Ganesh Chaturthi 2025: Neel Shares Why Ganpati Hold a Deeper Meaning Than Diwali

For this Ganesh Chaturthi 2025, content creator and founder of Marathi Minded, Neel, shares his heartfelt thoughts on why the festival holds a special place in his life. Speaking exclusively with Jayveer Singh, he revealed how Bappa has been an inseparable part of his journey and why this year’s celebrations are even more meaningful.

A Festival Bigger Than Diwali

Coming from the Konkan region, Neel expressed that Ganesh Utsav carries even greater importance than Diwali for his community. This year, the festival is especially close to his heart as he prepares to welcome Ganpati into his new home. For him, it is not just a celebration but a moment of gratitude, marking a new beginning under Bappa’s blessings.

Fond Memories of Ukadiche Modak

For Neel, childhood memories of Ganesh Chaturthi bring back the joy of waiting for Bappa’s arrival and the sweet treat of Ukadiche Modak. He recalled how he often tried sneaking a modak before the naivedya and would get scolded by his mother. Even today, the tradition continues to bring laughter and warmth to his home.

Evolving Connection With Bappa

Over the years, Neel’s bond with Ganpati has transformed. As a child, the festival was all about food, family gatherings, and celebrations in society. During his college days, he developed an artistic interest in sculpting idols. Now, as a content creator, his perspective has widened further. From creating short Vine videos on Aarti years ago to the recent Aakhni videos, he finds new inspiration in Ganesh Utsav every single year. He believes that everything he has achieved today is because of Bappa’s blessings and the energy he derives from him.

Favourite Part of the Festivities

What excites Neel the most during Ganesh Chaturthi is seeing the countless forms of Bappa that devotees bring home and to pandals. For him, the festival is about togetherness, where friends, family, and community come together in joy. The lively gatherings during this time carry a unique charm that makes the celebrations unforgettable.

A Family Tradition of Mandal Darshan

One of the long-standing traditions in Neel’s family is visiting Ganpati mandals in Lalbaug. From Ganesh Galli to the popular mandals across the area, they spend the entire night going for darshan till the sun rises. He describes this experience as surreal and filled with unmatched energy, something today’s youth fondly call “Mandal Hopping.”

A Festival of Faith and New Beginnings

As Neel prepares to welcome Ganpati into his new home this year, he sees it as more than just a festival. It is a reminder of faith, gratitude, and the divine strength that has guided his personal and professional journey. For him, Ganesh Chaturthi 2025 is about cherishing traditions while embracing new beginnings, with Bappa at the heart of it all.