Television actor Akshay Mhatre, who plays the lead character Girdhar in the television drama Humari Radha, has announced that his household Ganesh Chaturthi décor in Mumbai is inspired by the legendary forts of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj. The bespoke thematic setting, designed to celebrate the state’s royal heritage, was handcrafted by an artisan from Lalbaug, the traditional hub of festive idol crafting in the city. The display marks a continuation of an intimate home tradition for the actor, who has been bringing Lord Ganesha home for several consecutive years.

Maharashtra Royal Forts Recreated at Home

Detailing the concept behind the installation, Akshay Mhatre explained that preparations began nearly a month in advance to replicate the stone bastions associated with the Maratha kingdom. The actor noted that integrating regional history into religious celebrations has transformed his residential space ahead of the festive rush. “This year, we’re bringing a little piece of Maharashtra’s history home for Bappa! Our Ganesh Chaturthi décor is inspired by the magnificent forts of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj. It has been specially built by an artisan from Lalbaug, and it has been incredible watching it take shape and transform our home for Bappa,” he said.

Creating unique decorative themes has become an annual family practice for the actor. Recounting earlier iterations, he pointed out that his aunt, who works as an artist, designed a handcrafted floral backdrop last year that served as the centerpiece of their domestic shrine.

From Konkan Village Roots to Mumbai Traditions

For Akshay Mhatre, the festival remains anchored in childhood memories from coastal Maharashtra. During his formative years, celebrations took place in his ancestral village, Kurul, located near Alibaug in the Raigad district. The actor recounted traveling to the village a day early alongside family to assist with manual decorations before undertaking neighborhood visits to sample different regional delicacies.

“Bappa would come to our village, Kurul, near Alibaug. We would reach there a day in advance to help with decors and would celebrate by visiting all houses for varieties of prasad,” he recalled. Over the past couple of years, the ritual has shifted directly to his residence in Mumbai, evolving into an established gathering point for relatives and colleagues.

Festive Rituals, Family Bonding, and Screen Routine

Beyond the structural art, the festivities are defined by community prayers and Maharashtrian culinary staples. The actor highlighted that participating in energetic evening aartis alongside friends and relishing ukdiche modak prepared by his mother represent the core highlights of the festival for his household. While the arrival of the deity brings widespread jubilation, the concluding immersion remains a bittersweet affair.

“I especially look forward to our energetic aartis, when friends and family come together, and my mom’s ukdiche modaks. Visarjan is still emotional for me, but saying goodbye knowing that Bappa will return next year is what makes the festival so beautiful,” Mhatre stated. The actor continues his daily shooting commitments as Humari Radha airs at 9:30 pm IST on Anmol TV, balancing festive duties with his broadcast schedule.