Ganesh Chaturthi 2025: Nibedita Pal On How Her Bond with Ganpati Grew Over Time: "It's Hard To Put Into Words" | Exclusive

Ganesh Chaturthi 2025: Social media sensation and actor Nibedita Pal speaks to whosthat360 exclusively, sharing how she celebrates this festival and her love for hosting people at her home during Ganpati.

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What adds extra joy to your Ganpati celebrations this year?

I think bringing Ganpati Bappa home every year is probably the best time, and it's something I look forward to every year. It's the highlight of my year because I know that Bappa is going to be with us for two days. We try our best to be there for Him, to spend time with Him, and to make Him feel as welcome as we can. Honestly, it's so positive—there's a sense of calmness even with all the festive sounds around. This is my fifth year bringing Him home, and I hope and pray that we're able to continue this tradition for the rest of our lives.

Photo Credit: Instagram

What's one happy Ganpati memory from your childhood that you treasure?

Unfortunately, as a child, I didn't get to spend much time in India, so I missed out on many traditions and festivals—whether it was Durga Puja or Ganpati. I never had the joy of bringing Bappa home or visiting people's houses during the festival. And that's really what the festival is about—coming together with your loved ones and soaking in the celebrations. Of course, the food is also a big part of it—the joy of binging and indulging for those few festive days. Since I didn't get to experience that growing up, I try to make the most of it now. Once we started bringing Bappa home, I realized just how special and joyful it is to have Him with us every single year.

How has Ganpati's presence in your life changed or grown over time?

I don't know if this is how it's supposed to be, but I've definitely felt a deep spiritual shift in my life ever since Ganpati Bappa started coming home. There's a calmness, a sense of positivity, and hope that surrounds me. I also feel more connected to Shivji now. It's hard to put into words, but it has truly been a magical experience. Bappa has taught me strength, courage, and patience—and I think those are the most valuable lessons one can carry through life

Photo Credit: Instagram

What excites you most about the Ganpati festival, and how do you mark the occasion?

I think a festival like Ganpati is so important in our lives because it reminds us how beautiful life truly is. We stress so much about the future and worry constantly about tomorrow, but Bappa teaches us to live in the moment. For those two days, the only thing on our minds is that He is with us—we forget everything else. And that, to me, is the most beautiful gift—He comes into our lives to remind us to pause, to stay present, and to trust that whatever is meant to happen will happen. The key is to hold on to positivity and hope. That's probably the biggest change I've experienced in my own life.
I absolutely love Ganpati—I love meeting people, hosting, visiting homes to see how others welcome Him, and of course, the food. But at the heart of it, it's all very simple. It doesn't have to be grand; what matters most is bringing Him home with love, warmth, and an open heart

Are there any special customs or practices you observe during Ganpati, and what do they mean to you?

We love hosting people for lunch and dinner during Ganpati. There's always a proper menu of home-cooked food prepared especially for the occasion. So, whenever someone visits, they know they'll be treated to a really good meal and warm hospitality. That's something we truly enjoy and take pride in, and I'm so happy to be able to do it this year as well—I honestly can't wait.