Happy Sankranti....

Sesame and Jaggery Laddos made for makar Sankranti, a festival that yearmarks the winter solstice marks the beginning of the gradual increase of the duration of the day, apart from a harvest festival is also regarded as the beginning of an auspicious phase in the Indian culture as the 'holy phase of transition'. It marks the end of an inauspicious phase which according to the Hindu calendar begins around mid-December and ends on this day. The sweets shared on this day marks new beggining of relationships and welbeing....

Xmas Evening @ Brigade Road...

Brigade Road lights up on the Xmas Eve, the celebrations and shopping goes hand in hand! Merry Christmas to all the BDP Patrons! 

Xmas Streets...

100_4415, a photo by rajesh_dangi on Flickr.

Festive and holiday moods rule the city, many out vising their relatives or taking vacations other hosting visitors, the Xmas magic is seen around!

Diwali shopping...

100_4085, a photo by rajesh_dangi on Flickr.

The Diyas (Lamps) sold on the pavement draws crowds at large, the diwali shopping is fun with the family or all by oneself....

Fun with Crackers ..

IMG_3686, a photo by rajesh_dangi on Flickr.

The joy of Diwali doubles busting crackers, these young ones celebrate the festivities with few sparkles ...

Diwali Shopping...

100_4090, a photo by rajesh_dangi on Flickr.

the streetshops are busy making most of the opportunity few go beyond and setup stalls on pavements to make it easy for passers by. The sweet tooth has no limits...

Happy Diwali...

100_4083, a photo by rajesh_dangi on Flickr.

The roads are buzzing with the colours and crackers busting in the background! the Diwali celebrations are in full swing and people are enjoying with their friends and relatives, the shopkeepers are happy too!

Jai Ganesha!!

, a photo by rajesh_dangi on Flickr.

Most of the households in the city are busy worshipping lord Ganesha to seek his blessings durign the festivities....here is BDP wishing all patrons a happy Ganesha festival!!

The Arrival...

The festivities have begin and lords have arrived, these idols kept on the roadside will soon be taken to homes or pandals by the devotees. The arrival of lord Ganesha is auspicious and divine as always.  from the environmental aspects there is more and more awareness being created to make idols from clay and not to use Plaster of Paris. i.e. POP which does not get diluted after immersion in the city lakes...

Upcoming Festivities...

100_3322, a photo by rajesh_dangi on Flickr.

The festive occasions for Gauri Ganesh pooja is just next month, the shops are helping customers prepare for the same and display the face masks of the goddess that will be worshipped across all homes... !

Raksha Bandhan....

100_3293, a photo by rajesh_dangi on Flickr.

Its a holy bond between the brother and sister, more profoundly between two with respect, love and protective feeling comes to life today as a festive occasion of Raksha bandhan. The roadside stalls sell these Rakhi's ( bands) that are tied on the wrist of the protector...there are many who tie these to the gods and godmen too....

Happy Ugadi

IMG_0718a, a photo by rajesh_dangi on Flickr.

The new year unfolds excitement and celebrations, the first day of the Hindu Calender brings in decoration of tools, this tracker on the city outskirts reflects the spirit of celebration....

Vibrant colours of life...

Vibrant colours of Holi, workaholics celebration over the weekend and enjoy the vibrant colours of expression of friendship and love.....!!

Weapons of Mass Coluring ...

100_2043, a photo by rajesh_dangi on Flickr.

As the city celebrates festival of colour, Holi!! The roadside shops support the cause via providing these toys to the masses, the day will be full of colurful activities both indoor and outdoors....

Holi Colors...

100_2044, a photo by rajesh_dangi on Flickr.

Festival of colours invites range of colours and shops are stocking the brighter ones, many though shifted from chemical to natural ones yet the fun is unlimited!

Eid Mubarak!!

100_1095, a photo by rajesh_dangi on Flickr.

While the Deepawali lights are off the streets, the Eid celebrations begin, this market street has entire tree illuminated to mark the celebration.....EID MUBARAK!!

Diwali Colors...

IMG_6161, a photo by rajesh_dangi on Flickr.

Home painted Diyas are in the trend now, this festive season many households got this done and gifted them to friends and families on the festive occasion, the bright innovation certainly added a positive vibe to festive spirit....

Snack time...

100_0891, a photo by rajesh_dangi on Flickr.

During the recent festivities one of the major attraction was food served at different pooja pandals was regional, the bengali food was on of the major attractions with katirolls being my favorite...

Festive Signs Remain...

100_0282, a photo by rajesh_dangi on Flickr.

The Ganesha came and gone, few pandals which host the Ganesha Festival for neighborhoods still kept the signs on in the glory of the grand celebrations....

Ganesha Visarjan....

100_0291, a photo by rajesh_dangi on Flickr.

On his way back to return next year, lord Ganesha idol is taken in a procession with lot of crackers and local bands with several people joining the with enthusiasm for the immersion in the local lake....