Diwali – the festival of lights
Ganesha… the celebrity God
Ganapathy or Ganesha or Vinayaka, these are a few names of my favorite God, and probably most popular from the Indian pantheon of many gods and goddesses. He has a human body and a face of an elephant. Always found in every Indian house, irrespective of the religion. Symbolically, he signifies knowledge and wisdom.
The picture above explains the Symbolism.
The people of this land, from time immemorial, were quintessential story tellers. The the collections of these stories are called Puranas. There are various tales of his glory.
Modern science today, describes visual communication as most powerful and effective way of communication. What could be a better way to tell a story and stimulate the imagination of a human mind?
The finest examples of visual communication is found in our ancient temples, where the walls and the pillars are adorned with various characters depicting tales from the Puranas. They all are also excellent examples of sculptural perfection that exists in the country.
In the most ancient temples, he is present at all the entrances. And is a celebrity amongst the gods!
Every year, he is celebrated sometime in either August or September. As per the lunar calendar, Ganesh Utsav, starts on Chaturthi, fourth day of lunar month of Bhadrapad. And ends on the fourteenth day, which is Anand Chaturdashi. This is celebrated prominently in Mumbai and all over Maharastra, the western part of India.
Almost every 3rd household invite the Lord, to their home during these days. This is, in the form of a colorful clay icon. Simple rituals are performed invoking his presence, celebrated with family and friends. He is adorned with flowers, sweets and songs of his glory are sung. Along with family and friends.
The picture above is of the sweetmeat offered to him called ‘Modak’. It is made of rice flour, jaggery, coconut, saffron and cardamom and eaten with a dash of ghee. It is Bappa’s favorite and it also has immense health benefits.
After the festivities, the immersion is after a period of one, five, seven or ten days as per the convenience. On Anand Chaturdashi, which is the tenth day, immersion mostly in the Sea or nearby lake or a pond.
The processions begin mostly at noon and lasts till the early hours of the next day. There is only celebration in the air with music and dance and you can witness a sea of humanity. Prizes are given to the best iconography of the lord. And we can see the creative best of the people who are not even trained in the art.
Covid has changed our lives. The festival shall be celebrated but not more than five people are allowed to gather. No loud speakers or processions. Only online Darshan- no visits to the pandals. Which is good in a way considering the times we are living in.
So, when international flights start, and visiting Mumbai for work or leisure, do visit one of the temples and feel the enigma of devotion. Visit one of the simpler temples in the city and hear the tales of his glory from the priest who are amazing narrators of various stories and the rituals.
Here is an interesting talk by a yogi and a mystic Sadhguru JV, who beautifully explains the significance and the true essence of the festival .
Till we meet again with my new post … Ganpati Bappa Morya!
A day and more in Mumbai…
All they know is that they are trying to get to the city of gold, and that’s enough, come on board they say. We’ll adjust.
– Suketu Mehta, Author, Maximum City.
MUMBAI, the pulsating island city, is condescendingly referred as the ‘Mayanagari’ or the city of dreams… a conglomeration of different communities, cultures and faith – diverse and worldly. Country’s commercial and also a state capital, and highest contributor to country’s economy. Home to the most humble and also the rich and the famous.
Mumbai was a once, a cluster of seven islands, mostly inhabited by the ‘Kolis’ or the fishing community and their deity is ‘Mumbadevi’, the mother goddess, after whom the city gets the name. The history, dates back to the 3rd century BC during the Mauryan Empire, who were contributors to the fascinating Buddhist caves at Kanheri, which is proof of the city being part of the ancient trade route.
The Silhara dynasty of the 8th century, commissioned the beautiful cave temple of Shiva, on the island called Gharapuri, popularly known as Elephanta. Thereafter, many rulers followed, the Muslims, the Portuguese, and last were the British, who reclaimed the land between the seven islands making it in to one city, naming it Bombay.
The saracenic and colonial architecture was replicated here as this was their home for a while. Though the architecture is not conducive for the tropical climate of the city, it is appreciated for its outer beauty.
Over the time, the city developed after the traders or the ‘Vanias’ and other communities from Gujarat including the ‘Parsis’, who settled here.
Parsis migrated from Persia to save themselves from the muslim invaders. All of them were instrumental in development and creating business opportunities, in this land that was raw and untouched. Today most of the Parsis lived together in their community homes that are called ‘Baug’, located at the most beautiful spots of the city.
The city holds to her credit the Bombay Stock Exchange, prestigious education institutions, hospitals that have the finest doctors and is home to the Indian Film Industry, popular as Bollywood! The entertainment industry generates revenue of $5 billion per annum followed by the vast television industry that attracts new talent from all over the country.
Mumbai is also an art collectors delight. It houses some exquisite contemporary art from various Indian as well as international contemporary artists. You will get the feel the moment you arrive at the Terminal 2 of the CSIA Mumbai airport. The exquisite collection of master pieces are brilliantly displayed at this open museum called ‘Jayahe’, while walking around the airport.
In the city, there is CSMVS Museum, which has a wonderful collection of miniature paintings, stone and bronze sculptures and much more… The National Gallery of Modern Art (NGMA), always has exhibitions of contemporary art. Many other renowned art galleries could be visited like the Chemould, Volte, Project 88, Piramal and Saffron Art – an auction house. All these are located in an around Kalaghoda, the art district of the city.
The day begins with a photo stop at the Gateway of India, driving past the beautiful Marine drive that transforms itself to the Queen’s Necklace by the evening. Driving towards the end is the Banganaga water tank. There are fascinating stories about the Brahmin community, who created this oasis of fresh water very near to the sea. A visit to one of the revered temples and witness the simple morning rituals gives a wonderful feeling.
Next on the list must be ‘Dhobi Ghat’, the open-air laundry near Mahalaxmi railway station. Witness the washing of dirty linen in public!
From Mahalaxmi railway station, engage and experience the pulse of the city, by taking a short train ride till the Churchgate station (final destination) for an appointment with the ‘Dabbawalas’, (Lunchbox delivery boys) who seldom make an error in the delivery. They seem to have a unique numbering system, that credits them with high six-sigma rating. This service was started during the British and has continued extremely successfully till date, making them popular world over.
Feel the rhythm walking from Churchgate station to Flora fountain towards the Asiatic library, passing by the colonial and gothic architecture and culminating with a photo stop at CST station.
Mumbai is gastronome’s heaven… and the most popular here is the lip smacking street food and the exotic seafood… from the very humble staple to the swankiest gourmet…
Sanitized street food can be enjoyed at a local restaurant.
A walk in the Crawford Market gives an idea of the spices, vegetables and probably all the kitchen goodies.
Recently inaugurated, National Museum of the Indian Film Industry is absolutely must for everyone who wishes to know about his history of some iconic films and also the future of this industry.
At the promenades and the beaches, witness the romance, diligence of the health freaks, laughter clubs and many activities of the locals.
You could culminate your day at one of the popular resto bars, followed by a meal at a seafood eatery.
The enigma of its environs will pull you back to delve in to its emotion further… if not now, then maybe later… as we never say, never again.
You can take the Boy out of Bombay but you can never take Bombay out of the Boy
– Salman Rushdie, Author The Satanic Verses.
A Quest for Liberation – Maha Kumbh
Kumbh or The Pot
There is a beautiful story mentioned in our scriptures. My mom always says and is always proven right, that the moment you relate a story to an occurrence you never forget. Such is the nature of our mind.
So here is the story in brief. The Gods (Devas) and the Demons (Asuraas) were in a constant fight with each other for the nectar of immortality. The trinity (Brahma, the creator, Vishnu, the preserver and Shiva, the destroyer), intervened and they came to an amicable conclusion and advised the devas and the asuraas to churn the ocean together. The treasures were immense and distributed equally. Finally, Amrit, the nectar of immortality emerged. This was crucial for the Devas to consume and not share the same with the asuraas. In this conflict, Devas eloped with the pot and some drops of nectar were scattered on the earth at four places. These are Haridwar, Prayagraj, Trimbak, Ujjain. Thus, the significance of these places for this gathering to move towards salvation from the cycle of birth and death, The Ultimate Liberation.
As per Vedic sciences, geography and geometry of the celestial bodies play a role on the human body. Especially during certain planetary equations. Kumbh is the time, when the planets are in a position that facilitates the human body with an upsurge of the energy naturally and rapidly.
Our scriptures, therefore have stories and events making it interesting and also crucial for every human being to be here during this time. Whether we seek liberation or no. It seems moving towards salvation is a continuous process in ones’ lifetime, in awareness or unawareness.
We all are seekers aren’t we? Whether we urge for materialistic possessions or to be in a relationship. We are constantly seeking. Maybe what we seek today, we won’t tomorrow. But we will seek something or the other. This is human nature, isn’t it?
Ancient scholars – astronomers, physicists, mathematicians who were mostly sages, figured places on earth which were 0 to 33 degree latitude. As the planet is spinning, it creates a centrifugal force that works vertically in the human system creating an upsurge of energy. These four places Haridwar, Prayagraj, Trimbak (near Nasik) and Ujjain were marked by the sages for a supportive influence on people. They are either on the river banks or on the confluence of the rivers. Hence proven that science was the basis of the ancient Vedic texts.
In Indian culture, mukti or liberation has been the ultimate goal predominantly for the followers of Vedas. No wonder we very frequently heard the word ‘Mukti’ from our elders. To be here during this time is hence, very important in ones’ lifetime as this is nature’s assistance to help us move towards liberation. Or in other words, move out of the comfort zone. Shed the limitations of the body and the mind. Just accept things the way they are. Live in the moment.
At each place, the festival happens once in every twelve years. Hence, after three years, at one of the four places. However, the dates of the occurrence may fluctuate depending on the planetary positions.
In my country mentoring plays a major role. Most of the people are devoted to their spiritual masters or gurus and follow their instructions. And those who don’t have a guru, they follow what their parents followed or advised. And a few intellectuals, who catechize the importance and significance.
They all, ultimately, congregate under the stars near the confluence of the rivers, for just one goal with utmost dedication. To be part of this celestial occurrence. Making this, probably, the highest gathering of humanity, peacefully and intensely, who wish to move towards salvation or a few who merely seek the experience of being in this space. Or a few, who are confused as well, like me.
Kumbh, this year is at Prayagraj, formally called Allahabad and before that it was called Prayag. A city that is second oldest and plays a significant role in Indian scriptures. Mere 3 hours drive from Varanasi. The time you arrive, you enter a sea of humanity probably the largest in the world. Locals, pilgrims from all over the country, many from overseas, variety of ash smeared sadhus, aghoris, naga sadhus, pandits, scholars… this list is endless… and is simply fascinating to see and probably be seen as well.
Kalidas, the prominent playwright describes the confluence of the white waters of Ganga and blue waters of Yamuna as a string of pearls and sapphires and also compares it to the garland of white and blue lotuses intertwined. The river looks divine and the dip here is truly breaking all your limitations, of the body and going against the ever flickering mind. Truly the time, the atmosphere and the fervor made it easy for me.
More than me writing, the photos do more justice to my expression about the Kumbh. The photos are graciously shared by my friends.
The arrangements by the Uttar Pradesh government and the tourism body has done some exemplary work in smoothening the wave of the pilgrims. Very organized keeping in the mind the important dates:
January, 15th2019 : Makar Sankranti (Shahi Snaan)
January, 21st2019 : Paush Poornima (Full moon)
February, 04th2019 : Mauni Amavashya (New moon) (Shahi Snaan)
February, 10th2019 : Basant Panchami (Shahi Snaan)
February, 19th2019 : Maghi Poornima (Full moon)
March, 04th 2019 : Mahashivratri
A lot of cleanliness awareness campaigns, travel logistics, arrangements and various walks designed are excellent.
Community tents, regular tents, private tents, Swiss tents and the most luxurious TUTC Sangam Nivas Camp has attracted a lot of people to travel to Prayagraj.
Extra flights to Prayagraj from various cities and additional special trains are facilitated for the pilgrims.
For me, who has a phobia of large crowds even though having lived in a city like Mumbai, this was an experience of a lifetime. I don’t know how and why I chose to visit. But I decided in an impulse, maybe to challenge my comfort zone. It was overwhelming but deeply satisfying. Honestly, words cannot justify this experience.
If you haven’t yet planned your visit, please do. Get out of the comfort zone and soak yourself in the wave of humanity. Once you are there, you may stop looking for takeaways and that maybe your biggest takeaway!
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