Never say die spirit – Ganpati Bappa Morya 

Today is Anant Chaturdashi, the last day of Ganpati festival. As my residence is on the way to the beach, the tenth day immersion processions present a scene that’s full of spirit, devotion and gaiety. While the spirit of those forming part of immersion procession is understandable, dancing untiringly to the rhythmic beats of the accompanying bands, it’s the spirit of traders, shopkeepers, residential cooperative societies, groups, individuals lining the procession route that’s to be seen to be believed! It’s truly a selfless service being offered to Ganpati bhakts – water, vada pav, halwa, boiled chana, samosa, khichadi, sherbets – with utmost enthusiasm. And the service is not exclusive for the immersion processions . Every passer-by, passing vehicles, BEST buses – their staff as well passengers, bikers, cyclists et al are the beneficiary of this free service. 

And year after year I see the members of  Aniruddha Disaster Management Academy forming orderly queues to manage processions, traffic and passers-by and extending great help to Mumbai police. Ditto home guards, scouts, volunteers from Bohra community, all helping maintain order is highly appreciable. 

A few days ago I wrote a post on master chef Vikas Khanna’s sharp retort to a western media journalist on hunger in India. India may still be struggling to feed all its 140 crore citizens, but the never say die spirit that’s especially demonstrated on occasions such as Ganpati festival in Mumbai is unparalleled and unique. 

Ganpati Bappa Morya!