Sony SAB artists share their cherished memories and festive spirit on Navratri

Mumbai: As the vibrant festival of Navratri approaches, it's a time of joy, devotion, and celebration for many across India. The festival, dedicated to worshipping Goddess Durga and celebrating the triumph of good over evil, holds a special place in the hearts of people from all walks of life. Celebrating this spirit, Sony SAB artists share their fond memories and personal experiences of celebrating Navratri. From fasting with family to dancing the night away at a garba events, these heartfelt recollections capture the essence of the festival and the deep connection they feel with these cherished traditions.

Garima Parihar, who essays the role of Deepti in Pushpa Impossible, said, “Navratri holds a special place in my heart. My mom always performs the pooja, and I’ve been a devoted follower of Devi Maa since childhood. Fasting with my mom and participating in the festivities, like feeding the little girls, are cherished memories for me. Although I won’t be able to enjoy Garba nights with friends this year due to my shoot for Pushpa Impossible, the positive energy of Navratri and my devotion to Devi Maa make this festival truly unforgettable.”

Ashi Singh, who essays the role of Kairi Sharma in Ufff…Yeh Love Hai Mushkil, said, “Navratri has always been a very special festival for me. I feel these nine days are not just about celebrations but also about devotion, discipline, and inner strength. I love how the atmosphere becomes so lively with garba and dandiya nights. Growing up, I would always look forward to dressing up in colorful chaniya cholis and dancing with my friends. Even now, with busy shoot schedules, I still try to attend at least one whenever I get the chance.”

Ridhima Pandit, who essays the role of Lata in Ufff…Yeh Love Hai Mushkil, said, “For me, Navratri is about positivity and devotion. As a child, I remember helping my mother prepare prasad during the puja and enjoying the family rituals that brought us closer. What I love the most about this festival is how it brings people of all ages together to dance, sing, and pray, and it feels like one big family. Personally, Navratri for me is also about taking a pause and reflecting on the strength and grace that Goddess Durga represents. Every year, I try to imbibe that spirit of courage and positivity in my own life. I always make it a point to visit pandals and soak in the spiritual energy and I love how the atmosphere around becomes so lively with garba and dandiya nights.”

Gauri Tonk, who plays the role of Nandita in Itti Si Khushi, said, "I used to live in Thane, and during Navratri, our society would place a beautiful statue of Devi Maa in the office and worship her every day. I have always been very fond of worship and festivals, people even call me a priest because of it! Meeting people, performing aarti and puja, these rituals create such a strong, uplifting energy that I deeply cherish. As a child, we would worship in front of Mata Rani’s statue and play Garba, and today I continue that tradition with my children by taking them to visit pandals throughout Navratri so they can experience the darshan. Even with a busy shooting schedule, I make sure to take time out because Navratri comes just once a year, and we end the celebrations by playing Garba and Dandiya, it’s always such a joyful experience."

Rishi Saxena, who plays the role of Sanjay in Itti Si Khushi, said, “Honestly, I understood the true grandeur of Navratri only after coming to Mumbai. Growing up, for me it was more about sthapana pooja and fasting, but Mumbai opened my eyes to its vivid colours, food, garba and endless festivities. Whenever I get the time, I love stepping out to see people all dressed up, the beautiful decorations, and the energy of garba nights. The atmosphere is always so lively, happy and charged up, and that’s what I cherish most about Navratri.”