Welcome Ganesha !

One of the most famous festivals in India is Ganesh Chathurthi. This year it is celebrated today, on September 19th, with great pomp and festivities, especially in Mumbai and Goa.

Lord Ganesha is known by many names, especially one of his names: Vigneshwara, is significant as this name means ‘Dispeller of obstacles'. Thus Vakratund (another name of Ganesh) is worshipped before any auspicious event or beginnings.

Many a times, He is depicted with four hands, which mean the following:

- In one hand, He holds a rope and draws us towards HIM

- The second hand, holds an axe, which He uses to cut off harmful desires

- His third hand, holds a modak (sweet rice ball) to reward us when we reach towards Him

- With his fourth hand, he blesses His devotees

I have shared here, Ganesh puja photos at my place.



Prasad for the Lord



Lord's favorite sweet - Modak (sweet rice balls)

Lord Ganesha

Diyas (lamps) adoring the Lord

Jai Ganeshaya Namah !

Kerala beckons……

A beautiful advertisement by Kerala Tourism Department – who are very aggressive in promoting tourism in God’s Own Country – Kerala, was pictured in last Sunday’s Times of India. I was really impressed with it, wherein a beautiful scenery – depicting, Kerala, has been portrayed using natural edible items which are nutritious and used in Ayurveda.


Can you’ll list all these items and send it to me at: amudganty@gmail.com. The entry which lists the most number of these natural elements depicted in the picture will win a handmade (made by me) crotchet doily !! This picture is in black and white to render an element of suspense. The coloured photograph will be shared at the end of the contest.

This contest closes on September 29.

Happy guessing…..

Mountain Railways of India – UNESCO World Heritage Sites

These mountain railways of India are an example of remarkable technology of the 19^th century:

Darjeeling Himalayan railway – was opened in 1881, linking Darjeeling to the plains in Bengal and was the first passenger train to operate in the mountainous region. It was declared World heritage site in 1999.

Kalka – Shimla railway – connects Shimla to Kalka and was operational since 1903. Last October, I had the pleasure of travelling from Kalka to Shimla via the toy train, the Shivalik Deluxe Express. I will share my memorable train experiences, soon.



Shivalik Deluxe Express



View of the beautiful hilly terrain from the train

Nilgiri Mountain Railway – This track was completed in 1908 and connects Coonoor and Udhamandalam in the state of Karnataka.

The above two mountain railways were included in the World heritage sites list in 2008.

Let us explore !