Cinema VinesSunita Ahuja, wife of Bollywood star Govinda, celebrated this year’s Ganesh Chaturthi by personally bringing Lord Ganpati Bappa into their home, a move that marked a departure from the usual practice of her husband or son Yashvardhan handling the ritual.
Speaking to ANI, Sunita explained that for the past year she had been the one to bring the deity, a decision she made after reflecting on the fame and success she has gained during that period. "I brought Ganpati home this time with a lot of singing and dancing – usually, Govinda ji or Yashvardhan bring him. In the last one year, Bappa has given me so much fame. I've been working hard, and things have gone really well for me. So I decided that I'd bring Lord Ganesha with my own hands," she said.
The tradition of inviting Ganpati into their residence dates back to Sunita’s late mother‑in‑law, Nirmala Devi. Sunita has vowed to keep the custom alive for as long as she is alive: "The tradition of Ganpati was started by my late mother‑in‑law, Nirmala Devi. I've always said that as long as I'm alive, I'll bring Ganpati Bappa every year. It's been going on since then, and it'll keep going as long as I'm here," she added.
During the festivities, Sunita noted that she keeps the idol for one and a half days, believing that longer stays would require additional pooja and rituals. "I always keep Ganpati for 1.5 days, because if you keep them for more days, the pooja and everything needs to be done accordingly," she said.
While Sunita led the celebrations at home, Govinda was away in the United States. She confirmed that the actor is expected to return that night and that he may skip the darshan if he is exhausted. "Govinda ji is in America, he'll come back at night. If he is tired, he won't come for darshan today and instead will come tomorrow. This is his house, so he has to come," Sunita said.
Earlier on Sunday evening, footage of Sunita joyfully bringing the idol home circulated online, showing her dancing to the rhythm of a dhol. The video captured the exuberant spirit of the festival, which is celebrated nationwide with large crowds, elaborate pandals, and traditional prayers.
