A little bit of context before you begin reading this book review. I have recently enrolled for an MA in Philosophy at the University of Mumbai. Philosophy is something I have been getting interested in, over the past few years, as those of you who have been reading my blogs and Instagram posts would know. During the pandemic, I thought long and hard about what I wanted to do next, and this is what I eventually came up with. It has been a challenge, getting back into academics as a student at this age, especially in a subject I have no academic background in. However, it has also been very exciting, especially thanks to my wonderful classmates (who, surprisingly, are of all age-groups, including some quite near my own) and my teachers, who have been very supportive and understanding. How well I will do is something that remains to be seen, but so far, I am enjoying this new journey and look forward to where it leads. Now that you know the background , you probably get an idea of how
Matunga is a place closely associated with South Indians living in Mumbai. I remember braving the train crowds as a child, visiting Matunga to see the Ganpatis, and especially the serial lights strung up all along the roads. I was then brought here by my uncle. Later, as I studied at Ruia College, I no longer needed anyone to accompany me. The ten days of the festival used to be busy ones for me, as I explored every lane looking for some interesting Ganeshas or at least some interesting decorations. Time has moved swiftly since then, and now, I take Samhith along to show him the Ganeshas I have enjoyed watching for so many years!
We headed towards Matunga yesterday evening, and over 4 hours, managed to see quite a few. Some were simple, some elaborate, but we enjoyed watching all of them. Even the fact that we spent almost 2 of those 4 hours in a bus, stuck in traffic did not deter us in our enjoyment! Come along with me as I re-live the Matunga Ganpati experience.....
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| Our favourite - the flower market Ganesha |
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| This one wasnt the main idol, but the smaller one used for the puja. We loved it though! |
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| The Pramanik Ganesha was celebrating 50 Years! |
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| Once called commonly the 'Varadarajan Ganpati', the story got Samhith interested in this simple idol! (For those who dont know , this Ganpati was started by a local don!) |
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| Yes, there is no Ganpati here, but this arrangement was in front of the Ganesha above. What you can see are thin threads strung between two posts, and water trickles down them, giving the appearance of a water curtain! |
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| The main ganesha was simple, but surrounded by such beautiful specimens in brass! |
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| The Ganpati outside Ruia.... with its message below.. |
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| The common man's trials and tribulations from Pre-Independence to now! |
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| Another depiction of Samarth Ramdas and Shivaji |
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| Finally, one of the richest Ganpatis in Mumbai - GSB Wadala And yes, all that glitters is gold here!! |
Lovely .. It must have been a wonderful sight..!
ReplyDeleteOh yes, it was! the ganpatis are the same every year, but we still love to go and see them!
ReplyDeleteWonderful celebrations ...
ReplyDeletebeautiful pics
ReplyDeleteWow, what grand decorations.
ReplyDeleteReminds me of our Durga Puja, visiting many pandals.
ReplyDeleteGreat glimpses. :)
There is a lot to be see and enjoy here during the festival season Anu. Your enthusiasm in capturing the events braving the crowd and rain etc. is great. Love all Ganeshas thanks.
ReplyDeleteOh Yes, Team G Square!! we really look forward to this one!
ReplyDeleteThanks sm!
ReplyDeleteThey are always very elaborate, Pradeepa! the decorations change from year to year... earlier, the flower market ganpati used to be entirely made of flowers, but the result used to be different every time!
ReplyDeleteYes, Indrani! I guess its our equivalent of the Durga Puja!
ReplyDeleteChitra, this is probably the biggest festival celebrated here, rich and poor alike... in spite of getting commercialized, its still a wonderful experience!
ReplyDeleteI reached your blog while surfing through the net and enjoyed reading the posts. I used to live near Matunga before I moved post marriage and this post brought back so many memories. Thanks for all the pictures. I always miss Ganesh Chaturthi celebrations in Mumbai and although late, this post made me miss my Mumbai that bit less
ReplyDeleteThanks so much! glad i could bring the festival closer to you...... and hope you keep coming back here for more :)
ReplyDeletehi
ReplyDeletenext time please visit Anmol Group Ganeash Utsav, its in Shankar Mattham Lane
Sure, Chirag... i guess I would have seen it sometime... just havent noticed the name!
ReplyDelete