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10 Food Items that Make Your Holi Taste Better

Do you also look for reasons to eat, to have guilt free binge eating? All of us do. And what better excuse than a festival. The festival of colours is around the corner and we can’t keep calm.

Holi is all about celebrating happiness with friends and family. And there are certain food items for Holi that are the best medium for all Indian families to spread joy with their dear ones.

People of Udaipur love celebrating festivals and we do it in style. Udaipurites welcome every occasion with full excitement, enthusiasm and of course food.

On every festival there is a certain food delicacy being prepared in every house in Udaipur. Apart from playing with colours and dancing to our favourite songs, Holi is always associated with various traditional food items that we enjoy every year.

After playing with colours for hours, and taking the longest bath of our lives, we just cannot wait to indulge in our favourite traditional holi food items.

So, to sprinkle some colours on your plate this Holi, we are here with best traditional Holi food items to make the occasion even more colourful.

Traditional food items for Holi

1. Gujiya

Gujiya food items for holi
Holi is always incomplete without Gujiya. When we talk about Holi food items, Gujiya is the first sweet that comes to our mind. It is safe to announce that it is the official traditional dish for Holi. One can add a twist to gujiya by baking them or adding Nutella. Thinking of trying the same this Holi, aren’t you?

2. Thandai

thandai best food items for holi
Celebrating Holi under the sun, makes you crave for some chilled flavoured drink. It keeps you hydrated and ensures that your energy does not drop. And what’s better than a Thandai? There is no doubt, Thandai adds the perfect colour to the celebration.

3. Puri Bhaji

poori bhaji best food items for holi
Lunch on Holi is all about poori bhaji. Hot pooris with bhaji is the perfect delight after an endless morning of celebrating holi. It is a go to dish in every household.

4. Kanji Vada

kanji wada best food items for holi
Kanji vada is a traditional Rajasthani dish. Crispy fried vadas are dipped into rai ka pani. It is very easy to make and is a great side item for all the guests on Holi.

5. Dahi Bhalle

dahi bhalle best food items for holi
This is the most relished food item in Holi. The soft daal balls are dipped in chilled yogurt, and is garnished with chutney, making it a super delicious chaat. Drooling already?

6. Pakore

pakore best food items for holi
Pakore is hands down the best snack for Holi. During Holi bhang pakore are also prepared. These are nothing fancy. But once you start munching onto them, then there is no coming back.

7. Maalpua

maalpua best food items for holi
Every occasion is incomplete without something sweet. Maalpua can be a little difficult to make, but the hustle is all worth it. Maalpua is an Indian version of pancakes, but better.

8. Moong Dal Kachori

kachori best food items for holi
Every Indian celebration is incomplete without fried food. A combination of Moong dal ki kachori, friends and music is what we call a perfect Holi celebration.

9. Namakpare

namakpaare best food items for holi
This traditional Indian snack is the best side dish. Generally, in Holi it is made in bulk and stored. So, when guests come over, they are ready to serve. These are salty and crunchy, another snack that you cannot stop munching on.

10. Puran Poli

Puran Poli best food items for holi
For all the sweet teeth, one should not miss eating Puran Poli on Holi. It is easy to make. Moreover its sugary taste will tempt you to have more after each bite.

We celebrate a number of festivals in India, and every festival has a list of special delights. Every celebration is incomplete without some signature traditional family dish.

Though these delicacies can be made throughout the year, they taste best when they are garnished with the excitement of Holi. And being a Rajasthani, we have an assortment of gourmet’s delights.

We are sure you are tempted to have most of these food items. So what are you waiting for? Go and enjoy these delicious delicacies this Holi.

Compiled by- Vaishali Jain

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Urban95 Udaipur Kids Festival to be held this weekend

The event, aimed at children in the age group of 0-6, will take place at Gulab Bagh on 5th and 6th March, 2022

Imagine that you are a 3-year-old child. Delve deeper into your imagination and think what all you would like to do at this age. Unlimited fun activities, making mud castles the entire day, running after balloons, curiously gazing at wonderous sights, creating colourful crafts, reading stories and getting lost in books filled with colourful pictures – this probably is the best definition of childhood.

Through the “Urban95 Udaipur Kids’ Festival”, the city is focusing on enhancing early childhood and celebrating it. This annual event is organized by the Udaipur Nagar Nigam, in collaboration with Bernard Ven Leer Foundation (BvLF) with technical support from ICLEI – Local Governments for Sustainability, South Asia and Ecorys India. This year the festival will be celebrated on 5th and 6th of March at Gulab Bagh, Udaipur.

Due to the Covid-19 pandemic, the festival could not be organized last year. However, it was a huge success in 2020, memories of which live on even now. The festival will also mark the participation of several schools, Bal Vikas Kendra and other associated organizations of Udaipur.

Kid's FestivalPlanned activities at the Urban95 Udaipur Kids’ Festival

The festival is being organized with a special focus on children up to the age of 6 years and their caregivers, and the activities are designed to aid in the physical, mental, emotional, and creative development of young children. The festival will offer insights on activities that support learning for young children as per their personalities and preferences, and behavioral insights for the caregivers to promote the[RM1]  holistic development of their children.

Children attending the festival can participate in activities like art and craft, painting, block printing, storytelling, learning tree, hurdle race, skipping, games with balloons, games with use of soil and balls, traditional games, clay art, one-minute shows and much more. The festival space will also showcase colorful décor to make the space interesting for young children.

In addition, with support from West Zone Cultural Centre, activities like puppet shows, which highlight the culture of the city, will also be organized. The Nagar Nigam has arranged a plantation drive with kids and their caregivers to spread the message of the significance of trees and the need for protecting the environment. A health camp for young children is being organized by the Health Department, facilitating routine health checkup of the children, along with measurement of their height and weight.

Under Urban95 Udaipur, the “Parents+” project, with Jatan Sansthan as the technical partner, will support parents and families with information on positive parenting, pre-school education, childcare at home, health, nutrition and hygiene, along with things to keep in mind while walking with children outdoors or in public vehicle will be discussed during a dedicated session.  Several committees have come together to plan and manage operations for the festival.

Kid's Festival

Golden opportunity for engaging young children post COVID-19

Like all children, kids have not been able to go to pre-schools or anganwadis since the past two years. Moreover, experts do not advocate too many online classes for this age group. In such a situation, kids have been confined to their homes.  The Urban95 Kids Festival is a golden opportunity for Udaipur city, where young children will be able to come out of their homes and explore the park, play with other children and connect with nature for two consecutive days. They will also be able to participate in various pre-school educational activities.

During the festival, the COVID-19 safety protocols will be strictly followed for the safety of all visitors.

Bus facility: Buses have been provided by the Municipal Corporation to pick and drop the children of various Anganwadi centers. These buses will be available on both days of the festival. Vehicle access of any kind is prohibited in the park so that children and caregivers can move freely.

Parking facility: For the parents and schools willing to reach the site by private vehicles, four-wheeler parking space has been allotted at the smart city parking near PWD. Parking for two-wheelers has been allotted at the left-hand side from the main entrance. Traffic police will be posted for the same.

Who can participate? Children up to the age of 6 years can participate in the festival. Parents and caregivers of the kids participating are also allowed to accompany them. Apart from this, individuals working with young children, teachers, social organizations, private schools, people associated with Anganwadi centers, pregnant and lactating women are also welcome to the festival. The festival will be held from 9 AM till sunset.

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उदयपुर में 5 से 7 मार्च तक बिखरेंगे थियेटर के रंग

इला अरूण, लिलेट दुबे, विक्रांत मिश्रा सहित कई नामी कलाकार करेंगे दर्शकों  का मनोरंजन

उदयपुर। झीलों की नगरी उदयपुर के  दर्शकों पर थिएटर फेस्टिवल का जादू मार्च के पहले सप्ताह में चलने वाला है। यह उत्सव दर्शकों के लिए जीवन के सभी रंगों का आनंद लेने के लिए एक इमर्सिव अनुभव सुनिश्चित करेगा। 5 से 7 मार्च तक परफोर्मिंग आर्ट क्षेत्र के प्रतिष्ठित व्यक्तियों द्वारा लिखित, निर्देशित और प्रदर्शित किए जाने वाले 3 दिवसीय थियेटर फेस्टिवल की तैयारियां पूरी कर ली गयी हैं।

आयोजक अहसास महिला समूह ने बताया कि स्व. डॉ. प्रभा खेतान ने कोलकाता में प्रभा खेतान फाउंडेशन की स्थापना की थी। फाउंडेशन पूरे भारत में साहित्य, प्रदर्शन कला, सांस्कृतिक विरासत और महिला सशक्तिकरण को बढ़ावा देने के लिए समर्पित होकर काम कर रहा है। संगठन भारत और विदेशों में 40 शहरों में सक्रिय है। प्रभा खेतान फाउंडेशन अपनी पहल “चलचित्र रंगमंच“ के तहत 3 शक्तिशाली और मार्मिक नाट्य प्रस्तुतियों के साथ उदयपुर में 3 दिवसीय थियेटर फेस्टिवल लेकर आया है।

फाउंडेशन ने कोविड -19 महामारी के कारण लॉकडाउन के लंबे अंतराल के बाद इस उत्सव को पूरी सावधानी से आयोजित किया है। यह भारत के समान विचारधारा वाले संगठनों, लोगों और अहसास महिलाओं की सहायता से भारत और विदेशों में कला और संस्कृति को बढ़ावा देने के लिए निरन्तर कार्यरत है।

रेडिसन होटल में होने वाले थियेटर फेस्टिवल में इस क्षेत्र की दिग्गज लिलेट दुबे और इला अरुण अभिनय के परिचित नाम केके रैना, विक्रांत मिश्रा, इरा दुबे, जॉय सेनगुप्ता, मार्क बेनिंगटन, ऋषि खुराना, प्रणव सचदेव जैसे वरिष्ठ कलाकारों के साथ तीन समकालीन मंच नाटकों से दर्शकों का मनोरंजन करेंगी।

Lockdown Liasionsउत्सव का पहला दिन शोभा डे द्वारा लिखित लॉकडाउन लिएज़ोन्स के साथ शुरू होगा। यह नामी भारतीय अभिनेता और थिएटर निर्देशक लिलेट दुबे द्वारा निर्देशित नाटक 5 लघु कथाओं के संग्रह पर आधारित है। कोविड के समय पर आधारित नाटक जीवन और मानवीय संबंधों की असुरक्षा से संबंध रखता  है। स्टार कास्ट में लिलेट दुबे,  इरा दुबे और जॉय सेनगुप्ता शामिल हैं।

Devika Raniदूसरे दिन भारतीय लेखक और स्तंभकार किश्वर देसाई द्वारा लिखित देविका रानी का प्रदर्षन होगा।। भारत की पहली अंतरराष्ट्रीय स्क्रीन दिवा देविका रानी के जीवन पर आधारित एक अद्भुत नाटक का निर्देशन लिलेट दुबे द्वारा किया गया है। देविका रानी बॉम्बे टॉकीज फिल्म स्टूडियो चलाने वाली पहली महिला हैं। इसकी स्टार कास्ट में इरा दुबे, जॉय सेनगुप्ता, मार्क बेनिंगटन और ऋषि खुराना शामिल हैं।

Yeh Raste Hain Pyar Keथियेटर फेस्टिवल के तीसरे दिन इला अरूण द्वारा लिखित ये रास्ते हैं प्यार के नाटक  प्रदर्शित किया जाएगा। इला अरुण लोक और लोक-पॉप संगीत की शैली में एक विश्व स्तरीय नाम है। नाटक का निर्देशन केके रैना ने किया है। इला अरुण ने एक भयंकर महामारी के अनिश्चित समय में दो बुजुर्गों की एक सुंदर कहानी बुनी है, जो अपने खाली जीवन के अलगाव से मुक्त होने के लिए बेताब हैं। स्टार कास्ट में इला अरुण, केके रैना और विक्रांत मिश्रा शामिल हैं।

इस उत्सव में देषभर के विभिन्न शहरों से अहसास समूह की महिलाओं द्वारा भी भाग लिया जाएगा। अहसास जीवन के सभी क्षेत्रों की समान विचारधारा वाली महिलाओं का समूह है जो समाज को बढ़ावा देने और समर्थन करने के लिए काम करता है।

उदयपुर की अहसास महिलाएं स्वाति अग्रवाल, श्रद्धा मुर्डिया, मूमल भंडारी, कनिका अग्रवाल, रिद्धिमा दोशी और शुभ सिंघवी उदयपुर में इस उत्सव की मेज़बानी कर रही हैं।

 

 

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राजस्थान बजट 2022- जानिए उदयपुर को मिली कौन-कौन सी सौगातें!

उदयपुर को बीजेपी का गढ़ कहा जाता है। परन्तु एक बार फिर उदयपुर को सबसे बड़ी सौगात कांग्रेस सरकार से  मिली है। 10 साल पहले भी कांग्रेस सरकार में मुख्यमंत्री रहे अशोक गहलोत ने उदयपुर को नगर परिषद से अपग्रेड कर नगर निगम बनाया था। 

अब ठीक 10 साल बाद गहलोत ने अपनी तीन वर्षों की सरकार के चौथे बजट में उदयपुर को UIT से अपग्रेड कर उदयपुर विकास प्राधिकरण (UDA ) बना दिया है। 

अब जयपुर, अजमेर और जोधपुर की तर्ज पर उदयपुर को उदयपुर विकास प्राधिकरण कहा जाएगा। यहां काम भी विकास प्राधिकरण के तौर पर ही होगा। उदयपुर को प्राधिकरण बनाने की मांग लम्बे समय से की जा रही थी।

केवल यही नहीं, उदयपुर को बजट से काफी कुछ मिला है। राजस्थान बजट उदयपुर के लिए निम्न सौगाते लाया है। 

  1. उदयपुर को विकास प्राधिकरण बनाया गया।  
  2. वल्लभनगर में रीको इंडस्ट्री बनाई जाएगी।
  3. खेरवाड़ा में एग्रीकल्चर कॉलेज खोला जाएगा।
  4. उदयपुर में अतिरिक्त सीएमएचओ ऑफिस खोला जाएगा।
  5. झल्लारा पीएचसी को सीएचसी में क्रमोन्नत किया।
  6. महाराणा प्रताप खेलगांव में सिंथेटिक एथलेटिक ट्रैक बनाया जाएगा।
  7. गिर्वा में एक खेल स्टेडियम भी बनाया जाएगा।
  8. सुपर-स्पेशियलिटी में सुविधाएं बढ़ाई जाएंगी।
  9. कोटड़ा तहसील में नए बांध बनाने की घोषणा।
  10. सेमारी उदयपुर में नया उपखंड कार्यालय बनाया जाएगा।
  11. उदयपुर में मिनी फूड पार्क बनाने की घोषणा हुई।
  12. दिल्ली के उदयपुर हाउस में 250 कमरों का हॉस्टल बनेगा।
  13. नगर निगम क्षेत्र में 40 करोड़ से नई सड़कें बनाई जाएंगी।
  14. उदयपुर-बांसवाड़ा रोड़ पर माही नदी पर पुल का निर्माण।
  15. 89 करोड़ से झल्लारा-धरियावद, प्रतापनगर सड़क, ऋषभदेव से झामेश्चर सड़क, झाड़ोल-देवास-गोगुंदा सड़क निर्माण।
  16. 150 करोड़ से प्रतापनगर से बलीचा फोर लेन रोड, आयुर्वेद चौराहे ( राड़ाजी चौराहा) से सुभाष (नेता जी सुभाष चंद्र बोस) सर्किल, सज्जनगढ़ तिराहा, रामपुरा होते हुए सीसारमा-झाड़ोल एलिवेटेड रोड़ बनायीं जाएंगी। 
  17. उदयपुर में 400 केवी ग्रिड सब स्टेशन स्थापित किया जाएगा।
  18. उदयपुर में बॉटनिकल गार्डन स्थापित किया जाएगा।
  19. भाणदा में नई चौकी, पाटिया चौकी को थाना बनाया जाएगा।
  20. उदयपुर में खुलेगा फैमेली कोर्ट। 
  21. बावलवाड़ा में उप-तहसील खोली जाएगी।
  22. घाटकोन में 9.65 करोड़ से सिंचाई परियोजना।
  23. गामदरा में 4.57 करोड़ से सिंचाई परियोजना।
  24. बेड़ा का नाका में 3.27 करोड़ से सिंचाई परियोजना।
  25. बजरिया, भूराव, हसूला और देवेंद्रा में 17 करोड़ से सिंचाई परियोजना।

यदि सभी घोषणाओं का पालन किया गया, तो हमें उदयपुर का एक नया रूप देखने मिलेगा।  


Article by: Paridhi Mehta

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Broken Pipelines, Potholed Roads & etc.: Would You Call Udaipur “Smart” Yet? 

Udaipur ranks fifth in the country and first in the state when we speak of smart city work. But the dissatisfied citizens of the city and the respective councilors of the wards give rise to irony. Despite the ranks given, we still lag in the race of becoming a smarter city soon.

It has been months since we are waiting for the smart city works to pace up and get done. The slow work of the project has infuriated both the ward members and councilors. The time taken to make things right has not reached expectations.
In recent days, pipelines broke during the work which led to no supply of water in the area. Living without a proper supply of water is unimaginable. Seeing the agitated people, the concerned officials called for water tankers.
Even though the actions were taken by the heads, the problem couldn’t be solved completely before the evening. That is where we can look for problems. Finding solutions after days of distress leads to discontent.
There is so much that is covered in the smart city project. The redevelopment, retrofitting, and introduction of smart infrastructure pan city. But instead, the work is taking a long time and the existing facilities are also deteriorating.
The deadline for the completion of the 99 smart city projects was extended twice already. Still, 21 projects stay unattended. The aspects covered under the smart city include

  • CC roads
  • Underground cabling
  • Sewerage-drainage system
  • Water supply

The tasks have been majorly completed. The work from Rangniwas to Jagdish Chowk is supposed to be completed by March 31 this year. The ACEO of Smart City, Pradeep Sangawat claims that the citizens would not have to face the problem for long.
Being a citizen of the city, we understand that the smart city work takes time. But, the swirling dust and dirt have taken tolls over the patience of the people here. Potholed roads are a thing these days.
People, when asked, do not remember how it was like driving on a road without digs. From the locals to councilors and ministers, all are frustrated from the slow-paced work. Even though the move was towards the development of “smart” cities, people are convinced that it was not smart enough.
It has been six long years; there is improvement too. But the changes are not visible. That makes us question the officials about the very decision that was targeted towards only growth and development in the near future.
Had it been the other way round, it would have been different. On the ending note, it is important for the officials to focus on management and time that has been taken to accomplish the project. Even now, if they keep a track of this stuff, there could be chances of finishing the work by deadline


Article by: Paridhi Mehta

Categories
News

Can You Find Similarities Between Rajasthan & Punjab’s Cultures?

Rajasthan and Punjab are two very distinctive states of our country. While they are very different, there are various similarities as well. In this aspect, the governments of the respective states intend to promote each other’s cultures.

Punjab’s infotech chairman Harpreet Sandhu visited the city of lakes on February 9th. With a view to giving an insight on Punjab’s rich heritage, he gifted the Collector his book, “Sadda Sohna Punjab”.

He was also of the view that Rajasthan and Punjab share different yet very similar cultures. Both the states have people who are deeply rooted. The royalty of Rajasthan and the high-spirited lifestyle of Punjab are both exciting to know.

With the idea of cultural exchange for both the states, locals would get the opportunity to explore different destinations of the West and North. Both, Rajasthan and Punjab, take pride in boasting about their food, folk arts, and lifestyle.

Despite the various distinctive things, there are points of similarities as well. The two cultures are symbolic of happiness and joy. The Rajasthani attire for women is ghagra, choli, and odhni. And for the women of Punjab, is a salwar kameez.

And surprisingly, both attires are equally fancied by the locals.

Travel and tourism is one of the largest industries in the world. Leveraging them for the economic benefit of Rajasthan and Punjab is a strategic and advantageous decision. It will also result in the benefit of Udaipur’s tourism.

This scheme of promoting each other’s cultures brings forward an opportunity for economic development as well. The tourist destinations of the states have a great capacity to attract tourists.

Tourism spend and economic development go hand-in-hand. And with the increased tourism across the two places, there are better chances of monumental development. When travellers from Punjab come to Rajasthan, there are chances of financial betterment for our state.

This unique idea of the respective state governments can uplift the scenario of voyaging. People from Rajasthan will get to know about the culture of Punjab and vice versa. And also, they would get to experience the beauty of Punjab’s “INDIA BEGINS HERE” tagline.

Article by: Paridhi Mehta

Categories
Food

Best Places To Have Decent Meals In Udaipur

When you are a first time traveler in a particular destination, you are not sure where to have a meal which is satisfying. Here I recommend 4 places which offer delicious food in great ambience and pleasing service. Most important, they are value for money and one does not regret spending on the meal.

Viraasat

399-400 Gopal Bhawan, Kalaji Goraji Marg, Near Vinayak Hotel, Udaipur

Viraasat as the name suggests is a restaurant where yu are served Traditional Rajasthani food in very pleasing ambience. They have seating in covered area as well as in the garden so ideal for soaking in the winter sun and enjoying the evenings by the seegris.

The menu is extensive with soups, salads and authentic Mewari food. I strongly recommend their thali which is delicious and value for money. They have Tandoor operational all the time and that’s a big plus point as you can enjoy Tandoori chapattis and other preparations.  The locals love Viraasat’s  Laal Maas, Bati, Choorma Ladoo and a lot more.

Very well maintained and operated professionally by the polite owners themselves.


The Little Prince Restaurant

Chandpole, Near Walking Bridge, Hanuman Ghat Area, Udaipur  

Tucked nicely close to the walking bridge, this simple restaurant has very chilled out vibes. There is usually a team of two boys who look into your order, disappear in the kitchen and come up with a very well presented dish you ordered. You will be surprised to see an offbeat menu here with authentic Israeli and Korean dishes besides the popular Continental and Indian preparations. We tried Falafel Lifafa, Israeli Platter, Thupka and Momos – all were excellent in taste and presentation with mouth watering accompaniment dips and sauces.

And yes, ask for your favourite smoothie or Coffee with  French fries and just soak in the calm environs for here is the peaceful side of the city right besides lake Pichola.

With warm service, decent pricing, this place is worth a visit.


Millets Of  Mewar 

Sajjangarh Monsoon Palace, 25, Sajjan vihar, near biological park, Udaipur

Known to be India’s 6th healthiest restaurant, the owners truly deserve a pat on the back for presenting food which is healthy, nutritious and uses forgotten Indian grains and millets. Their research to recreate special vegetarian recipes has been successful as the food is delicious. The menu is extensive and every dish is worth trying. Our vote goes for Millets Aloo Tikki and Daal Bati Churma thali which are absolutely outstanding.

The service is efficient and ambience very pleasing. They have vegan and gluten free options too. A must visit for offbeat, healthy food.


Tribute

Rang Sagar, Udaipur

If you are seeking a place for a special occasion, then a meal at this restaurant is worth trying. Beautiful location by the lake and aesthetically done restaurant, it is a destination in itself, done on the theme of horses, legendary Chetak, to be precise.

Food is delicious though a bit on the high price. But then sometimes you pay for best memories. The candle lit tables, the view and service, everything combines to give a memorable experience indeed! 


By Sharmila Chand 

The author is a well known journalist and can be reached at chand.sharmila@gmail.com 

Categories
History and Culture

AHAR – The Heritage on the verge of extinction

The Ahar river which encircles the Udaipur city is one of the few ancient rivers of the early ages, and is still hiding great mysteries within itself.

The significance of this river goes way back to the time of Indus Valley Civilisation, when there was also a contemporary civilisation going alongside, that is Ahar Civilisation, which was nurtured by this Ahar river only as those people resided on the banks of this river, the river which is now a mere sewage & dumpyard for the whole city. 

If we turn a few more pages in history we find some lesser known facts about Ahar civilisation that existed even in the pre & early Vedic period and flourished in the Chalcolithic age (copper age) which is surprisingly dated around 3500-1500BC

Although it is the lack of archaeological excavations and people’s attention that there is still a huge potential for new discoveries about Ahar. Archaeological survey of india (ASI) has designated a museum for the Ahar civilisation, it is situated near Gangu kund (Cenotaphs). 

Similar to Harappa and Mohenjodaro, Ahar civilisation was well versed in pottery (painted red & grey ware), Stone statues & tools, terracotta figurines, clay toys etc. All these artifacts found in the excavations are exhibited in the Ahar Museum. The metal statue of Buddha and stone statues of Jain tirthankaras are the unique attraction of this place for the scholars & historians. This museum is lesser known & is among the least visited places even for the Udaipurites, due to the lack of information regarding the Ahar & its heritage values. 

Don’t let the Ahar die beneath the urban garbage, save it from becoming an open sewerage and let it again sing the tales of our glorious past. Our history requires our attention!

By Guest Author – Avi Paliwal

Categories
Social

Few ways you can deal with post lockdown anxiety, depression and negativity

The one who said, “covid cases are just numbers until they become a name you know”, has well said and very much appropriate. We’ve just seen a very dark time, like never seen before and it has disturbed all of us to our very core. 

This might be my personal opinion, but having to think everyone will relate to the anxiety at this point, to the negativity we were surrounded with, especially when we are in our ‘work from home and not to socialise’ modes.

Couldn’t help, but think of things that can reduce the developing anxiety and depression due to the curfews, the lockdown and the pandemic. It is necessary and It’s not even easy but here are a few things we can do to keep ourselves calm and positive. We can always try!

Give yourself a routine

Now, this is the time to be self-obsessed. Set short goals for each day or a week. Engage yourself in self-care. Do not sleep too much or too little, exercise more, meditate, set reminders to drink water, and eat adequately. Neither skipping a meal will help nor overeating. Eating healthy food also boosts your mood, so switch to a healthy routine. A proper schedule definitely helps in reducing stress and keeps you mentally busy; so no space for overthinking. A healthy lifestyle is the key to a healthy mind.

How to deal with anxiety and depression during lockdown
Source: Pexels

Turn on your ‘fun’ channel

If things are getting to you, hold strong and find a reason to smile every day. Watch more stand up comedy shows, funny videos, comedy films; give yourself a reason to laugh. That is an instant freshener. Play with the kids, play with pets, spend more time with nature, in fact, do something to preserve it; it’ll make you happy from deep inside. And most of all change to some upbeat, happy music. A change in the playlist brings an instant change in the mood and you can even jump and dance around. Do not think much, have fun, you’ll see your surroundings in a fresh mood.

How to deal with anxiety and depression during lockdown
Source: Pexels

Stop over-consuming the news

We are surrounded by all kinds of Covid related news, which is ultimately affecting our mental peace in one or another way. We need to just stay informative, so take all the information needed and then stop the extra news to get to you. For starters, we all scroll down the Instagram search feed. Try and change it into things that make you feel good, like surfing for sports, food, Bollywood, music etc. anything that distracts you from unwanted information.

How to deal with anxiety and depression during lockdown
Source: Pexels

No blame game

Blaming someone else always results in more and more negativity. Instead of blaming the world, people in higher authoritative positions, making a person feel that he/she is responsible for it, we should see the positives. Do your bit to make this place better for living. Stay affirmative that the good is going to come. 

How to deal with anxiety and depression during lockdown
Source: Pexels

Express yourself

It is the most important exercise to reduce stress, anxiety, depression and other mental issues that you express, tell your feelings. We have to stay in our homes to be safe, less socialising, less personal touch and that leads to frustration. Surround yourself with people you can talk to; friends, family, anyone. Indulge in long talks instead of chatting. 

Like I am sharing my opinion and feelings with you all in this format, you can also choose your mode of expression. It can be through painting, writing, speaking, working, anything that takes that burden out, setting within you.

How to deal with anxiety and depression during lockdown
Source: Pexels

These all measures have been personally practised, so stay at home and do give it a try. And do not let the darks fill the void with all the wrongs that are coming to you, fill the emptiness with your beautiful heart and the creative brain god has gifted to us humans.

The process of unlocking has begun. Sooner or later we will be heading out according to the guidelines and protocols. We just need to be patient and take care of ourselves and our families.

We can always start afresh. Nothing is easy but slowly and steadily we are the ones who stand firm on the virtue of perfection. We are all in this together. You’re always welcome to share your feelings with us. You need to just push that ‘go’ button. 

Note: All these measures are the writer’s opinion. Every person is different; we do not claim for these measures to work on each and every one. But if you feel you need help, do not hesitate to contact a professional.

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Article contributed by: Nivedita Rai

Categories
People

Udaipur teenager becomes the Youngest Plasma Donor in India

18-year-old Manshul Rathodiya of Udaipur becomes the youngest plasma donor of India. The teenager donated plasma at the age of 18 years and 5 days on 3rd May 2021. 

The convalescent plasma therapy aims at using antibodies from the blood of recovered Covid-19 patients to treat those who are critically affected by the virus. The therapy can also be used to immunize those who are at a high risk of contracting the virus, such as health workers, families of patients, and other high-risk contacts.

This is definitely a proud moment for all Udaipurites that the youngest plasma donor in India belongs to Udaipur. Team UdaipurBlog had a quick conversation with Manshul Rathodiya and here is what he has to say on this noble deed of his, which set a new record:

You’ve become India’s youngest person to donate plasma, how are you feeling?

Manshul: “I felt very nice, it’s an amazing feeling. And what better than saving someone’s life.”

When you made up your mind regarding donating plasma, what was going on inside you and how did you come up with this decision?

Manshul: “When I used to see on social media that this blood group plasma is required, that plasma is required, so I spoke to myself, if I could do anything, I will do it. So that is how I came up with my decision and I finally did it.”

How did your family react when you informed them of your decision?

Manshul: “My family was totally supportive. They supported me and my decision, that yes, you can donate plasma, rather you should, and we are with you.”

While donating plasma, how were you feeling? How was the experience? 

Manshul: “I was feeling very proud at that time and by donating plasma once, I can save the lives of two people. It was a great experience and I was really happy.”

Tell us about your inspiration. How did you get inspired for such a great cause?

Manshul: I saw pictures of people donating plasma on UdaipurBlog. So, I got inspired from there that I should also donate plasma. It was already twenty to twenty-five days since I recovered from covid. So after searching about how to donate, finally, I did it.”

What message would you like to give to our Udaipurblog readers?

Manshul: “I would just like to say one thing that if anyone is capable of donating plasma then they should donate. What better deed you can do than saving someone’s life.”

An extraordinary heart and selfless thought process is required for such noble acts and in times when people are afraid and reluctant towards plasma donation, this young boy from Udaipur has set an example, a benchmark that for doing something great, greatness is required.

Shed your fear away; and if you have recently recovered from the Covid-19 virus and if you are eligible to donate plasma then don’t give it a second thought. It’s a noble job, put your foot forward and it starts from you. 

If you wish to donate plasma, click here

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Written by: Nivedita Rai