Singer Hariharan participated in the Sakinakyacha Maharaja Ganeshotsav celebrations, performing the devotional song ‘Sukhkarta Dukhharta’ for an enthusiastic audience. During the event, he shared fond memories of his childhood experiences with the festival and his early Ganpati rituals. This year’s celebration held special significance for him, as his twin grandchildren marked their first Ganeshotsav, deepening their connection to family traditions. Attendees were also captivated by a striking 43-foot idol of Ganesh, a highlight of the festivities.
I came to know that they hold a record of being the tallest Ganpati at 43 feet, that’s around four floors! Because i was playing my own recently released aarti, and were all singing together, “We bring home Bappa for three days and this year was extremely special.
Speaking about his visit, Hariharan said, “It was so beautiful to be here with Sakinakacha Ganpati and get photographed with Him. There is another Ganpati song ‘Vighneshwara’ that I love and I begin all my shows with this,” he said. Recalling his early memories of the festival, he said, “During my student life I used to pray to Bappa.
For Hariharan, the festival also brought back memories of his childhood and his association with Bappa. Ganpati has been a part of Hariharan’s life since childhood.
The little ones, he says, quickly formed an attachment to Bappa. So we had to tell her that Ganpati has gone home for a swim,” he said. “This whole concept of Ganeshotsav is absolutely beautiful,” he said.
National Award-winning singer Hariharan joined the Ganeshotsav celebrations at Sakinakacha Maharaja as part of the Bombay Times Blockbuster series. The singer visited the pandal to seek Bappa’s blessings and participate in the aarti. To the delight of the devotees gathered there, Hariharan also took to the mic and sang the much-loved devotional song Sukhkarta Dukhharta. In our home also, every puja began with a Ganpati puja. I used to stay in Kamla Kunj in Matunga as a child and I remember watching Ganpati processions but since I was a kid, I was not allowed to join. He also remembers the celebrations in his neighbourhood. “Next to my building was Ganesh Baug and they would have a big Ganpati and had skits, dramas, would show movies, give a different prasad every day. Those are wonderful memories of this special festival. This year, Ganeshotsav became particularly special for Hariharan as his twin grandchildren, one-and-a-half-year-old, experienced the festival for the first time. “This year my twin grandkids, Aria and Ahaan experienced their first Ganpati and within just these three days they got very attached to Bappa. Aarya was so upset after the visarjan, ‘Where is Bappa, what did you do with him? For the singer, moments like these capture the enduring beauty of the festival.