Send-off Goan style.
While wandering in Dhargalim, Goa, one late evening in September, I happened upon the home of Santosh Khanolkar on the edge of a paddy field. It was the final day of the extended Ganesh Chaturthi festival and the family was preparing its traditional visarjan (final rites before immersion of the idol). They invited me to join the procession as it made its way to the bank of the River Chapora. City dwellers seldom get to witness much less participate in an event like this. I have put together a photo essay of the proceedings.
As the light was fading fast, the final aarti – seen in the video below – was performed in virtual darkness.
Ganesha, heading out
iPhone 6s
The ladies say goodbye
5DS, 24-70L f/2.8 II
Dhargalim on Chapora
DJI Phantom 4
Pre-immersion rituals
5DS, 24-70L f/2.8 II
The final aarti
5DS, 24-70L f/2.8 II
Auf Wiedersehen, dear Ganesha
iPhone 6s
Beautiful photographs and video. Rarely someone makes these efforts.It shows a vibrant culture of Goa.We can show this to people who think Goa is only u beaches and churches
Very nice Rajan. You have also solved a puzzle for me. A few months ago, I stopped by a small river near where I live to go fishing. As I approached the water, I noticed several ‘things’ in the river not too far from the bank. With a little effort, I got one of them close to the bank and realized it was a short statue of Ganesha adorned with rows of golden beads. I didn’t have a clue on the ‘why’ behind these drowned statues until now. Thanks.
Bob – I hope they were in compliance of the local city/town/county laws.
You need to include a “like” button here. This will allow some of us to like the pictures without having to think of what to write.
Ha! I think I’ll put in a ‘Like’ button then.
Lovely cerimony and photo essay, thanks for sharing Rajan.
Good to hear from you, Cibele.