Happy Vinayaka Chathurthi

I commence my work by evoking the power in me that kindles my intelligence and prosperity.

|| Gajananam Bhoota Ganadi Sevitam,

Kapittha Jambu phalasara bhakshitam
Umasutam Shoka Vinasha karanam
Namami Vighneswara pada pankajam ||

FOOTNOTE: I have started a new Facebook Page for my work under the very banner LIGHT WEDS SHADOW. I need each and everyone of your well wishes and response in order to climb up the ladder of life.

Entering the PARENTHOOD world.

EVENT : VALAIKAPPU - Indian form of Baby shower

DAY OF EVENT : 05 MARCH 2012

PLACE : MUMBAI, INDIA

After a lavish royal wedding ceremony in the Iyer sect of South India, the occasion of Valaikappu (godh bharai in Hindi) is much awaited by the family. It is a celebration of the couple entering the new phase of a mother and father. It is celebrated by offering the mother-to-be, delicate and colourful bangles ('valayal' aka bangles in tamizh) with each of the women folklore taking turns in doing so. It is usually celebrated during odd months (preferably 7th or 9th) of pregnancy. I got a beautiful opportunity to witness the rituals and the unmissable moments of this meaningful occasion. 

The to-be-parents HARI and NEERAJA

 The seek the blessings of the Lords from a temple in the background.

The vibrant glass bangles are chosen in pairs of two and slid down her hands.

Raw rice particles are mixed with the holy mustard powder and sprinkled on her as a ritual of blessing.

 Her parents bless her and offer her a new silk saree to be worn for the second set of rituals to be followed.

The couple prostrate to the elderly members to seek their blessings. The elders sprinkle the mustard coated rice particles as a medium to shower their blessings.

 The mother-to-be is drenched wet by her husband and his sister before the commencement of second set of rituals, before which she changes into her traditional attire.

 They all inquire about the baby.
-------------@@@@@@@@@------------

AND NOW FOR SOME CANDIDS!

This is a 'sequence' shot  that I captured when the couple shared a hilarious moment.

Do click on it and view it in a higher resolution. Its worth it.

NAVARATRI - When the DOLLS come ALIVE...

ASHTA-LAKSHMI

The 8 forms of wealth according to the VEDAS

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

The Ashta Lakshmi are all depicted seated on a lotus.
Adi Lakshmi (The primal mother goddess)
Dhanalakshmi (One who showers wealth)
Dhanyalakshmi (Food – one who eliminates hunger)
Gajalakshmi (Power and Strength)
Santan Lakshmi (Children)
Veera Lakshmi (Courage and Strength)
Vijaya Lakshmi (Victory)
Vidya Lakshmi (Wisdom and knowledge)

I found the maid well sculpted than the RAJA himself.

A typical scene of a DARBAR (court)

The subjects pouring out their problems to the RAJA

The Courtier of the kingdom

A typical South Indian form of wedding

Sri Jayendra Saraswathi swamigal (extreme left), Sri Mahaperiyava (centre) and Sri Vijayendra Saraswati Swamigal (to the former's right) flanked by the musicians as they welcome them
 by playing the South Indian percussion instruments.

An austere Rishi performing pooja to the Goddess Durga.

The most well known God of Hinduism Lord Balaji and his wife Goddess Alamelumanga of the great

 Tirupati temple.

.................and the ULTIMATUM...............

DASHA-AVATAR

the 10 re-incarnations of Lord Vishnu

FOOT NOTE : We could not celebrate Navaratri this year due to the demise of my grandfather 3 months ago. These pictures are clicked at a friend's place in our colony. I congratulate Mrs. Lalitha Gurumoorthy and thank her for providing me with such an opportunity. I also thank her for her co-operation in obeying my requests of holding the light source in various positions and angles without which I couldn't have achieved any of the above.