Ayushmann
Ayushmann Khurrana on the importance of eco Ganeshas and how he’s appalled that Mumbai isn’t too worried about the environment
As told to Harshada Rege (DNA; September 19, 2015)

In Chandigarh, we always referred to Ganpati as Lord Ganesha. The fervour was different. I have friends in Mumbai who celebrate this festival. People who come from other cities get to know about Mumbai and the culture through festivals like Ganpati. It was extremely fascinating for me. I had never equated Bollywood songs with spirituality, but this was completely different. People would dance, many times it would rain, it would make you want to start dancing. It’s amazing. I have done that when I was new in the city. Now, when I pass a procession, I crave to stop my car, park it and start dancing. Many times I am travelling during the festival, like I am doing this year, but I do visit my friends who celebrate the festival.

It’s so important to be eco-friendly. Coming from a city like Chandigarh, which is so green and planned, it was a shock to me to see that Mumbai doesn’t take care of its environment. Over the years, the festival has only gotten bigger. During immersion, people should ensure that the idols dissolve in the water and so, residue remains. Apart from that, people have to take care of immersion spots like Juhu Beach, which people dirty so much. Being eco-friendly is definitely the need of the hour.