Some of us are lucky enough to chase our dreams and achieve our goals, whereas there are some with just as much talent, but not as privileged in terms of resources. Maybe, that’s what struck the mind of this young man from Udaipur when he decided to make the largest badminton academy in Rajasthan.
Vikramaditya Chaufla has been playing badminton since he was 11 years old. What started as a means to keep himself engaged during the evenings turned into his passion and this is what took him on a journey that is full of achievements and accolades. From being the winner of the West Zone Inter-University tournament in Surat to representing India in the World University Championship in S.Korea, Vikram is one of the only two players (With Ravi Raj Sharma) in the history of Rajasthan to achieve this feat (a record which still stands).
During this journey of his’, he was even offered a central government job but he ditched that only to come back to his own city to build a badminton academy that will specially focus on underprivileged children.
The construction of the court has already started and will be finished by February 2019. The entire project of the court is self-funded and built with the initial help of I.E.V.O. Once the academy is up and running, the training will be provided by Vikram himself and he would be accompanied by international coaches and senior players who have represented the country. Apart from a select lot of underprivileged children, who would be completely funded by Vikram and his team, other people who are interested in the sport would also be welcomed.
Vikram has a noble vision to develop a private institute comprising of a holistic sports infrastructure and supported by the best of coaches in the field as he says that are umpteen number of great players, not just in the city but also in the rural areas who are just in need of a proper sports infrastructure and the right training.
If you have any such story which you want to share with us, write to me at juhee@udaipurblog.com.
After the famous Indian singer Sona Mohapatra along with several other women accused Kailash Kher of sexual harassment under the #Metoo movement, Udaipur Municipal Corporation has decided to cancel the Kailash Kher night on 30th October in the Diwali Dussehra Mela. UMC further adds up that they want to keep the celebration out of the controversy and the singer is now replaced with another famous playback singer Darshan Rawal.
Earlier, Kailash Kher along with famous comedian Raju Shrivastava was planned to be the part of this Diwali Dussehra fair at townhall. But due to Kailash Kher being the center of several sexual allegations, his show has been canceled in the fair.
Sona Mohapatra, who accused Kailash Kher to have harassed her sexually, tweeted that “I met Kailash for coffee in Prithvi Café to discuss a forthcoming concert where both our bands were playing & after the usual, a hand on my thigh with lines likes, your so beautiful, feel so good that a ‘musician got you’ (Ram) not an actor. I left not soon after”.
If you liked the article or have anything to share with us, write to me at Juhee@udaipurblog.com.
If you love unique festivals, then Udaipur Light Festival needs no introduction. ULF (Udaipur Light Festival), previously known as Udaipur Lantern Festival, is the most loved and celebrated festival of entire Rajasthan. It is a unique concept by UdaipurBlog which incepted 6 years back in the form of Diwali celebration at one place. What started as a small festival, has now turned into a mega light and music festival with time. Udaipur makes an incredible host city and the enthusiasm skyrockets every year.
In case you’re still confused about whether to attend the festival or not, we’ll give you reasons that will make you jump from your seats and book the tickets right away.
A Mind Blasting Line-Up
From authentic traditional singer Kutle Khan to one of the most soulful Punjabi singers, B Praak and Head spinning DJ’s like DJ Shameless Mani & Shanaya, you would be absolutely mesmerized with a number of artists from different genres. And when there are so many exciting artists at a single place, nobody would want to miss it, right? You will find more than you could ask for. After all, we have got everything covered for you.
Meeting People Is Always Fun
This mega festival started with an idea of uniting people to celebrate the grand festival of Diwali and it hasn’t changed even a bit today. ULF gives you an opportunity to call all your long lost friends and spend a spirited evening together. And having said that, you might bump into someone you haven’t met in ages. Too many surprises, we tell you!
Sometimes, you get to meet the artists too
With a plethora of artists coming to perform in the city, who knows you might get a chance to actually meet one of the artists. And after all, a little bit of show off on your Instagram profile won’t hurt, right?
Fun, Food, Music and Memories all at once
There won’t be a single second for you to get bored as there are so many things to dig your hands into. The entire place would be filled with energy all around which guarantees you a quality time. No time to get bored because YOLO!
Electrifying visuals that will spin your mind
A concert doesn’t look like one until there are some head-spinning visuals along with the groovy music. Creativity is paramount and surely ULF stands out from the rest. And trust me, Udaipur Light Festival won’t disappoint you in this matter. The mind bobbling visuals and the gigantic and breathtaking stage will set you on fire. Now, how can you afford to miss it?
Adventurous games and activities
Source: Wonderfly games
If you are not one of those music and dance people, we have got a reason for you too. There will be numerous games and activities which will just keep you going. And I’m sure it will help you socialize a bit too. So, get your party props on to have the most rocking evening of your life.
For some chic selfies and groupfies
Who doesn’t like getting clicked? And on the top of that ULF has got some amazing frames and props that will make your pictures stand out on your social networking sites. Let’s say goodbye to those old school pictures, shall we?
#CozitsLIT
ULF 2018’s theme is light and for the same reason whatever you bat your eyes on, it’s going to be absolutely LIT, like literally. Need I say more?
What’s in it for the tourists?
Creating a distinctive Sunday for people is what ULF thrives for. And Udaipur Light Festival is much more than just the music. The massive lineup is enough for people to just go to the festival. Nestled in the heart of Udaipur, the tourists always enjoy something which surprises them. We believe that this festival is an unbelievable excuse for anyone to come to the city of lakes. As the long list of holidays comes hand in hand with Diwali, it’s the perfect period to visit Udaipur and enjoy the city to the fullest after ULF.
If you’re still not convinced enough, have a look at the video below and I’m sure you’ll change your mind.
Enough has been said, it’s time to Rock and Roll!! See you there at Shouryagarh Resort and Spa on 4th November 2018.
PFC education & Niksar Organized an open mic event for all the students & parents, at PFC center at Ashok Nagar Main road, where the students shared their views on issues of student’s life in form poetry, songs or their life stories.
The event also had a Panel of experts comprising of CA CS Meenakshi Bherwani, Kiran Khatri, Shivani Prajapat, Hurratul Taj & Dr. Sukhveer Singh who guided the parents & students on the issues like stress management & overcoming depression.
All the open mic participants were felicitated by trophies designed by Arunoday Arts.
As per Meenakshi Bherwani, the purpose of this activity was to help students develop their communication skills as good orator skills are an indispensable requirement for a good career.
And that they would be organizing such events for students on a frequent basis
At PFC ACCA center at Ashok Nagar main road – 9001010199
Cherish the handmade artistic collection of handcrafted, ethnic,organic women’s wear and International brand collection of beautiful ties, belts, gift sets,showpieces, perfumes, ladies handbags,jewelry and a lot more under one roof: Udaipur Haat.It is an exclusive store near Sajjangarh that not only serves a noble cause of Women empowerment butprovides you with the best collection at reasonable rates.
As the name ‘Udaipur Haat’suggests they focus on eliminating the middlemen. Instead of outsourcing, they contact the rural artisans, specifically women, and provide them Material, design and financial assistance, a fair deal that most of the middlemen are not able to.
A Welfare Initiative by the Women for the Women
They focus on highlighting the agenda of, ‘Women Empowerment via Women employment’. There are several oppressed women in India who decided to weave their freedoms by showcasing their skilled hands in manufacturing hand-crafted artefacts. Why is the state of these underprivileged women not changing? The prime cause is the unfair wages and cheap bulk buying by the middlemen.
After learning about the distressing condition of the rural crafts-woman-ship, two visionary women stepped up to help the cause of these artisans and provide a chance at a better future for them.
Knowing the Leading Ladies behind this Initiative better:
Nisha, an Entrepreneur, Humanist, Aficionado of culture & arts – director of Udaipur Haat believes that, “Women are the largest untapped resources of talent in the world”. She spent 30 years of her life overseas, during the course of which she visited around 60 countries and experienced and learnt from their art and culture.
Now she has firmly decided to encourage Indian art and support the cause of Women Empowerment in her own way. On asking her about the reason of settling back in Udaipur and supporting the cause of Women Empowerment she replied, “Life-fulfilling work is never about the money- when you feel true passion for something you instinctively find ways to nurture it”.
Why to shop from Udaipur Haat?
Udaipur Haat gives you access tounique handcrafted pieces created by less-fortune women who chose to rotate the wheel of hard-work to sustain and improve their conditions and backup their respective families.
‘Shopping and Supporting a noble cause all together!”
Maharana Pratap had 11 wives from which Maharani Ajabde Punwar was his favorite. With those 11 wives, he had 17 sons and 5 daughters. (Though various historical records vary the number of wives and daughters)
He stood at a magnificent height of 7 feet and 5 inches.
Source: Wikipedia
At the battlefield, he used to carry a weight of around 360 kg which included a spear weighing 80 kg, two swords weighing 208 kg and his armor was around 72 kg heavy. His own weight was more than 110 kg.
Source: bobhata
He was the eldest son of Maharana Udai Singh amongst his other 32 children. Also his father – Maharana Udai Singh was the founder of Udaipur.
Rani Dheer Bai, the stepmother of Maharana Pratap initially wanted Kunwar Jagmal Singh to become the king of Mewar after Udai Singh was defeated by Mughal emperor Akbar. But after a long debate and conflict the court found Kunwar Jagmal to be unfit for the position and so Maharana Pratap was made the ruler.
Kunwar Jagmal Singh later served the Mughal emperor Akbar along with his two brothers Shakti Singh and Sagar Singh.
It is been said that in the battle of Haldighati, Maharana Pratap sliced one of the Mughal opponent Behlol Khan into two along with his horse into two.
Source: Quora
During a battle, Jhala Maan who had a close resemblance to Maharana Pratap wore the crown of Maharana Pratap and the Mughals attacked Jhala Maan misunderstanding him to be Maharana Pratap and in that battle, Jhala Maan was killed. Jhala Maan was the one himself who advised Pratap to leave the battlefield.
It was Akbar’s dream to capture Maharana Pratap but he couldn’t succeed in his lifetime. Even after all the Rajput dynasties which included Gogunda, and Bundi had surrendered to Akbar, Pratap never bowed to Akbar.
It was his dream to free Chittor and so he made a pledge that he would eat in a leaf plate and sleep on a bed of straws until he doesn’t win Chittor back. Even today some Rajputs place a leaf under their plate and straw under their bed in the honor of the legendary Maharana Pratap.
Source: Tavamithram
When he was struggling in the jungle, he had nothing to eat and he had rotis made from grass and one time the cat stole even the grass roti made for his daughter. Then he thought to surrender in front of Akbar and wrote a letter to him regarding the same. Akbar was very happy reading the letter and gave it to the Prithviraj who was the Rajput poet and warrior. In a poetic way, he said in his letter to Pratap to not quit or accept defeat from Akbar.
We all know about Chetak, the loyal horse of Maharana Pratap who sacrificed his life while saving his master after rescuing from the battle. But Maharana Pratap owned an elephant too who is said to have crushed the Mughal army in a battle. After Ramprasad, the elephant killed two war elephants, Akbar ordered his force to capture Ramprasad at any cost and for the same 7 war elephants were sent to catch Ramprasad. But its loyalty always belonged to his master, Maharana Pratap and so he didn’t eat anything nor drank any water and on the 18th day after his imprisonment, he died.
Source: Quora
Once Kunwar Amar Singh launched an attack on the camp of Abdur Rahim Khankhana who was the general of the Mughal army and took away his wives and women as trophy hostages. When Pratap came to know about his deed, he rebuked him and ordered to release all the women. Abdur was very thankful of the act of Maharana and pledged not to raise a single weapon against Mewar from then onwards. Abdur Rahim Khankhana is none other than the Rahim whose dohe and poems we have been reciting since our childhood.
Source: Free Press Journal
He survived n number of battles in his lifetime but died of an injury from the hunting accident while tightening the string of a bow with an arrow. The news of Maharana’s death made even Akbar cry.
Source: Zee News
Do you have any feedback for the article or an interesting story you want to share with us, then write to me at juhee@udaipurblog.com.
Dussehra is a festival which marks the victory of good over evil. There are several stories which are believed to be behind the existence of the festival all around the world. The most popular being the one of Lord Rama and Ravana. Hindu epic Ramayana says that Lord Rama who is the eight incarnation of Lord Vishnu killed the ten-headed Ravana in the Sat Yuga as he had abducted Lord Rama’s wife Sita.
But did you know that the celebration of Dussehra in Udaipur gives out one more message to the people? It is the message of communal harmony and brotherhood.
Dussehra is being celebrated in the city from last 69 years. This year’s Dussehra is going to be the 70th celebration.
Who organizes the Dussehra event in Udaipur?
In the year 1947, when the country was divided into two India and Pakistan, mass migration took place in the country. During this time, many people migrated to Udaipur fromSindh, Balochistan and other parts of Pakistan. Most of these people belonged to the Sindhi community. The people from Balochistan then gathered and formed a committee known as Shree Sanatan Dharma Seva Samiti. From then on, the committee has been responsible for the entire event.
Dussehra celebration in Udaipur started as a small scale event amongst the committee members. Gurumukh Kastoori, Coordinator of Shri Sanatan Dharma Seva Samiti, says “The event was celebrated in Saletiya ground initially which is currently popular by the name ‘Town Hall’. With very few resources, the things used in the event were carried in mere sacks. There were a handful of people who used to walk to the venue from far off places to attend the event. With time many things changed.”
He further says “What started with a small event with 300 people turned out to be a major festive event in the city. Today around 30,000 people can be witnessed in the ground. These people include locals as well as people coming from the nearby villages.”
Who are the makers of the Effigies (Putle)
Initially, the people from the committee itself used to make the effigies of Ravana, Meghnad and Kumbhakarna. But from last 15-20 years, artisans from Mathura, Uttar Pradesh are called to make the Effigies. The interesting thing is all these artisans are Muslim. At moments like such, the sole purpose of a festival is fulfilled which is unity and harmony. When people from different community combine together to make a festive event successful.
Source: Patrika
It takes a period of 15-20 days for them to finish the making of these effigies. At the end of all this, Ravana’s effigy stands at a height of 70 ft. and that of the Kumbhakarana and Meghnad is 65 ft.
Several elements are used to make these effigies such as Bamboos, Clothes, rope, pipes and things like color, jewelry, etc. are used for the decoration purpose.
Source: UdaipurTimes
The event begins from a rally starting from Shree Sanatan Dharma Seva Samiti at Shaktinagar and ends at Gandhi Ground, Chetak Circle. It consists of elephants, camels beautifully decorated with jhaankis depicting scenes of Ramayana. After all the usual ceremonial proceedings, Lanka Dahan is done by Hanuman followed by Laxman who burns Meghnad and Kumbhakarna and Lord Rama burning the effigy of Ravana. The event ends with magnificent fireworks and the smiling faces of people.
Source: Patrika
Dussehra festivities around Udaipur
1) Rajsamand – Where at other places almost the same ritual is followed on the festival of Dussehra, Krishnadham Ganbhor village at Rajsamand has its own unique way of celebrating the festival. Here, a Ravana is formed but not with bamboos or clothes, but with stones and clay pots. This Ravana is then hit with stones by the villagers until it crashes down to the ground. In the beginning, the soldiers of the Devasthan shoot the Ravana with bullets followed by hitting with the stones. This ritual is followed from last 500 years. There has been a deep connection of Mewar with Ravana and characters of Ramayana. It is said that Ravana has worshipped the Kamalnath Mahadev temple situated at Jhadol.
2) Nathdwara – In Nathdwara, the Ravana Dahan is conducted on the next day of Dussehra i.e. the ‘ekadashi’ because it is believed that during the war of Ramayana, Lord Rama sent Ravana to the verge of death on Dussehra but actually killed him on the next day of Dussehra. Since Ravana was a Brahmin, Lord Rama didn’t want to kill him on Dashmi and so he killed him on the next day.
Do you have any feedback for the article or an interesting story you want to share with us, then write to me at juhee@udaipurblog.com.
The festive season is just around the corner and during this time of vacation, all we want to do is spend some good time with our friends and family at some cozy and plush restaurant. Celebration Mall has always been the first place whenever someone thinks of a good time.
The mall has a wide range of places that can be your ideal choice for your next leisure time.
1) Barbeque Nation – If you are one of those foodies for whom food is the most important part of your leisure time then this is the most perfect place to be. Barbeque nation has got some lip-smacking dishes both veg and non-veg where you can relish an unlimited meal including a wide range of dishes in starters, main course and dessert as well. It is the most preferred destination for all the non-veg lovers.
Source: tripadvisor
2) Jaipur Jungle – this restaurant is the perfect combination of soothing ambiance and scrumptious food. It has impeccably incorporated the theme of a jungle which will make you feel like you are in a different world altogether. In addition to that, a plethora of mouthwatering dishes will surely add up to your quality time with friends and family.
3) Brewz Rock Café – Stunning lights, rock music, booze, and good food, Brewz Rock Café has got everything that you need to have a rocking evening with your friends. The best time to visit the café would be during weekends when you can enjoy live concerts and hum the lyrics of your favorite song along with your friends.
Source: Justdial
4) Hari Vedas – the most amazing amalgamation of food and a comforting environment. But beware because the wide range of exotic food items will make you cheat your diet and overeat. With all this Hari Vedas guarantees a good time with your friends and family.
Source: Forum Malls
5) Go Foodie – Is it a cheat day for you? Then Celebration Mall has got all the brands that can make your cheat day the best day. Mc. Donalds, Dominos, Subway, Belgian waffle, Keventers, Frozen factory, you name it. You can eat at your favorite brand and if you are confused, you can probably go everywhere.
Food and festivities go hand in hand when there are so many options you can choose from then it’s just a cherry on the top, right?
Udaipur is the most sought-after destination for tourist all around the world. And why wouldn’t it be? The city is full of historical places and natural beauty. And because of the same reason, one problem that most of the traveler faces on their visit to the city is that what all places should be and can be covered on a given number of days.
And so, we present different itineraries for a different number of days so that you do not have to worry about a single thing and you can enjoy the city of lakes at its fullest.
Places to cover on a one day trip to Udaipur:
Jagdish temple – Start your day with the worship of Lord Jagannath. The historical temple will take you back in time and the beautiful architecture will allure you for real.
Time needed to explore: 1 hour
Click here for a list of prominent temples in Udaipur.
Picture by: Anil Vohra
City Palace – One of the major palace of the city. The palace attracts numerous tourists every day. It was built over a period of 400 years back by Maharana Udai Singh II.
Timings: 9 am to 4:30 pm
Ticket: Children – 100/Adult – 300
Time needed to explore: Around 3 hours
Click here to know the historical places of Udaipur and the history behind them.
Source: holidify
Bagore ki Haveli – the museum is full of attractive and historical items. If you happen to visit it in the evening, attend the Dharohar show at the museum. It would be something you would never forget. Click here to read more about Bagore ki haveli.
Entry ticket – 70
Dharohar show ticket – 90
Timings – 10 am to 8 pm
Show timings – 7 am to 8 pm
Time taken to explore – 1 hour and 30 minutes
Bagore ki Haveli
Lake Pichola & Daiji footbridge – one of the prominent lakes of the city and would give a picturesque sight from Ganghaur Ghat situated just next to Baghore ki Haveli. After visiting the Ghat, go on a walk at Daiji footbridge near the Ghat and click some amazing pictures to be insta ready.
Ambrai ghat– Another Ghat situated in the old city. It will give a magnificent view of the palaces and the city. You absolutely cannot afford to miss the place in the city.
Time taken to explore – 30 min to an hour
Source: @kulgaurvi
Fatehsagar– the heart of the city. The place is frequently visited by not just travelers but also the locals.
Time taken to explore – 1 hour
Source: @theview_finder
Moti Magri – Moti Magri or pearl hill is a memorial of the great Rajput hero Maharana Pratap. The place overlooks the entire Fatehsagar Lake and gives a mesmerizing view. The place has a museum and hall of fame which can be visited. Click to read a list of museums in Udaipur.
Entry ticket – Rs. 75 for adults and Rs. 35 for children
Time taken to explore – 2 hours
Source: Trip advisor
Places to cover on a two day trip:
Visit all the places above on the first day and on day 2, you can consider the options below:
Shilpgram– It contains lifestyle, history, and art of rural and tribal people of Rajasthan. One can witness various art and crafts inside. If you are here at the time of December, visit the Shilpgram Utsav.
Entry tickets: Rs. 30/- for Indians and Rs. 50/- for foreigners
Time taken to explore: 2 hours
Source: Oh My Rajasthan!
Ahar Cenotaphs and Museum – Ahar Cenotaphs are a group of cenotaphs located in about 2 km east of Udaipur. The site contains more than 250 cenotaphs of the maharajas of Mewar that were built over approximately 350 years.
Time taken to explore: Max. 1 hour
Picture by: maximvo
Monsoon palace– Also known as Sajjangarh, is situated at a distance of 5 km from Lake Fatehsagar. It is a huge palace overlooking the entire city.
Entry tickets: Rs. 60/-
Timings: 9 am to 6 pm
Time taken to explore: 2 hours
Source: twitter
Sajjangarh wildlife sanctuary– Sajjangarh Biological Park is a zoological garden with a variety of animals such as leopard, crocodile, birds etc. Click here to read a list of wildlife sanctuaries and nature parks in and around Udaipur.
Entry fees: Rs. 30 for park and 20 for the zoo
Time taken to explore: 2 hours
Karni mata temple – Begin your day 2 with a trek to Karni Mata temple. The view is simply amazing from the temple. If you do not wish to climb up, you can opt for ropeway as well. Click here to read about the history of Karni Mata temple.
Price of the ropeway: Rs. 100/-
Time taken to explore: 2 hours
Source: taxiudaipur
Pichola Pal – Pichola pal is situated right opposite to Dudhtalai. One can have a wonderful view of Lake Pichola. There’s also a boating point at Pichola pal.
On the third day of your tour, you can go to some outskirt area of the city such as –
Pratap Gaurav Kendra – Pratap Gaurav Kendra is located at a distance of 6 km at Tiger Hills. It has a huge statue of Maharana Pratap. It has an exhibition which aims at providing information about Maharana Pratap and the historical heritage of the area with the help of modern technology.
Entry ticket: 50/- for children, 100/- for adult
Time taken to explore: 2 Hrs
Source: mewarblog
Lake Badi – One of the prominent Lakes in the city at a distance of around 9 km from the city. Don’t miss the Badi hill there which will give a mind-blowing view from there.
Source: @curvywanderer
Ubeshwar Ji – Ubeshwarji is a village at a distance of 23 km from Udaipur. It has a famous temple and a major waterfall behind the temple. It looks good in monsoon and is a good picnic spot.
Peepliya Ji– Peepliya is a village situated at a distance of approx. 30 km from Udaipur. One can see the entire landscape view from here. The foggy surroundings here in monsoon is a must visit. It is a bit ahead of Ubeshwarji.
Jaisamand Lake – It is India’s second largest artificial lake also known as Dhebar Lake. It is at a distance of 58 km from Udaipur.
Source: Wikipedia
Eliminate the places you do not wish to visit from the itinerary with the below places:
In the city –
Goverdhan Sagar Lake & Panna Dhai ship
Saheliyon ki Badi
Gulab Bagh – No entry fee and visit the library there if you wish to.
The largest aquarium in India – Under the sun (Entry ticket: 118 inclusive of GST)
Outskirts of the city –
Haldighati – Haldighati is a museum of Maharana Pratap, the ruler of Mewar. It is situated at a distance of 47 km. (Entry ticket: 30/- per person)
Bagheri ka Naka
Kumbhalgarh Fort
Tidi Dam – Read about Tidi dam and other dams around Udaipur, here.
Chandni village
Udai Sagar Lake – One of the major 5 lakes in and around Udaipur. Its distance from Udaipur is 11 km.
Ekling Ji temple – It is a very old temple of the deity Ekling Ji. It is at a distance of 30 km from Udaipur.
Sas Bahu temple – It is situated near Eklingji. It is a remain of sahastra bahu temple. The temple is now in partial ruins but one can still marvel at their original splendor, the artisan and the perfect geometry of it.
And even at the end of all this, go where your heart leads you to. If you are willing to stay at a place for a little long just because it soothes your soul, stay there. If you feel like talking to a complete stranger, do it. At the end of your trip, it is just these crazy experiences and memorable moments that are going to count, not the money you spend, not the places you see.
