Sunil Grover: Ganpatiji brings a sense of unity to the city

For Sunil Grover, just the mention of visiting a Ganpati Bappa pandal brings an instant smile to his face. His love for the festival isn’t new. It began 25 years ago when he first arrived in Mumbai. Alongside his dream of making a mark in the city, he carried a deep desire to witness the grandeur of Ganesh Chaturthi celebrations. This year, the actor joined Bombay Times for a visit to the iconic Parelcha Raja pandal.

Reflecting on his early days in the city, Sunil fondly remembers his first encounter with the festival. He recalls, “When I came to Mumbai, all I knew was that I wanted to be part of the Ganesh Chaturthi celebrations. I used to live in Juhu. On the day of the first visarjan, I was shooting and hoped to catch it at Juhu Beach. But I finished late and assumed I had missed everything. To my surprise, as soon as I stepped out, the streets were still alive with people taking Ganpati Bappa for immersion. I had no idea the festivities went on all night for 11 days, with visarjans happening almost every alternate day. It was such a thrill to witness it,” he recalls.


Since then, his connection with the festival has only deepened. For years now, Sunil has made it a tradition to visit his aunt in Daman during Ganesh Chaturthi, where Bappa is welcomed into the home with devotion and warmth. He says, “Every year, I drive down to Daman to take part in the celebrations and perform the puja. We usually go on the second day, and the entire family gathers. We stay up all night celebrating. On the way, I get to see so many pandals.”

For him, the festival carries more than religious significance. It marks a sense of renewal and inner peace. He says, “Whenever we start something new, we pray to Ganesh ji. It feels like the beginning of a new year, filled with hope. There’s joy in the air, divine fragrances, the sound of bhajans and aartis. It creates such a calming, uplifting atmosphere. To me, this festival is about joy, gratitude and celebration.”

Sunil believes the true magic of the festival lies in its ability to unite people across communities and backgrounds. “This festival really is magical. People from all walks of life come together to celebrate. They forget their daily routines, dance in the streets, and visit each other’s homes to pray and spend time together. In today’s world, where everyone is glued to their phones, festivals like this help us reconnect with each other. Even with the crowds and chaos, everything just works. Ganpati ji brings a sense of unity to the city. That spirit of togetherness is something very special.”

Even today, he makes it a point to step out on visarjan days to be part of the energy. He shares, “In my early days in Mumbai, whenever I heard bhajans playing, I would start dancing. I would join the processions, especially when they brought those massive idols to the pandals in Juhu. I have made some of my most beautiful memories during those times.”

Although he has always wished to bring Ganpati Bappa home, that dream was unexpectedly fulfilled through his son, Mohan. He says, “Every year, I have wanted to welcome Bappa into our home, but it never quite happened. Then, when Mohan was just three, he started making Ganpati idols from clay. Since then, we have been doing visarjan at home quietly. Each year, the idol gets a little bigger, and seeing that makes me incredibly proud.”

His devotion to Lord Ganesha remains strong. “Whatever I have asked for, Ganpati ji has always blessed me with. That means the world to me,” he says with a smile.

About Parelcha Raja:
The Parel Vibhag Sarvajanik Ganeshotsav Mandal, Nare Park, Parelcha Raja, which is run by mill workers in the Parel mill district, is celebrating its 78th year this year. The Ganeshotsav Mandal began the celebration in 1947. Devotees gathered together at Nare Park grounds, transforming the mandal into a grand organisation. Despite many challenges and financial hardships, the Mandal moved toward its golden jubilee with immense support from loyal members and executive committee members.

BT Blockbuster Bappas is Bombay Times’ prestigious honour, celebrating Mumbai’s most iconic pandals. It is a tribute to the community spirit, artistry, and sustainable practices that define the soul of Ganeshotsav.