“Ganpati Is a No-Guilt Festival for Me”: Ashmita Bakshi on Her Deep Connection with Bappa
Actress Ashmita Bakshi reflects on celebrating Ganesh Chaturthi in Mumbai, her family traditions, her favorite festive indulgences, and missing the festival for the first time while in Thailand.
For actress Ashmita Bakshi, currently appearing in 108 Base Hospital-URI, Ganesh Chaturthi holds a deeply personal significance rooted in her upbringing in Mumbai. Describing the city's unique cultural atmosphere during the festival, the actress highlighted how people across diverse communities come together to welcome Lord Ganesha, giving the occasion a scale and energy that rivals major national holidays.
Recalling her family’s long-standing traditions, Bakshi shared that welcoming the idol home has been an integral part of her life since childhood. For her family, the festival represents an opportunity to foster togetherness, bringing relatives, neighbors, and friends under one roof to perform traditional aartis and share prasad.
However, this year's festivities carry a bittersweet note for the actress. Due to her participation in an international dance competition in Thailand, Bakshi will be away from Mumbai and missing her home celebrations for the first time in her life. Despite the distance, she maintains that the true essence of the festival lies in unwavering personal faith.
Addressing the spiritual aspect of Lord Ganesha as Vighnaharta, Bakshi emphasized the importance of total surrender over logical calculation. She shared that rather than overthinking outcomes or worrying about future challenges, she prefers to place her trust in divine timing, believing that sincere prayers yield results beyond expectation.
When asked about the growing commercialization of festive occasions, the actress noted that personal belief determines the authenticity of any celebration. Regardless of changing commercial trends, her family continues their tradition of hosting Lord Ganesha at home for one and a half days, using the occasion to step away from strict diet routines and indulge freely in traditional festive sweets.
Concluding her reflections, Bakshi shared that her prayers this year remain focused on the health and overall well-being of her family, trusting that faith and gratitude bring the necessary strength to navigate life's journey.
