Luz Perez-Ojeda

Indian portraits-Ganesh day in Paris/© Luz Perez-Ojeda All rights reserved 2012

This slideshow requires JavaScript.

About Ganesh day in Paris:
Every year, in Paris, on a mobile date corresponding to the early September full moon, the Ganesh Temple, named SRI MANIKAR VINAYAKAR ALAYAM, located in the 18th district, organizes the birthday celebration of the most popular and beloved hindu God. It is the Ganesha Chaturthi. This celebration is a prodigious festival in India, especially in Bombay (Mumbai), where continuous religious ceremonies are performed during ten days.
In Paris a chariots, wonderfully adorned with thousands flowers, welcome the magnificent Ganesh image made of golden bronze, which usually abides in the temple. These chariots are hand pulled by devotees in the streets, among the general happiness and religious fervour of the Hindu community, gathered here, living in France. Many non-hindu people also come to look at the parade and to enjoy the ambiance.
So did I, It was loud, it was bright, it was slightly confusing and there were a lot of Indian people – similar to my first impressions of Sri Lanka when I went there a few years ago. Though with the added convenience that this spectacle was that it doesn’t require a 9 hour flight to experience it. It’s always amazing to see ancient traditions flourishing outside of their traditional environment.
Though the non-Indians made up a much smaller proportion they were all present with their cameras to document this rather alien celebration. Myself included, naturally.