New Delhi: Celebrated actress Jaya Bhattacharya, who won acclaim for her role as Urmila in the TV series Chhathi Maiyya Ki Bitiya, opens up about her evolving connection with the festival of Diwali. Known for her deep appreciation of Indian traditions, Jaya shares her fond memories and insights into how her perception of the festival has matured over time, from a focus on festive exuberance to a more conscious, nature-honoring celebration.
In discussing the essence of Diwali, Jaya Bhattacharya reflects on her cherished customs, stating, “Lighting diyas and transforming our home into a beacon of light symbolizes Diwali’s magic for me. As a Bengali, we also partake in Kali Puja during this time; thus, the day is a double celebration filled with spiritual and cultural significance. Growing up in Lucknow, our Diwali was marked by simple joys—kheel, lava, lai, batashas, and whimsical sweet potato toys. Though some of these items are not easily available where I currently reside, I make it a point to gather whatever I can find to offer to Mother Lakshmi.”
Jaya Bhattacharya reminisces about her childhood Diwali experiences, describing a time when parental protection limited her fireworks play to sparklers like phuljharis. Even then, she would persistently purchase more boisterous items such as mirchis, bombs, and anars, only to have them entrusted to the neighborhood boys to set off. “I begrudged those boys for the privilege of lighting my crackers,” she chuckles. “There was one memorable Diwali when I stayed with my nani while in 10th grade. I took the liberty of buying a ladhi and dismantling the mirchis, lighting them one by one with my trusty candle and hurling them, mimicking the boys’ bravado. The activity met an abrupt pause when my father walked in. I received a stern reprimand that day, but he also acknowledged my growth into independence and advised cautiousness.”
The actress, whose bond with animals has grown stronger over the years, now views Diwali through a lens of empathy and inclusivity.
. The transition, she explains, began after she started working with animals, an experience that opened her eyes to the distress fireworks impose on sensitive creatures, amplifying their impact beyond human annoyance. “The noise from crackers is deafening for animals, particularly dogs, whose auditory sense surpasses human capacity by a significant margin,” she notes. “Furthermore, the pollution from crackers is a severe health risk for those with asthma or other respiratory conditions. It breaks my heart to know that some people maliciously tie crackers to animals’ tails, causing suffering. For me now, Diwali embodies illumination, joy, and nurturing positive energy—not excessive noise or pollution.”
Highlighting her commitment to a serene Diwali experience, Jaya emphasizes that the festival is about “positivity, happiness, savoring delightful foods, reconnecting with friends and family, exchanging thoughtful gifts, and enjoying pure, unpretentious fun.”
Jaya Bhattacharya’s professional pursuits parallel her personal growth. Currently, she is known for playing the character Urmila in Chhathi Maiyya Ki Bitiya, a gripping television drama airing on Sun Neo. Urmila is depicted as the stepmother of Kartik (played by Ashish Dixit), weaving her own complex motives against the backdrop of familial discord. The show takes audiences through the emotional journey of Vaishnavi (Brinda Dahal), an orphan who reveres Chhathi Maiyya (portrayed by Sneha Wagh) as her mother, nurturing a profound spiritual connection.
As the festival of lights approaches, Jaya Bhattacharya’s reflections invite everyone to ponder the deeper meanings and impacts of celebration. Her narrative of transition—from a tradition of fireworks to a focus on compassion and environmental stewardship—offers a compelling perspective. Her story encourages others to embrace change and mindfulness while celebrating Diwali, ensuring that the festival continues to shine brightly through acts of kindness and consciousness.
Through her thoughtful evolution, Jaya Bhattacharya stands as an advocate for a harmonious coexistence with nature, making her Diwali celebrations not just a personal affair but a public call for positive change and awareness.
