2015 Republic Day parade Mumbai Sanjay Gandhi National Park float

With the 2016 Republic Day fast approaching , let's go back and have a look at the floats showcased at last year's parade at the Shivaji park grounds in Mumbai, Maharashtra. As usual, the floats were awesome. 

One of these which stood out with its sheer vibrant colours and detailed designing was that of the Sanjay Gandhi National Park (SGNP), located at Borivali, Mumbai. It deserves a blog post all to itself!

2015 Diwali festival dates and Lakshmi puja timings

With the festival of lights starting tomorrow, colurful and yummy days are ahead - colours in kandeels, lights, diyas and garments and the 'yummy' part in what else but traditional sweets! The 3 important important deities worshipped during Diwali are the Goddess of Wealth, namely Goddess Lakshmi, the Lord of wisdom, namely Lord Ganesha and the Goddess of learning, namely Goddess Saraswati. Learn more about the pujas and rituals of Diwali: How to do simple Ganesha and Lakshmi pujas on 5 days of Diwali

2015 Durga Puja Pandal Shivaji Park Mumbai images

As in past years, on the occasion of Dussehra festivities, the traditions of Durga puja can be seen in all its splendor at the Bengal Club's pandal at Shivaji Park, Mumbai. 

The entrance is dominated by a huge sculptural creation of Lord Shiva with the Kailash moumtains forming the backdrop. 

In front of Lord Shiva are the 9 incarnations of the Devi, each depicted traditionally seated on a mount.

Shubham Mangalmurti Arts Ganapati idols 2015

The beautiful Ganapati idols created by the artistes of Shubham Mangalmurti Arts from Satara can be viewed at Dadar, Mumbai (see address at the end). They have idols of Lord Ganesha in different forms, including those of Bal Ganesh, Lord Krishna and Lord Shiva. Do go at least once and see their amazing work. 

Like last year, though, their idols are on display on the first floor of the building which is under construction so you need to take care when going upstairs. 

Shri Ashtravinayak Chitrashala Ganapati Idols 2015

It is time for Maharashtra's favourite festival - Ganesh Chaturthi! Planning to bring Ganapati Bappa home? 

Check out these idols created by the artistes of Shri Ashtravinayak Chitrashala.

Shevgyacha Shenga Marathi play review

Written and directed by Gajendra Ahire, the Marathi play's title Shevgyacha Shenga refers to the drumsticks, which play a role in one of the scenes. 

The play’s theme is companionship. What’s new about that one may well ask. What’s new is that it delves into issues of gender, such as menopause. There were audible gasps in the audience when characters spoke openly about it. 

Central Railway 2015 Summer Special Trains from Mumbai

Central Railway is operating special trains this summer from Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus (CST) and Lokmanya Tilak Terminus (LTT) stations, Mumbai to various destinations in India. The trains will operate from April to June 2015. Bookings for all the trains are already open.