Abhishek Sharrma reveals Navratri is more than a festival to him: ‘It’s a reset that grounds me as an actor’

Abhishek Sharrma, who has been basking in the success of his show on Zee TV, Vasudha, is busy with shoots and long hours at work, but he makes sure to celebrate festivals that are important to him, and one of them is Navratri. Abhishek said that Navratri has a strong significance in his life.

For Abhishek, Navratri goes far beyond celebrations and rituals. He shared, “For me, Navratri is more than just a festival. It’s a reset, both spiritually and emotionally. These nine days, you become more aware of your thoughts, your actions and your discipline.” He added that as an actor, this period helps him feel more grounded. “There is this purity in the energy, whether it’s through fasting, prayer, or just being more mindful. It reminds me to slow down, reconnect with myself and realign with what truly matters beyond the chaos of everyday life,” he said.

Abhishek’s memories of his childhood are full of happiness and warmth. He remembered how the festival was special because of the excitement of new clothes, going to pandals, and going to aartis. “I remember trying to visit as many pandals as I could. The sound of aarti, the fragrance of agarbatti, getting prasad, and then rushing to garba venues,” he shared. His love for garba and dandiya only grew over time, especially during his college days in Pune. “I had Gujarati friends who would take me to garba nights. The energy, the music, and seeing everyone come together created a sense of community you don’t feel every day,” he said.

He also spoke fondly about celebrations at home. “My mother keeps fast for all nine days. We used to have kirtans at home with neighbours joining in for bhajan and aarti. And of course, the food after that—those are very special memories,” he added, reflecting on the innocence of those days.

Now, with a demanding schedule, Abhishek admits that celebrating Navratri is not always the same, but he makes a conscious effort to stay connected. “Even if I am shooting, I try to keep some part of the day dedicated. After pack-up, I try to visit a pandal or a temple for aarti,” he said. He also focuses on maintaining a clean diet and staying mindful during the nine days.

For him, the meaning of the festival has evolved with time. “I may not always get the chance to attend big celebrations, but Navratri is not about how grandly you celebrate; it’s about intention. Even 10-15 minutes of stillness or gratitude can keep you connected,” he shared.