That time of the year when Gannu Bhaiyya comes visiting practically every home in this city. My romance with the elephant god started few years back when I moved to Mumbai. I was made part of one such celebration, though didn’t really understand the significance of it all then but fell in love with the abandon with which Ganesh Chaturthi is celebrated in this city…fasting for some…feasting for some and fun for all.. I decided to bring him home if he granted my wish. And he sure did. So when I bought my own house in this city of dreams I also invited him to stay over with me for one and a half days. It’s been four years since then and celebrations still continue and so does my wish-list! Bringing Ganesha home, pooja, modak, friends and family coming over, lunches and dinners, festivities and then suddenly the time to say goodbye but that’s another fun-filled story…dhol tamasha, beaches, droves of people and a tearful farewell…Ganpati bappa morya pudhchya varshi lavkar ya! Then begins the rounds of pandals – the sarvajanik mandals, Lal Baugcha Raja, Ganesh galli, Wadala, Andhericha raja and in my building compound…the celebrations just don’t stop! What I like most about the festival is it marks the beginning of celebrations religious and otherwise till year end. Because then it’s time for Dusshera, Karva Chauth, Diwali, Christmas and a New Year and fresh beginnings! This year it was a different experience… Ganesh Chaturthi-Eid-and-Mount-Mary-Fair all rolled into a happy co incidence so Mumbaikars were surely spoilt for celebration. I personally look forward to Ganesh Chaturthi. It brings me closer to all my near and dear ones, not to forget the occasions to dress up but most importantly because it’s detox time for me. This time of the year for 11 days I just survive on liquids! The attempt is obviously to shed that excess baggage so it’s diet by default! Dunno if I lose weight but it feels good from within. So you see, Gannu Bhaiyya isn’t just about festivities for me but vanity too. Jokes apart… festivals are here and so are we. So time to have fun and let loose. One more time, zor se bolo, Ganpati bappa morya! Disclaimer: the views expressed in this column are those of the author and TellyChakkar does not necessarily subscribe to the same.