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Ladakh - Planning The Trip

Over 2000 Km by road, in around 10 days. Stunning landscapes, wonderful people. That sums up our Ladakh trip. But how did it actually work? How did we make it happen? Read on to find out!  Leh, the capital of Ladakh , is accessible by air and road. Flying into Leh is the easiest, and time-saving option, while the road is the time consuming one, but with the added advantage of driving past some of the most beautiful landscapes in our country. Each option has much to recommend it, and we chose the road for just one reason – altitude sickness. Altitude sickness was one of my biggest concerns, since I suffer from motion-sickness. Yes, I do travel a lot, but that is despite my condition, and, over the years, have learnt how to handle it. I struggled with it when we visited Nathu-La in Sikkim, and wondered if I would be able to manage a week at the even higher altitudes that we would encounter in Ladakh. This was the reason we stuck to a basic plan, of only 9 days in Ladakh, thoug...

Shitla Devi Temple, Kelwe Beach

One wouldn't really go to a beach t o visit a temple, but in India, it isn't surprising to find temples near beaches. And usually, most visitors to the beach end up visiting the temple too! We have often seen such temples near beaches, but rarely feel enthusiastic enough to visit them. However, the temple at Kelwe beach was interesting, For one thing, it was the auspicious day of Ganesh Chaturthi, and since we were off to a beach for the festival, it seemed strangely appropriate to stop at the temple first!! Secondly, our auto driver kept telling us how old the temple was, which led to me expect a decrepit temple in ruins. Imagine my surprise then, to see this bright and shining structure...

A Tour of Ganesha Pandals.. and some thoughts on the festival

The ten day festival of Ganesh Chaturthi  is coming to a close. Tomorrow, the idols will head to the sea, amidst chants exhorting Him to come back early next year. Meanwhile, come with me, as I take you through some of the Ganesha Pandals I went to, this year... Matunga remains one of my favourite places to visit at this time.. Here are some of the Ganeshas we saw there...

Ganesha with a Message

While I enjoy going to see all the Ganpatis in their various avatars around Mumbai during the ten days of Ganeshotsav, it is those with a message which really touch my heart. Among my favourite ones - one I have been seeing for almost 20 years now, and which is located right outside my college - is the Ruia Naka Ganpati. 

Ganpati Celebrations Big and Small

The ten day Ganesh Chaturthi celebration is one festival celebrated by one and all, at least in Mumbai. Rich or poor, the devout bring the Lord home, and spend the ten days immersed in the festivities - offering prayers, enjoying the offerings, or maybe just taking in the sights and sounds of the festival.

Ganesh Chaturthi at mom's place

Since we are not performing the Ganesh Chaturthi celebrations at home this year, I am sharing images from the celebrations at my mom's place.. All photos have been clicked by my sister, Kanthi.  Celebrations begin with prayers to Gauri, a day before Ganpati arrives. 

A Festive Morning at Kelwe Beach

We usually look forward to Ganesh Chaturthi, and not having the puja this year seemed to bring in a sort of vaccum. Which is why, we decided to make use of the holiday by doing something different - We headed out to Palghar, where my in-laws are, presently. and spent the festival morning at Kelwe Beach. 

Bringing Ganesha Home

Ganesh Chaturthi is here, and all around me yesterday were people bringing their Ganesha home. Usually this is a time when my home is buzzing with activity, but this year I have a break since we can not perform the puja. I am planning to visit a few pandals around our home, though, so will try to post more photos.... P.S. Incidentally, I just realised that this is my 555th post on the blog!!