Ganesh

By : Peter, backpacker, blogger (Peter's Paris) | Published on Monday, September 6, 2010

The Hindu population (Indians, Pakistanis, Sri Lankans…) in France is - only - some 120.000, compared to some 900.000 in U.K.. Anyhow, a large part of the 120.000 seemed to have been present during the yearly Ganesh procession which took place in Paris August 29.

I have no intention, nor ability, to explain anything about Hinduism and its Gods. What I understand is that Ganesh, or Ganesha, is one of the most popular, son of Shiva… and that he has a partial likeness with an elephant, curved trunk, big ears…. There is a Ganesh Temple in Paris. I already made a post about it last year and if you wish you can read some more details about the Paris population, the religion… there.

The Ganesh Temple has since my last post moved very slightly and is now situated 17 rue Pajol, in the 10th arrondissement, close to where a large part of the Paris Hindus are active. Before watching the procession I made a visit to the new little Temple, actually an old shop.

Of course bare feet are requested in the temple, but obviously also during the march.

The march covers a part of the 10th and 18th arrondissements and lasts some four or five hours. Starting point is close to the Ganesh Temple, at the metro station, Chapelle. I took the photos at the upper parts of Rue du Faubourg Saint-Denis, today completely occupied by Indian, Pakistani and Sri Lankan shops and restaurants. This is where all the participants gathered and prepared themselves for the march. (See map at the end of the post.)

There are a lot of coconuts around. Breaking and crushing coconuts is an important part of the Hindu ritual. You will have to look for the symbolism of this elsewhere.

At last, some shots of the people in and around the procession.

Read this post on Peter's blog

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