As Ganesh Chaturthi approaches, excitement is building across India, especially in Maharashtra where the 10-day festival is celebrated with grandeur. But Lord Ganesha’s influence extends far beyond Indian borders. Several Hollywood celebrities have embraced elements of Hindu culture, with some expressing a deep admiration for the elephant-headed deity himself.
German model and actress Claudia Ciesla, who rose to fame in India, officially embraced Hinduism in 2009. She openly follows Lord Ganesha and believes in the power of karma, often speaking about the spiritual peace she finds in Indian traditions.
Game of Thrones star Lena Headey has tattoos of Lord Ganesha and Goddess Lakshmi. While she hasn’t publicly spoken about practicing Hinduism, the ink suggests a personal connection or admiration for the deities.
American musician Adam Levy, known for his band The Honeydogs, mentioned Lord Ganesha in a 2014 blog post after a personal tragedy. Reflecting on grief, he listed spiritual figures he felt thankful for including Ganesha indicating a broad spiritual openness.
Pop sensation Miley Cyrus has also shown her admiration for Hindu deities. She sports a tattoo of Lord Ganesha and has publicly taken part in rituals like Lakshmi puja. While she hasn’t formally spoken about converting, these gestures reflect a spiritual connection and personal respect for Hindu traditions.
Oscar-winning actress Julia Roberts became a practicing Hindu after filming Eat, Pray, Love. She once said, “Hinduism transcends many barriers of mere religion.” Roberts attends temple with her family and credits Hinduism with bringing her spiritual satisfaction. While not specifically devoted to Ganesha, she holds deep respect for the religion as a whole.
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As India prepares for Ganesh Chaturthi, it’s heartening to see the global impact of Hindu spirituality. Lord Ganesha, the remover of obstacles, continues to inspire across continents and cultures.