Manisha Rani shares her celebration of “Chhath Puja in Mumbai
Manisha Rani
shares her celebration of “Chhath Puja in Mumbai
Actress Manisha Rani
cherished her connect to Chhath Puja as she shares how she celebrated this year and how much she misses home-cooked prasad.
Ahead of Chhath Puja Manisha Rani fondly recalled her deep-rooted connection with the celebration, which she considers one of the most significant festivals in her life. “Chhath Puja has always been very close to my heart. It isn’t merely a festival, it’s an emotion. She has matured watching her family, especially her mother, observe it with so much faith and dedication. From the early morning rituals to offering arghya to the rising and setting sun, every moment was a divine energy. The actress went on to add, how the festival is no longer limited to Bihar’s even while it originally was celebrated bv them.
She further added that people used to say, Chhath Puja is only a Bihari festival, but that’s not true anymore? further adding that today, it’s celebrated across India with the same devotion and faith. Be it Bihar, Delhi, or Mumbai, the spirit of Chhath unites everyone. It truly feels like a festival of the entire country now.
When Manisha first moved to Mumbai, she admits she didn’t feel the same festive energy around Chhath Puja that she was used to back home. “Initially, she felt Mumbai didn’t really have that essence of Chhath,” she recalls. “Back in Bihar, the entire city lights up — everyone prepares for it, and there’s this beautiful sense of devotion in the air. Here, she thought people didn’t celebrate it as much.
However, over time, her perception completely changed. “With the years passing by, she realized that’s not true at all. Mumbai celebrates every festival with open arms,” she smiles. “Last year, when she went to Juhu Beach for the Usha Arghya, she was honestly stunnd to see the sea of devotees gathered there — families, kids — everyone immersed in the rituals. The same songs, the same faith, the same emotion — it felt just like home. That’s when she realized how wrong she was in thinking that the festival isn’t celebrated here with the same zeal as it is back home.”
Reminiscing about her childhood memories, Manisha says that Chhath Puja was always celebrated with immense devotion and togetherness in Bihar. “Back then, the entire neighbourhood would come alive. Everyone would prepare thekua, clean their homes, and the vibe was full of joy and purity. As kids, we would be excited to see the decorated ghats, the lamps floating on the water, and the atmosphere filled with bhajans,” she recalls.
This year, however, Manisha wasn”t able to go home for the festival. She was in Mumbai because of work commitments. It does feel a little incomplete to not be with family, especially amidst Chhath. But still she celebrated in her own way here — by praying, lighting a diya, and keeping the spirit of the festival alive even while away from home.”
Manisha believes that the essence of Chhath Puja lies in discipline, gratitude, and faith. “It’s a festival of purity and self-control. The fasting, the prayers, the early mornings — it all connects you deeply to nature and the divine,” she explains. “It’s amazing how every region in India has its own customs, but the emotion behind them is always the same — devotion and thankfulness.”
She also reflects on how modern times and social media have changed the way festivals are celebrated. “Earlier, everything was about real connection — people gathered, sang, helped each other. Now, it’s more about sharing pictures online,” she laughs softly. “But she thinks social media can still be used to spread awareness about our traditions, so the younger generation understands their importance.
Notwithstanding her busy schedule, Manisha ensures that the festive spirit remains alive in her heart. “Even if she is away, her prayers and emotions are always with her family. Chhath teaches you humility and reminds you to stay grounded no matter where life takes you. That’s something I’ll always hold on to.”
With a smile, she adds, “Festivals like Chhath Puja remind us of our roots. They keep us connected to who we truly are — and that’s what makes them so special.” Manisha wraps up by mentioning how she’s missing the Chhath Puja prasad and is hoping someone brings it for her. She literally urges the Biharis around her if they’re celebrating so she can have some ghar ka prasad! Uska alag hi maza aur swaad hai! She even put a message on social media asking her followers to send her some puja ka prasad — by all means possible.
News Edit KV Raman
