Our First Visit to Siddhivinayak Temple with Ria Was Very Special – Salil Ankola on Ganesh Chaturthi

Festivals have a way of weaving memories into family traditions, and for Salil Ankola, Ganesh Chaturthi has always been much more than a celebration. The former Indian cricketer, national selector, and actor has seen many ups and downs in his life, but he believes every turnaround has come with the blessings of Lord Ganesha. Living in Mumbai with his wife Ria, son Karan, and daughter Rishika, Salil celebrates the festival in a way that is deeply personal, rooted in gratitude, and filled with family warmth.

Unlike the grandeur of bringing idols home and immersing them in visarjan, the Ankola household follows a quieter, more intimate path. Salil explains that for all ten days of Ganesh Chaturthi, they worship the idol already placed in their home temple. For him, devotion isn’t about rituals but about faith and presence. He says that their prayers are always conducted in a private, positive way, without the formality of priests or elaborate arrangements. Ria prepares the prasad, the family dresses up, and together they perform the aarti, keeping the atmosphere pure and heartfelt.

One of the most touching traditions in their home is sharing the joy with others. Every year, the family ensures that prasad is packed for all their helpers and staff, extending the festive spirit to their families as well. Salil admits this act of giving back is what brings them the most happiness. “When we see the smiles on their faces, it feels really good. That’s the real joy for us in doing all this,” he says. For the Ankola family, festivals are about community and gratitude, not just personal celebration.

Faith, for Salil, has been a guiding force in his journey. He recalls moments of sickness, uncertainty, and challenges where he felt God’s hand leading him towards healing and better times. His roots go back to Ankola, where his family deity resides, and he treasures the tradition there — a style of worship that is simple and direct, where instead of fixed chants, people speak to God as if in conversation. Carrying that forward, Salil and his family keep their worship personal and honest, pouring their emotions into prayers without ritualistic barriers.

One of the most special memories that binds Salil and Ria with Ganpati is their very first visit together to Siddhivinayak Temple in Mumbai. It wasn’t just a visit — it became a turning point in their lives. Salil recalls how they offered prayers at the temple, and it was in that divine space that they accepted each other as husband and wife. For them, Siddhivinayak isn’t just about blessings, but about love, unity, and new beginnings. “Ganpati Bappa means a lot to us,” he shares with quiet emotion.

As he reflects on Ganesh Chaturthi, Salil’s thoughts are deeply rooted in gratitude. For him and Ria, the festival is a reminder of how Bappa has removed obstacles and filled their life with blessings. “When we met, there were so many things in our lives that weren’t going right. But after that, it has only been blessings for us. God has only given us a better life, and for that we always thank Ganpati Bappa,” he says. Their way of worship is simple — just saying “Thank you, God.” That simplicity, that acceptance of whatever life brings, has now become the Ankola family’s tradition, carried forward with devotion by both Karan and Rishika as well.

For Salil, Ganesh Chaturthi isn’t about noise or grandeur. It is about emotions, family, faith, and gratitude. It is about Siddhivinayak, where love found a sacred blessing. And it is about remembering that in every prayer, every smile, and every offering, there is always a quiet whisper of thanks to the Vighna Harta, Lord Ganesha.