'This year, Ganapati Bappa brings hope. I feel the worst is over.'

Telugu superstar Mahesh Babu and his lovely wife, former Bollywood actress Namrata Shirodkar, and their children -- son Gautam and daughter Sitara -- welcomed Lord Ganesha into their home in Hyderabad.

Namrata excitedly told Subhash K Jha, "It is that time of the year we really look forward to.

"Ganesh Chaurthi was always big in our house in Mumbai before I was married.

"My sister (actress Shilpa Shirodkar) and I -- we are Maharashtrians -- would spend weeks preparing for the festival.

"The smell of new clothes and sweets still lingers in my senses.

"That tradition hasn't changed.

"Every year without fail my husband, Mahesh, and our children, Gautam and Sitara, celebrate Ganesh Chaturthi at home."

Namrata feels we have a lot to be thankful for.

"This year Ganapati Bappa comes to us during the worst calamity that civilisation has faced.

"He brings hope.

"I feel the worst is over."

Feature Presentation: Ashish Narsale/ Rediff.com