A typical arati being performed in a home. The head of the family is leading the arati while the relatives, neighbours and friends join in. An arati consists of 8 different aratis on an average. Depending on the family size, enthusiasm and tradition, this can go upto 20 in some cases.

This Ganesh is hosted by the florists outside Matunga Post Office. The entire decoration is made of flowers and the design is by the florists themselves. The design and arrangement changes every day and is a major attraction in the area.

A Ganesh hosted by the chawl outside Matunga station. This was the only pandal I found with a picture of Lokmanya Bal Gangadhar Tilak. Many decades ago Lokmanya started Ganeshotsav to wake up and unite the populace against the British rule.

Another Ganesh in the vicinity. There was a 20 foot Ganesh next door but I liked this Ganesh for the simple decoration.

An interesting and typical arrangement of lights and flowers. Note that a mirror has been placed behind the Ganesh idol with lighting on the side. This particular family also used orchids which lent the purple colour – the colour of royalty – to the decoration. The flowers, lights and the mirror create an aura of festivity and the idol looks resplendent in bright colours.

The Ganeshas of Mumbai

Next, some photos that I clicked on Sunday. Watch this space.

Tomorrow, Sunday, is the Ganesh Chaturthi. Chaturthi is the fourth day of the lunar calendar – fifteenth day being the full moon. The festival starts from this day although the statue is brought home the previous day. In some places, especially the offices and factories, the statue is brought on the previous working day which happened to be a Friday this year.

And here are the photos.

Ganesh statue established in lovely decor and with rangoli on the floor in a software company premises.

This is how many housing societies and individuals bring home Ganesh. Often there is a band playing in front of the idol. It was there in this case too.

In my first post, Ganapati Bappa Moraya I had mentioned a Ganesh I had purchased from Nirmitee the shop. Here it is.

Now, PRRA has proposed an alternative plan comprising of tunnels. Mumbai Mirror has published a story on this proposal.

Tunnel Vision

Peddar Rd residents send detailed proposal to Anil Deshmukh saying a network of tunnels instead of a flyover will be cheaper, and better option.

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The association, which claims to have conducted a detailed study in associaton with the Indian Institute of Technology and National Environmental Research Institute (NERI), said the tunnels would not only disperse the traffic faster, they will cause less pollution and also cost far less than the flyover proposed.

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Anil Deshmukh said he has not yet gone through the proposal. “I cannot comment without having gone through their proposal in detail,” he said.

I welcome any alternate plans/suggestions/recommendations/proposals made by stakeholders and citizens. So, in that spirit I welcome this proposal as well. It is entirely possible that the brains that have put it together have really done a better job than the previous proposal.

What remains to be seen is whether:
1. The local soil conditions will support such tunnels. If not, what are the costs for re-inforcing? What about seismic activities?
2. What about water-logging? What will be the provision to keep water out as far as possible and pump it out if any finds its way into the tunnels? What about power supply to the water pumps in case of severe water-logging?
3. Will the Govt. take this proposal up seriously or merely provide lip-service.

I just want my city to get the best possible option.

Watch this blog for more photos and news.

Ganesh is known by many names – Vakratunda, Ekdanta, Lambodar. In fact, Ganpatistotra covers 12 most commonly known names of Ganesh.

Ganesh festival started way back when India was ruled by the British. It was started by Lokmanya Bal Gangadhar Tilak as means to unite people against foreign occupation by instilling in them a sense of purpose. That tradition continues till date in different forms and different hues. Pune is quite famous for its Ganesh festival mania but Mumbai, too, is spectacular though on a much subdued level – some of which will be brought to you by your friendly neighbourhood metroblogger.

There are lots of well known Ganesh statue makers in and around Mumbai. There is Mr. Hatkar from Vasai whose ganesh statues are famous for instricate sculpting details, statues from Pen have been known for their beautiful paint-work since ages. Closer to city, one finds innumerable Ganesh statue makers like those in the by-lanes of Bail Bazar at Kurla or Chitales from Laxmi Narayn Lane of Matunga.

However, I bring you news of an exhibition cum sale.

Nirmitee is an ethnic art shop in Dadar. Located on Bole Road right between Portuguese Church and Agar Bazar, this shop is the right place to visit if you are looking to decorate your home with earthen pots, wind-chimes, Warli paintings and such like.

Nirmitee is running an exhibition-cum-sale of Ganesh statues, paintings and wall-hangings called Vakratunda Mela-2006. It opened on August 15th and will run till September 3rd. It was inaugurated by none other than Shri Vithal “Orchid” Kamat. I returned to the city only on 17th so that meant I missed the grand opening but I intend paying the place a visit over the upcoming weekend. Will bring you photos from there later.

Voluntary Disclosure: Dadoji is a happy customer of Nirmitee having purchased a 2D Wrought Iron Ganesh as a gift for his son couple of years ago. He is looking forward to picking up another Ganesh for his daughter this year.