Happy Birthday Ganesha

Wednesday was yet another Festival holiday here in India.


It was Vinayaka Chathurthi, The Birthday of Lord Ganesha, the Elephant headed god.

His devotees pray to him for health and good luck. They do this by purchasing a clay idol of him and then decorate him with fresh flower garlands and cute little umbrellas, which are to keep the rains away. On Wednesday morning people where out everywhere buying their Ganesha and the offerings to decorate them. It was so lovely and colorful, some of the statues are just plain clay and others are highly painted. On streets eveywhere there are Temples set up with music being played and peolpe making offerings of flowers. Our photo's didn't do justice to the day, its a bit hard to get good shots out of a fast moving car.

In 3,5,or 10 days later people then take their statues to the beach and throw them in the ocean, with the wish that they will be blessed next year when Ganeseh will return. Imagine the state of the beach and how this must effect the environment. The beaches are already filthy, as if they need anymore rubbish.


Just another day in" Idol " worshiping India.