A simple ceremony at dusk

Real silver leaf covers this little shrine which is permanently placed in front of this man's shop. Morning and evening he lights his incense sticks and performs a little puja a scene that is enacted all over the country by millions. Many shops have little shrines set up inside, on a window ledge, shelf or even a larger one on the floor. Every day rose petals, garlands, and blessed water with incense are offered and there may be a portrait of father or grandfather who founded the business placed at the back of the shrine as well as Ganesh or another personal deity. Many of the homes I have visited have small areas set aside for puja too - all part of the day's pattern.

I have pointed out several times that nothing that might come in useful is ever thrown away - I found one of the many Mr Fixits today mending electrical household gadgets and he happily posed for me