Bharat bandh

Yesterday, leaders of BJP, Left parties and the Samajwadi Party protested against the diesel price hike and FDI decision of the government at Jantar Mantar.  During the protest, all public transportation is stopped and business cannot go on as usual.  Also, autos are sometimes sparse on the streets so going anywhere can be out of the question.  So yesterday (Thursday) was a free day thanks to bandh.  Well, a work from home day at least. 

It was the second “free” day, as Wednesday was Ganesh Chaturthi, the Hindi festival that celebrates Lord Ganesh’s birthday.  If you’re not familiar with Ganesh, he’s the God with the elephant head.   His head was cut off and though other Gods traveled the world looking for it, they couldn’t find it.  Though, they did come across a mother elephant mourning for her dead baby and used this baby elephant head as a replacement.   Ganesh is awesome.

Ganesh, if you couldn't tell

Ganesha is worshiped for 10 days from Chaturthi and on the 11th day, the statue is taken through the streets in a procession accompanied with dancing, singing, and fanfare to be immersed in a river or the sea symbolizing a ritual see-off of the Lord in his journey towards his abode in Kailash while taking away with him the misfortunes of his devotees.

There are Ganesh idols everywhere right now in preparation for immersion of the idols into the Hussain Sagar lake here in Hyderabad.  The idols are made of clay so that the creations are soluble.

Also, I had a tenderloin steak at a place called Chef Inam’s on Wednesday.  It was so good.  I want more!

Can’t believe I’m heading back to the States so soon.  It’s coming up fast and I have no souvenirs for anyone.