#i was supposed to post this around Anant Chaturdashi.....

[that-one-ao3-writer]

Since Ganeshotsav is over now, here are some of my observations during the festival that helps me restore my faith in humanity:

Lines upon lines of shops selling idols and decorations, and the sellers interacting cutely with little kids as they select their first Ganesh idol

Joining in with chants of "Ganpati Bappa Morya" with random strangers and families taking home their idol as you pass by them.

Displays of mythology and history of india through various dekhavas (attractions), plays and songs and people watching attentively regardless of age, gender, caste and religion.

Also people just standing and a watching a puppet dance on popular songs (this literally made my heart squeeze like..... we're all just kids at heart)

Spontaneous discussion on My Friend Ganesha movies

The processions. The cultural integrity still intact after all these years.

I wasnt able to fully enjoy the festival this year because of my depression, but these little things made me feel a little better.