Ganpati Bappa Mourya !

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~Jay Ganesh, Jay Ganesh, Jay Ganesh Devaa |

Maataa Jaakii Paarvatii, Pitaa Mahaadevaa ||

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Ek Dant Dayaavant, Chaar Bhujaadhaarii |

Maathe Par Tilak Sohe, Muuse Kii Savaarii ||

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Ganesh Chatuthi was celebrated all over India recently dhum-dhaam se like every year. This dhum-dham was unknown to me until I experienced Ganesh Chaturthi in Mumbai. While in Assam , I had no idea how grandly this festival is celebrated- specially in Maharashtra. Any book on Mumbai will be incomplete if we don't dedicate a chapter on this festival & it's grandeur. Unfortunately, I wasn't lucky enough to visit and have a darshan of 'Lalbag Cha Raja' ; but still I could experience very well this grand festival, quite my own way. :)

I had clicked this pic of Ganesh ji couple of years back. This pandal was near our hostel in Chembur,Mumbai 

I had a very short stay in Mumbai, but the memories treasured throughout the journey always hold a special place in my heart. It was the first time stepping out of comfort zone & being this far from home handling everything all alone. My first job, my hostel, bunch of new friends ,the Mumbai city and the 'SEA' - a super lovely package indeed ! 

Sea has always been so special for Mumbai- something that doesn't change ever rather witnesses thousands of people realizing their dreams everyday in the city, witnesses their failure, love cuddles and what not! Check out the snap :) .

Another beautiful click from my hostel room's window (above). I could stand for hours and hours watching this and a cup of tea will be just complimentary :). Well, surely I can dedicate a full blog on Mumbai !

This year in Bangalore, I too had Ganesh Puja at my small rented flat.This was sudden and seriously made me so happy. Right from the pre-puja arrangements to the proper puja meal, everything was so unplanned yet so good. I would like to mention the proper Bengali bhog which we offer and that remains quite same in all Pujas. The thali includes- Niramish Khichudi, Labda ( mixed vegetables), Paanch rokom bhaja ( vegetable chips, mostly 5 kinds), Luchi (Puris), Suji/Rawa halwa , Chaatni ( a sweet & sour light tomato curry) and Laddoo ( Ganesh ji's favorite). Sadly, I don't have any picture of the thali now, will surely post it some other day. Sharing some snaps of 'amar ghorer puja'.

I specially love this pic because of the smoke and light play !

So much fond of Diyas and lights. The banana leaf strip and the beautiful small purple flowers were just the add-on !

Another click , now with the touch of yellow.

May Lord Ganesha bless everyone with  happiness and prosperity.

Stay blessed !

BD

Chopsticks !

Chopsticks !  Well the name itself does signify how much I love food and what is this blog all about. 'Food & Living' always have been my subjects of interest but ironically I ended up being a geeky software developer. Can't really stress upon the word "geeky" though- but boring for sure.Sad but that's surely not going to eat up all my life. Like everyone, I too struggle and juggle to maintain a balance between job and passion & hence the blog. I am not an expert in anything but would be immensely happy if I get opportunity to share whatever I know or experience with others. Being a true Bong, its quite obvious that I have my inclination towards food and love to explore the Food world. And the thrust for creativity, music & art comes very naturally. Its so much in our blood! :P
Our life is nothing but kind of sugar and spice combination, more of anything can spoil the dish; so balancing becomes a necessity- be it home, job or passion. I will love to share my cooking experiences, photographs & other titbit in this blog and earn happiness which can just help in making up my imbalances of life :)

And now if we are talking about balancing, what can be the apt example other than "Chopsticks". Well, the picture shows my first set of chopsticks that I had to buy because of my friend's nagging. But the deal was not a waste, noodles seems extra tastier when eaten with these lovely sticks ;). The simple it looks, the tough it is to use. I was sure that I can learn using it at one go.When I was a kid, I used to practice using two pencils tied up with a rubber band. That was quite fascinating then & now if I think -"It was weird! ". Practically, I could use it only after many rounds of trials. If you know how to balance the two sticks between your fingers , you can pick up smallest of the veggies quite easily. Life is almost like a hot and yummy bowl of noodles , the two sticks represent our professional & personal life for instance and the veggies are the small small happiness that comes every now and then. All we need is to hold the sticks in a proper way and relish. Ah! life is surely gonna be better then, isn't it ?

Can't use chopsticks? Hmm, just throw the sticks away and gulp down everything using your hand. Why to complicate life !! :)

Stay happy !