"On Vijayadashami, I partake in the Gungroo puja, which holds special significance in my life as a Kathak dancer," says Manasa Joshi

This Navratri holds an extra layer of significance to actress Manasa Joshi, as she celebrates the festival with the joyous little princess. Speaking exclusively to ETimes TV, she expressed her excitement for the festive season and her eagerness to partake in the celebrations with full enthusiasm.

The actress shared,"This year, Navratri holds added significance with the arrival of our precious daughter. I eagerly await the festivities with a heart full of enthusiasm. The process of preparing for the festival, dressing up, and every aspect of it brings me immense joy."

She reminisced about celebrating 'Gombe Habba' in the past and her longing for the grand celebrations of yesteryears."In the past, we used to have elaborate celebrations. I would enthusiastically partake in festivities at my dance class and various other places. However, it seems those grand celebrations have taken a backseat now, and I genuinely miss those times," she disclosed.



Despite her daughter being an infant, she is determined to impart the significance of the festival.

"Even though my daughter is still an infant, I'm making an effort to instill the significance of the festival in her. I've introduced her to the dolls. While she's not yet able to speak, her adorable babbling serves as a heartwarming response to everything I attempt to teach her at this early stage. I'm looking forward to celebrating next year by arranging the dolls in a more traditional manner."

For Manasa Joshi, Vijayadashami has a unique tradition.

She signed off by saying, "On Vijayadashami, I partake in the Gungroo puja, which holds special significance in my life as a Kathak dancer. We perform this puja on two occasions, Basanth Panchami and Vijayadashami, a tradition passed down to me by my Guru. Basanth Panchami is widely celebrated in the northern regions, so we perform the puja then, whereas Vijayadashami, being more prominent in the south, is when we conduct the puja now."