India (Religious Celebrations & Gandhi's 150 years birth anniversary) Sept/Oct 2019

My 3rd visit to India from 10 Sept to 11 Oct 2019 coincided with Mahatma Gandhi's 150 year birth anniversary & 3 major religious festivals in India.

" The 150th birth anniversary of Gandhi (1869-1948) - The Gandhi Jayanti was celebrated on 2 Oct 2018 as beginnng of 150 years of celebrating the Mahatma marked the culmination of the "Swachhta Hi Sewa" event. An ideal time to remember his principles of truth & non-violence & his uncompromising commitment to them. The Government of India has decided to commemorate the 150th birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi, Father of the Nation, at national & international level to propagate his message " 

1) Statutes of Mahatma Gandhi in M.G. Marg, Gangtok, Sikkim (date of visit 29-30/9/2019) - in preparation for the 150th birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi on Oct 2nd, the local government authority has spruced up the surrounding area in M.G Marg; putting up a stage, lighting etc, the festive mood had attracted a bigger crowd ie local tourists & shoppers to M.G. Marg especially in the evening etc. 

Statute of Mahatma Gandhi near Eastern Monuments, Khajuraho (date of visit 26/9/2019)

Statute of Ghandi in Darjeeling Mall, West Bengal (4/10/2019)

Mural of Gandhi in Mumbai Central Railway Station

1) "Ganesh Chaturthi, also known as Vinayaka Chaturni, is a Hindu festival celebrating the arrival of Ganesha to earth from 'Kailash Parvat' with his mother goddess Parvati/Gauri. The festival is marked with installation of Ganesha clay idols privately in homes, or publicity on elaborate pandals. In 2019, Ganesh Chaturthi is celebrated on Sept 2 & Anant Chaturdasi is on Sept 12 " - my 3rd day in Hyderabad, Andhra Pradesh.  

2) " Fulpati Festival is the longest & the most auspicious festival in the Bikram Sambat & Nepal Sambat annual calendar, celebrated by Nepalese people, along with their diaspora throughout the globe. Fulpati is observed on the 7th day of Dashain festival. In Nepal, Ful means flower & Pati means leaves & plants. - witnessed a procession in Gandhi Road, Darjeeling during our final day stay (5 Oct 2019)

3) Durga Puja is a Hindu celebration of the Mother Goddess & the victory of the revered warrior Goddess Durga over the evil buffalo demon Mahishasura. The festival honors the powerful female force (Shakti) in the Universe. Durga is celebrated during the last 5 days of Navaratri & Dussehra. In 2019, Durga Puja takes place from Oct 4 to 7 followed by the grand immersion of Durga idols on Oct 8 " - from 3-6 Oct, I was in Darjeeling & on 7th & 8th I was in Kolkata; in both places, I witnessed some forms of celebration relating to this festival

Religious celebrations (Ganesh Chaturthi) in Hyderabad, Andhra Pradesh (10 - 13 Sept 2019) 

Religious celebrations (Fulpati Festival) along Gandhi Road, Darjeeling, West Bengal (5/10/2019) & musical performances & entertainment (day & night) in Chowrasta Square, Darjeeling. 

Religious celebrations (Durga Puja) in Kolkata, West Bengal - Park street & the surrounding were lit up with bright & colorful lighting & in the evening, we witnessed a number of vehicles carrying devotees passing through this busy street. Kolkata was on public holidays for 2 days & the main streets were pretty quiet ! Metro only operates 1/2 day and starts around 2pm ! Good for us as it was easy to cross the roads as most shops were closed for business during our first 2 days in the city !