Lord Ganesha!

While i've been silent on the social networks Its been a whirlwind for the last 20 days. I have much to catch you all up on! But here is how my trip kicked off.

I arrived a day before the Ganesh festival ended. Ganesh Chaturthi is a very celebrated festival in India and particularly Mumbai. This timing was intentional.
My trip is sandwiched between Ganesha Chaturthi and Navratri which is the Durga Festival. Inspirations of these idols surround the city with lights, festivities and tons of artistic inspiration. Painters and sculptors who have done this for years shine during this time.

[caption id="attachment_3640" align="alignleft" width="450" caption="Ganesh Chaturti in Pune - Shot by Urmit "][/caption]

Above is an image shot by a student and Camera assistant Urmit. This is a scene from the Ganesha idol being carried down the streets to be immersed into water. The idol lord Ganesha is placed in a decorated temple on the first day of this festival and then worshipped for days until it's immersed in the waters only to return the following year. Here are some shots from the Ganesha Idol that was in our home in Mumbai.

[caption id="attachment_3654" align="alignleft" width="450" caption="The 2011 Ganesha idol at the Sharma residence"][/caption]

[caption id="attachment_3655" align="alignleft" width="450" caption="Mom and dad praying before the immerse the idol ta the beach"][/caption]

[caption id="attachment_3658" align="alignleft" width="450" caption="Dad lights the fire using camphor at a very windy Versova beach"][/caption]

[caption id="attachment_3661" align="alignleft" width="450" caption="Children rejoice as they sing hymns of Lord Ganesha"][/caption]

[caption id="attachment_3663" align="alignleft" width="450" caption="Taking the idol away for immersion on the last day of Ganesha Festival."][/caption]

Streets gets jammed and traffic packed as people navigate to the shores with idols that fit in your palms to a few floors high. It's quite the sight! It had been ten years since I had celebrated this festival with my parents and brother. I was glad to be home.