The festival of Ganesh Chaturthi is one of the most significant and vibrant celebrations in India, marked by devotion, grandeur, and a deep sense of tradition. For Bollywood’s ‘Bhai’ Salman Khan and his family, Ganesh Chaturthi has always been a deeply personal affair, celebrated with great fervor and joy. This year was no different as the Khan family, led by Salman’s sister Arpita Khan Sharma, welcomed Lord Ganesha into their home with open hearts and elaborate rituals. The celebration was made even more special as Salman Khan performed the Ganpati aarti alongside his adorable niece Ayat, adding a touching familial element to the festivities. Joining them were other family members, including the patriarch Salim Khan and Salman’s close friend, Iulia Vantur, making the event a beautiful blend of tradition, family bonding, and togetherness. This article takes a closer look at the Khan family’s Ganpati celebrations, the significance of these rituals for the Khans, and the presence of beloved family members that made this year’s aarti particularly memorable. For the Khan family, celebrating Ganesh Chaturthi is a tradition that dates back many years. Arpita Khan Sharma, Salman’s youngest sister, has been particularly instrumental in bringing the festival to the family’s forefront, hosting the celebrations at her home with grandeur. Arpita and her husband, actor Aayush Sharma, have made it an annual ritual to bring home an idol of Lord Ganesha, marking the beginning of ten days of devotion, festivities, and family bonding. Arpita’s involvement in the festival is not just about rituals; it’s a heartfelt expression of her faith and love for her family. Her home becomes a gathering place for the entire Khan family, who come together to offer prayers, perform aartis, and immerse themselves in the spiritual ambiance of the occasion. For Salman Khan, who is known for his secular outlook and respect for all religions, participating in Ganpati celebrations is a testament to the family’s inclusive spirit. This year, Salman Khan’s participation in the Ganpati aarti was particularly special, as he was joined by his young niece, Ayat Sharma. Ayat, the daughter of Arpita Khan and Aayush Sharma, has become the apple of the Khan family’s eye, and her presence during the aarti added an innocent charm to the event. Dressed in traditional attire, Salman held Ayat’s hand as they performed the aarti together, creating a heartwarming moment that captured the essence of family and faith. Salman’s bond with Ayat is well-known, and he often shares adorable moments with her on social media, much to the delight of his fans. During the aarti, the sight of the superstar gently guiding his niece through the rituals reflected a softer side of Salman that fans rarely get to see on screen. The duo’s interaction was not just about performing a religious ceremony; it was a symbolic passing down of traditions, values, and the importance of family. The presence of the entire Khan family at the Ganpati celebrations highlighted their close-knit bond and shared respect for diverse cultural traditions. Patriarch Salim Khan, one of Bollywood’s most respected figures, was seen taking part in the festivities, underscoring the family’s commitment to unity and mutual respect. Salim Khan, though a Muslim, has always supported his children’s choices to celebrate various festivals, reflecting the family’s secular values.
Salman Khan performs Ganpati aarti with niece Ayat at sister Arpita Khan’s home; Salim Khan, Iulia Vantur seen too
Iulia Vantur, Salman’s close friend and rumored partner, was also present at the celebration. Dressed elegantly in traditional Indian attire, Iulia has been a regular at the Khan family’s events, blending seamlessly into their world. Her participation in the aarti alongside the family further fueled speculation about her bond with Salman, but more importantly, it showcased her embrace of Indian culture and traditions. Salman’s siblings, including Arbaaz Khan, Sohail Khan, and Alvira Khan, also joined in the celebrations, making it a true family affair. The Khan family, known for standing by each other through thick and thin, displayed their strong family values as they came together to honor Lord Ganesha. For the Khans, Ganesh Chaturthi is more than just a festival—it is a time of togetherness, gratitude, and reflection. The arrival of Lord Ganesha into their home symbolizes new beginnings, the removal of obstacles, and the celebration of life’s blessings. Despite their diverse religious backgrounds, the Khan family embraces the festival with full fervor, demonstrating their belief in the inclusive spirit of Indian culture. Arpita Khan’s role in continuing this tradition is particularly noteworthy. Every year, she meticulously plans the celebrations, from the decoration of the Ganpati idol to the arrangement of the aartis and prasad distribution. Her dedication ensures that the festival remains a cherished family tradition, drawing in not just the Khans but also close friends and extended family members. For Salman Khan, participating in the aarti is also a way of connecting with his fans, who admire him for his secular values and his respect for all religions. Salman’s involvement in the Ganpati celebrations sends a powerful message about unity, faith, and the importance of celebrating India’s rich cultural tapestry. The Ganpati aarti, a pivotal part of the celebration, is a deeply spiritual moment where devotees come together to offer their prayers and seek blessings. At Arpita’s home, the aarti was conducted with traditional hymns, the rhythmic clanging of bells, and the wafting aroma of incense, creating an atmosphere of devotion and reverence. The idol of Lord Ganesha, beautifully adorned with flowers and lights, was the focal point of the celebration. Salman Khan, holding the aarti thali with Ayat by his side, performed the rituals with sincerity and calm. The act of Salman leading the aarti, a revered ritual, highlighted his role as the elder brother who takes pride in upholding the family’s traditions. Ayat’s presence by his side was not just endearing but also a poignant reminder of the importance of passing on cultural values to the next generation. The inclusion of children in these rituals is a common practice in many Indian families, symbolizing the continuation of faith and the importance of involving the youngest members in cultural traditions.