with Sri Ganesh

yet the sky remains the same hazy grey, with a restless breeze in this now denuded, exposed area invaded by machines…

… A whole family comes to join in the puja, unexpectedly; first a traditional elderly man comes in, with his son and grand-son to ask when I shall be ready to do the puja and the Aarti; and then they go to fetch their wives and return loaded with home-cooked offerings, sweets, fruits and fresh garlands and a coconut and camphor and let me arrange everything and they all attend quietly the puja. Then they distribute prasadam to the masons’ team. I understood that these people are somehow connected to, or relatives of, the original owners of the land and the shrine. The elder woman is very fine and attentive and strangely I do not feel at all shy or hesitant to carry on with my singing to Sri Ganesh. They leave a whole leaf of food for me and offer Rs. 10/-

Sri Ganesh You appear today

In full, riotous dress, The massive dancer Whose sparing gestures

And postures Are charged With the wealth and treasure Of ever renewed Experience – Comforting and auspicious And knowing You amble midst the people, Unseizeable And yet a balm

To each and Every one…

- 03-08-10:

Sri Ganesh, today You seem to be riding A happy chariot, Festive with the sense Of cleared offerings, Its front calmly

595