THE GOLD DIGGERS OF PANCHAVATI (NASHIK)

It is obviously tradition to trow coins into the holy Godavari river to thank the deities or ask for a benefice. These coins are not lost after the festivities: at low water level the people from the area start to dig out the coins from the mud. A very cumbersome, unhygenic and dangereous expedise.

On one side along the river are no sewage tratment plants, the water is extremely dirty and you do'nt need a microscope to see that. On the other side the recent Dusshera feast, combined with the immersion of a ton of effigies all painted very colourful with paints containing Cadmium, Mercury and Lead are now disolved in the water, which makes the water toxic. Despite all that this water is also used for bathing and washing the cloths.


















The more or less rare coins together with bone fragments ( I hope they are not human nature)are than later sold at the local market.

DUSSHERA DISTRACTIONS

DUSSHERA CELEBRATIONS

Dusshera is one of the most popular Indian festivals. The festival is marked by the worship of the Goddess Durga (the incarnation of Shakti, the cosmic energy. The goddess is worshipped in

ten different forms for each day of the 10-day festival. Durga Puja is performed in the various parts of India in different forms but the common theme is the triumph of good over evil.
Ram Lila is a part of the Durga Puja in North India. The theme of the celebrations is the victory of Lord Rama over the demon king Ravana.
Especially in Delhi processions from all over the city gather at the famous Rama Lila grounds to burn cracker and the effigies of raven.

During the ten days, people meet with friends and relatives, play garba and exchange Durga Puja gifts. Some of the most popular traditions are to send sweet and gifts to friends.

Today is the day of the triumph celebrating the spirit of the winning of positives over evil. The effigies of Ravana will be burnt everywhere over the city, evil will be doused everywhere.
A big impression on me made the Neptune Raas in Delhi, where amateurs in traditional Gujarat folklore dressed, dances for hours in a very special indescribable way.