Oct 13, 2024, 14:44 IST

Actors Reflect on Their Joyous Dussehra Celebrations!

Actors Reflect on Their Joyous Dussehra Celebrations!

Dussehra, a festival symbolizing the triumph of good over evil, holds a cherished place in the hearts of many. For actors from &TV, this occasion brings not just excitement but a wave of nostalgia, evoking fond memories and valued traditions. Neha Joshi (Krishna Devi Vajpayee from Atal), Yogesh Tripathi (Daroga Happu Singh from Happu Ki Ultan Paltan), and Aasif Sheikh (Vibhuti Narayan Mishra from Bhabiji Ghar Par Hai) share their excitement, rituals and memories. Neha Joshi, aka Krishna Devi Vajpayee, expresses her joy, saying, “Our celebrations always begin with heartfelt rituals of seeking blessings from our elders, a practice that reminds me of my childhood. I would wake up to the delightful scent of fresh marigold flowers, which my mother would weave into a vibrant 'toran' for our home’s entrance. This signaled the start of the festival, and my siblings and I eagerly helped decorate, knowing the day would be filled with joy. One beloved tradition during Dussehra is the exchange of Apta leaves, symbolizing prosperity. As children, we would run around distributing these leaves to friends and neighbours, wishing them happiness. Sharing Apta leaves felt magical, like offering bits of gold with our good wishes for the year. Today, this beautiful tradition still brings me joy. The kitchen would fill with the enticing aromas of festive delicacies like Puran Poli, Shrikhand Puri, and Puri Bhaji, each made with love. I vividly remember sitting with my family, eagerly awaiting my turn to enjoy these treats, especially Puran Poli, my absolute favorite.”

Yogesh Tripathi, aka Daroga Happu Singh, shares, “Growing up in Uttar Pradesh, Dussehra was one of the highlights of the year. My friends and I eagerly anticipated the day when the massive effigies of Ravana would be set ablaze amidst cheers and fireworks. One of the most thrilling aspects was witnessing the grand Ram Leela performances in the city. My father would take us to the local ground, where actors brought the epic tale of the Ramayana to life with elaborate costumes and dramatic dialogues. The energy in the air was electric. I can still picture the moment when Lord Rama aimed at Ravana’s towering effigy, and the crowd erupted in excitement as the arrow flew, knowing the effigy would soon be consumed by flames. The roar of the fire, the sparkle of fireworks, and the shared joy with my family made those moments unforgettable. For us, it wasn’t just about symbolism but the sheer thrill of experiencing such grandeur. Even now, the tradition of Ravan Dahan holds a special place in my heart.” Aasif Sheikh, aka Vibhuti Narayan Mishra adds, “One of my fondest memories is attending Ram Leela with my family. I was awestruck by how the show brought the Ramayana to life, shaping my love for this festival and its timeless values. This year, I had the privilege of attending the renowned Delhi Ram Leela with my co-star, Rohitashv Gour (Manmohan Tiwari). It was a special experience, rekindling childhood memories with the vibrant energy of the crowd and the stunning performances. Celebrating Dussehra in Delhi, especially with Rohitashv, deepened my connection to the festival's message of good triumphing over evil.”  

Watch your favourite artists in Atal at 8:00 pm, Happu Ki Ultan Paltan at 10:00 pm, and Bhabiji Ghar Par Hai at 10:30 pm, airing Monday to Friday only on &TV!