Tolabar at GSB Seva Mandal

Tolabar at GSB Seva Mandal, originally uploaded by firoze shakir photographerno1.

Tolabar at GSB Seva Mandal

Tolabar at GSB Seva Mandal, originally uploaded by firoze shakir photographerno1.

91,773 items / 556,646 views

He is weighed on the scales his weight equivalent to his offerings coconuts or ladoos or prasadam is given to Lord Ganesha.

This ritual is known as Tolabar.. children, men women , husband and wife pair are weighed thus..

Arti at Bandra Bazar Ganpati Pandal

Arti at Bandra Bazar Ganpati Pandal, originally uploaded by firoze shakir photographerno1.

91,667 items / 556,047 views

en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aarti

Aarti (Hindi आरती), also spelled ãrti, arathi, aarthi, ãrati or arthi is a Hindu ritual, in which light from wicks soaked in ghee (purified butter) or camphor is offered to one or more deities. Aartis also refer to the songs sung in praise of the deity, when offering of lamps is being offered.

Aarti is said to have descended from the Vedic concept of fire rituals, or homa. The word may also refer to the traditional Hindu devotional song that is sung during the ritual. Aarti is performed and sung to develop the highest love for God. "Aa" means "towards or to", and "rati" means "right or virtue" in Sanskrit.

Aarti is generally performed one to five times daily, and usually at the end of a puja or bhajan session. It is performed during almost all Hindu ceremonies and occasions. It involves the circulating of an 'Aarti plate' around a person or deity and is generally accompanied by the singing of songs in praise of that deva or person (many versions exist). In doing so, the plate itself is supposed to acquire the power of the deity. The priest circulates the plate to all those present. They cup their down-turned hands over the flame and then raise their palms to their forehead - the purificatory blessing, passed from the deva's image to the flame, has now been passed to the devotee.

The aarti plate is generally made of metal, usually silver, bronze or copper. On it must repose a lamp made of kneaded flour, mud or metal, filled with oil or ghee. A cotton wick is put into the oil and then lighted, or camphor is burnt instead. The plate also contains flowers, incense and akshata.[1]

The purpose of performing arati is the waving of lighted wicks before the deities in a spirit of humility and gratitude, wherein faithful followers become immersed in God's divine form. It symbolises the five elements: 1) space (akash), 2) wind (vayu), 3) light (tej), 4) water (jal), and 5) earth (pruthvi). Communal Aarti is performed in the mandir; however, devotees also perform it in their homes.

Hinduism has a long tradition of aarti songs, simply referred to as 'Aarti', sung as an accompaniment to the ritual of aarti. It primarily eulogizes to the deity the ritual is being offered to, and several sects have their own version of the common aarti songs that are often sung on chorus at various temples, during evening and morning aartis. Sometimes they also contain snippets of information on the life of the gods.

The most commonly sung aarti is that is dedicated to all deities is Om Jai Jagdish Hare, known as "The Universal Aarti" and is another common aarti song. Its variation are used for other deities as well such as Om jai Shiv omkara,Om jai Lakshmi mata,Om jai Ambe gauri,Om jai Adya Shakti.

In Swaminarayan Mandirs, Jay Sadguru Swami is the aarti that is sung. In most temples in India, aarti is performed at least twice a day, after the ceremonial puja, which is the time when the largest number of devotees congregates.

In Gaudiya Vaishnavism, aarti refers to the whole puja ritual, of which offering the lamp is only one part. A conch is blown to start the aarti, then an odd number of incense sticks are offered to the deity. The lamp is offered next, and then circulated among the devotees. A conch is then filled with water, and offered; the water is then poured into a sprinkler and sprinkled over the devotees. A cloth and flowers are then offered, and the flowers are circulated to the devotees, who sniff them. The deity is then faned with a camara whisk, and a peacock fan in hot countries.

Ramadhan Mubarak to All My Muslim Friends and WellWishers

Ramadhan Mubarak to All My Muslim Friends and WellWishers, originally uploaded by firoze shakir photographerno1.

A message from a Fan and well wisher

am khan said:

Asalamu Alaykum and Ramadan Mubarak!
Thanks again for all the touching and truthful photography you've done over the years. I'm a huge fan of your work and will continue to appreciate and share your artistry with my friends and loved ones.
Have a blessed Ramadan brother!
A M Khan

A PROTEST

A PROTEST, originally uploaded by firoze shakir photographerno1.

91,555 items / 555,731


I lock up my comment box forever

and wont be commenting here at flickr

forever from this day onwards

this is a protest for enabling

of comment moderation..

take care nothing personal

Walking a Tightrope on the Internet

Walking a Tightrope on the Internet, originally uploaded by firoze shakir photographerno1.

91,566 items / 555,737 views

I just began my 7 th fast of Ramzan.

I was deeply touched by the human aspect of spirituality at GSB Seva Mandal of the GSB Lord Ganesha - a moment in humility that touched everyone including me.

Their was genuine concern each one connecting with the other folded hands joined in peace and brotherhood.

Life is a very short journey, keeping ill will harboring evil thoughts for trivial issues is not humanity at all.


This morning I have decided to stop commenting on peoples posts, a slight misunderstood comment you have lost a friend and his friendship.

I hope Glenn angel Teresa understand this in spirit, whether your comment on my post or dont I will not be commenting at all..neither prose nor pedestrian poetry.

I lost the goodwill of a friend when she misread my comment and gave me shit as though I was her husband or something.

So this is my new resolution once and for all.

I like Facebook, because you add like , without commenting keeps both parties happy.

I post a lot, I dont beseech you to read my stuff so hide me from your feeds..why unnecessarily crib about it..

I have hidden almost all who post heavily like me.

Those without profile or into semi porn here at Flickr should not even think of adding me , and if you add me without my consent I shall block you , nothing personal..

I have also understood relationships on the internet are ephemeral, I am never going to visit you either in America Australia or Europe.. so why make an issue about it..

If you guys come my side of town I shall extend the hospitality that India is famous for..beyond that nothing matters or exists.

Using me as a punching bag because of what you read of my comment - well do some soul searching and find some body else to spar with ...closer home.. somebody who will take you , your tantrums and all.

If you have a problem or a issue with me the Flickr block tool is the finest remedy... it works both ways.


You can block me at Facebook too.


I brag each time I reach a milestone , I self promote my pedestrian poetic ego is of concern to no one but me..


I never ever asked you to like me so forget me ever licking your pompous pedantic posterior..I have no time or the inclination..to sweet kiss your egoistic ass.

I dont want you to scratch my back or break my head with your frivolous anger , I do both better with scourging blades and a sword that cuts my head on Moharam.

Merci..A Bientot .

Walking a Tightrope on the Internet

Walking a Tightrope on the Internet, originally uploaded by firoze shakir photographerno1.

91,566 items / 555,737 views

I just began my 7 th fast of Ramzan.

I was deeply touched by the human aspect of spirituality at GSB Seva Mandal of the GSB Lord Ganesha - a moment in humility that touched everyone including me.

Their was genuine concern each one connecting with the other folded hands joined in peace and brotherhood.

Life is a very short journey, keeping ill will harboring evil thoughts for trivial issues is not humanity at all.


This morning I have decided to stop commenting on peoples posts, a slight misunderstood comment you have lost a friend and his friendship.

I hope Glenn angel Teresa understand this in spirit, whether your comment on my post or dont I will not be commenting at all..neither prose nor pedestrian poetry.

I lost the goodwill of a friend when she misread my comment and gave me shit as though I was her husband or something.

So this is my new resolution once and for all.

I like Facebook, because you add like , without commenting keeps both parties happy.

I post a lot, I dont beseech you to read my stuff so hide me from your feeds..why unnecessarily crib about it..

I have hidden almost all who post heavily like me.

Those without profile or into semi porn here at Flickr should not even think of adding me , and if you add me without my consent I shall block you , nothing personal..

I have also understood relationships on the internet are ephemeral, I am never going to visit you either in America Australia or Europe.. so why make an issue about it..

If you guys come my side of town I shall extend the hospitality that India is famous for..beyond that nothing matters or exists.

Using me as a punching bag because of what you read of my comment - well do some soul searching and find some body else to spar with ...closer home.. somebody who will take you , your tantrums and all.

If you have a problem or a issue with me the Flickr block tool is the finest remedy... it works both ways.


You can block me at Facebook too.


I brag each time I reach a milestone , I self promote my pedestrian poetic ego is of concern to no one but me..


I never ever asked you to like me so forget me ever licking your pompous pedantic posterior..I have no time or the inclination..to sweet kiss your egoistic ass.

I dont want you to scratch my back or break my head with your frivolous anger , I do both better with scourging blades and a sword that cuts my head on Moharam.

Merci..A Bientot .

Photo Blogging The Soul of Humanity

Photo Blogging The Soul of Humanity, originally uploaded by firoze shakir photographerno1.

91,451 items / 555,354 views

I had a request for contact add on here at Flickr , but as the profile was incomplete I wrote to the person that I dont add people without valid profile here or at Facebook..

So he wrote back I have withheld his name to respect his privacy.

Oh well. First of Thanks a lot for clicking such wonderful pictures around India especially Bombay. I can stay in touch with my Bombay roots via these pics sitting here in USA.

I am big fan of the Bombay Ganesh Utsavs. And you provide me with the best view of them every year. Specially the King Circle GSB Ganpati. My last name is K and i belong to the GSB community. And thats the ganpati i used to visit when i was young. Thanks again for clicking such wonderful pictures of the Lord. I have been forwarding your site to many GSBs here in USA. Hope you don't mind.

My reason to contact you was to see if you had a chance of clicking some pics during the visarjan of the GSB Ganpati like last year.

Also i am sure you are aware there is a similar ganpati in Wadala which is part of our sis concern group. Smaller idol but more beautiful by majority consensus. Its near the Wadala Bus Depot and that's a 10 days festival unlike 5 days at King circle. Any plan of capturing that Ganpati.

Another one that's close to me is the Tilak Nagar Chembur Ganpati. Famously know as the Chota Rajan ganpati. Any plans to visit that. Sorry i am kinda giving my wish list to you since i cant go there personally.

SO, Again thanks a lot for everything. My wife being Christian enjoys your Mahim church pics. Please keep up the good work.

Sincerely
K

My reply to him

Firstly I must apologize about asking about you your background , as I have had problems with people who are here on Flickr for reasons you are well aware of as there is porn as well as godliness on Flickr.

GSB King circle is put up by people from South Kanara Mangalore and Wadala one is put up up by North Kanara Karwar etc

I dont know anyone and with my attire and Muslim background it is kind of tough if you dont know anyone at those mandaps , specially the Wadala one which I would love to shoot once in my life time.


I dont think I will be visiting those that you mentioned I am from Bandra so I shoot close to home and if God permits I will shoot the visargan at Chowpatty last time I was with Lal Bah Cha Raja almost till the end so missed the other Ganpatis

Take care

I add you as my friend..and shall place your comment without your name at the feet of GSB Lord Ganesha

Take Care

Photo Blogging The Soul of Humanity

Photo Blogging The Soul of Humanity, originally uploaded by firoze shakir photographerno1.

91,451 items / 555,354 views

I had a request for contact add on here at Flickr , but as the profile was incomplete I wrote to the person that I dont add people without valid profile here or at Facebook..

So he wrote back I have withheld his name to respect his privacy.

Oh well. First of Thanks a lot for clicking such wonderful pictures around India especially Bombay. I can stay in touch with my Bombay roots via these pics sitting here in USA.

I am big fan of the Bombay Ganesh Utsavs. And you provide me with the best view of them every year. Specially the King Circle GSB Ganpati. My last name is K and i belong to the GSB community. And thats the ganpati i used to visit when i was young. Thanks again for clicking such wonderful pictures of the Lord. I have been forwarding your site to many GSBs here in USA. Hope you don't mind.

My reason to contact you was to see if you had a chance of clicking some pics during the visarjan of the GSB Ganpati like last year.

Also i am sure you are aware there is a similar ganpati in Wadala which is part of our sis concern group. Smaller idol but more beautiful by majority consensus. Its near the Wadala Bus Depot and that's a 10 days festival unlike 5 days at King circle. Any plan of capturing that Ganpati.

Another one that's close to me is the Tilak Nagar Chembur Ganpati. Famously know as the Chota Rajan ganpati. Any plans to visit that. Sorry i am kinda giving my wish list to you since i cant go there personally.

SO, Again thanks a lot for everything. My wife being Christian enjoys your Mahim church pics. Please keep up the good work.

Sincerely
K

My reply to him

Firstly I must apologize about asking about you your background , as I have had problems with people who are here on Flickr for reasons you are well aware of as there is porn as well as godliness on Flickr.

GSB King circle is put up by people from South Kanara Mangalore and Wadala one is put up up by North Kanara Karwar etc

I dont know anyone and with my attire and Muslim background it is kind of tough if you dont know anyone at those mandaps , specially the Wadala one which I would love to shoot once in my life time.


I dont think I will be visiting those that you mentioned I am from Bandra so I shoot close to home and if God permits I will shoot the visargan at Chowpatty last time I was with Lal Bah Cha Raja almost till the end so missed the other Ganpatis

Take care

I add you as my friend..and shall place your comment without your name at the feet of GSB Lord Ganesha

Take Care

St Michael Church Mahim

St Michael Church Mahim, originally uploaded by firoze shakir photographerno1.

91,440 items / 555,300 views

in the land of ram
ronnie and rahim
inder ian and ibrahim
different rays of light
mutually coexisting
within a single beam
a hope called India
every man's dream
91440 pictures
flowing from a single
photo stream
a mother India
a mother supreme
like goddess kali
trampling terrorism
outsourced
by an evil regime
cross border incursions
their demonic scheme
a hand shake
a mere pipe dream
kuldip ken and kareem
a single nationality
bound to a single stram
vande matram
not lyrical words
but the spirit of
bharat vishw vidhata
in every indian
blood stream

Man Woman Two Eyes Of God

Man Woman Two Eyes Of God, originally uploaded by firoze shakir photographerno1.

like two peas in a pod
a dominion
where he is their Lord
dichotomy delusions
discord
born in guilt
through prayer
perseverance
the human soul is cured
a right of passage
from birth to death
endured
a room in heaven
forever secured
not gold silver diamond
but good deeds you hoard

Obeisance

Obeisance, originally uploaded by firoze shakir photographerno1.

god give me
another chance
on the tight rope of life
balancing my soul
to your tune I dance
I am a speck
protected
by your glance
holding on to you
like a flame
on a candle
in trance
an ocean of sorrow
man and divinity
in eternal romance
hope and hindutva
a message of peace
kissing the shores
in advance
the humility of my soul
at your feet
in obeisance


to rajiv ranjan bhatnagar