Chandelier?

 

I know its a little blurry, but I was a little slow on the uptake! I thought it was hilarious though that this boy was selling chandeliers car to car! This was a new one - I've seen tissues, sun blockers, toys, and even statues, but not this!

vending machines

 

While the rest of the world has gotten rid of cigarette vending machines, Mumbai has just gotten one! And on a street corner in busy downtown. Usually the vending machines here 'come' with a man who stands beside it and does it all for you - even opening up the machine to take out your order! I didn't see anyone at this one though.

look at the progress!

 

There has been significant progress since I last clearly saw the new Bandra-Worli SeaLink -- maybe it really will be ready in the next year or so! It's supposed to cut the time in half getting to town, but I think with the insane amount of cars coming on the roads these days, it might just be clogged up as well. Time will tell.

Sunny day view

 

The weather has been pretty great the last few days - still smokey/polluted, but sunny and hot in the day and less hot at night! The thing that makes it bearable is that the humidity is much lower.
This is a view over Chuim Village and Khar Danda fishing village. Looks so nice - well perhaps besides the slums!

a view of china house

 

China House is 'the' happening place these days - especially after 1 a.m. when the other bars close. Since its located at a 5 star hotel, they are allowed to stay open and continue serving until 3 a.m.

political slogans?

 

I have absolutely no idea what this says (and you may not either since its only partial!), but i always get the feeling that it is a political slogan or advert for a political party. Anyone?

taxi view

 

For some reason I just liked this photo.. for me it captures bombay the way i see it on a daily basis.

rickshaw decorations

 

I just liked how this looked with the night colours and background. These rick drivers always seems to go all out in decorating their ride.. but considering many of them spend 15+hrs a day in it, I can see why!

sponsor a tree?

 

Tonight on my way home stuck in traffic I saw this tree with the engraving below it. I thought it was pretty strange, especially since it seems that its quite old. were there organizations/people who would sponsor tree's previously? I know that businesses often put up their signs in areas that they keep clean, but this was a new one for me!

the final puja

 

The final puja for durga devi before submersion.

getting ready for immersion

 

The end of Navaratri is near - here is a photo of people on the beach getting ready for the immersion - the process is similar to that done during Ganesha festival but I honestly do not know the significance.. is it the same reasons? Looking at all the NRIs (or local Indian) readers to help me out here!

congress flying high

 

There are always tons of political posters, flags and adverts all over town. For the newbie to Mumbai you would wonder if they are always having elections or what! My understanding of it all is that the way the political parties here garner votes during elections is by 'buying' the population, specifically the poorer sections of society. Hence, they will sponser religious ceremonies, festivals, etc to help get their name out more and to help people remember 'who was really there for them'. I'm sure there are other views on this.. but thats my foreign perspective!

Durga Devi

 

Navaratri (or Navratri as some spell it) is the worship of goddess Durga and hence these nights are known as "Navaratri" (Nine Nights). I believe these idols are also submerged in water on specific days (or just the 10th day?!). I know that Sunday is the day.. lets hope I get out and see some of the action!

Mahalaxmi Festival Decorations

 

All along Warden Road in town the road looks like this with tons of flags decorating the road. Its all for the yearly Mahalaxmi Festival to honor the goddess Mahalaxmi. Causes major traffic delays, but its fun to watch the crickety ferris wheel and the families all out enjoying themselves.

not navatri...

 

Sorry to disappoint my admiring reader who blasted me for yesterday's photo.. but still no Navatri! You see.. this blog is a relection of daily life... and if I don't see it, then it can't go up here!

But in the meantime, here's a smoggy polluted view of 'town' seen from the Salt Water Grill on Marine Drive.

lovers lane

 

This stretch of new road in Bandra reclamation area has been taken over in the evening hours by couples looking for a little time together. It's actually quite a nice view of Worli on townside. I wonder if it will continue to be lovers lane once the new bridge is finished...

Shaan...

 

Another one from the CHIP fundraiser. Shaan who sang quite a few songs and even took requests from the audience!

Om Puri

 

Another shot from the CHIP benefit at the JW Marriott the other night. Om Puri was the guest of honor - or star of honor. I was excited to see someone that I actually recognized!

trends..

 

A photo of some of the star studded audience. This is Nina Manuel (host of Trends and After Hours) chatting with someone else who is famous (as he was followed by the cameras quite a bit!) Anyone know who Nina is talking to?
I just loved how she was all done up and interviewing people who were not dressed up at all!

CHIP Fundraiser

 

Tonight was the mega fundraiser for a local NGO called CHIP (Children in Pain). The entertainment of the night started off with a great fashion show of Deepika Gehani's new line.
(someone asked for more photos of the 'elite' side of Mumbai - so I will post several days worth from this great event!)

cafe basilico

 

A great place for 'ladies who lunch' or anyone looking for a relaxing lunch/dinner atmosphere!

sugar and nuts

 

I think these are channa 'nuts' but I'm not certain. Anyone? And little pellets of sugar. These are often seen during the festivals.

braclets

 

I've been seeing these along the roads more and more lately. I assume it allows you to make your own bracelet with whatever saying you'd like. Anyone know more about them?

Enigma

 

The nightclubs close in Mumbai at 1a.m., but at the 5 Star hotels, there are clubs that go until 3 a.m. such as Enigma at the JW Mariott. It used to be a happening place, but lately it seems a little tamer, but still fun! It's pretty packed most weekends, but luckily there is a VIP section that gives those important people a little more space to dance and socialize!

family time!

 

I love how entire families will ride on the motorcycles here. I just can't imagine doing it with small children, but to each his own!

sweets!