Ganesh on exhibitHere's a special treat for all those fascinated by the different forms of Ganesh and don't miss the opportunity to visit the pandals. A unique exhibition has been organised by the Raja Dinkar Kelkar Museum from Monday to September 23. Figures of Ganesh on miniature and folk paintings are on show. Manuscripts and even textiles depict Ganesh in various forms and postures. The most interesting are the ones in several extraordinary forms. Sculptures are in different mediums of wood, metal, ivory and glass. An exhibition is sure to fascinate, organised as it is in the true festive spirit.Giant of a modak Come Ganeshotsav and the path of the faithful invariably wends its way towards the Shrimant Dagdusheth Halwai Sarvajanik Ganpati. The glittering idol of the elephant-headed god and the different facades put up at the venue have always attracted devotees. This year another added novelty besides the replica of the Namdev Payari of Pandharpur's Vitthal-Rukmani temple will be a huge modak which will be offered by a Mumbai-based Ganesh devotee. Says Mama Rasne, vice-president, Shrimant Dagdusheth Halwai Sarvajanik Ganpati Trust,``The modak made of sukameva and khawa will weigh 250 kgs and will be offered on Sunday by Naresh Patel, who is in the sweetmeats business. The modak will be distributed among devotees as prasad.'' Now the darshan of the faithful promises to be even sweeter than it always is.Life is a stageThe Chirantan Natya Sanstha has organised a theatre workshop at Shantivan, Khanapur for parents. Devdatta Pathak, the brain behind this workshop, told us educating parents on how to cope with their children is the aim.Most children, today, are in a state of confusion. Moreover, their parents are unable to give them the full attention. But expectations remain high and more often than not, children cannot live up to them.Pathak believes that a live media like theatre can help parents realise their children's potential and understand their behaviour.The workshop will be held on October 2 and 3. Parents can contact Pathak on 4482456. Details are available at Modern High School between 6 p.m and 8 p.m.Deafening decibels AND speaking of the festival, the decibel levels have already started to rise in the city thanks to the loudspeakers of our friendly neighbourhood Ganesh mandals.Andaman viewThey live on the idyllic Andaman islands, but the existence of the tribal there is far from ideal. Living amidst the fascinating bio-diversity that makes up the islands, these natives are struggling to keep their century- old tradition alive in a precarious atmosphere. All this and more will be the theme of a slide show, The Andaman Islands - their wildlife and people, which will be shown at the sociology department, University of Pune on September 15 at 5.30 p.m. The show will be conducted by Pankaj Sekhsaria of Kalpavriksh, the environmental action group.Vocal at 1000 OaksThis Friday night 1000 Oaks will come alive to music - a karaoke singalong has been arranged to pep up spirits. Except, this time, you will be singing along with none other than former Channel V veejay Sophiya Haque. The lady will also be compering the show. That's not all - lots of contests and prizes, say the event managers.
