Lata Mangeshkar on why Ganesh Chaturthi this year is different and yet same  

It’s an open house at the Mangeshkars  every year during the Ganesh Chaturthi season. Not this year, though.

Says Lataji, “Every year during this festive season of Ganesh Chuturthi we have a free flow of guests . Our home is filled with  the sound of laughter and the scent of delicacies. But this year the Virus has taken away all the social interaction that is such an essential part of Festival. This year it’s just our family, and though we miss the  visitors we are very happy to celebrate with just us  in the house.”

Lataji has an advice for Lord Ganapati’s devotees, “Social distancing is the need of the hour. It is not advisable to create crowds this festive season. Bring Bappa home and  celebrate Ganesh Chaturthi with the family at home.”

Lataji recalls , “When my mother was alive Ganesh Chaturthi meant lots of food, lots of sweets and delicacies. We sisters and brother  of  our family have tried to keep the  tradition alive.There is no dearth of fervor and  enthusiasm this years also. Even if we can’t have visitors the goodwill and the  bonding remain. Keep your hearts open this season. Let the love flow.”