The city was alive, kicking and there was a complete carnival as people took their Ganeshas to the Arabian Sea. I was completely caught up in the energy and festivities and enjoyed every second of it. I'm not sure that the pics I took were outstanding by any stretch of the imagination. But the best part of yesterday was that I was completely involved in the celebrations and had a blast.
The locals in Gamdevi and Chowpatty were more than happy to be photographed and this made it a win-win situation. In all fairness, this is the most fun I have ever had on a Ganesh immersion day.
http://www.flickr.com/photos/7444188@N05/sets/72157625015872892/
Thursday, September 23, 2010
Tuesday, September 21, 2010
Goodbye Ganesha
This is the first time since 2001 that I am in the city to witness the immersion of Ganesh idols into the Arabian Sea. I am really excited about being on Girgaum Chowpatty and witnessing the spectacle. The colours, the sounds, the energy!!!
For those that say that it isn't safe since the Lakshar-E-Tayaba or some other terrorists may try and attack the place, all I can say is that Paki loonies are not going to dictate where I go and what I do in my city.
Ganapathi Bappa Moriya.. Pudcha Varshi Lokariya!
For those that say that it isn't safe since the Lakshar-E-Tayaba or some other terrorists may try and attack the place, all I can say is that Paki loonies are not going to dictate where I go and what I do in my city.
Ganapathi Bappa Moriya.. Pudcha Varshi Lokariya!
Saturday, September 18, 2010
Ganapati Bappa
Everybody has the right to celebrate festivals. The poor in this country need these festivals as a way of relieving the stress in their difficult lives. But surely those indulging in violence and hooliganism needed to be brought to the book.
A friend of mine narrated a story about how some people in a procession attacked a terrified dog that was hiding under a rickshaw. They threw a fire-cracker at the poor animal and it died. These sadists seemed to enjoy this. People in these Ganesh processions also molest women and attack pedestrians.
Ganapathi Bappa would strongly disapprove of such actions.
A friend of mine narrated a story about how some people in a procession attacked a terrified dog that was hiding under a rickshaw. They threw a fire-cracker at the poor animal and it died. These sadists seemed to enjoy this. People in these Ganesh processions also molest women and attack pedestrians.
Ganapathi Bappa would strongly disapprove of such actions.
Tuesday, September 14, 2010
Sympathy for Maoists
One misinformed professor at university went on an anti-government tirade while giving us exercises. I won't go into further details so as to avoid revealing this person's identity. I was flabbergasted when the murdered Maoist Azad was classified as some martyr.
The Maoists are blood-thirsty terrorists that are power-hungry and will murder as many innocent people as possible to meet their goals. What alarms me is that there is an increasing number of people from the Arundhati Roy school who glorify the Maoists. I'll admit that the tribals and people living in the poorest states in India are victims of government oppression. But to glorify killers who want to turn India into a Maoist state... That's just taking things too far.
For those Bombayites that cry over innocent deaths, I wonder how many of you would help an injured man on the streets let alone someone who is dying. More people die in Bombay via road accidents, food poisoning, contagious diseases and falling off local trains than those killed in violent acts. Where is your concern for human life here?
The Maoists are blood-thirsty terrorists that are power-hungry and will murder as many innocent people as possible to meet their goals. What alarms me is that there is an increasing number of people from the Arundhati Roy school who glorify the Maoists. I'll admit that the tribals and people living in the poorest states in India are victims of government oppression. But to glorify killers who want to turn India into a Maoist state... That's just taking things too far.
For those Bombayites that cry over innocent deaths, I wonder how many of you would help an injured man on the streets let alone someone who is dying. More people die in Bombay via road accidents, food poisoning, contagious diseases and falling off local trains than those killed in violent acts. Where is your concern for human life here?
Monday, September 13, 2010
Salman Khan's 26-11 comments
Bollywood actor Salman Khan was in the news once again for the wrong reasons.
http://news.rediff.com/report/2010/sep/12/anniversary-26-11-salman-khan-comments-spark-outrage.htm
Anyone who knows me knows that I am no fan of the actor. The man belongs in jail for running over and killing a couple of labourers who were sleeping on a pavement in 2002. Having said that, I believe that there is nothing wrong with his comments. (He has since apologized)
The fact is that the hype over 26-11 has very much to do with the fact that Taj and Oberoi were attacked. The elite of South Bombay never bothered when blasts went off in Ghatkopar, the local trains and Zaveri Bazaar. It's when their so-called comfort centres were attacked that they even bothered to care.
http://news.rediff.com/report/2010/sep/12/anniversary-26-11-salman-khan-comments-spark-outrage.htm
Anyone who knows me knows that I am no fan of the actor. The man belongs in jail for running over and killing a couple of labourers who were sleeping on a pavement in 2002. Having said that, I believe that there is nothing wrong with his comments. (He has since apologized)
The fact is that the hype over 26-11 has very much to do with the fact that Taj and Oberoi were attacked. The elite of South Bombay never bothered when blasts went off in Ghatkopar, the local trains and Zaveri Bazaar. It's when their so-called comfort centres were attacked that they even bothered to care.
Tuesday, September 7, 2010
Jump off the Empire State Building
When I was in 7th grade, my teacher asked whether I would jump off the Empire State Building if "everybody" was jumping off. I replied that I would with a parachute. That remark didn't endear me with Mrs Eliason.
Back to 2010, for days I was watching people get into a service train at Bandra station that was supposedly going to the railway yard. A fellow commuter told me that the train skips three stations and goes to Andheri station before it goes to the yard. So, yesterday I took the "plunge from the top of the Empire State Building" seeing that I could get a seat on a empty train at rush hour and get home faster. The danger was of course that the train would stop at the yard and that I would have to walk on railway tracks.
I felt a slight tinge of uneasiness when the lights were switched off but the train ride was a pleasure and in 8 minutes I had a comfortable ride to my preferred platform in Andheri. I am definitely going to make an attempt to get to Bandra station before 8:45 pm every evening, so I can take this plunge everyday!
Back to 2010, for days I was watching people get into a service train at Bandra station that was supposedly going to the railway yard. A fellow commuter told me that the train skips three stations and goes to Andheri station before it goes to the yard. So, yesterday I took the "plunge from the top of the Empire State Building" seeing that I could get a seat on a empty train at rush hour and get home faster. The danger was of course that the train would stop at the yard and that I would have to walk on railway tracks.
I felt a slight tinge of uneasiness when the lights were switched off but the train ride was a pleasure and in 8 minutes I had a comfortable ride to my preferred platform in Andheri. I am definitely going to make an attempt to get to Bandra station before 8:45 pm every evening, so I can take this plunge everyday!
Sunday, September 5, 2010
Ramzan treats at Bhendi Bazaar
I was very apprehensive about taking photographs at Bhendi Bazaar during the Ramzan evening festivities but decided to take my camera along anyway. The highlight of my trip there wasn't the photography but the amazing food. I had my heart's content of haleem, a delicious and spicy soup available only in the holy month. I also had kababs, malpuwa and falooda.
The atmosphere near the Minara Mosque is electric and I was touched by the friendliness of the locals. Not only were they open to me photographing their area but many of them wanted to be photographed. In fact, even the women were keen to be photographed. So much for the stupid stereotypes and fears that I had.
I am so proud of the diversity of this wonderful city. I was transported to another world yesterday evening but at the same time, I was right at home. The "differences" between people of different communities is a fabrication of the media, manipulated by opportunistic politicians.
Bombay- I love you.
P.S. Some of the pics can be seen here
http://www.flickr.com/photos/7444188@N05/
The atmosphere near the Minara Mosque is electric and I was touched by the friendliness of the locals. Not only were they open to me photographing their area but many of them wanted to be photographed. In fact, even the women were keen to be photographed. So much for the stupid stereotypes and fears that I had.
I am so proud of the diversity of this wonderful city. I was transported to another world yesterday evening but at the same time, I was right at home. The "differences" between people of different communities is a fabrication of the media, manipulated by opportunistic politicians.
Bombay- I love you.
P.S. Some of the pics can be seen here
http://www.flickr.com/photos/7444188@N05/
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