Ganesha Chaturthi all about fun, fervour, memories for Sandalwood celebs

Ganesha Chaturthi is here and Bangaloreans are as enthusiastic as ever to welcome the Lord of good times. This habba is not just about poojas and prayers but also about kadabus and fun times with family and friends... Sandalwood actors tell us what this much awaited festival means to them and how they plan to make the most of this occasion....

Meghana Gaonkar, actor
It’s all about good food and new clothes for me. I can’t resist the kadabus and I’ll make this festival the reason to become a little lenient with my diet, which I have strictly been following ever since I started shooting for Charminar. This apart I will be going to the Vinayaka temple in Jayanagar to offer my prayers.

Anoop Seelin, music director
This Ganesha festival brings with it double celebrations for me. Since it is an auspicious occasion, I will be getting engaged to my long time girl friend today. We will be tying the knot next month. On the professional front also things seem to be falling in place for me. I have two projects, including one with director Chai­tanya to look forward to. So I’m hoping for this festival to ring in the good times.

Shuba Punja, actor
This festival brings back a whole lot of childhood memories. As a kid I used to be a part of the dance dramas my locality people used to host as part of Ganesha Chaturthi. The cultural programmes used to span across six days and I made sure I was on stage all these days! However for me these days, the festival is a low key affair. If I’m in town I make it a point to go to the temple and also bring home a small idol and pray for the well being of my family and friends.

Dhananjaya, actor
I come from a joint family and every year I make sure I’m back in Arsikere to celebrate the habba with my folks. But this year I will be celebrating the festival with my film team and we all will be wishing for the success of our film that is due for release any time now. On this occasion, I also urge people to go in for eco- friendly Ganeshas and suggest that the idols be immersed in buckets rather than lakes to avoid pollution.

Parul Yadav, actor
Ganesha is most definitely my vigna vinashaka! I still remember how I used to write his name in Gujarati in all my exam  papers! So yes, I owe a lot to him and whenever I’m home, I make it a point to decorate the mandap myself. I’m the one who brings home the idol too. My sister on the other hand makes the modak. This time I’m here shooting for Nandeesha with Komal so I’ll miss being home but then again I’m someone who believes work is worship, so, I’m not complaining!