Ganpati Bappa Morya!
Happy Ganesh Chathurthi to one and all! Wishing a very Happy Ganesh Chathurthi to all those who celebrate. May the Lord Vighna Vinayaka remove all obstacles in your paths and shower you with peace, happiness and prosperity. Growing up in Mumbai, Ganpati festival has had a special significance to me. Enjoying the day with Ganesh pooja performed by my father, lovely sweet and salty modaks (Vella Thengai and Kadalaparuppu kozhakattais) prepared by my mom, and visiting every possible Ganpati - Chembur, Dukes, Tilak Nagar, Matunga, Dadar, Siddhivinayak Mandir, Lalbaugcha Raja, GSB Seva Mandal in Kings Circle : this is a memory captured in the heart and etched in the mind of every true Mumbaikar. That combined with listens of Aartis and Ganpati bhajans by Lata Mangeshkar makes it a memorable treat. I would like to share with you my cover rendition of a traditional Marathi Aarti, popularised in Lataji's mellifluous sweet voice. My musician friend, Adwait Ranade, h...