Tuesday 30 December 2008

Youngsters Will Rock The Community at Distortion 08



People who have talent have the ability to raise funds because their talent will draw the crowd towards them and their message can be spread informally.

Six of Mumbai's top upcoming band will create an original song based on a theme, and perform at this final event tonight, the 30th December, from 830 pm onwards, at the Hard Rock Cafe at Lower Parel

Distortion 08 is a competition which is not only about the music but also about rocking for a cause. Six bands (each backed by six NGO’s) chosen from the 35 bands participating from all across the country will create on original composition for the cause they support. And the winner will win a record deal with Make Music Records, apart from a cash prize.

Distortion is an event property that invites upcoming and new bands from across the country to compete on a common platform. The property's name comes from the insight that ‘many people have a distorted vision of things happening around them’. This year, the property has associated with six NGOs, to bring to light some issues and get the youth involved through the platform.

The property took inception in 2007. The property is run by Foxymoron, a company formed by college students. Organizers have attempted to grow the property, in the form of increased participation and the added objective of promoting relevant social and environmental causes.

In 2007, they had an event, but it was much smaller and only a college-scale event. This year, they attempted to scale it up by inviting more participation. They had participation from across the country and had bands participating from Delhi and Assam. Participants had sent in a demo of their band and they had shortlist from these. This year they had 36 bands participating. They then short listed the 16 who then performed at the elimination round at Not Just Jazz by the Bay, Mumbai, and a final six will be a part of the finals tonight."

On the promotion of the event and extended reach of the property this year, Pratik Gupta, Executive Director, Foxymoron said, "We as a company specialize in social media marketing. So that has been our primary medium of communication and creating awareness. Besides, being a youth-centric event, social media is the best way to get in touch with this audience."

The six NGOs that have signed up are PETA (animal welfare), Breakthrough (domestic violence and women rights), Yuva Pratishthan (social responsibility), Akanksha (street children), Gyaan (global warming) and Cancer Patients Aid Association (cancer awareness).

Hope to see you at the Hard Rock Cafe tonight.

The entry is Rs. 100

Sunday 28 December 2008

We will have clean beaches in Mumbai

Thursday 25 December 2008

Shradhanjali...Ek Shyam Veeron Ke Naam.


Mumbai is limping back to normalcy but the pain of 26/11 terror still lurks around.

The Kala Ghoda Association is organizing a music concert on Rampart Row, Kala Ghoda on Friday 26th December, from 6pm to 10pm, a month after the attack on Mumbai.

11 well known artistes will perform a couple of songs each, as a tribute to those who lost their lives in the worst terror attack our nation has seen.

They are:

Pt. Shiv Kumar Sharma
Talat Aziz
Pankaj Udhas
Anup Jalota
Ustad Rashid Khan
Anuradha Paudwal
Sonu Nigaam
Shankar Mahadevan
Jaspinder Narula
Kavita Seth
Shilpa Rao
Music arrangements by Jeetu Shankar

Families of those who passed away in the terror attack will be invited.

Eminent personalities such as Javed Akhtar, Shabana Azmi and Farukh Sheikh will say a few words.

An exhibition of 50 Photographs that press photographers took at the time of the terror attack shall be displayed. Out of these 13 are award winning photographs.

All performances shall be free of cost to the public.

Security arrangements will be made.

We request your support
Please do come and tell your friends to come too.

Saturday 6 December 2008

Mumbai for Peace - Human Chain - 12th December



Dear Citizens for Peace supporters,

Mumbai for Peace, a collective of organisations in the city is organising a Human Chain on the 12th December at noon.

Here is the announcement:


We, the people of Mumbai, from all walks of life, of all faiths, all linguistic groups, all ages, will express our commitment to peace by coming out on the streets and holding hands in unity from 12 noon to 12.15 pm. on Friday the 12th of December, 2008. (Map below.)

We, the people of Mumbai, who have seen hatred and bloodshed in our city, pledge that we will not give in to terror and to those who preach war, violence, hatred and intolerance. We undertake to keep Mumbai a city that is peaceful and united. We commit to building a world based on the principles of tolerance and peace, equality and justice.

We expect:

1. Government to take responsibility and map out long-term and short-term strategies, and take action on them.

2. Accountability, better coordination amongst various security and intelligence agencies to deal with terror and sharing of intelligence and information.

3. Joint action between India and Pakistan governments to curb religious extremism of all shades in both countries.

4. Punishment of those responsible for attacks on minorities, which is also an attack on the multi-cultural body politic of India.

5. Swift, transparent and credible trial and punishment for all those involved in terror, whatever the religion they may profess.

6. Protection of civil and human rights of people and no arrests and torture of innocents in the name of anti-terror measures.

7. A comprehensive Communal Violence Bill in place of the one pending in the Parliament.

8. Immediate implementation of police reforms, providing equipment and training, basic service conditions to police personnel and state security forces. Active facilitation of community participation in security and intelligence gathering.

9. Moderation and sensitivity in media reporting of violence whether terrorist or any other form, through self-regulation.

10. A policy to evolve, for legal action against hate speech and demonisation of any religion or community.

Mumbai For Peace - a campaign of Mumbai based organisations.

Aapli Mumbai
Aawaaz-e-Niswan
Action Aid (Maharashtra)
Action for Good Governance and Networking in India (AGNI)
Akshara
Alternative Reality
Awami Bharat
Bombay Catholic Sabha
Bombay Urban Industrial League for Development (BUILD)
Centre for Enquiry into Health and Allied Themes (CEHAT)
Centre for Study of Society and Secularism (CSSS)
Church’s Auxiliary for Social Action (CASA)
Citizen’s Council for a Better Tomorrow (CCBT)
Citizens for Peace
City Taxi Union
EKTA
Federation of Association of Maharashtra (FAM)
Focus on the Global South
Forum Against Oppression of Women (FAOW)
Girni Kamgar Sangharsh Samiti (GKSS)
Holy Name Parish
India Centre for Human Rights and Law
Indian’s Social Movement
Insaaniyat
Institute of Community Organization Research (ICOR)
Jamat-e-Islami Hind
Justice & Peace Commission (JPC)
Lesbians And Bisexual In Action (LABIA)
Lok Rajniti Manch
Lourdes Church–Orlem
Mahatma Gandhi Foundation
Mahila Mukti Manch
MGM Medical College
Movement for Peace and Justice (MPJ)
National Alliance of People’s Movements (NAPM)
Nav Maharashtra Yuva Abhiyan
Navdanya
Navnirman Samaj Vikas Kendra (NSVK)
Nazareth Church
Nivara Hakk Suraksha Samiti (NHSS)
Our Lady of Dolores Church
Pakistan-India People’s Forum for Peace and Democracy (PIPFPD)
People’s Media Initiative (PMI)
Public Concern for Governance Trust (PCGT)
Roshni Graha Community Centre
Sadbhavna Sangh
Sameep Pratishthan
Sarva Sewa Sangh
St Xavier’s College
Suraksha
Vidrohi Sanskrutik Chalwal
Women’s Health and Rights Advocacy Partnership – South Asia (WHRAP-SA)
Women’s Centre (Vakola)
Xavier’s Institute of Communication (XIC)
Young Men Christian Association (YMCA)
Youth for Unity & Voluntary Action (YUVA)

And there is a route map here: http://maps.google.com/maps/ms?ie=UTF8&hl=en&msa=0&msid=114139590096115033245.00045d60148d3dd953431&ll=18.981948,72.831802&spn=0.166872,0.2211&z=12

Sunday 30 November 2008

In Remembrance and in Solidarity



We, the Mumbaikars, are really shocked with the recent terrorist attacks, but we will stay united and we want to bring change. We won’t take this lying down. There are various events in Mumbai and elsewhere to mourn the dead and build strength for the future.

If you are in Mumbai, Come and join us. You can take part in any of these events that are held in various parts of city.

Gateway - Non Co-operation Movement
For those who've laid down their lives on 26/27 Nov 08

Wednesday, December 3, 2008
Time: 6:00pm - 10:00pm
Location: Gateway of India


A Non Co-operation movement is something to show that we are not taking this lying down. It is something that can tell the leaders and politicians that we want our safety. Let it be started by the corporate. Its a nameless, leaderless movement. Let's show them how many we are and how angry and tired and frustrated we are. Let's all come together at Gateway of India.. Let's ask for what's our right to live fearlessly. Let us devote one evening of our life to it. It's worth it.


Walk for peace and harmony

Wednesday, December 3, 2008
6:00pm - 8:00pm
Gateway of India, Bombay

Peace Protest and Meeting

Thursday December 4
(Time to be finalised)
KC College, Churchgate
(Meeting will culminate in a march to CST STATION, felicitating those who acted promptly).

Mumbai for Peace

Wednesday, December 10th (International Human Rights Day)
1 p.m.
South Mumbai (exact location and map in a short while)

Light a Candle

Monday, December 1
7,00pm to 8.00pm
At home or wherever you are.

Light a candle on the 1st of December at 7.30 PM for all the victims of the ongoing terrorism activities all over Mumbai.

Thanking the protectors of Mumbai

From Friday 28th November to Saturday, December 27th

At your nearest police station, fire brigade or army/navy/airforce base

*Note: this is not a one-day event. Or even an "event" at all. It's a suggestion, an altering of mindset, a small step on the way forward. You haven't missed it. You can do this any time, any place.*Our brave, brave police, armed forces and firefighters have been putting their lives at risk to bring our city back to normal. Many have died.

We often criticize them vociferously; we probably will do so again. And we should. Later.

But now is a good time to show our gratitude and respect for what they've done since the night of the 26th.

Go over to your neighborhood police station, fire brigade or army/navy/air force base.

Light a candle or a diya and leave it there.

Or leave a card, or a note of appreciation.

Or a flower.

Shake the hand of any police, army or fire brigade personnel on the spot, say thank you, and explain why you're doing this.

Do this whenever you can, wherever you can. You don't have to be in Bombay. This could have happened anywhere in the world.

(People in other countries and Indians abroad: you may want to do this at your nearest Indian embassy or consulate.)

We have to salute all those brave policemen, army and navy soldiers for doing their best to keep all of us safe.

Thursday 27 November 2008

Only the cowards kill the innocent

The first call that I received informing me about the terror in Mumbai told me to stay indoors.

Indoors I stayed.

Helplessly, I watched the senseless behavior of terrorist as they spread fear and terror in the city.



I watched TV, I read the paper on the net and prayed for the safety of the innocent people who were at wrong place at wrong time.









But Mumbai will bounce back and terrorist will burn in hell.

Thursday 23 October 2008

Plays in Mumbai during this Diwali week end

If I need to escape from noise pollution of fire crackers and traffic in Mumbai, the best place to relax my feet would be at the theatres that organize plays in Mumbai. There are some interesting plays that have caught my attention during this weekend. like:

´Biwi-O-Biwi´, a two hour play (by Indian People's Theatre Association (IPTA)) that deals with the theme of modern male chauvinism and how the modern woman stands up to and fights against it. This play promises to be Super-hit, star-studded comedy play in Hindi. It sounds interesting with the cast such as Rakesh Bedi, Rashmi Sharma, Avtar Gill, Sulabha Arya & others.

This drama is on Oct 26, 2008 at 6:00 PM at Prithvi Theatre20 Janki Kutir, Juhu Church Road, Juhu

Another play that I would like to watch is Tajmahal Ka Tender. This paly explores the possibility of Shahjahan coming alive and giving orders to construct the Taj Mahal in today's day and age. The bureaucratic machinery along with its infamous RED TAPE comes into action and takes the emperor for a long roller-coaster ride. Whether the Tajmahal is finally made or not, is a thing to be seen. The play is full of wit, humour and sarcasm.
This has a star cast of Rakesh Bedi, Rajan Kapur, Avtar Gill, Pramod Dubey & others. And is directed by Salim Alif

There are two shows on Oct 25, 2008, at 06:00 PM, and at 09:00 PM at Prithvi Theatre 20 Janki Kutir, Juhu Church Road, Juhu

There is one more play in the South of Mumbai at NCPA - Experimental TheatreNariman Point, NCPA Marg & Dorabji Tata Road

On Oct 26, 2008 at 06:30 PM, there is a play called ´ All About Women ´ (an Akvarious Productions ) this is Written by Miro Gavran. And directed by Hidaayat Sami with the cast as Ratnabali Bhattacharjee, Prerna Chawla, Nimrat Kaur, Tejaswini Kolhapure, Vandana Prabhu, Mallaika Shenoy, Shivani Tanksale and others.

The journey into the female psyche can be a pretty arduous, if not confusing one. This play attempts that very journey with five life stories alternatively interweaving. The stories range from poignant to hilarious; while the characters range from insightful to absurd, but always remain real. The protagonists are all women: sisters, friends, colleagues at work, old women and little children and the play presents their diverse experiences regarding love, friendship, and careers, hoping to reveal all about women.

Watching a play during this festive week-end should be fun, I am sure……

Source http://www.buzzintown.com/

Monday 20 October 2008

Commuting in Mumbai trains….A real madness!


This is the common sight in Mumbai during peak hours when people have no patience to wait for the train which will secure them comfortable seats.

But how long can they wait? Vacant seats are available only at the starting point. People traveling long distances will not give their seat to anybody not even to a handicapped.

One can see small big oral and physical fights which basically happen because of uncomfortable travel.



Are we born on the wrong side of the planet? Will we ever travel in style? Will we ever see trains that have room for everybody to be comfortable?

What should we do with stainless steel railway coaches with interiors of fibre reinforced plastic that look like insides of an aircraft? We need to travel comfortably.



Will be ever blessed with commuting to work with comfort and style in Mumbai?



I too would love to travel in style in my own city of Mumbai.

Alas! It is just a dream!

Tuesday 7 October 2008

Mahanagar mein Dastaan,,,,,A live show with a difference..



is the lost artform of storytelling. Mahmood Farooqui, an actor and a writer based in Delhi, revived this art form. Together with Danish Husain he is putting this artform back on the performing arts' map.

If you are in Mumbai on Sunday 19th October 2008, see them perform at Bhavan's Cultural Centre (Near Andheri Recreational Club) , Munshi Nagar, Dadabhai Road, Andheri West from 7:30pm to 9:00 pm

They will perform two dastans, one traditional and one contemporary, for this show. Both these tales have not been publicly performed in Mumbai.

The first tale is from the traditional Dastan-e-Amir Hamza and is about Amar Ayyaar, the trickster, slaying Mahtaab Jadoo, a sorcerer and Afrasiyaab's aide.

The second tale builds upon their earlier performance on the Partition of India and extends it to the Indian Muslims experience after 1947.

This is the show not to be missed and the best part is that you don’t need the language to enjoy the performance.

It is a cross between a theatre performance & a poetry reading. The words are wonderfully descriptive and conjure visions in your head. The performers are seated but use expressions, gestures, tone of voice & myriad other techniques to transport you into a realm of fantasy consisting partly of "tilisms" (alternate worlds), aiyyaars, sorcerers & magicians.

Moreover, the performance is free. What have you to lose?

Monday 6 October 2008

Are you in Mumbai for the celebration of Durga Puja?


Goddess Durga represents a united front of all Divine forces against the negative forces of evil and wickedness.

The image of Durga, the Eternal Mother destroying the demon, Mahishasur is symbolic of the final confrontation of the spiritual urge of man with his baser passions.

In Mumbai, Durga Puja is an enjoyable occasion. Puja is performed each day and devotees do not remove the flower garland that is put each day on the idol or image of the deity. After nine days, all nine garlands are removed together. Young girls who have not attained maturity are invited to eat, play games, dance and sing. An elephant is drawn with rangoli, and the girls play guessing games. Then they are fed a meal of their choice.

If you are in Mumbai check out these Puja pandals near you…..

1. Tejpal Hall, August Kranti Marg, Cumballa Hill, Off Peddar Road
2. Shivaji Park, Dadar
3. Shakti Samanta's Puja, Near National College, Off Linking Road, Bandra
4. Ramakrishna Temple Puja, 12th Road, Khar(W)
5. Mukherjee Badi Puja, near Poddar College, Off SV Road, Santacruz (W)
6. Abhijit's Puja, new Lokhandwala Complex, Lokhandwala, Andheri (W)
7. Kallol Kali Temple Puja, Bangur Nagar, Off Link Road, Goregaon (W)
8. Vashi Puja, Opp. Vashi Railway Station
9. Chembur Puja, Chembur Naka, Chembur
10. Hiranandani Gardens, Hiranandani, Powai
11. Kanjur Marg Puja, Naval Colony, Near Huma Adlabs, Kanjur Marg
12. Tara Singh Compound Puja, on LBS Road, Bhandup
13. EdenWoods Puja, Near Edenwoods, Thane (W)
14. Happy Valley, Thane (W)
15. Hiranandani Estate, Hiranandani, Thane (W)
image source: Google

Friday 3 October 2008

Kala Ghoda Festival, once more in Mumbai, Wow!



We had one Kala Ghoda festival in February 2008 and I had enjoyed every bit of it I had even blogged on the events on my other blog during that time. you can visit my blog to get the gist of my adventure.

It is here once again from the 9th to the 12th October 2008, every evening, at the Amphitheatre.

This year, you will see some of the regulars from the February festival as well as a lot of new and upcoming names.

There will be exhibition cum sale of article where rural artisans will display their talents and sell their wares. Among the varied and unique articles on exhibit and sale —

• Rare Thought (wrought iron furniture, interior accessories, home décor products)
• Rangoli Art (designer home accessories)
• Paper quiling
• Hand-painted stoles, dupattas, saris
• Ethnic and Western wear
• Books
• Tribal art
• Miniature paintings
• Durries
• Hand-embroidered kurtas
• Mojris
• Woodwork
• Handmade paper
• Traditional Kutch handicrafts and accessories

Then there are variety of programs lined up for the evenings and if you are interested in the culture and art you can watch the various performance:


Thursday, 9 October, 2008
* Shom Shukla
Vocal music
Amphitheatre • 6:00 pm - 7:00 pm

* Anup Jalota and Raavi More
Vocal music
Amphitheatre • 7:30 pm - 8:30 pm

Friday, 10 October, 2008
* Rahul Sharma
Santoor
Amphitheatre • 6:30 pm - 7:30 pm

* Quawalli Munnawar Masoom
Quawalli
Amphitheatre • 8:00 pm - 9:00 pm

Saturday, 11 October, 2008
* Samir Date
70s Retro Bollywood Melodies.
Amphitheatre • 6:30 pm - 7:30 pm

* Stop Gaps
Jazz and Pop
Amphitheatre • 7:30 pm - 8:30 pm

* Kavita Seth - Sufiana
Sufi Music
Amphitheatre • 8:30 pm - 9:30 pm

Sunday, 12 October, 2008
* Anand Lehari and Rajshri Shirke
Dance
Amphitheatre • 5:30 pm - 6:30 pm

* Aditi Yadav - Natawari - Fusion
Kathak and Belly Dancing
Amphitheatre • 6:30 pm - 7:30 pm

* Ranguphar - Nrityanjali
Folk Dances of India
Amphitheatre • 7:15 pm - 8:15 pm

* Terence Lewis - Out of the Box
Contemporary Dance
Amphitheatre • 8:30 pm - 9:30 pm

What a perfect way to spend a week end in Mumbai. Will you be there?

Monday 29 September 2008

Women of Mumbai……Stand up and Be counted !


Speak up and be heard, Ring the bell (Bell Bajao) to stop the violence!

A campaign has been launched in Mumbai which focuses at protecting violence against domestic violence. The actor, Boman Irani, has been chosen as the brand Ambassador of the Bell Bajao Campaign.

Click HERE to see the video of the inauguration.

You can make the difference too. Your speaking out against domestic violence will give a voice to one out of every three women who face domestic violence behind closed doors. World over, domestic violence is a serious concern. It's not just happening to the woman who's beaten by her husband; it's also happening to the girl whose brother curses her and calls her names, and the elderly lady whose son won't give her money because, "she doesn't need it". Only men and women acting together can make a difference.

Click
HERE to learn about how men can take the initiative.

Using bell bajao u can ring a bell and stop domestic violence immediately before it is too late!

Monday 8 September 2008

Do Expats really love our city, ´Mumbai´?

My NRI family and friends always complain about heat, dust and pollution whenever they visit me and I am apologetic. They complain about the poverty on the streets and the time wasted in commuting from one place to another. But still, they have a very good time in Mumbai and always promise to return back again´.

Mumbai is the city of contradictions and who knows it better than French actor Julien Mulot, who decided to pack his bag, leave his home in Paris to write his memoirs of his stay in Mumbai and his coming to terms with the ways of this city. He had serious issues with Mumbai. His experience as a resident of Malad forms the punch line of the play: malade in French means sick, a fitting description for the chaotic suburb.

But a piece that begins as a complaint turns too hastily into a celebration of the city’s spirit of inclusion as Mulot marvels at a conservative society’s acceptance of hijras, a community that he feels would still not be tolerated in Europe

The silent dimly lit auditorium is jolted out of its lethargy as loud music breaks out from a stereo and a motion picture runs on the projector behind the stage. A tall young man clad only in white rises from his stupor and starts talking in French. And you don't have to read the English subtitles on the screen behind to get drawn into the powerful performance and get engrossed in this monologue, which is a telling account of an outsider struggling to adapt to a culture that is alien and yet familiar to him. Mulot rants about his love-hate relationship with the city as projections of clichéd images of beggars, rag pickers, slums and traffic jams flash across his body.

Mulot’s character falls asleep dreaming of hijras and wakes up in the second half in The Fridge, which seems disconnected from the earlier rant. This intensely hallucinatory, well-crafted piece by French-Argentine writer Raul Damonte Botana hinges on five hysterical characters raving about their age, drug addictions and sexuality, without seeming to follow a logical train of thought. At the heart of this monologue is an ageing model who has decided to write her memoirs. Mulot juggles between male and female characters with relative ease and skilfully conveys their erotic and psychotic states.

Stars On Earth is divided between two parts - the first is written by Julien and his experience as a Frenchman in India, while the second part is written by French writer Raul Damonte Botana. There are seven characters in the play, and all seven are played by Julien.

But despite its split personality, the story enfolds seamlessly, and is primarily about a foreigner living in Mumbai. Julien has incorporated his personal experiences to portray his journey. Watching this play will surely make my NRI family and friends to look at Mumbai in a different perspective,

And stop complaining.. Will you?

Source : Time Out Mumbai , Google

Tuesday 2 September 2008

Welcome Ganesha, Welcome to My City of Mumbai



Ganeshutsav in Mumbai city is earmarked by the elaborate decorations and all wadis, lanes or sarvajanik mandals, as they are called, are dancing with joy.

There is sweet fragrance in the air and the good vibrations everywhere.

The famous Lal Baug cha Raja will welcome and bless more than one million visitors.

Adorned with jewellerys and fine clothing, he sure looks like a King.

SALUTATIONS to Lord Ganesha who is Brahman Himself, who is the Supreme Lord, who is the energy of Lord Shiva, who is the source of all bliss, and who is the bestowed of all virtuous qualities and success in all undertakings.

Mushikavaahana modaka hastha,
Chaamara karna vilambitha sutra,
Vaamana rupa maheshwara putra,
Vighna vinaayaka paada namasthe


MEANING: "O Lord Vinayaka! The remover of all obstacles, the son of Lord Shiva, with a form which is very short, with mouse as Thy vehicle, with sweet pudding in hand, with wide ears and long hanging trunk, I prostrate at Thy lotus-like Feet!"

Source: http://images.google.com/

Sunday 31 August 2008

Sign and pledge your support on online petition

at
'Mumbaikars for Mangroves'

and we will forward it to Maharashtra's Chief Minister



The very reason that you visit my blog on Mumbai is because you are as passionate about this city as I am, we cannot welcome a doomsday in the coming decade.

If you were in Mumbai on 26th July 2005, you will know what I am talking about. How can we ever forget that! As much as every Mumbaikar is proud of this city, it's time we heed the call to balance our selfish needs with Nature's warnings or destruction as was evident during the July 26 deluge.

If we cannot make our commercialisation go hand-in-hand with conserving mangroves, then we may not have a city to call our own anymore.

That's the reason we need to make a choice NOW – a choice to fight the pressures of development, human interference or pollution. A choice to save our lifeline. And, 'Mumbaikars for Mangroves' campaign is an ongoing movement to stop this mindless erosion, by bringing together a collective majority to support the cause of saving our city's natural bounty.

Saturday 30 August 2008

Wednesday 27 August 2008

Obama in Mumbai !!!



Anyone seen the "surprise" Obama convention video?

If you are an expatriate and democrat and stuck in this city of Mumbai, you can still attend the Democratic National Convention, whose goal is to nominate and confirm a candidate for President and Vice President, adopt a comprehensive party platform and unify the party.

The only difference is that you can party while watching Obama's acceptance speech, his famous Bollywood video, and other political spoofs (read Jon Stewart, SNL, etc) with your local Democrats Abroad!

And if you haven't registered to vote & requested your absentee ballot from www.VoteFromAbroad.org, you can do that too!

You can go and mingle, register for your absentee ballot, buy Obama gear, and celebrate on Sunday, August 31, from 3’00pm to 5’00pm at Architect studio, 3rd Pasta lane, at Colaba

You will find it easy, just look for the OBAMA 08 Sign.

Everything is possible in the city of Mumbai! What were you thinking?

Image source: http://images.google.com/

Hey Smoker

Irresponsible lass
Puffing away her hard earned cash
On a cloud of black mess

Technorati Profile

Friday 22 August 2008

Smokers might hide their cigarettes during this Ganpati festival

if they wish to get a good darshan of Lord Ganesha.

Ganesh mandals in the city will sport no-smoking messages this Ganesh Chaturthi. That’s one of the awareness tools, officials plan to use to make Mumbaikars aware about their bid to make the city smoke-free by 2009.

The race to 2009 is because Mumbai will host the 14th World Conference on Tobacco or Health in March that year.

But can the smokers, who are habitual to smoking really respect this smoke-free campaign? The only reason when smokers give up smoking is when they breathe the clean sterlised air of ICU and pay a huge resulting bills. It is then, that they realize that cost of a cigrette is not just few pennies.Otherwise, they dont care, they puff the poisonous smoke on their non-smoking family members. Irresponsible parents, who place their own pleasures above everything else, shorten their lives and deprive their children of bright future by passing on their bad habits for their children to ape.

Hopefully, Ganesh mandals will be able to rope in sincere citizens and help spread information and awareness about the ill-effects of tobacco and ensure that anti-tobacco laws are effectively enforced from October 2, the date when the Centre’s new rules come into place.

The conference from March 8 to 12 2009 is a prestigious international event which will attract 2,000 delegates including anti-tobacco ambassadors such as New York mayor Michael Bloomberg and the director general of the World Health Organisation Margaret Chan.

To proudly wear the badge of non-smokers, your time to quit smoking starts now, or else continue your smoking habits but dont forget to do your advance booking to your nearest graveyards for your untimely death.

source:http://epaper.timesofindia.com/

Saturday 16 August 2008

Zenzi, a resto-lounge Bar in Bandra will sing a poetic tune every 45 days

By inviting large number of poets who like to spew their fresh digestions on an unsuspecting audience.

It starts its maiden invitation ´In the beginning was the Word´ on Monday, 25th August between 9pm to 11:45 pm.
Every 45 days, henceforth, poets and writers will be invited to Performances of disruptive, alternative, slam, hip-hop, post-modern, oral poetry.

It will be a celebration of the spoken word. It will be a night that has no fixed performances, no routine; it will be a night full of surprises.

You will know you are approaching Zenzi bar at waterfield road, when you see a warm orange glow down the street, it is a resto-lounge bar with street-facing, low, open windows and you will see Thai and Balinese interiors, a touch of contemporary Asian, and a mix of wooden panels, glass doors and orange hues giving a warm transparency to an evening soirée of the verses, dancing words, playful rhythms, swarming and absorbing the fresh muse in the air.

This place is great in catering to every mood. Besides providing exceptional cuisine, Zenzi has taken an appreciative interest in hosting live acts and performances in music and organising various cultural events such as art exhibitions, salsa classes and now, poetry nights.

A social and communicative form of literature that entertains is the new idea that doesn’t exist but this is great beginning and lyricists will be happy too….

Wednesday 13 August 2008

Queer Prisoners in Mumbai need independence too……

On 16th August, at 3.30pm, the march of Queer Prisoners will start at August Kranti Maidan and end at Girgaum Chowpatty


Who is `queer'?
Queer was originally used as a put-down, but the word was reclaimed as a positive marker of identity by those whom society considered odd, strange or abnormal. They use the word to refer to all people marginalised by a society that is narrowly defined by hetero-normatively and by the male-female gender binary. Lesbian, gay, bisexual, hijra, transgender, kothi, panthi, intersex… all who identify with words like these are under the umbrella of the "queer" community.



Why Prisoners?
Because this country achieved Independence on 15th August, 1947, but its countless queer citizens are still not free.

They want to bring to the notice of both, society and the government on some issues that concern them such as:

• Under Sec. 377 of the Indian Penal Code their desires and relationships are considered to be criminal acts. They want this regressive law read down.

• Every individual is under tremendous pressure to marry a person of the opposite sex, as marriage is seen as a must in our society. They are launching a campaign against all such forced marriages.

• The Constitution must include provisions to deal with all discrimination on the grounds of sexuality or gender.

• They call for an end to homophobia and transphobia — an end to violence and hate within families, in educational institutions, at places of work and in public spaces.

They are attempting to garner as many signatures as possible on the open letter against 377.
You can either join them on their march to show your support or visit the following URL and sign the letter, to express your solidarity against this ancient and draconian law

http://p2.voicesaga inst377.org/

Organised by:

Aanchal Trust, Astitva, Dai Welfare Society, GayBombay, Humsaaya, Humsafar Trust, INFOSEM, Lesbians and Bisexuals in Action, Queer Media Collective, Rainbow Pride Connexion, Sakhi Char Chowghi, Salvation Star, Sarathi, Symphony in Pink

Img source: http://www.salaampress.com/

Sunday 10 August 2008

There is something more we can do than just salute the flag on 15th August


We could participate in I-Day Trash Dash.

It will be fun to scramble through Borivali’s Sanjay Gandhi National Park, s gathering as much rubbish as possible. The trail, which covers the Gandhi Smarak, recreational area, mini-train station and administration area, is dotted with picnic games and activities, adding to the competition. The teams that complete the trail and are found to have the heaviest bags of garbage walk away with prizes and as municipal trucks pick up the collection, everyone leaves a cleaner park behind.

This Independence Day, the Natura Outdoor Education Trust (NOET) will be inviting Mumbai-ites to the 3rd I-Day Trash Dash– a crazy marathon cum clean-up drive, through the Sanjay Gandhi National Park, Borivali


Most of the Mumbaite know about NOET (The Natura Outdoor Education Trust) which is a not-for-profit organisation that uses the wilderness and adventure as tools to promote learning, development and ecological conservation.

It is amazing how they draw people - young and old - into the magic of the wilderness, the true ‘Outdoors’, and challenge them with experiences that dramatically reveal amazing insights and offer fresh perspectives to enrich their lives beyond compare.

I am sure it will be more fun than visiting Malls with family and friends and emptying pockets while returning back.

Source http://www.timeoutmumbai.net/

Wednesday 6 August 2008

Have you ever watched video screenings of famous plays?



If you had enjoyed the films such as Nishant, Akrosh and Ardh Satya… then you might also enjoy some of the plays that will be playing at Nehru Centre because Vijay Tendulkar had written screenplays to such masterpieces of World Cinemas

The Nehru Centre will showcase the best of the country’s plays as part of its theatre festival

This is the Centre’s ‘12th edition’ of the festival, and is dedicated to the memory of playwright Vijay Tendulkar, who had won every award given by the government and private institutions to honour art, literature and cinema… including the Sangeet Natak Akademi, few Filmfares, Padma Bhushan and other state and national awards. His play ‘Ghasiram Kotwal’ has run for a record 1000 shows and over 3 decades.

However this year, the Nehru Centre has brought in an element of technology into its schedule of plays. For the first time in the festival’s history, the Nehru Centre will hold video screenings of famous plays. This move was prompted by the desire to share great original plays with the audience. The plays that will be screened are Ghasiram Kotwal, Shantata Court Chalu Aahe and Peter Brooke’s Mahabharat.

The Nehru Centre is presenting 12 different plays as part of its annual theatre festival this year.

Ghasiram Kotwal (video screening)
August 7 4.30pm

Vagina Monologues (English)
August 7 7.30pm

Ajnatobas (Bengali)
August 8 2.30pm

Shantata Court Chalu Aahe August 8 4.30pm
(video screening)

Agni Divya (Marathi)
August 8 7.30pm

Amarbeej (Rajasthani)
August 9 2.30pm

Peter Brooke’s Mahabharat
August 9 4.30pm
(video screening)

Kachche Lamhe (Hindi)
August 9 7.30pm

Ek Sapnu Badu Shaytani (Gujarati)
August 10 2 30pm

Mohandas (Hindi)
August 10 7.30pm

Aadipashya (Marathi)
August 11 2.30pm

Agni Mattu Malley (Kannada)
August 11 7.30pm

Sakharam Binder (Hindi)
August 12 7.30pm

Jindigi Retire Nahi Hundi (Punjabi)
August 13 7.30pm

For passes, call: 24964676 (ext 118)/ 24933340.

Will you be there? Huh?

Source:http://www.dnaindia.com

Friday 1 August 2008

A Resolve Against Terror, A Resolve For Peace


Even as the horrific acts of terror attempt to divide us and create insecurity and helplessness, we as citizens must not concede. While we condemn the bomb blasts in the cities of Bangalore and Ahmedabad and mourn the loss of the lives of innocent fellow citizens, there is an urgent need to build a resolve against terror

- by demanding better security and anti-terrorism measures from the State,
- by fostering greater anti-terrorism preparedness among citizens,
- by refusing to participate in any backlash and by resisting those who spread hatred
- by working actively towards building peace and harmony.

Citizens for Peace, in solidarity with AGNI, Aman Biradari, ANHAD, AVEHI, Bombay Sarvodaya Mandal, Citizens for Justice and Peace, Human Rights Law Network, Karmayog, Mohalla Committee Movement Trust, Muslims for Secular Democracy, Parivartan: a Need for Change, PRAJA, PUKAR, and several other organisations, invites you to a short and solemn event with music and poetry as well as readings on peace by Shyam Benegal, Shabana Azmi, Nandita Das and several others from different walks of life.

There will be no speeches.

We will also sign a joint Declaration demanding action from the State.

We see this peace meeting as part of an on-going effort to build a cohesive citizens network to defeat the forces of hatred and terror. Please join us in our endeavour to build peace and harmony in our country.

Show your support by attending a Rally on Wednesday, August 6, 2008 between 5:15pm - 6:30pm at Patkar Hall, SNDT Womens University Street: New Marine Lines, Churchgate
Contact Info Phone: 912222830022
Email: michelle@citizensforpeace.in

Place your RSVP at http://www.new.facebook.com/event.php?eid=27790111929

Thursday 31 July 2008

Would you like to feast your eyes at Art Galleries this week-end?

Every visitor in Mumbai, who is interested in art will know about Jahangir Art Gallery. Technically in the same compound as the Prince of Wales Museum, though approached from further up MG Rd is Jehangir Art Gallery. It is Mumbai’s best-known venue for contemporary art and is frequently used for art and photographic exhibitions. Here, the visitor can get an idea of modern Indian painting and sculpture.

The Gallery is open for five days: Monday to Friday from 10 am to 5 pm and has visitors all day long.

But there are many more art galleries scattered around the city which are equally good and a feast of our eyes.

If you are in Mumbai this week end, you can check art galleries around Mumbai city.

Suchitrra Arts: 2642-6479
Freshly squeezed
Debraj Goswami, Jignasa Joshi and others let their creative juices flow.
1 Hill View, Second Floor,
Mon-Sat 11am-7pSm.


Osmosis Gallery: 3091-1534
Group Show Osmosis Gallery
Akbar Padamsee is part of this group show
175 Aram Nagar II, JP Road, Varsova
Wed-Mon 11am-7pm.

Nehru Centre : 2496-4676
Group Show Circular Gallery
Kishir Shikhare, Prabhakar Doud, Rahul Salve and Priya Shikhare show paintings.
Discovery Of India Building, Worli

DD Neroy Gallery : -
Group Show DD Neroy Gallery
Arvind Sutar, Deepak Bharadwaj and others show paintings.
Bombay Mutual Terrace,
Mon-Sat 10.30am-6pm.

Pradarshak : 2646-2681
Vidyarthi Vishesh
This annual student show is the gallery’s effort to showcase young artists.
100 Kalpana Building, Bandra
mon-sat 11am-7pm.

Studio Napean : 3263-9722
Group Show Studio Napean
Basukinath Dasgupta, Shivaramachary Y and Kamalnayan Deori show paintings.
Matru Ashish, Shop No 17-18,
mon-sat 10.30 am-8pm.

Veh Art Gallery : 2438-0566
Rim-Zim
The gallery’s annual monsoon show has 60 paintings selected from 500 entries.
B1, Swapna Bhoomi, SK Bole Road
mon-sat 10am-7.30pm

Gallery Art & Soul : 2496-5798
Surviwall
Roul Hemanta is inspired by graffiti
1 Madhuli, Dr Annie Besant Road
mon-sat 11am-7pm.

Point of View : 2218-6151
Engulfed Beneath the Horizon
An exhibition of paintings by young artists. The list includes Kumar, Nilesh Prajapati, and Arunabha Mondal.
63/65 Wodehouse Road
Mon-Sat 11am-7pm.

Kamalnayan Bajaj Art Gallery : 2202-3626
Group Show Kamalnayan Bajaj Art Gallery
Monsoon-inspired art by many artists, including Revati Dalvi and Nishant Dangre.
Ground Floor, Bajaj Bhawan,
Mon-Sat 11am-7pm.

Legacy Art Gallery : 2281-7581
Monsoon Show
The gallery wets its feet with the mandatory show inspired by the rainy season. Artists include Shyamal Mukherjee and Somnath Maity and others.
112 Maker Chambers
mon-sat 11am-7pm.

The Guild : 2287-5839
Myths of Unspoken Biospheres
Jeetander Ojha and Sudeesh K show paintings. The show has been conceived by Shubhalakshmi Shukhla.
28 B Pipewala Building,
sat 10am-6.30pm.

Gallery Beyond : 2283-7345
Point and Line and Plane IV
Abstract works by Santana Gohain and others.
130/132, Great Western Building
mon-sat 11am-7pm

Warehouse at 3rd Pasta : 2202-3056
Res Derelictae II
Belgian artist Peter Buggenhout shows sculptures made of dust, thermocol and other bits of junk. Not meant for those who are compulsive about clean surfaces. The show has been curated by Sofie Van Loo.
6/7 Third Pasta Lane,
mon-sat 11am-7pm.

Galerie Mirchandani + Steinrue : 2202-3030
Solo Show Matthias Mansen’s
Matthias Mansen’s woodcuts are on display. If you want to see (or buy) something from the gallery collection, make an appointment.
2 Sunny House,16/18 Mereweather
mon-fri 10am-6.30pm, sat 11am-4pm

Museum Gallery : 2284-4484
Solo Show NB Hingad
NB Hingad shows paintings.
Kala Ghoda, K. Dubhash Marg
mon-sat 11am-7pm.

Art Walk : 5632-5757
Solo Show Papiya Ghosh
Papiya Ghosh exhibits in this little gallery between the Oberoi and the Trident.
1st Floor, Oberoi Arcade,
daily 10am-9pm.

Bilmat Zeramicz : 2265-2091
Solo Show Sandeep Manchekar
Sandeep Manchekar shows stoneware, earthenware and other handmade objects.
73, Nagindas Master Road,
mon-fri 9.30am-1pm, 2-6pm. sat 9.30am-1pm.

Sakshi Gallery : 2491-0728
Stillness ... Moves (US)
Wooden sculptures carved with an axe by Ravi Shah.
39A/1 Sri Ram Mills Compound,
mon-sat 11am-7pm.

Bodhi Art Gallery : 6610-0124
The Bodhi Art Award Show
Bosudhara Mukherjee, Debanan Sasmal, Nazima Rangwala are among the 11 finalists for the Bodhi Art Award. Shreyas Karle has won the first prize.
28 K Dubash Marg, near Rhythm house
mon-sat 11am-7pm.

Pundole Art Gallery : 2284-1837
The Pregnant Room
A show of sculptural installations by Parag Tandel.
369, D.N. Road,
mon-sat 10am-6pm.

Piramal Art Gallery : 2283-3838
Sun
Subhashis Das lets you feel some heat
Piramal Gallery, NCPA,
Mon-Sat 10am-6pm.

Source; http://www.timeoutmumbai.net/

ps: For details on location of art Galleries view the list on my page element on the right side…under the heading..´have u visited.....

Sunday 27 July 2008

Sidi URS..African Indian Community in Mumbai



For some in Mumbai, the last weekend of July will be a time to party. There will be dancing in the streets, mutton biryani and, if the celebrations of the preceding years are anything to go by, frenzied, trance-like revelry that will start at 11pm and won’t stop until dawn. The Sidis’ drumming patterns and dances that accompany the music resemble African forms

It’s an exclusive affair; you can watch but not participate. The annual Sidi Urs is open only to Sidis, a tiny community whose ancestors came to India as traders, slaves and mercenaries from across Africa starting from at least the thirteenth century. Now clustered in Gujarat, Maharashtra, Andhra Pradesh and Karnataka, roughly 500 of them reside in Mumbai.

The Gori Pir dargah in Sidi Mohalla is an unimposing shrine in the Muslim suburb of Dongri. But this decrepit Sufi shrine, with its curious antique musical instruments, is a very special place: it is where the Sidis, the city’s little-known community of African-Indians, worship.

Despite the hardships they face, the Sidis are a proud, adaptable people who have a huge capacity for happiness

Source; http://www.timeoutmumbai.net/

Thursday 24 July 2008

Poem on Mumbai

I came across this beautiful poem on Mumbai at my social network at facebook. It is written by Leena Elizabeth and she writes….

MUMBAI

With myriad, multi hued faces
Mumbai.
City of a thousand epithets,
City of dreams
City that never sleeps……..
City of contrasts
Glittering, glitzy, glamorous
Slum infested, sweltering, sordid
Large hearted, balmy, gregarious
A tumultuous city…
Slithering snakelike along
the Arabian Sea.
Her spirit shining
Like the light of a million stars

Where naked, grubby children
with leaky noses,
play in the filth and gravel,
at the side of traffic signals,
as mothers rock their babies in
plastic cradles, on pavements.
Across
Their glowing, pampered kindred
look out from swank cars,
playing with their Nintendos.
Dressed in branded clothes,
which dad bought in yesterday,
From his business trip to Europe

Like a temptress of many moods
At day she is an angel, free and light.
She lets you be…. She lets you live…

This Mumbai,

Welcoming with open arms

thousands who flock into the city every day.

*Thank you Leena for sharing your poem*

Wednesday 23 July 2008

Using public transport in Mumbai



Did you know that if you plan to come back by bus on the same day, you can buy a return ticket for just Rs20?

The other day, I was making a trip to Navi Mumbai, and my co-passenger informed me about this new facility. I am not a regular traveller and hardly ever use a pubic transport; therefore this was news to me. This is a good move and it will bring relief to bus conductors, who have tough time squeezing through the crowded buses delivering tickets to the passengers.

She also informed me about the card that has been jointly launched by railway authorities and Kaizen Automation Private Limited.

Christened as the "GO Mumbai Card" an electronic card was introduced to Mumbai consumers, in April, that integrated all modes of public transport and allowed a "cashless" travel for a commuter. It was supposed to revolutionise the ticketing system on Mumbai’s suburban railway network.

How many commuters know about this card, I am not sure, but there is still a long queue at the ticket office. Many people are hesitating to acquire this card because that the balance in the ‘Go Mumbai’ smart card reduces by Rs5 every month irrespective whether one uses it or not. Also, if the card is used on a BEST bus Rs5 will be deducted and again if the card is used on railways another Rs5 per month is deducted.”

And then there are few stations on the harbour line that still don’t have validating machines.

Commuters complain that there are many lacunas in the system but they have lots of patience and have learnt to live comfortably here, in Mumbai, against all odds. If the railway administration feels that people will get acquainted with the new technology over a period of time, then they will…….

Umage source: photobucket

Tuesday 22 July 2008

Mumbai plans to have a walking plaza at Zaveri Bazaar


Most of the busy roads in Mumbai have pedestrians and traffic struggling for space. In Mumbai, traffic does not wait for pedestrians to cross the road, nor the pedestrian wait for light to change to green and so we see pedestrians and traffic in busy streets moving at the same pace.

During Kala Ghoda festival, which is held every year in the month of February, the streets around Jahangir Art Gallery are converted into Pedestrian plaza and it is very convenient for shoppers to shop without having to worry for cars bumping your rear.

Mumbai is to have its permanent pedestrian plaza at Zaveri bazaar, which is Asia’s biggest market. It is supposed to be the first pedestrian plaza, on the lines of those in Oxford, in the city’s busiest business area. The walkway is touted to be a space where people can walk freely and which would help both - the business community and shoppers.

There is a plan to make pedestrian plaza with benches and flowerpots all across the walkway to make it welcoming. Also they will start a toy-train for people who have some disability and need assistance.

However, there some parking problems that needs to be ironed out. Without space for parking, the association cannot get a No Objection Certificate (NOC) from the traffic department to make it a no-vehicle zone.

Photo from Friendlyghost

Thursday 17 July 2008

What are you doing this weekend in Mumbai


Check out….
Friday 18th July 2008
Around Town

Japanese photo exhibition
See images from half a century ago from the land of the rising sun. Free entry.
Department of German, Ranade Bhavan, Mumbai University, Kalina. Contact the Japanese Consulate in Mumbai (2493-4610).

Music
9am-5.30pm Gandhi’s Cookbook
The band from Dubai play a mix of ska, reggae and punk. Entry fee Rs 200.
Not Just Jazz By the Bay, Soona Mahal, near The Ambassador Hotel, 143 Marine Drive (2285-1876)
10pm

Saturday 19th July 2008
Music
Dhanashree Pandit Rai
Watch a performance by one of the city's most accomplished thumri singers. Free entry.
PL Deshpande Mini Theatre, Lokmanya Sewa Sangha, MG Road, Vile Parle (E).
4.30pm

Film
Ardha SatyaPrabhat Chitra Mandal and the Rudraa DVD label pay tribute to Vijay Tendulkar with a screening.
Sathe College, Dixit Road, Vile Parle (E) (2613-0608).
11.30am


Sunday 20th July 2008
Theatre
Noises Off
Watch a play from behind the stage without leaving your seat.
Sophia Bhabha Hall, Bhulabhai Desai Road, Breach Candy, Cumbala Hill.
For tickets call (2353-8550)
7.30pm

Film
The Dark Knight
Gotham city burns again in Christopher Nolan's sequel to Batman Begins. This time around, Batman (Christian Bale) has to deal with the psychotic Joker (Heath Ledger).
Playing at Fame (Malad), PVR Cinemas (Juhu & Mulund) and Metro Adlabs.

source: Time out,Mumbai

Thursday 10 July 2008

Drivers take a vow to not honk unnecessarily.


Overseas, you can hear the honking of the car only when people are happy, especially during wedding processions or on New Year’s Eve.

But in Mumbai, you can hear the honking for unnecessary reason. They will horn if the traffic is slow, they will horn if they see an animal crossing the road (even though the animal is not in the least bothered and will continue its jay walking) they will even horn at red signals. There is too much noise pollution which adds to the stress.

To curb this noise pollution and preserve the environment, Mumbai Traffic Police has initiated No Honking Movement.

On Wednesday, 9th July, 100 private taxi drivers took an oath to lower the decibel in Mumbai by resolving not to honk unnecessarily. Joint commissioner of Traffic police, Sanjay Barve, presided over the ceremony and pleaded to the volunteering drivers to abandon their habitual honking as the act adversely affected driver’s as well as bystanders’ health.

Sunday 6 July 2008

I grew up in Bombay but now I live in Mumbai

….but our city’s name pops up in unexpected places and situations across globe……..











Source;epaper.hindusthantimes.com

Friday 4 July 2008

You will see ‘Food streets’ at Girgaum and Juhu Chowpatty very soon!



Mumbai will soon get two ‘Food streets’ at Girgaum and Juhu Chowpatty, where food will be prepared and sold in a clean environment. The ministry will organise training programmes for the vendors to maintain high level of hygiene, quality, and hospitality in every food street. Apart from the outlets for Indian traditional dishes, the food street will certainly offer foreign dishes too. Food streets will be world-class in all aspects. It will be on the lines of those in Kuala Lumpur, Bangkok or Shanghai — offering traditional cuisine to both domestic and overseas visitors in a clean and agreeable environment.

"Every major city will have food streets. Total hygiene will be maintained. It will not only boost tourism, but also generate jobs for the local population," says Minister of Food Processing Industries Subodh Kant Sahai.

The ministry proposes to invest Rs.50 million in developing every food street all over India, and expects similar participation from the private players, local bodies and the state governments.

Source: Hindustan Times

Thursday 3 July 2008

A visit to ISKON at Juhu

Most of my guests come to Mumbai for shopping and we are mostly visiting malls but when we are too tired of shopping then next best thing to do is lunching or sight seeing…..it all depends on my guests.....



This week-end my guests wanted to visit ISKON at Juhu. Better known as Hare Rama Hare Krishna Mandir. It is a place of worship, meditation and spiritual knowledge, where people come from all walks of life to seek solace here

We went there at 5 30 in the evening. It was very peaceful and quiet although there were many devotees at that time of the day. After removing our shoes outside the Mandir we walked in barefoot inside the temple for the darshan of the deities. A small group of people were singing spiritual hymns and were seated in the centre of the hall. We took a round inside the temple and then followed the exit arrow which leads to shopping arcade behind the temple where handicraft items, souvenirs and food were on sale.

A tasty hot khichdi was served as Prasad from steel buckets in a leaf bowl to every devotee at the exit.

At ISKON the Vedic scriptures state that spiritual life begins when one inquires into the nature of the absolute truth, the Supreme Godhead. Gaudiya Vaisnavas are monotheists and know the personality of Godhead as Krishna

We didn’t stay long but there were many people who were waiting to attend the aarti which are performed at specific timings.On enquiring, we were told that temple had fixed timing for aarti which were as follows:

4:30 am Mangala Arati

7:15 Sringar Arati and Guru Puja

12:30 Rajbhog Arati

4:30 Arati

7:00 Sandhya Arati

8:30 Shayan Arati

9:00pm temple closes



My friends were very happy and contented with this visit to ISKON and announced that it was the evening well spent

And it rained and rained and rained in Mumbai

so much so that people was scared once again, they were reminded of 26th July..that dreadful day...when nature played a cruel trick on Mumbaites

This was the pics taken on 1st July taken by those people who braved the rains and reported to work.....



passing through the heavy floods, which are the result of clogged drainage...



On rainy day there should be a holiday declared so that people can stay at home and not worry about the leave or absense from work....


Thank you Anita Bhutani for sharing your pictures.....

The name "Bombay" was derived from 'Bom Bahia' (The Good Bay),

.... a name given by Portuguese sailor Francis Almeida, in 1508 ....“Bounce back Mumbai” .....as it is called by the locals, it is a city that has been through a lot in the recent past – floods, bomb blasts, riots – and come out stronger each time.

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Do you love what you read here? .....Copy, churn, reproduce, share or imitate....knowledge is for sharing....But, do acknowledge me, or better still.... send me a copy....... pmoorjani@yahoo.com