Sunita Ahuja, wife of Bollywood actor Govinda, on 15 September 2026 recalled the origins of the Ganesh Chaturthi tradition at their home, revealing it was first started by her late mother-in-law, Nirmala Devi, at a small office in Sandapur, Mumbai. Speaking to the media gathered at her residence during the festive celebrations, Sunita said she has pledged to carry the tradition forward for as long as she lives.

The Tradition's Origins

Sunita shared that the custom of welcoming Ganesh Chaturthi into the family home was not always a grand affair. 'Ganesh Chaturthi was started by my mother-in-law, Nirmala Devi. It was in my small office in Sandapur. Since then this tradition has been going on,' she said.

She added her firm resolve: 'I have decided that as long as I am alive, I will bring Ganpati. And this tradition will continue. Because Ganesh ji is the first deity of worship. And there is no one greater than him.'

Family, Celebrations and a Busy Year

This year's festivities saw Sunita welcomed by her son Yashvardhan Ahuja and daughter Tina Ahuja. Govinda was notably absent during the initial welcome of the idol, with Sunita confirming he was in the US at the time.

Describing the mood, Sunita said, 'We invite all my friends. We have fun, dance and sing. And the food is also very simple. The food that Ganpati Baba likes. We eat Modak. We eat everything and enjoy.' She characterised the one-and-a-half-day celebration as one she approaches 'with all my heart.'

Sunita also reflected on what has been a productive year personally and professionally. She credited Lord Ganesha's blessings for her recent run: 'Ganpati Bapa has given me so much fame, respect and love in a year.' This included launching her YouTube channel last year, appearing in the reality show Lock Upp, and completing a film alongside her son Yashvardhan, directed by Sajid Khan and produced by Ekta Kapoor.

A Recall of Last Year's Speculation

The occasion also brought back memories of Ganesh Chaturthi 2025, when Govinda and Sunita made a widely-discussed joint appearance amid media speculation about trouble in their marriage. Sunita had emphatically dismissed those reports at the time, saying, 'Mera Govinda sirf mera hi hai aur kisi ka nahi hai.' This year's celebrations follow a similar note of family solidarity, even in Govinda's physical absence.

A Personal Appeal to Fans

Sunita concluded with a heartfelt request to followers and well-wishers, asking them to extend the same love they have always shown Govinda to her and her son's upcoming film. 'Give love to me. The way you always gave love to Govinda ji, keep giving love like that,' she said. She also expressed her hopes that the festival's divine energy would clear all obstacles from her family's path and bring everyone health and happiness.