I’m going to dress up and be part of a virtual puja: Bijal Joshi

Ganeshotsav is incomplete without the foot-tapping sound of the dhols, big pandals illuminated with beautiful lights, and an array of modaks, gujiya, laddoos to welcome our favourite Bappa. Celebrating the arrival of Bappa without these things seemed to be impossible once upon a time. However, with the COVID-19 pandemic and the restrictions on public gatherings and constructing public pandals have made the Ganesh Chaturthi celebrations very different from previous years. As celebrations will mostly be limited to home, actor Bijal Joshi shares her fondest memories of Ganeshotsav, pre-COVID, and celebration plans for this year.

Bijal says, “When I was young I would love to go pandal hopping with my family, as each pandal had different themes and plays would be performed. I was extremely fascinated by them. As I grew up I would visit Lalbaugcha Raja during every Ganesh Chaturthi. It might sound a bit clichéd but whatever I’ve wished while having a darshan at Lalbaugcha Raja, sooner or later it has always come true. In fact one of fondest memories I’ve had was when I had given the look test for my last TV serial and was awaiting my results. It was during this time, I went for my darshan and within I got my selection call. So, yes, this year I’m already feeling low about not being to see him. However, this year I’m avoiding going to my friend’s house for darshan, but will be a part of the puja through a video call, and will send them prasad to offer on my behalf. I will deck up even for this virtual puja and am looking forward to it.”