beginning of the countdown to Durga Puja — the excitement slowly builds from this day onward, isn’t it?”

Praying to Lord Ganesha feels like opening my heart to wisdom

There is a special way to pray to Lord Ganesha: you whisper the prayer in his ear and cover his other ear with your hand so that the prayer you make stays with him.

Whenever I pray to Lord Ganesha, it feels like I’m talking to a friend who listens without judgment.In that moment, my worries feel lighter, and I find the courage to begin againwith hope.

Damp weather delays idol-making

We also took the opportunity to speak to Babu Pal, general secretary and spokesperson of Kumartuli Mritshilpa Sanskritik Samiti, about business this year. He said, “This year, business for Ganesh Puja has gone up by nearly 15% compared to last year.

Large combo orders from big budget Puja associations for Durga idol and Ganesh idol have been the trend this year. Advance bookings have also seen a good rise. We expect around a 20% increase in business this Pujo.

”He went on to add that continuous rain has been disrupting idol-making at Kumartuli, leaving artisans worried about meeting deadlines. “The damp weather is damaging the delicate clay work and slowing down preparations.

Everyone is now hoping the skies clear soon, so the idols can be completed on time and the festive spirit remains undimmed,” he said.

'All these years, I used to visit my friend’s place to seek blessings from Lord Ganesha. But this year, I’m doing puja at home and then visiting her. I’m learning how to make modaks and motichoor ladoos from online videos. Whenever I pray to Lord Ganesha, it feels like I’m talking to a friend who listens without judgment''I feel Lord Ganesha’s arrival coincides beautifully with the monsoon showers – as if the rains themselves wash away all impurities, leaving the earth fresh and ready for renewal'Pics: Tathagata Ghosh; Makeup, hair and styled by: Babusona Saha and Gini Halder; Jewellery by: Surajit Barik