Friday, September 10, 2010

This Was The Venue Where I Shot Lal Bagh Chya Rajas Pictures

Lalbagh Chya Raja Darshan 2010

A Natural Flaw of a Blogger

Only Bloggers Shoot From The Hip and Their Mouths

The Barefeet Blogger of Mumbai

After Shooting the Lal Bagh Chya Raja Pratik Koli Shoots Me

Pratik Koli Shoots The Soul of A Barefeet Blogger

Humility Is What Makes The Raja Great

142,774 items / 1,104,587 views

for long hours
in heat humidity
rains his followers
from all walks of life
for a glimpse of his
personality wait
this time air conditioned
thanda thanda cool cool
rooms attached to his gate
they who come to invoke him
with his blessings improve
their hardships their karmic fate
offering him flowers coconuts wealth
for a new job a new home or
a compatible soul mate
lal bagh chya raja
a symbol of love
without envy anger or hate
a world of peace
his real estate


a poem dedicated to my flickr facebook friends as idd offerings on a sheer korma plate

Now You Know Why Newspapers Wont Use a Bloggers Pictures ,,


142,766 items / 1,104,512 views

We shoot with our hearts instead of our eyes
barefeet trampled pushed by media the crowds
we pay a price but the lord makes a path
we dont take him by surprise
the lord of lord the host all wise
human caring loving in girth and size
shooting pictures is not photography
poetry is what makes pictures nice
beneath his golden feet
his peoples love as paradise
jai maharashtra jai mumbaikar
a chant and cry captured
clearly sonorously by
bollywoods most wanted
barefeet blogger of mumbai
give us lalbagh keep your shanghai

Satish Khankar Bows To The Lord God of Hosts

Lalbagh Chya Raja Symbol of Peace Hope and Harmony

Lalbagh Chya Raja Symbol of Peace Hope and Harmony

Hope and Hindutva A Message of Peace and Humanity


142,722 items / 1,104,131 views

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

The Mandal, formerly known as 'Sarvajanik Ganeshotsav Mandal, Lalbaug' was founded in the year 1928,[1] because of a vow (Navas) for construction of the present Lalbaug Market at its existing place. The market place at Peru Chawl was shut down in 1932. Hence, the fishermen and vendors who used to sit in the open place vowed to Lord Ganesh for permanent place for their market. With the consistent efforts & support of the then local Councillor-Late Shri. Kuwarji Jethabhai Shah, Dr. V. B. Korgaonkar, Shri.Nakhawa Kokam Mama, Bhausaheb Shinde, Dr.U.A. Rao and the local residents, the landlord Rajabai Tayyabali agreed to give a plot for construction of a market. As fulfillment of their wish, the fisherman and the traders established the Ganesh Idol on 12.09.1934. The idol was dressed in the customary fashion of fisherman. Since that day onwards, this Lord Ganesh has become popular as it fulfills the wishes of devotees. The Mandal was formed in the era when the freedom struggle was at its peak.

Due to the communal riots in 1946, orders were issued to change the route of this Ganesh Immersion Procession. But, the then office-bearers of the Mandal refused to change the route and, after 21 days, the procession was taken by the same route under the supervision of then Volunteers Pandurang alias Babu Sayle, M.S.Pawar and Dattaram Joshi. After independence, the agenda of the Mandal was modified and accordingly the Mandal decided to contribute in uplift of the Country. The Mandal donated its balance amount to the Kasturba Fund, the Mahatma Gandhi Memorial Fund in 1947 and to Bihar Flood Relief Fund in 1959. The social issues were also highlighted in the plots during Ganesh Festival.

During Silver Jubilee Year 1958, two different plots viz. 'Geeta Upadesh' and 'Kaliya Mardan' were set for 5 days each. In this Silver Jubilee year, eminent speakers - like M.L.Patil-Hon’ble Minister of Bombay State, Hon’ble Ganapatrao Tapase, Hon’ble Govindrao Adik, Hon’ble Maloji Nimbalkar, Municipal Corporator Dr.Narvane, Govinrao Mahashbde-Dy.Editor Navakaal, Vasantrao Kate, Govardhandas Mapara of Kamgar Seva Sadan, Kakasaheb Tambe, - delivered speeches.

After 1958, the number of devotees of Lalbaugcha Raja increased substantially. Hence, in 1960, the entertainment programmes and speeches were discontinued. In the same year, 'Navaratri Utsav' was started and the programmes were organized during Navaratri Festival. These transitions were carefully and neatly carried out by Chandrakant Khadye, Chunilal Rathod, Pranjivan Mehta and Shankar More. During this period, Late Shri. Shamraom V. Bodhe handed over the Hanuman Temple to the Mandal.

During 1948 to 1968, the Mandal started some new traditions like 'Shri Satyanarayan Mahapooja', 'Pan-supari Samarambha (Get Together Function)'. The Get Together Function is the ceremony of felicitation by offering roll of betel leaf with betel nuts, known as Pan-Supari in Marathi. During this get together, eminent personalities of different fields, office bearers of various mandals and well-wishers are invited. This creates a friendly atmosphere for co-ordination & exchange of views for better performance of the festival and helps in improving relation among various mandals. In this manner, the mandal established a warm relationship with some mandals of Kumbharwada, Durgadevi Duncan Road, Kamathipura, Khetwadi, Navi Amrutwadi, etc. The participation of local mandals at night, was started to control heavy number of devotees.

During 1934 to 1968, Kunwarji J. Shah, Dr.V.B. Korgaonkar, H.B. Korgaonkar, Dr. U.A. Rao, Dr. Manju Madar, Ramchandra Tawate, B.D. Bandekar, Raghunath Khamkar, Pranjeevan Mehta, Rambali Halwai, Ram Jadhav were mainly responsible for development of the Mandal. The amount accumulated from the Mandal activities was mainly used for development of the nation. Mandal did its bit by contributing to the National Fund during floods at Bihar in 1959 and during the wars in 1962 &1965.

In 1969, new generation came up with wide view under the leadership of Late Shri Vasantrao Bhosale. Space requirement arose due to great extent of workload of the Mandal. In 1970, renovation of the Hanuman Temple was proposed. Accordingly, the renovation work was commenced in 1971 and completed in 1973, along with a new office for the Mandal. In 1975, Idol of Amba Mata (Goddess Amba) was established in the temple and the religious duties of Navratri festival were carried out in the temple, thereafter.

Since 1976, a part of the balance amount of the Mandal was deposited as 'Shikshan Imarat Nidhi'.

It is the first mandal who contributed Rs.1 Lakh to the 'Army Central Welfare Fund', in 1999 for the families of the soldiers who scarified their lives to uphold the dignity of the Nation at Kargil and the same was handed over to then Governor of Maharashtra State, Dr. P.C. Alexander.

Visarjan Tarafa: Traditionally the Ganesh idols are immersed in water during its Visarjan. Hence in order to immerse the idol of Lalbaugcha Raja, Mandal always takes proper precautions so that the visarjan takes place in a manner the Raja deserves. Accordingly, after consulting some experts & experienced persons, Mandal has purchased a Tarafa (Iron Raft) which makes it possible to dissolve the idol of Lalbaugcha Raja in deep sea water, conveniently. The Tarafa is prepared by M/s. A.V. Engineering.
[edit] Present day

In the year 2009, the Mandal excpected around 10 million people to visit This 'Great Raja'.

The Crowning Glory of Mumbai

The Lord Sees Me In The Eyes

142,720 items / 1,104,052 views

we share
a relationship
unusual unique
in silence
to me he speaks
he knows
i am a muslim blogger
barefeet hopes
choked on life's creek
spiritually strong
in wisdom weak
karmic convulsions
a poetic streak
before i say
i am human
they think
i am a
sartorial freak
a cry
within my soul
a whimper
a sardonic squeak
humility is
the essence of mankind
at the base
not at the peak

The Lords Shawl of Hope

The Lords Necklace

The Touch of Lal Bagh Chya Raja

Lal Bagh Chya Raja Darshan 2010

142,708 items / 1,103,983 views

There was hardly time to compose adjust the lens I shot without flash on 800 ISO but most of the folks were lighting up the Raja with their flash and this was the first time I aborted a shoot half way I had removed the turban from my head as the crowds kept on swelling but I was lucky I was close to the Raja only a metal bar kept me away from him.

I shot without stopping single frames finally gave my place to another still photographer who I am sure got better pictures than me he was much taller from Marathi media..

On my way out I met my Facebook friend Pratik Koli and we meet at various venues at karmic cross intersections..he is a friendly media photographer with no airs no arrogance totally down to earth with great respect for barefeet bloggers so I always make a point to shoot him , he shoots me too unawares..

Lal Bagh Chya Raja Chi Jai Ho

142,658 items / 1,103,703 views


Narada Uvacha :

Pranamya Sirasa devam Gauri Puthram Vinayakam
Bhaktavasam Smarennithyam Ayuh Kamartha Siddaye !

Prathamam Vakrathundam cha Ekadantham Dvithiyakam
Thrithiyam Krishna Pingaaksham Gajavakthram Chathurthakam !

Lambodaram Panchamam cha Shashtam Vikatameva cha
Saptamam Vighna Rajam cha Dhoomravarnam thathashtakam!

Navamam Phala Chandram cha Dasamam thu Vinayakam
Ekadasam Ganapathim Dwadasam thu Gajananam !

Dwadasaithani Namaani Thri Sandhyam Yah Pathennarah
Na cha Vighna Bhayam thasya Sarva Siddhi karim Prabho!

Vidyarthi Labhate Vidyam
Dhanarthi Labhate Dhanam
Puthrarthi Labhate Putraam
Mokshaarthi Labhate Gatim

Japeth Ganapthi Stotram Shadbhirmaasai Phalam Labheth,
Samvatsarena Siddhim cha Labhate Naathra Samsayaha !
Ashtabhyo Brahmanebhyash cha Likhitwa yah Samarpayeth
Thasya Vidya bhavetsarva Ganeshasya Prasadathaha !!

Ithi Sri Narada Purane Samkashta Nasanam Ganapathi Stotram Sampoornam



: Meaning :

Sage Narada told

The learned one, who wishes,
For more life, wealth and love,
Should salute with his head,
Lord Ganapathi who is the son of Goddess Parvathi

Think him first as god with broken tusk,
Second as the God with one tusk,
Third as the one with reddish black eyes,
Fourth as the one who has the face of an elephant

Fifth as the one who has a very broad paunch,
Sixth as the one who is cruel to his enemies,
Seventh as the one who is remover of obstacles,
Eighth as the one who is of the colour of smoke.

Ninth as the one who crescent in his forehead,
Tenth as the one, who is the leader of remover of obstacles,
Eleventh as the leader of the army of Lord Shiva,
And twelfth as the one who has the face of an elephant.

Any one reading these twelve names,
At dawn, noon and dusk,
Will never have fear of defeat,
And would always achieve whatever he wants.

One who pursues education will get knowledge,
One who wants to earn money will get money,
One who wishes for a son, will get a son,
And one who wants salvation will get salvation.

Results of chanting this prayer,
Of Ganapati will be got within six months,
And within a year, he would get all wishes fulfilled,
And there is no doubt about this.

One who gets this prayer,
Written by Eight Brahmanas,
And offers it to Lord Ganesha,
Will become knowledgeable,
And would be blessed with all stellar qualities,
By the grace of Lord Ganesa.

Thus ends the prayer from Narada Purana to Ganesa which would destroy all sorrows.

sent to me as forward mail by my guru KGM

Myriad Moods of Lal Bagh Chya Raja

142,657 items / 1,103,656 views

I was crumpled crushed folded like a human cardboard sheet now imagine for a second the number of shoes on my barefeet sweat perspiration humidity heat holding an image of lal bagh chya raja in my cameras heart beat his personality shining as eyes meet for the crowds a moment sweet myriad moods of lal bagh chya raja shot by a muslim blogger a circle complete ..mumbaikar both hopes aspirations of the public at his feet...

lyrical silence a musical geet..tumhara pehla darshan sab ki jeet.

Dont Ask Me How I Shot These Pictures They Are Actually God Gifted

My First Darshan of Lal Bagh Chya Raja I Was Totally Crushed by Photographers Media and the Crowds

He Shan Konachi Lalbagh Chya Raja Chi

142,657 items / 1,103,675 views


every year
he comes to mumbai
his estate his earthly throne
lal bagh chya raja
his praja flesh and bones
their hopes their dreams
their wishes their aspirations
he fulfills he treats them on par
as his own removes
all obstacles malaria typhoid dengue
swine flu their moans their pain
their agony and their groans
gives them new houses new jobs
new brides new grooms gifts
them children new laptops
mobile phones he even clears their
home loans
when his time comes to go
crowds follow him chanting
hi shan konachi lal bagh chya raja chi
love ardor in muted tones

now dont ask me why i follow
the lal bagh chya raja barefeet
from morning to the next day
my feet cut bruised bleeding
on a path of cobbled stones
this is the path of my
karma dharma
molten tears
on my cheekbone
mumbai my home
my birthright
i inherited
where i have
lived and grown
hope and hindutva
a message of peace
hope and humanity
i promote
on a cyber zone
i am as much a hindu
as you are a muslim
two feasts we celebrate
together as a milestone

dedicated to shree bala saheb thackeray through aditya thackeray..

Most of the Photo Journalists of Mumbai Carry Their Homework in School Bags

The Media Photographer Shoots With a Camera and Lens

142,618 items / 1,103,556 views

the photo blogger
lower down the hierarchy
sits on a fence
his pictures
his imagery
makes no sense
poetizing the soul
of pain misery
mutating moments
evolving emotions
to recompense
coloring the streets
vivid intense
shooting pictures
minus the
camera and the lens
a full stop
is not the end
but the beginning
of a sentence

United Colors of Pain

142,614 items / 1,103,520 views

United Colors of Pain
a part of
every human domain
connecting god to man
man to god
... hope as karmic chain
wastelands of the mind
acid rain
the cause of misery
on this earth
the human brain
on the soul of humanity
bloodshed bloodstain
peace as elusive
to all be it hindu
muslim christian or jain


dedicated to you
wingless homeless crane

The Open Doors of The Mandir are Open Doors of a Human Heart

142,609 items / 1,103,404 views

sometimes
on human doors
with pain and disbelief
i found a racist board
that said muslims and dogs
not allowed added to my grief
i always felt as poet as a man
humanity a banyan tree
people branches colored leaf
only god a human god
who loves mankind
zealously guarding his fief
i am as much a hindu
as you are a muslim
a poetic thought in brief
tears glistening as hope
on the soul of a handkerchief
we are what we are beyond
caste color or belief

dedicated to a new friend from Pune

Breaking My Fast At Lal Bagh Chya Raja Pandal

Some Things In Life Are Beyond Ones Reach

Lalbagh Chya Raja Will See Dabbang First Day First Show

142,579 items / 1,103,121 views

I had called up Mrs Punam Sinha mother of Sonakshi Sinha and wife of Mr Shatrughan Sinha that I was going for the Press conference of Lal Bagh Chya Raja and would invoke the Lord for Sonakshi Salman Arbaz and their film.

Bhabi as I call Mrs Punam Sinha requested me to offer ladoos a sum of 5100 and 5 tickets of Dabbang at the feet of Lal Bagh Chya Raja at the first Arti tomorrow before he sees the film first day first show.

So I gave all she gave me to my dear friend Raju Langewal to to the needful he spoke to Bhabiji too..

So this is the story of love and devotion of the Sinhas for Lal Bagh Chya Raja .

And every year I walk barefeet with Lal Bagh Chya Raja till his Immersion , and the coconuts the karya kartas give me I hand it over to her including a few other friends.

The King Of Kings of Mumbai - Lal Bagh Chya Raja 2010

142,578 items / 1,103,031 views

"Vakratunda Mahaakaaya Suryakotee Sama Prabha
Nirvighnam kuru mey Deva, Sarva kaaryeshu Sarvadaa"

"Aum gam ganapataye namah"

Aum shri ganeshaya namah

Aum vakratundaya hum

Aum kshipra prasadaya namah


Aum shrim hrim klim glaum gam
ganapataye vara varada sarva
janamme vashamanaya svaha'

Aum sumukhaya namah

Aum ekadantaya namah


Aum kapilaya namah


Aum gajakarnikaya namah

Aum lambodaraya namah

Aum vikataya namah

Aum vighna nashanaya namah

Aum vinayakaya namah

Aum ganadhyakshaya namah

Aum bhalachandraya namah



This evening I went to the Press conference of the Lal Bagh Chya Raja and his inauguration and photo shoot .


I was invited to this event by my dear friend Raju Langewal who has seen I dont miss any opportunity shooting the Raja,

I was fasting but broke my fast at the Pandal normally for a few years I broke at at the Lal Bagh Chya Raja visarjan at Byculla on the way to Girgaum , but this year the Elephant God wanted me to break fast with fruits offered by him..

I dont know how I shot this lot as the public had usurped the media stands and it was havoc all the way , the crowds were uncontrollable and I was weak having just broken my fast I shot as much as I could and made a fast exit.

Shooting the streets on the way and ending up at my friends Hemant Sawants Ganesh Color lab for chai.

So this is my new set at Flickr and my gift of a Darshan of the Lord to all my friends and Lovers of Lal Bagh Chya Raja.

And this is part of my series at Flickr called Hope and Hindutva Messages of Peace and Humanity.

And I shall continue another story on the next picture of the King of King of Mumbai..

Mr Bal Nandgaonkar and Me

Mr Bal Nandgankar Saab is my well wisher and I shot the Talwadi boys from his area break the Dahi Handi world record in 2008..so he has been happy that I was there and shot it at Pratap Sarnaiks Vartak Nagar venue.

I will have too keep these pictures on hold now to post the entry of Lal Bagh Chya Raja in Mumbai.. I just shot it this evening and even broke my fast at his pandal with refreshments supplied to me by his karya kartas .

This was a special press conference and I was invited there by my dear friend Raju Langewal , this place was crowded by media and the public that had over run the media and taken over making it impossible to shoot .

I was barefeet and this is my next set at Flickr.

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