September 2, 2025

For Amar Upadhyay, Ganesh Chaturthi is not just a festival — it is a deep feeling full of family love and strong faith. The popular actor has been welcoming Ganpati Bappa to his home for 25 beautiful years, a lovely tradition started by his late mother before his marriage. Amar fondly recalls, “We had a small family with our parents, my brother and I. My engagement was a big event for us, and that’s why my mother decided to bring Bappa home. It’s been 25 years since then. Today, my children are the most excited about Ganesh Chaturthi and welcoming Him home.” Every year, the decoration and themes around Ganpati Bappa change, but Amar keeps some special things just the same. He says, “My son and daughter take turns choosing the idol every year. This time, it was my daughter’s turn. I always tell them that the idol can be of any design or shape, but He must have big ears and a big stomach, which signify wisdom and the ability to digest everything unnecessary. This was my mom’s teaching, and we have carried it forward. Also, our decoration is always done with real flowers. And because I am a big foodie, I decide the menu for the five days; everything is made fresh at home.” Amar shares sweet family moments of bidding farewell to Ganpati Bappa during visarjan. “Until a few years ago, my children would cry every time we went for visarjan, and I would also get teary-eyed watching them. Earlier, we would bring Bappa home for a day and a half, but at their insistence, He now stays with us for five days. After all, it is Bappa who decides where and for how long to stay. Of course, we still get emotional when He leaves us, but from the very next day, we begin looking forward to welcoming Him again the following year.” Despite his busy work life, Amar makes sure to take part in the rituals. He explains, “I miss being present for the evening aartis because of work, but I make sure to do the first and the last aarti; those are very important to me. I believe I am blessed with work because of Bappa, so I must also respect my professional commitments.” Amar also opens up about a tough time when he lost faith. He remembers, “In January 2003, my mother, who had no health complaints, suddenly passed away due to a heart attack. It shook me completely. I was angry and didn’t celebrate any festival that year. But my wife Hetal pulled me out of that phase. The next year, I went to Siddhivinayak Temple with her to pray and seek Bappa’s forgiveness for my naivety.” For Amar, Ganpati Bappa is more than a God; He is a true friend. “Bappa is like a friend and guide. I talk to Him about what’s happening in my life, and He listens without judging. Every time I am stuck, things somehow get resolved, or I find a solution miraculously. I feel grateful to Him for blessing me with work, with the wisdom to run a business, and for always looking after my children’s future. I truly believe He gives us more than we deserve,” Amar lovingly concludes.

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Tags: Amar upadhyay, Ganesh chaturthi, Ganpati bappa, Family traditions, Celebrations, Festivals,