Ganapati Bappa Moraya!!!

This past week, millions of Indians celebrated Ganesh Chaturthi. The festivals are the most elaborate in Maharashtra and parts of Western India where families create these large idols of the elephant god, Lord Ganesha. People celebrated on the streets, in the alleys, in public venues, housing complexes, home, just about everywhere. And although i got two days off form work this week in honor of the holiday, i really couldn't actually go anywhere. The streets were filled with bright, bright lights. It was almost like Christmas in New York, times 50. On the way home from work yesterday, i just starred in owe out the window as we drove by all of the mini celebrations taking place on the streets. I watched my driver smile at all of the different celebrations going on as he too celebrated the holiday.  In some instances, he looked like a young boy with his eyes wide open like a child that go everything they wished for on their birthday.  I watched him drive, and as we passed the idols on the streets, he would bring his hands together in the position of a prayer and quietly spoke a few words in honor and obedience to Lord Ganesh. 

Earlier in the week, many Indians celebrated Ramzan Id/Eid-ul-Fitar, an Islamic holiday to celebrate the end of the fast. Many people just call it Eid. Several of my friends and co-workers celebrated the holiday in full blast.  They had organized communal meals, bought fresh new clothes and invited family members to their homes to exchanges gifts and cards.  I was very fortunate to be invited to many celebrations and gathering to enjoy the festivities but i previously made plans to attend a wedding. Although i was a bit sad that it was not a traditional Indian wedding with traditional Indian attire and dancing, i was thrilled to be a guest at this Christian Indian wedding.  The groom also worked at Nielsen so i didn't feel too bad crashing the wedding. It turned out to be a beautiful event and i had the opportunity of meeting several new people. I will however be in a traditional Indian wedding this coming December so i absolutely cannot wait until then!

I also spent some of my time off roaming the city of course......

and my favorite videos of the week--->