Shilpa Shetty’s grand Ganesh Chaturthi celebrations with Raj Kundra, Viaan and family over the years: From eco-friendly Bappa idol to dancing on dhol duing visarjan despite injury

For Shilpa Shetty and her family, celebrating Ganesh Chaturthi has also meant being mindful of the environment. The actor, her husband Raj Kundra, and their son Viaan have followed the tradition of bringing home an eco-friendly Ganesh idol.

In 2019, Shetty shared a picture with Raj and Viaan dressed in coordinated yellow traditional outfits for the festival. Alongside the picture, she wrote, “My Gannu Raja is back. The remover of obstacles and Lord of success... May he bestow us all with his blessings this Ganesh Chaturthi. I'm spiritual and celebrate all festivals, but I'm also responsible towards Mother Earth, and we have continued our tradition of having an eco-friendly Ganesha idol. Ganpati Bappa Morya.”

Speaking to Mid-Day about the decision to switch to eco-friendly idols, Shetty had explained, “As a celebrity, we have to be responsible for our actions. One must be the change they want to see. I live on the beach, and it was a heartbreaking sight after Visarjan. The pollution it causes is massive. Hence, the decision to change 4 years ago.” The actor’s choice has since become an integral part of the way her family observes the festival.