In a vibrant display of faith and festivity, Bollywood icon Aishwarya Rai Bachchan, accompanied by her daughter Aaradhya and mother Brindya, made a significant appearance at Mumbai’s Gaud Saraswat Brahmin (GSB) Seva Mandal at King’s Circle amidst the bustling Ganesh Chaturthi 2024 celebrations. Videos circulating on social media caught the former Miss World deftly navigating through an enormous crowd to ensure the safety of her daughter and mother while they made their way to their car.
As the sprawling city of Mumbai burst into vibrant colors and resonated with the hymns dedicated to Lord Ganesha, the GSB Seva Mandal stood out this year not only for its elaborate celebrations but also for securing a groundbreaking insurance policy. This year, the venerable institution took an unprecedented step by obtaining an insurance cover valued at an astounding Rs 400.58 crore. This comprehensive coverage extended over the festival’s five-day duration from September 7th to 11th, encompassing personal accident cover, an all-risk policy for gold and silver ornaments, a fire and peril policy, and public liability insurance.
Ganesh Chaturthi, a festival celebrated with immense fervor and devotion, marks the birth of Lord Ganesha, the elephant-headed god revered as the remover of obstacles and the god of beginnings. The 10-day festivity sees millions of devotees thronging pandals (temporary shrines), engaging in rituals, and participating in processions to honor Lord Ganesha’s arrival on Earth, believed to be accompanied by his mother, Goddess Parvati. This year, the GSB Seva Mandal’s decision to secure such a high insurance amount underscored the scale and grandeur of their celebrations.
Amidst the religious fervor and festive spirit, rumors regarding the marital status of Aishwarya Rai Bachchan and her husband Abhishek Bachchan have been stirring the media. The couple, who have often found themselves under the scrutiny of public eye, added fuel to the speculation as Aishwarya made a solo appearance without Abhishek. However, in a recent interaction with Bollywood UK Media, Abhishek Bachchan sought to put these rumors to rest. Brandishing his wedding ring, he staunchly declared, “Still married,” further expressing his discontent by adding, “I don’t have anything to say to you all about that. You all have blown the entire thing out of proportion, sadly. I understand why you do it. You have to file some stories.
. It’s okay; we’re celebrities, we have to take it.”
The Bachchan family’s relationship is often under the limelight, given their prominent status in Bollywood. The couple first shared the screen in ‘Dhaai Akshar Prem Ke’ in 2000 and later in ‘Umrao Jaan’ in 2006, forging a strong friendship that eventually blossomed into romance. Abhishek had once revealed on the Oprah Winfrey Show a heartfelt anecdote about their relationship. While filming in New York, he would stand on his hotel balcony, dreaming he could marry Aishwarya. In a poetic twist of fate, he proposed to her years later at the premiere of their film ‘Guru’ in New York at the very same hotel. The couple tied the knot in a grand ceremony in 2007 and were blessed with their daughter Aaradhya in 2011.
The Ganesh Chaturthi festivities also saw an influx of celebrities and dignitaries visiting various pandals across Mumbai. However, Aishwarya’s managed presence at the GSB Seva Mandal drew significant attention due to both the magnitude of the celebrations and the prevailing media speculation about her personal life. Her appearance, marked by grace and traditional attire, reaffirmed her place as an icon of beauty and dignity amidst the chaotic allure of the festival.
The festival’s insurance aspect presents a fascinating dimension to the Ganesh Chaturthi celebrations this year. As GSB Seva Mandal embarked on their festivities under the protective shield of the Rs 400.58 crore insurance, the focus on safety and precaution was palpable. The all-risk policy ensured the protection of the precious gold and silver ornaments that adorned the deity, while personal accident cover and public liability insurance underlined the organization’s commitment to the well-being of its devotees.
Overall, the confluence of religious devotion, celebrity presence, and unprecedented safety measures encapsulated the essence of Mumbai’s Ganesh Chaturthi celebrations in 2024. As the festival continues in its full splendor, it stands as a testament to the city’s undying spirit and reverence for traditions while embracing modernity and caution.
