Kanwar Dhillon on Ganesh Chaturthi: 'I visit the same houses since childhood'
Synopsis
Kanwar Dhillon's Ganesh Chaturthi ritual is simple but telling — every year, before any other darshan, he revisits the same homes in the same order he did as a child. For the Udne Ki Aasha actor, it's less about religion and more about identity: staying tethered to where he came from amid a career that has taken him far from it.
Key Takeaways
Kanwar Dhillon visits the same houses in the same order every Ganesh Chaturthi , a tradition he has maintained since childhood.
He describes the ritual as personal and voluntary — 'not a compulsion, but a habit' that keeps him rooted.
Dhillon says Mumbai's Ganesh Chaturthi energy is unmatched by any other festival.
He draws a life lesson from Lord Ganesha : never stop, and always find a way past obstacles.
He is currently not installing Ganpati at home, saying the 'calling hasn't happened yet' but remains open to it in the future.
He plays lead character Sachin Deshmukh in Star Plus show Udne Ki Aasha .
Television actor Kanwar Dhillon, best known for his lead role in the Star Plus drama Udne Ki Aasha, has spoken about the deeply personal Ganesh Chaturthi rituals he has maintained since childhood — a tradition he says keeps him grounded and connected to his roots.
A Childhood Ritual He Refuses to Break
Every year without fail, Dhillon visits the same homes and people he has been calling on since he was a child — and he does so in the exact same order before heading out for any other Ganpati darshans. He describes it not as an obligation but as a cherished habit.
'Every year, I make sure to first visit the same houses and people that I've been visiting since childhood, in the same order, before going for other people's Darshan. It's a very special and personal ritual for me. It's not a compulsion, but a habit I love to hold on to because it makes me feel rooted and connected to who I am and where I come from,' he said.
Why Ganesh Chaturthi Holds a Special Place
For Kanwar Dhillon, the festival is unmatched in its energy, particularly in Mumbai, where the celebrations take on a city-wide scale. 'Ganesh Chaturthi has always been a very special festival for me. It's a time when everyone comes together, celebrates, and Ganpati Bappa brings so much joy and positivity into people's lives. I don't think any other festival can match the liveliness and energy that Ganesh Chaturthi creates, especially in Mumbai,' he said.
He added that the festival has been woven into his life from a young age — and that continuity is precisely what makes it meaningful to him year after year.
The Lesson He Takes from Lord Ganesha
Reflecting on the spiritual significance of Lord Ganesha as Vighnaharta — the remover of obstacles — Dhillon shared a personal philosophy he has drawn from the deity. 'One lesson I've learnt from Lord Ganesha that helps me deal with challenges in my life is to never stop, no matter what comes my way or what tries to hold me back from reaching my destination. I believe in creating my own path because there is always a way. And when something seems impossible, I try to make it possible. That's exactly what I've learnt from Lord Ganesha,' he said.
On Bringing Ganpati Home Someday
When asked whether he plans to install Ganpati at home, Dhillon said he is waiting for what he described as a natural calling. 'No, I'm not keeping Ganpati at home right now. I think it's something that should happen naturally, and that calling hasn't happened for me yet. But I believe in never saying never — you never know what the future holds. Whenever that happens, I'll welcome it,' he said.
On the professional front, Kanwar Dhillon currently plays the lead character Sachin Deshmukh in Udne Ki Aasha on Star Plus, a show that has drawn a strong viewership since its launch.
Point of View
But Dhillon's articulation of an unchanged childhood darshan sequence — same houses, same order, every year — carries a specificity that cuts through the noise. What's quietly notable is his framing: not devotion as performance, but devotion as memory preservation. In an industry where public personas are carefully curated, that kind of unglamorous continuity is, in itself, a statement.
NationPress
22 Sept 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Kanwar Dhillon's Ganesh Chaturthi tradition?
Kanwar Dhillon visits the same homes and people he has been calling on since childhood, in the exact same order, before attending any other Ganpati darshans. He describes it as a personal ritual that keeps him connected to his roots and identity.
What has Kanwar Dhillon learnt from Lord Ganesha?
Dhillon says Lord Ganesha has taught him to never stop in the face of obstacles and to always find a way forward. He applies this lesson to professional and personal challenges, believing that even seemingly impossible goals can be achieved.
Will Kanwar Dhillon bring Ganpati home?
Not at present. Dhillon says the 'calling' to install Ganpati at home has not come yet, but he is open to it in the future. He believes such a step should happen naturally rather than be forced.
Which TV show does Kanwar Dhillon currently star in?
Kanwar Dhillon plays the lead role of Sachin Deshmukh in Udne Ki Aasha, a popular drama airing on Star Plus.
Why does Kanwar Dhillon consider Ganesh Chaturthi special?
He has celebrated the festival since childhood and says it brings unmatched liveliness and collective joy, particularly in Mumbai. The continuity of his personal rituals makes it a deeply meaningful occasion for him every year.
