5th September, 2016: Ganesh Chaturthi Festival, Ganesh Sthapana || A Photo Story from the streets of Mumbai -->
Sitting amid a heap of yellow fragrant flowers, she has been making garlands even before the sun came up. Business is bright, so is her dedication towards her work. She is oblivious to my presence, sparing just a quick smile before getting engrossed in her work again. Work that began too early for her today and work that is not going to end anytime soon.
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| Do not disturb: I am busy! |
It's a celebration out there, on the streets! People get together, dance and sing to ear piercing beats of dhols and drums. It's chaotic, the traffic is disturbed but for the faithfuls, it's a time of carnival, merry-making ...
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| Chaos or carnival? |
... And it's a time of prayer. Bundles of incense sticks waft clouds of fragrant smoke into the air. The unmistakable scents rising up from the flowers intertwine in between. The diya light flickers in ecstatic glow.
The wait has been long, almost a year... it has warmed our hearts.
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| Where have you been, O Ganesha! |
It's time to go home but before the remover of obstacles, the granter of wishes is welcomed in His temporary residence, the Mumbai pandals and homes, His face is covered with a cloth, usually soft and silky. Like a little child, they protect Him from the many prying eyes lurking on the roads like me. But I am not to be blamed... and hey. It's not just me. He is charming, endearing, mesmerising, He's a darling and they know it. Everyone is eager to get just one glimpse.
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| Have patience, my girl. |
I am so excited to greet, meet and talk to Him
wherever I am going to find Him in the next 11 days.
You are coming, right?
13 Comments
Yes, dear Arti! Excited to visit Mumbai Ganesha Festival with you. Beautiful beginning bringing all the Ganesh Chaturthi zeal. :-)
ReplyDeleteNice to read.
ReplyDeleteHappy Ganesh Chaturthi to you and your family.
Beautiful pics, Keep sharing.
Ganpati Bappa Morya
Beautifully shown.. :)
ReplyDeleteLovely series!
ReplyDeleteGanapati Bappa Moraya!!
Happy ganesh Chaturthi! The excitement and joy of the festival is infectious ! :) Thanks for giving a glimpse of the scenes behind all the celebrations! :)
ReplyDeleteSuch a beautifully written post dear. Heartwarming and great captures :)
ReplyDeletenice read.awesome pictures nicely captured
ReplyDeleteGreat captures:)
ReplyDeleteLovely pictures. Thank you for bringing Ganesha to us :)
ReplyDeleteYou have captured the essence of Mumbai during the auspicious festival. Thanks for the photo essay and the virtual tour, dear. Stay blessed... :-)
ReplyDeleteThe spirit of Ganpati beautifully captured in your pics.
ReplyDeleteThat's an interesting post on Mumbai catching one of the many moods of the city.
ReplyDeleteFestival wishes
ReplyDeleteDelighted you stopped by... Your suggestions, feedback are really appreciated. Thanks a lot :) Hope you visit again!
If you have asked a question, please give me at least 2 days to reply back. Thank you :)