‘We prayed for a child for 9 yrs': Why city Catholics celebrate Ganesh Chaturthi

Updated On: 12 August, 2025 12:03 PM IST | Mumbai | Nascimento Pinto

Indians around the world are celebrating Ganesh Chaturthi, a festival very dear to Mumbai, this year. Interestingly, many from the city’s Catholic community also celebrate the festival for different reasons that have evoked their devotion to not only get Lord Ganesha into their homes but also celebrate Mother Mary’s birthday

Pooja Paul Dsouza’s house makes place for both Lord Ganesha and Mother Mary and Jesus during the festival days. Photo Courtesy: Pooja Paul Dsouza

Vile Parle-based Valerina Shankar Nimma’s son was only a child when he came across Lord Ganesha during a visit to one of the idolmakers’s workshops but it left a lasting impression on him. She narrates, “My son Sherwyn was only six years old when he went with his father to see Ganpati idols being made in the shop. While there, he started crying so much that he just picked up the Lord Ganesha idol and ran away saying that he wanted to take one home. His father tried to stop him a lot, but it was of no use. Finally, he came home with Lord Ganesha’s idol.” This was only the start of an enriching journey for the family in their devotion to Lord Ganesha.

Resolute with his intentions, Nimma’s son was happy once the idol came home and allowed his parents to take it from there. She further shares, “He just kept it on a small stool and said you can now do what you want to do. I have brought Bappa home, to my home.” Unfortunately, on that day, the 44-year-old Mumbaikar, who is a YouTuber and food blogger, made a different kind of feast. “I had cooked fish curry and fried bangda in nice vindaloo masala,” she says, realising that only vegetarian food would be preferable if they have to pay respects to the deity. “I gave it all to my house help. Since I am a Catholic and it was my first time, I didn’t have an idea about all the rituals but thanks to my neighbours who all helped me out to praise him.”

Celebrating Ganesh Chaturthi at home
They went on to bring him for three years in a row and then decided to stop. However, the universe had other plans. She explains, “In the fourth year, Sherwyn had fallen very sick so I told God that I will bring him every year to my house since then.” It has been 12 years since and every year they have celebrated Ganesh Chaturthi in their home not only with rituals but also good food that includes making steamed modaks, karanji, kheer, ladoos, and many vegetarian dishes to relish with the family.

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