It was a simple moment. It was spontaneous. It lasted about 60 seconds. And I’d almost call it spiritual.
No, it was not a one-night stand with a one-minute man.
It was this:
It was this moment, on this Mumbai beach, with this man, immersed in the most joyous energy I have ever felt in my veins. How lucky am I that it was captured on camera. Thank you Gaurav!
It was September 22, the last day of a 10-day festival called Ganesh Chaturthi. It is the most celebrated day in the Hindu religion, and hence, most of India. It is a day to worship Lord Ganesha, the god of wisdom, prosperity and good fortune.
On this day, Ganesha statues – to which families have been praying in their homes – are brought to a beach and immersed in the water. It symbolizes a send-off to Ganesha’s home, taking with him the misfortunes of his followers. It may sound a bit odd (I can’t imagine taking a Buddha statue or a large cross and dumping it in the ocean), but it is really fascinating.
Maja, Gaurav and I were instantly smitten when we arrived at Juhu Chowpatty. The beach was dotted with pink-tika’d people, beautiful saris, Ganeshas in all colors, shapes and sizes, children splashing in the water. Hundreds of families were gathered around their Ganesha statues – praying, singing, chanting, dancing. Then there was more praying, singing, chanting, dancing as they made their way into the waters to send off their god.
I’m presently not in a religious place in my life. But there was something really special in the air that even I felt some level of spirituality.
I think it was the feeling of pure joy all around me. I can’t think of a time I have ever been surrounded by so many people who were so, so happy. These smiles were so vibrant, the laughter so real. These prayers were delivered with such deep passion.
One of my favorite things I saw on this day was children whispering into the ears of their Ganesha statues before sending them off to sea. OMG – Oh My Ganesha – it was precious! (See photo on left)
In my wide-eyed joy, I had already immersed myself, fully clothed, up to my waist in the ocean. I wanted to go all the way to help immerse a whole Ganesha but I noticed it was only men doing it (not sure why). But I also had my camera and didn’t wanna risk ruining it.
I proceeded to join several different families in prayer around their gorgeous Ganeshas. I accepted gifts of modak and other sweet treats from complete strangers. When someone chanted, “Ganapathi Bappa!” I danced around and chanted, “Morya!” I didn’t know what it meant, but I felt so alive!
Which brings me to my moment. After hours of hopping around from the open arms of one family into another and another and another, I came upon a large gathering of people dancing. Some were dancing alone without a care in the world, others danced in group circles. And then there were the spinners. Youuu know – two people, forearms crossed, holding hands, leaning back and spinning as fast as they can. It looked like so much fun! I must’ve looked like a kid at a candy store, because one smiling man would grab me by the arms, crouch down to my eye level, and say, “Just do it!”
With a whole lot of encouragement from this group of happy strangers, I kicked off my flip flops and I did it.
How, exactly, did spinning in a silly circle become my single favorite moment in India? I’m not sure words can describe it. But I’ll try.
It was the energy. It was the people singing and chanting and clapping their hands. It was being lost in a moment where the world was a huge blur and the only clear thing in my line of vision was the beaming smile of this complete stranger covered in pink tika. It was being a part of something way bigger than myself and anyone I was sharing this beach with. It felt like magic.
That was my moment. Pure, clear joy. I think it might’ve been the single most joyous moment I’ve had – not only in India – but this entire year of travel.
Here are some more photos from my evening at Ganesh Chaturthi:
