As Dhanteras ushers in the Diwali celebrations, Jaya Bhattacharya, known for her role as Urmila in the series Chhathi Maiyya Ki Bitiya on Sun Neo, takes a moment to reflect on the festival’s deeper meaning and its personal significance.
She reminisces about the traditions of her childhood and contrasts them with her practices today, highlighting a journey of gratitude and self-growth.
Jaya Bhattacharya recalls the simplicity of her family’s Dhanteras celebrations during her childhood, when her mother would purchase utensils to mark the occasion. “When I was young, my mother always made sure we bought something for Dhanteras, usually utensils, as part of the tradition. But when I moved to Mumbai, I began the tradition of buying silver coins instead. Growing up, we didn’t have much to spend, so there was always pressure to buy something for Dhanteras. Today, I am filled with gratitude that I can afford to follow these traditions in my own way. As the breadwinner, I make sure to set aside funds to honour these customs.
Embracing New Traditions and Reflections
Through her experience, Bhattacharya emphasizes the importance of adapting and personalizing traditions. Moving to Mumbai marked a shift in her Dhanteras observance, from buying utensils to investing in silver coins, a testament to her evolving understanding and capacity to engage in these customs more meaningfully.
On the significance of Dhanteras, Bhattacharya shares, “Dhanteras marks the start of lighting diyas across the country. I believe this symbolises bringing in warmth as winter approaches, a time when warmth becomes essential. It also helps ward off unwanted bugs that tend to appear during this season.” This perspective sheds light on the festival’s multifaceted importance, from fostering warmth to ensuring cleanliness and warding off pests.
Deep Cleaning for Diwali
She also speaks to the tradition of cleansingboth of the home and the spiritthat Dhanteras inspires. “Cleansing the house, as well as spiritually cleansing ourselves, is an ongoing process and should be treated as such. I don’t just clean for Diwali, starting with Dhanteras (or even earlier); I also make it a point to shift my furniture, even if just by an inch, to bring in new energies.” Bhattacharya’s approach reveals a continuous commitment to renewal and inviting positive energy into her life.
Further, Bhattacharya extends a heartfelt message to her followers, urging them to look beyond the external and focus on inner peace. “My message to everyone is that it’s not only important to cleanse your house and surroundings but also your inner self. When sitting for pooja, try not to let your mind wander to trivial matters. Instead, focus within and let the positivity of the pooja seep into you. Outer things don’t matter as much when your inner self is at peace.”
Jaya Bhattacharya’s role in Chhathi Maiyya Ki Bitiya as Urmila presents her as a stepmother with hidden motives, adding depth to the show’s narrative. The series itself, which airs at 7 PM on Sun Neo, revolves around Vaishnavi (played by Brinda Dahal), an orphan who finds solace and guidance in Chhathi Maiyya. It’s a tale that intertwines faith, familial bonds, and personal challenges, mirroring the complexities of real life that Bhattacharya herself reflects upon during Dhanteras.
As the festival of Dhanteras invites us to embrace cleanliness, renewal, and prosperity, Bhattacharya’s insights offer a meaningful perspective on tradition, personal growth, and the essence of true prosperity.
