Bollywood’s Ganeshotsav Extravaganza: Stars Celebrate with Devotion, Style, and Sustainability in 2025
Mumbai: As the rhythmic chants of “Ganpati Bappa Morya” echo through the vibrant streets of Mumbai, Bollywood’s biggest stars have once again immersed themselves in the fervent celebrations of Ganesh Chaturthi 2025. The 10-day festival, which began on August 27 and culminates on September 6 with Anant Chaturdashi, is a celebration of faith, community, and cultural splendor. This year, Bollywood celebrities have elevated the festivities with heartfelt devotion, dazzling fashion, and a growing commitment to eco-friendly practices, showcasing how tradition and modernity can harmonize beautifully. From welcoming intricately crafted Ganesha idols into their homes to visiting iconic pandals like Lalbaugcha Raja, the stars are embracing the festival with unparalleled enthusiasm, offering fans a glimpse into their spiritual and stylish celebrations.
A Star-Studded Welcome for Ganpati Bappa
Ganesh Chaturthi, also known as Vinayaka Chavithi, is one of India’s most cherished festivals, honoring Lord Ganesha as the deity of wisdom, prosperity, and new beginnings. In Mumbai, the epicenter of Ganeshotsav, Bollywood celebrities have long been integral to the festival’s grandeur, blending cinematic flair with deep-rooted devotion. This year, stars like Akshay Kumar, Kareena Kapoor Khan, Ananya Panday, and Sonu Sood have taken the festivities to new heights, sharing their celebrations through social media and public appearances.
Akshay Kumar, known for his disciplined lifestyle and spiritual inclinations, kicked off the festivities with a heartfelt post on X: “Aap aur aapke parivaar ko Ganesh Chaturthi ki dher saaree shubh kaamanaen. Ganapati Bappa Morya 🙏 #GaneshChaturthi.” His words resonated with millions, setting a festive tone that combined reverence with warmth. Meanwhile, Kareena Kapoor Khan shared a stunning image of a flower-adorned Ganesha idol on Instagram Stories, captioning it, “Celebrations are always brighter with Bappa’s blessings.” Her intimate home puja, attended by family, reflected the personal devotion that defines the festival for many. “Ganesh Chaturthi is a time for quiet reflection and family togetherness,” a source close to the actress shared.
Ananya Panday, the Gen-Z icon, brought youthful exuberance to the celebrations, welcoming Bappa home alongside her parents, Chunky and Bhavna Panday. Dressed in an elegant ivory kurta with golden and pink embroidery, Ananya’s festive look was both chic and traditional. “Ganesh Chaturthi is my happiest time of the year,” she shared on Instagram, posing with her family in front of a beautifully decorated idol. “There’s just something so magical about Bappa being home.” Sonu Sood, known for his philanthropy, continued his tradition of hosting Ganpati at his Mumbai residence. “Very excited, and Bappa will give blessings. Keep everyone happy,” Sood told the media, his infectious enthusiasm evident as he performed puja rituals with his wife, Sonali, and son. “It’s a time to pray for everyone’s well-being, not just our own,” he emphasized.
Pandal-Hopping with Bollywood Royalty
Mumbai’s iconic Ganesh pandals, such as Lalbaugcha Raja and Andhericha Raja, are magnets for Bollywood stars seeking divine blessings. These pandals, renowned for their grandeur and spiritual significance, draw celebrities like Amitabh Bachchan, Shah Rukh Khan, Deepika Padukone, and Vicky Kaushal, who join lakhs of devotees in offering prayers. Lalbaugcha Raja, often called the “King of Lalbaug,” saw a star-studded turnout this year, with reports of Kartik Aaryan and Kajol seeking blessings amidst throngs of fans. “Lalbaugcha Raja is alive with the vibrant energy of its devotees,” noted a Zoom TV report, highlighting the pandal’s magnetic pull for celebrities and commoners alike. “The atmosphere here is truly electric; you can feel the collective devotion,” Kartik Aaryan was quoted saying after his visit.
Deepika Padukone and Ranveer Singh, Bollywood’s power couple, made headlines with their visit to Mukesh and Nita Ambani’s Antilia for a grand Ganeshotsav celebration. Deepika, radiant in an ethnic ensemble, and Ranveer, sporting a clean-shaven look, performed puja with reverence. “Seeing them together, seeking Bappa’s blessings, was pure joy for fans,” said a source close to the couple, as reported by Aaj Tak. Their presence added a touch of glamour to the Ambani residence’s opulent festivities. Nita Ambani herself expressed, “Ganesh Chaturthi at Antilia is a cherished family tradition, and we are blessed to share this joy with our dear friends from the film fraternity.”
Andhericha Raja, a suburban favorite, welcomed stars like Ayushmann Khurrana and Sonam Kapoor, who were spotted offering prayers with humility. “The pandal is a sanctuary of devotion,” Ayushmann shared, emphasizing the festival’s ability to dissolve social divides as celebrities and fans unite in worship. “In front of Bappa, we are all equals, just devotees,” he added. The Gaud Saraswat Brahmin community’s pandal also drew attention for its unique celebrations, with stars like Hema Malini and Esha Deol participating in traditional rituals. “It’s wonderful to experience the diverse traditions of Ganeshotsav across Mumbai,” Hema Malini commented, appreciating the cultural richness.
Fashion Meets Faith: Bollywood’s Festive Style
Ganesh Chaturthi is not just a spiritual affair but also a fashion spectacle, and Bollywood stars have turned it into a sartorial showcase. This year, celebrities embraced a blend of traditional elegance and modern flair, setting trends for festive dressing. Alia Bhatt, known for her impeccable style, inspired fans with a coral-peach Nauvari saree adorned with floral motifs and intricate borders. “Why not give the traditional nine-yard saree a modern upgrade?” Alia mused, pairing her look with a corset blouse for a contemporary twist. “Fashion should be an expression of joy, especially during festivals.”
Mrunal Thakur, who shared an adorable selfie in a white suit with silver embroidery and a traditional Maharashtrian nath, embodied festive charm. “Modak incoming!” she captioned playfully, capturing the joy of indulging in Ganesh Chaturthi’s signature sweets. Her look, accessorized with gajras and statement earrings, was a perfect blend of tradition and glamour. “Embracing my Maharashtrian roots for Bappa,” Mrunal stated proudly. Rakul Preet Singh and Jackky Bhagnani turned heads by twinning in rani pink ensembles designed by Gopi Vaid. Rakul’s backless choli and zari-bordered lehenga, paired with Jackky’s embroidered kurta and bandi jacket, were a masterclass in coordinated festive fashion. “It’s all about celebrating together, in style,” Jackky quipped.
Janhvi Kapoor brought regal glamour to the festivities with an ivory ghaghara and a heavily embellished gold blouse, accessorized with a nath and gajra. “It’s about feeling like a goddess during Ganeshotsav,” she told a fashion portal, inspiring fans to embrace bold, traditional looks. “This is when I truly feel connected to our rich culture.” Meanwhile, Ananya Panday’s minimalist ivory kurta with bell-sleeve detailing and Bhumi Pednekar’s vibrant purple Anarkali offered contrasting styles, proving there’s a look for every festive vibe. “Comfort and elegance are key for me,” Ananya remarked about her understated yet chic choice.
Eco-Friendly Idols: A Sustainable Celebration
In 2025, Bollywood’s Ganeshotsav celebrations took a significant step toward sustainability, reflecting a growing awareness of environmental concerns. Many stars championed eco-friendly Ganesha idols crafted from biodegradable materials like Shadu Mati clay, rice flour, and seed-infused clay. Bipasha Basu’s daughter, Devi, stole hearts by creating a clay Ganesha idol at home, which the family worshipped before offering prayers. “It’s about teaching the next generation to celebrate responsibly,” Bipasha shared on Instagram, highlighting the eco-conscious trend. “Every small step towards sustainability makes a big difference.”
Artisans across India have been pivotal in this shift, with celebrities like Shilpa Shetty promoting their work. Although Shilpa skipped hosting Ganpati at home this year due to a family bereavement, she shared a video of past celebrations, urging fans to opt for eco-friendly idols. “Home feels incomplete without you this year, but the heart is full of your blessings,” she posted, encouraging sustainable practices. “Let’s all choose eco-friendly to protect our Mother Earth.” In Mysuru, artisans collaborating with stars like Sonu Sood crafted seed-infused idols that can be planted post-immersion, symbolizing renewal. “Bappa’s Tree idols are a game-changer,” said an artisan from Kumbharwada, Goa, whose work was featured on e-commerce platforms like SatvikStore.in. “It’s a beautiful way to ensure Bappa’s blessings continue to grow, literally.”
The move towards sustainable idol techniques is not just a trend but a growing commitment. Artisans in Lucknow, too, have embraced this shift, creating stunning clay Ganesha idols. “The demand for eco-friendly Ganeshas has surged even here in Lucknow,” noted a local artisan. “People are becoming more aware of the environmental impact, and it’s inspiring to be part of this change.” This sentiment echoes across the nation, showcasing a collective effort towards greener celebrations.
Cinematic Tributes to Ganeshotsav
Bollywood’s love for Ganesh Chaturthi extends beyond personal celebrations to the silver screen, with films capturing the festival’s essence through iconic scenes and songs. The 2012 remake of Agneepath featured Hrithik Roshan in the powerful “Deva Shree Ganesha” sequence, a visual spectacle of devotion and grandeur that became an instant classic. Shah Rukh Khan’s Don used a thrilling chase amidst Ganeshotsav festivities, blending action with festive energy, making the streets of Mumbai come alive on screen. Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s Bajirao Mastani showcased the festival in opulent style, with devotional tracks like “Gajanana” resonating deeply with audiences. “Ganeshotsav has an unparalleled visual and emotional appeal that translates beautifully to cinema,” explained a prominent Bollywood director, highlighting the festival’s narrative power.
Divya Khosla’s viral video of performing a Ganpati aarti added a cinematic touch to the celebrations. Dressed in a bright pink ethnic outfit, she sang with sincerity, captivating fans. “Ganeshotsav is about devotion and joy,” she said, as her upcoming films Ek Chatur Naar and Jatadhara generated buzz. “It’s a festival that truly brings out the best in everyone, including artists.”
A Festival of Unity and Joy
Bollywood’s Ganeshotsav celebrations in 2025 are a testament to the festival’s ability to unite faith, fashion, and sustainability. From Govinda and Sunita Ahuja dispelling divorce rumors with their joint puja to Ankita Lokhande’s heartfelt devotion, the stars have shown that Ganesh Chaturthi is as much about personal connection as it is about public celebration. As Ekta Kapoor aptly put it, “It’s that time of the year again… when devotion feels like celebration and faith feels like family.” She added, “The energy is infectious, and it brings everyone together, bridging all differences.”
With eco-friendly idols, dazzling outfits, and pandal visits, Bollywood has transformed Ganeshotsav into a spectacle of devotion and style. As the festival concludes with the grand visarjan, the stars’ celebrations will linger in fans’ hearts, inspiring a blend of tradition, modernity, and environmental consciousness for years to come. “This festival truly reflects the spirit of Mumbai – diverse, vibrant, and always moving forward with purpose,” remarked a senior film critic, encapsulating the essence of Bollywood’s Ganesh Chaturthi extravaganza.
