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
The Fine Arts Society, Chembur is a hub of activity almost throughout the year. However, it is during Navaratri, that the place attracts even more crowds than usual. The reason is of course, their music and fine arts classes, which begin on Vijayadasami, but even non-musical people like me rush there to see their golu, year after year.
This golu is one of our favourites, and one we rush to see every year, even though the main dolls are all the same.There are a few new ones every year...
Bhu-Varaha represented in two forms... |
This one, being white, I am guessing is Shweta Varahaswamy |
and there are always some which we love to see... again and again and again!
On top are the Ashta Lakshmis or 8 forms of Lakshmi. below are Ganeshas, represented as the Dashavatars |
Under the tree are Adi Shankara and his disciples. Behind them are the pontiffs of the Kanchi Math |
A Garden, with animals |
We always love their Marapachis! |
Vithala Rakumai look beautiful, dont they? |
Ganesha |
Ayyappa |
Great Souls - Gandhiji, Buddha, Thiruvalluar, Tyagarjar, Raghavendrar, and Meera |
Dhanvantari, with his medicinal plants spread out |
But it is the side decoration that beckons us. This year, the theme is the Ramayana, and the entire epic has been recreated with handmade dolls.
Birth of Rama (and his brothers) |
Sita's Swayamvar |
with Sita and her sisters looking on |
In the forest - Bharata taking back Rama's Padukaas |
Sita being kidnapped by Ravana, while Rama and Lakshmana go after the golden deer |
Meeting Shabari |
Sita in the Ashoka Vatika |
Ravana's court |
And finally, Rama's coronation |
This year, I was at the Fine Arts Society for one more reason... to see my sister dance. As some of you know, she is a Bharatanatyam and Kathak dancer, and performs at various places with her group from the Sanskriti Academy of Fine Arts, Thane, under the inspired guidance of Smt. Asha Sunilkumar. This year, I am proud to say that I believe she surpassed herself, with a performance that had everyone stand up and notice her. Of course, the entire troupe performed beautifully, but with my sister on stage, can I have eyes for anyone else? Here are a few glimpses of her expressive face....
You can see the entire album of photographs on Facebook....here
and on Google Plus Photos... here.
And those of you who are going to ask me why I didn't take a video, sorry, but my camera was running low on battery, and I didn't want to risk missing part of the performance. Besides, I don't really think I am good at videography, but I promise to at least try next time!
Great series on golu and your sister's performance. Dhanvantri along with medical herbs, reminded me of the golu theme last year at your mom's place.
ReplyDeleteThanks Meghana!
DeleteLoved that Ramayana series
ReplyDeleteYes, Ranjana! that was really wonderful! we loved it too!
Deletehttp://tinyurl.com/workid/?id=Aayu
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