10,000 people and an elephant.

Minnie visited Ganesh Temple in Flushing, much to the delight of hundreds of people, who eagerly stroked her, posed for photos and fed her treats like peppermint candy. At some points the crowds, swelled so much so that it seemed inevitable someone would be trampled. But the morning went off without a hitch. 

It was a beautiful, joyous celebration to reconsecrate elements of the temple, described only as a once in a lifetime experience. From the hot-tar roof on Bowne Street, guests could see a myriad of faces, chanting, singing and praying. 

One of the key elements in the ceremony was the pouring of holy water onto three rooftop towers. Inside these structures, are the Gods, one man explained. Below them are the precious metals which flow throughout the temple. Once the water touches the metal, serenity is imbued in Ganesh.

Several hours later, I still felt jittery from the electric experience and honored to have been able to document the event.