Faith

This picture was taken outside Mahalaxmi Temple, Mumbai.  There was this elderly muslim gentleman going around with incense ( unfortunately I was not quick enough and I just managed to capture the scene as he left the place ) collecting alms from the shopkeepers  Not a common sight .  He would have in most places stayed close to his own place of worship.  But the shopkeepers here did not seem to find it unusual.    

Right now in my city, there are communal riots.  And most believe it is politically motivated.  Which makes me wonder, why religion is given so much importance?  I recite the Hanuman Chalisa each day, but to be frank I did not know it was the Hanuman Jayanti today!!  And that I realised when I saw some noisy ruffians on two wheelers carrying saffron flags.  I do not ever remember the festival being celebrated in this fashion.

  

I have always claimed that I am not overly religious. Yet, I do as I said recite the Chalisa, listen to devotional music in the morning, light the lamp in the evening. And there is no real compulsion for me to visit the temple. As a dutch comedian is reported to have said - I do believe in God, but I do not trust his ground personnel. 
I would rather observe my faith in my own manner, within the walls of my home.

I must  also confess that I recite the Hanuman Chalisa on nights when sleep does not come easy..... a far better thing to do than counting sheep....

Ganesh puja

The Ganesh puja was on Saturday. At left is an image of Ganesh which I made using the paintbrush tool. The image of ganesh has been created in every inconceivable manner. A favourite with all artists. Yet this is one festival which loses its very charm in the manner it is being celebrated . There are huge idols, extremely garish that are created and the processions and ceremonies that are attached to the installation of the idol or the immersion can in no way be considered religious. It is shameful that we have allowed a festival that should have been celebrated within the 4 walls of the home to have emerged into a highly politicised and ugly affair. There is palpable tension at the time of the festival for it definitely attracts a lot of anti social elements. The hooliganism that is observed at public places is to be condemned. The lovable god who should have been made of clay and natural colours is fast becoming a major source of pollution.