And for Friday in Mumbai following the famous Ganesh festivities and immersion, some thoughts….. some musings…..
The ten days Ganesh mahautsav in Mumbai this year were absolutely stunning. With crowds, cultural activities and general bonhomie amongst all, it was a revenge return of fun, devotion and societal harmony after the subdued years of the Covid aftermath. Ofcourse the biggest and number one of Mumbai is the Lalbaghcha Raja (King of Lalbagh) into its 90th year of festivities. This image of Lord Ganesha is made with eco friendly river sand, paper pulp, natural colors and natural gum. The Lord Ganesha idol is 18-20 feet tall and every day more than 1.5 million devotees visit the Mandap to take Darshan of the Lord. Devotees come not only from Mumbai but all districts of Maharashtra and rest of India. Only the Lalbaghcha Raja has the privilege to be the last Ganapathi to be immersed in Girgaum Chowpathy in the early hours of the next morning of Visarjan day.
This trip to Mumbai was also nostalgic as we decided to stay, not at the Taj Mahal hotel or my house in Malabar Hill, but at the residence chambers of the 150 years old Royal Bombay Yacht Club. Just opposite the Gateway of India, where fortunately I have my personal membership, the building is beautifully maintained. The stained coloured glass panes are all original, flooring of original naturally dyed Morbi tiles, high ceilings of teak and mostly Rose wood and Teak furniture. It’s a truly vintage and classy feeling, with a well stocked naval ship anchorage bar. Our room on the 4th floor had a clear view of the Gateway of India, the Mumbai Port and the Arabian Sea beyond. Absolutely marvelous; enjoyed the hospitality and excellent service of the well trained staff.
Every festivity in India has its own unique character. Mumbai’s Ganesh Chaturthi is another great occasion to enjoy, the community linkage way, the secular way, the SEEGOS way.