New Delhi: As the festive season unfolds, put a spotlight on Jaya Bhattacharya, an eminent actress celebrated for her stirring appearance as Urmila in the popular television show “Chhathi Maiyya Ki Bitiya.” With the vibrancy of Diwali infusing the air with warmth and cheer, Jaya opens up about her personal journey with the festival, steeped in the richness of cultural traditions and imbued with an evolving sense of responsibility toward the environment and living beings.
Jaya Bhattacharya, with her profound reverence for cultural rituals, reflects on the significance of Diwali in her life—a time that seamlessly entwines family, joy, and more recently, an awareness of the broader environmental impact of the celebrations. Known for her devotion to traditions, she passionately recounts how Diwali is more than just a festival; it is a call to illuminate homes and hearts alike. She emphasizes, “Lighting diyas and illuminating the whole house is the best part of Diwali for me. Being a Bengali, we also celebrate Kali Puja on this day, resulting in a dual celebration. It creates a deeper connection to our cultural heritage.”
Raised in Lucknow, Jaya fondly recalls how the festive preparations were meticulous and vibrant, comprising sweets like kheel, lava, lai, batashas, and sweet-potato toys—a vivid collection of delights that echo her childhood memories. “I don’t find all of those items here, but whatever I can find, I buy for Diwali and offer to Mother Lakshmi,” she shares, highlighting the essence of maintaining cultural connectivity through traditional offerings even when far from home.
The actress transports us back to her childhood memories, painting a picture of excitement and innocence where Diwali meant phuljharis and the sheer delight of sparklers. Being the only child, her safety was paramount to her protective parents, who allowed only phuljharis in her small hands while the ‘dangerous’ crackers were handed over to the neighbourhood boys.
. Resentment brewed in young Jaya, who yearned to burst her crackers. She nostalgically recalls a particular Diwali when her brave adventurism ended with a memorable scolding from her father after she experimented with ladhis, imitating the boys.
Her reflections show an evolution in her relationship with Diwali as she moved ahead in life, especially since she began working with animals, whose welfare she prioritizes. She poignantly explains, “The noise from crackers is far more intense for them; what we hear is amplified many times over for animals. The pollution from crackers can also severely affect people with sensitive conditions like asthma, further impelling me to rethink our modes of celebration.”
With a compassionate heart, Jaya Bhattacharya calls for a Diwali that resonates with the true spirit of the festival—spreading light and joy devoid of the chaos of loud noises and pollution. “Diwali is about lighting up the world and bringing in positive energy,” she emphasizes, rejecting the distractions of firecrackers in favor of more meaningful celebrations centered around community, togetherness, and kindness. With a heartfelt message embedded within her narrative, she speaks about the need for an inclusive world that respects all living beings, imploring others to follow suit by choosing empathy over surplus noise.
Beyond portraying Urmila—a character fraught with complexity and family intrigue on the show “Chhathi Maiyya Ki Bitiya” alongside co-actors such as Ashish Dixit and Brinda Dahal—Jaya Bhattacharya’s off-screen persona exudes wisdom. She invites us all to engage with the festival of lights with a deeper, more unifying understanding, evoking the transformative power of traditions filled with love rather than the transient thrill of crackers.
As Diwali beckons us into its fold, Jaya’s reflections act as an illuminating guide encouraging us all to celebrate with mindful affection for both the earth and all its inhabitants—a resonant call echoing through the festivities this year.
