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Book Review: On Philosophising, Philosophers, Philosophy and New Vistas in Applied Philosophy, by Dr. Sharmila Jayant Virkar

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
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Navaratri 2015 : The Chembur Fine Arts Golu

The Golu at the Chembur Fine Arts is one we look forward to, every year. Not only is it huge, and the dolls are beautiful, but there is always something new and interesting to see, to appreciate. Besides, the experience is enhanced by the music, with students of the institution performing in the evenings. Here is a glimpse of this year's golu..... 

The Main Golu... all of 15 steps! 


The lower steps, with the elaborate kolam

A new addition... the kalasam with the coconut being extended to resemble Ganesha!

Some of the impressive dolls





I first thought this was Vishnu and Lakshmi on Garuda...
a closer look revelaled that this was Gajendra Moksham! 

Samhith's favourites were of course the animals! Esp the cow, which resembles the one we have at home!



The smaller Golu on the side... 

I loved these dolls... dressed so beautifully in costumes from various states / religions

These steps had dolls of saints... including Gandhiji and Swami Vivekananda



Kolam with Nava dhanyam.. nine grains

A village temple scene


people praying to Ganesha under a tree

At the pond

Snake Charmer


And finally, handmade dolls depicting the story of Srinivasa Kalyanam...
the marriage of Srinivasa and Padmavathi, at Tirupati



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Location: The Fine Arts Society, Postal Colony, Chembur, Mumbai, Maharashtra 400071, India

Comments

  1. NatalieGOctober 22, 2015 at 6:16 AM

    Wow, so elaborate! Is this the biggest Golu of the ones you saw this year? It must have taken a long time to set up! The kolum is very beautiful.

    I am slowly learning more about various deities/gods/goddesses in the Hindu pantheon as I read your blog, Anu! :) Thanks for the detailed captions on the pictures you post.

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