Lord Ganesha is my child, I talk to him often

Understanding of GodSince my childhood, I have been attracted to lord Ganesha. It all started as a fascination for the face of the lord. It was an extension of my love for animals and elephant in particular. Though my perception changed as I grew older, I still treat Ganesha as my own, as my child. I talk to him often and even scold him at times.Spiritual beliefSpiritual belief is something my parents taught me. It’s a belief that a certain kind of supreme power exists. And when we tend to worship the power, it makes your life  much easier and  you end up feeling less stressed. Spiritual practicesI pray everyday. There are photos of all deities in my puja room including Pondycherry Mother and Allah. I sit in front of their photographs and meditate. I never ask God for anything, instead, I chant slokas my mom taught me. I always feel refreshed and rejuvenated after every prayer session. I have been on complete fast during the Ramzan month, which even my husband Riyaz hasn’t done. It has now become a habit to say ‘Raghavendra’ even when I hang up. A friend of mine introduced Goddess Prathyangara Devi to me, and now I have become her devotee as well. She is so powerful.Pilgrimage sitesBefore marriage, my mom and I visited several temples like Kalahasti, Mangadu and Tirupati and have performed Angapradhakshana as well. I still continue visiting temples. Ragavendra’s Manthralayam is one place I’ve been planning to visit for a long time. (Uma Riyaz Khan is an actress and Television personality)