We would like to share with you the wonderful sights and images that we have the privilege to capture as we go about our everyday lives in the most fascinating of countries - India. We moved here from the UK with our three small children in August 2011. Home is now in the amazing city of Mumbai, Maharashtra which is located on India's west coast. Take a look at the map below right to help you get your geography straight, if you are not familiar....


Wednesday, 10 October 2012

The incredible Banganga Tank - Malabar Hill, Mumbai. a Hindu place where the water is allegedly from the sacred Ganges.  Here people come to remember the dead and to immerse themselves in the holy water.
Before immersing themselves in the holy water, the men shave their heads as a mark of respect.


Headshaving salon outside the Banganga tank.

After head shaving, preparing the offering with help from the priest.

Sitting beside the water's edge preparing the offering.


A closer look at the offering. 
The wick is lit ready for the Aartiis -  a Hindu religious ritual of worship, a part of prayer (puja), in which light from wicks soaked in ghee (purified butter) is offered to one or more gods.


The debris from the offerings gathers at the water's edge.
So many different groups of men praying for their dead fathers. 
So spiritual.  It is hard to believe this is in central Mumbai.



Awaiting offering trays.  The plates are made of leaves stiched together. This is then all rolled up and placed in the water when the person immerses himself.

Deep in thought beside the water's edge

Wife and children waiting for the men to finish the puja. 


Men preparing to immerse themselves in the sacred water.


Enjoying the immersion.


Banganga!


Women sitting separately from the men, watching them conduct the puja.


A priest helping with the puja.  Special chants are read out by him and he instructs on how to conduct the offering.


Deep in prayer.

You can see the rolled up offering which is being taken into the water.

Reflection and prayer as the offering is released.



A closer look at the offering - you can see the leaves are sewn together.

The Banganga tank is surrounded by many small Hindu temples.





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