Tomorrow the Fab Four have a day off of school. Although they don't yet probably realize the "reason" they get school off, it is in fact a really big deal in India. Tomorrow is Lord Ganesha's birthday. He is an Indian idol that is worshipped as a god of wisdom, good fortune and prosperity. The people bring offerings of coconut, jaggery, blades of grass and red flowers.
All over the city of Bangalore you will see these colorful idols. Some are only a few inches tall and I heard the largest one is over 50 ft tall! Public celebrations are very popular and local communities will erect temporary platforms or "pandals" to display the Ganesha. The artistic craftsmanship is amazing. Here in Bangalore, there is a village of about 23 families that make the Ganesha's. They start preparing for this 10 day festival over 6 months in advance! I recently had the opportunity to visit "Pottery Town" and see months of the artists work coming together for this popular festival.
The likelihood of us actually doing anything tomorrow related to Lord Ganesha is slim but I can tell you one thing - I have four kids that are VERY excited about a day off of school & I thoroughly enjoyed seeing the process of how these idols are made. Lots of work and then after the 10 days - The idols are either submersed publically in a body of water or privately in their homes. I found myself thinking, "Wow! Isn't that a lot of work and kind of a waste to then just put it in water?!" Then, my friend, Don, that grew up in India said to me, "What do you think we think of Christmas trees? You cut down a tree. You bring it into your home and hang things like balls and lights on it and a couple of weeks later you put it out on your street curb." He thought that was kind of silly and wasteful! Things that make you go....Hmmmmm, right?!
All over the city of Bangalore you will see these colorful idols. Some are only a few inches tall and I heard the largest one is over 50 ft tall! Public celebrations are very popular and local communities will erect temporary platforms or "pandals" to display the Ganesha. The artistic craftsmanship is amazing. Here in Bangalore, there is a village of about 23 families that make the Ganesha's. They start preparing for this 10 day festival over 6 months in advance! I recently had the opportunity to visit "Pottery Town" and see months of the artists work coming together for this popular festival.
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Entering the village
Piles of Pots!
Getting Organized!
 I have met a wonderful person named Hema while living here in India. I went with her to one of the local markets and recently accompanied her to Pottery Town. She is such an amazing resource and has so much interesting insight on the lives and people of India. While in Pottery Town she explained to me that "mud" is so much more than just dirt or dust to the Indian people. She says it is, "a symbol of the circle of life. Mud has always been associated with creativity and expression, for utility, art and entertainment. Pottery has been around for so long that, metal and plastic seem like upstarts." 
Blessing above the door in the village.
Stamping the mud until it becomes usable
for the pottery wheel.
Talented Toes!
 
My friend, Leah, giving it a try.
  
But now, O LORD, thou art our father; we are the clay, and thou our potter; and we all are the work of thy hand.
Isaiah 64:8
Some of the potter's product.
Such patience & skill.
Could have watched him make stuff all day!
   Also known as "The Queen of Herbs", tulsi, is the most sacred herb of India. Hema told me that her mother used to give her a leaf off of the tulsi plant every morning when she left for school . It is said to be good for body, mind & spirit and have numerous health benefits. Hema still attributes her amazing immune system to having a little bit of tulsi everyday. You know that whole, "An Apple a Day Keeps the Doctor Away" motto - I'm thinking while we are in India we might want to try a little tulsi a day to keep the doctor away?! I just read on-line that tulsi is said to: |
Seriously! THOUSANDS of clay pots in the storage room.
The FLOP pile! ;0)
Leave your shoes at the door.
Wonder what's behind the door?!
Anybody need a broom?!
And there she goes....
Molding the ganesha's
Uh oh! Don't forget to add their trunks or you'll have rats instead of elephants!!
Brick Ovens
The Schedule
The families of the village share the ovens and take turns. Be sure to check the schedule to see if you can fire your pottery or not!!
"B" is for Brick!
Some are dry. Some are wet. Some are DONE!
Large Load!
Hay. Soft & Fluffy packaging material.
Peek-A-Boo!
Roof deck
Bird's Eye View
Hustle & Bustle
Need a lift?!
Working Hard!
Lunch Time
School Children Coming Home for Some Lunch
Who are those pretty girls!?!?!
Seriously. The cutest things ever!
Singing Twinkle Twinkle Little Star together.
Aw! Altogether now...CHEESE!
Taking them back to school.
Leaving the school I found this vendor cart. The sides of it was covered in school work and math problems.
Assignments
Time to do the laundry!
Negotiating
Inventory
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Time to paint the Ganesha's  
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So many pretty colors to choose from
Pick out a paint brush!
All shapes and sizes to get the job done
One of the artists painting with precision
A Little Repositioning
Gorgeous!
Rows & Rows Ready to Go!
The artist giving Leah a quick painting lesson.
Gotta protect the Ganesha's from the monsoon rains!
All done!!
At one of our local stores.
(It's kinda like the Indian equivalent of a Wal-Mart store)
Everything you could possible need to celebrate Ganesha
Thanks for a fun & memorable day everybody!
