‘We prayed for a child for 9 years’: Why Mumbai Catholics celebrate Ganesh Chaturthi

Vile Parle-based Valerina Shankar Nimma's son was only a child when he came across Lord Ganesha during a visit to one of the idolmakers's workshops but it left a lasting impression on him. She narrates, "My son Sherwyn was only six years old when he went with his father to see Ganpati idols being made in the shop. While there, he started crying so much that he just picked up the Lord Ganesha idol and ran away saying that he wanted to take one home. His father tried to stop him a lot, but it was of no use. Finally, he came home with Lord Ganesha's idol." This was only the start of an enriching journey for the family in their devotion to Lord Ganesha.

Resolute with his intentions, Nimma's son was happy once the idol came home and allowed his parents to take it from there. She further shares, "He just kept it on a small stool and said you can now do what you want to do. I have brought Bappa home, to my home." Unfortunately, on that day, the 44-year-old Mumbaikar, who is a YouTuber and food blogger, made a different kind of feast. "I had cooked fish curry and fried bangda in nice vindaloo masala," she says, realising that only vegetarian food would be preferable if they have to pay respects to the deity. "I gave it all to my house help. Since I am a Catholic and it was my first time, I didn't have an idea about all the rituals but thanks to my neighbours who all helped me out to praise him."

Celebrating Ganesh Chaturthi at home
They went on to bring him for three years in a row and then decided to stop. However, the universe had other plans. She explains, "In the fourth year, Sherwyn had fallen very sick so I told God that I will bring him every year to my house since then." It has been 12 years since and every year they have celebrated Ganesh Chaturthi in their home not only with rituals but also good food that includes making steamed modaks, karanji, kheer, ladoos, and many vegetarian dishes to relish with the family.

This year, Ganesh Chaturthi, which was celebrated on September 7, and will continue with Ganeshotsav till September 16, also happens to coincide with the feast of Nativity of Mother Mary, popularly known as the birthday of Mother Mary on September 8. It is celebrated in a big way in Mumbai as many devotees make their way to the Basilica of Our Lady of the Mount in Bandra, and also visit the Bandra Fair. Interestingly, Mumbai's connection with Ganesh Chaturthi goes beyond followers of one religion, as every person comes together to take part or revel in the festivities through tradition and food, and Nimma is only one of them.

It has not been any less miraculous for Pooja Paul Dsouza, who has been welcoming Lord Ganesha into their home for the last two years now. She shares, "We had prayed for a baby and Bappa blessed us after 9 years of trying and failing so it was a mannat (wish) that was fulfilled." Being a Hindu, Pooja was born and brought up around Ganesh Chaturthi celebrations in Mumbai. After trying to have a baby for many years, the 36-year-old teacher prayed to Lord Ganesha and was blessed with a son. "I am Hindu and my husband Catholic, I adore and am proud of how welcoming my mother-in-law and husband have been about getting Bappa home and embracing the culture with equal joy and open arms."

Also Read: Ganesh Chaturthi 2024: Why traditional and innovative modaks go hand-in-hand

After their wish is fulfilled, Dsouza says it has changed the family's outlook towards the festival and how it brings them all together beyond everyone's religious beliefs." Just like the last two years, this year will not be any different as they started celebrations on September 7. "We bring Bappa home the night before and then all three of us perform puja in the morning. It is then followed by enjoying food that consists of the mandatory five vegetables, alu vadi, modak, puri and more. We also have my brother's aarti group, which consists of 15 to 20 people, who visit in the evening for aarti that goes on for almost two hours," she adds.

With Ganesh Chaturthi coinciding with the birthday of Mother Mary, celebrated by the Catholic community in the city, this year is going to be a double celebration in the Dsouza home. "I have always believed that Mama Mary and Bappa have made it possible for me to become a mom. Last year, it coincided with Janmashtami. This year, it is double the celebration and happiness at home and it feels surreal," she adds. Just like Dsouza, even Nimma is over-excited about the celebrations this year as they revel not only in the Hindu festivities but also in Catholic rituals during this time of the year.

Celebrating Ganesh Chaturthi and Christmas
Elsewhere around Mumbai, Natasha Anna Pereira has also been celebrating Ganesh Chaturthi for as long as she can remember. Being born in a multi-cultural home where her father is a Roman Catholic and her mother is a Maharashtrian Hindu, Pereira says she and her brother have been lucky that they have been able to celebrate the best of both religions and because of the festive fervour has always been there. She explains, "As a kid, we were based out of Dubai and would try our best to visit family in Mumbai during Ganesh Chaturthi. If not, then my parents would take us to the temple on the occasion of Ganesh Chaturthi." Beyond shopping and visiting relatives, the Mumbaikar also grew up savouring the different kinds of prasad, and more particularly her mother making ukdiche modak, which is the traditional steamed rice flour modak made with coconut jaggery and cardamom stuffing.

Fortunately, the 32-year-old hospitality professional says her parents believed in embracing both cultures and traditions and ensured that the siblings were involved in all of it too. "So along with Christmas, Easter, Diwali and Holi," she continues, "Ganesh Chaturthi became an annual celebration. Even though we don't bring Bappa home, I have family from my mother's side, neighbours and close friends hosting Bappa either for one and a half days or 5 days - and visiting all their homes every year became the favourite norm for me."

Such are the festivities in their family that Pereira who is from Panvel says they used to visit her maternal uncle's home every year for Ganesh Chaturthi. She narrates, "It meant close relatives gathering at his place for two days filled with poojas, good food, fun times with cousins and ending it with the visarjan." However, that has slightly changed over the years. "Since most of my cousins and I have moved to different cities and countries, it has become difficult to get together to celebrate Ganpati together. However, I make sure to take part in Ganesh Chaturthi celebrations overseas through the Indian community's arrangements - nothing like celebrating such a special festival far away from home with other Indians," she adds.

Pereira has been lucky to have a family away from home and continue the traditions, and the effort that she makes because there are so many sentiments attached to it are rooted in her family's tradition and Mumbai. "The celebrations are special for me because of the people, memories and the essence behind it. Ganesh Chaturthi is all about celebrating and honouring the deity of wisdom, prosperity and the removal of obstacles. Having grown up watching Ganpati Bappa's arrival, singing all the aartis, making modaks at home with my grandmother, aunts and mom makes this celebration a way of reminiscing all the good times together."

It is not only on the personal level but also on the community level that Pereira says makes it even more festive. "With Mumbai being one of the top cities to celebrate Ganesh Chaturthi with full pomp and splendour - it became a tradition to witness all the big pandals bringing in their Ganesha idols, the 10 days long happy chaos filled with special food, lots of modaks, fun and frolic on even the tiniest streets and music. Celebrating Ganesh Chaturthi makes me feel closer to spirituality and home." Coming down in time for celebrations from overseas, Pereira says this year's celebrations are extremely special. "I am visiting my best friend's home for her Ganesh Chaturthi celebrations after eight long years, which is a special reunion indeed," shares the excited Mumbaikar.

However, it is only going to get better because just like Nimma and Dsouza, Pereira is also going to be busy celebrating another important festival. "My father noted that this time Ganesh Chaturthi coincides with Mount Mary's feast and has started making plans of visiting a few popular Ganesh pandals and then heading to Bandra for the Mount Mary feast. He said, 'Nothing better than paying a visit to all our Gods and getting blessings for the year'. I consider this to be a very auspicious time since both my favourite festivals are in the same week - makes my trip down to India an even more special one," shares Pereira, expressing the emotions of thousands of Mumbaikars, who are not only going to be celebrating Ganeshotsav and visiting the pandals but also making a trip to Mount Mary Church in Bandra and ending it with a walk through Bandra Fair.

Also Read: Celebrating across borders: How expats cultivate a strong connection with Ganeshotsav