Categories
News

Pacific Students become the first ever team from Rajasthan to bag the AIMA-SMG 2012 National Trophy

Grand moment of success achieved by the impassioned efforts and manifold ambitions of students from Udaipur. Breathtaking performance by the students of Pacific Institute of Management in 16th AIMA SMG 2012. For the first time in the history of Rajasthan , Pacific University was the only team to be selected  from the state to compete in the Nationals of AIMA Student Management Games 2012. Not only this, They also bagged the first position and were entitled with the crown of National Champions. The MBA students of Pacific University did a great job in achieving success for their college as well as Udaipur. The semi-final and final round of the competition was held at Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu on 31st Oct and 1st Nov respectively.

Pacific SMG 2012
It’s a proud moment for Udaipurites when tremendous efforts of our students have brought laurels for the state. Going over the facts, the All India Management Association (AIMA) organised Student Management Games 2012 in which 272 teams from all over the country participated, where Pacific College topped the competition, defeating many big players across the nation, closely chased by Nirma University, Gujarat, that stood as the 1st Runner up in the competition. The winning team comprised of Sonali Mehta, Sheeba Parveen, Sidhanshu Bikaneria, and Deepesh Bokadia. They were awarded with the prestigious national championship trophy, a cash prize of Rs. 80,000, a paid holiday package to Uttarakhand, along with lots of gift hampers.

Pacific SMG 2012
In Student Management Games (SMG 2012), an artificial environment is provided to the contestants in which they have to deal with a real business situation and manage it keeping in mind all the tits and bits of a company. Thus, it helps in grooming the managerial skills, team work and leadership qualities of an individual. The maximum profit yielding company was evaluated using a software called Chanakya, and was declared the winner.

Team UdaipurBlog wishes all the very best to the winning team.

Categories
Photos

[Pictures] The Grandeur of Durga Puja 2012

The Navratri began on 16th Oct 2012, and so began days of joy, dance, music, pleasure and above all, devotion. Every state was outperformed by the charm of Gujarati art of celebrating, with the Garba/Dandiya Raas. Soon, 6th day of the Navratri fell on 20th October, and as many of you all might know, the Bengali community begin their celebration of the year long awaited festival. In Udaipur, this occasion is being celebrated from more than 5 decades by the people from Bengali community who are proud residents of this wonderful City of Lakes.

Like every other year, this year too, there were celebrations at different places in Udaipur. UdaipurBlog.com brings you pictures from the 4 day celebrations of Durga Puja that ended on Vijaya Dashmi. Beginning with the bodhan, to routine rituals, “pushpanjali”, “balidaan”, “sandhi-puja”, and the famous “Dhunichi” dance and Sindur Play, the celebration concluded with immersion of the deity idols into water bodies. For a detailed info on the traditions and how the idols are made ‘Eco Frendly’ as well as fit for immersion into water bodies, I suggest you to read the post below

Link: Shree Shree Durga Puja: Traditions Penned by the initiators of Durga Puja in Udaipur

Photos By: Aniket John, Gaurav Bhattacharya, Prasun Bannerjee

Durga Puja 2012
Bindu Bhawan
Durga Puja 2012
Bang Bhawan
Durga Puja 2012
Hiran Magri
Durga Puja 2012
Town Hall
Durga Puja 2012
Sindur Khela

Durga Puja 2012

Durga Puja 2012

Durga Puja 2012

Durga Puja 2012

Durga Puja 2012

Durga Puja 2012

Durga Puja 2012
Visarjan
Categories
Festivals

Shree Shree Durga Puja: Traditions Penned by the initiators of Durga Puja in Udaipur

About the Author: Mr. Anand Bhattacharya is an Advocate, and belongs to the successor generation of  late Shri Nripendralal Bhattacharya, who started the Durga Pooja ceremony in Udaipur in the year 1956 , at Bindu Bhawan, 49,Shastri Marg, Udaipur. Since then it is being celebrated there every year at the same place with spirits of great enthusiasm, zeal, and spirituality, and the culture is inherited by generations.

Durga Pooja | UdaipurBlog

Shree Shree Durga Pooja”, which is being celebrated during the Shukla Paksh of Bengali Kartik month every year, known as “Navratri” in the Hindi speaking area of the country, is not just a religious ceremony for the Bengalis. It is a religious-cum-social function and as the festival approaches, the heart of every Bengali is enveloped by the feeling of joy and pleasure. This is a time of the year, when all the new and major purchases are done, new books, new films, new songs, new designs of cloths etc. are released and Bengalis, specially those residing in Kolkata, often plan site seeing trips to various places, specially because the schools also remain closed for around fifteen days during this time. The business, especially for those dealing in consumer goods, is very brisk. Shops are flooded with fresh stock of consumer goods and the market is full of customers.

Normally the Pooja used to be celebrated, initially in Chaitra Month (i.e. around March-April) in the olden days. However, it is said that the Pooja during this time (September-October month) of the year, was started by Shree Raam during his fight with Ravan, when  he was not able to overcome the strength of Ravan. This Pooja is therefore also known as “Akaal Bodhan” [Akaal means – untimely and bodhan means – commencement]. It is also very interesting to note, that as per the belief, this Pooja was performed for Raam, by none other than Ravan himself, who was a Brahmin of the highest order, as there was no other able Brahmin available at the place where such Pooja was performed. This was done by Ravan, knowing fully well that the aim of this Pooja was for vanquishing him. This shows the depth of our culture, where duty is given priority over every other thing – even the life of the person.

Durga Puja Aarti | UdaipurBlog

As against the Navratri pooja, which starts from the first day of Shukla Paksh [ekum], the Durga Pooja as per Bengali system, starts from the sixth day or “Shashti”. There are two Puraans – Devi Puraan and Kalika Puraan – under one of which the Pooja is performed as per Bengali system.

Another very important fact which requires to be taken note of, is that the idol of Shree Shree Durga Mataji is made of completely natural (mostly bio-degradable) commodities. The basic structure or the body of the idols is made by straw being tied to bamboos by jute string (sutli). Over this structure of straw,  the first coat of mud, impregnated with chaff of rice, is applied. Addition of chaff, strengthens the binding quality of the mud. Once this first coat of mud gets dried up, the second and smooth coat of pure and closely sieved mud is applied, which gives the final shape and smoothness to the idols. Once this coat gets dried up, a primary coating of chalk is applied on the mud. After that coat dries up, natural water colors are applied thereon. These water colors are dissolved in the extract obtained by boiling tamarind seeds in water. That makes the colors permanent. After drying up of the colour , the whole idol is coated with a fine solution of sabudana [TROPICANA SEEDS] boiled and dissolved in water. This acts as a laminating film for the colours, and protects it from atmospheric effects like fading out etc.. The hairs are made of finely combed jute, and the black colour to the hairs is imparted by boiling the duly combed jute with Harde, Catechu (Kattha) and certain herbs. Nowadays of course readymade hairs are available. Thus the idol consists mostly of natural inputs. Therefore, this idol is more eco-friendly than the POP idols that are being made in other parts of the country. It may also be noted that except for the faces (which are also made of mud) whole of the idol is made by hand and dies are not used. This is a traditional art, and specialized by some families who are doing this work for generations. Luckily, as the number of poojas and requirement of idol is ever increasing, this art is not a dying art and actually new artists are getting added to this profession every year.

Idol Making Process Durga Puja | UdaipurBlog

The format of the idol which is being worshipped during this Durga Pooja ceremony is known as “Mahishasur Mardini Roop” i.e. the roop or form, which Maa Durga adopted for vanquishing and ultimately killing “Mahishasur”, who was one of the most powerful asur (evil power) of all times. It is said that when “Mahishasur” became so powerful that even the Gods (Devtas] started getting tormented by him, all the Gods contributed their powers and created this “Mahishasur Mardini Roop” and in that form, duly fortified with the strength of various Gods, Maa Durga annihilated “Mahishasur”. This format of Maa Durga therefore is known as “Shakti Roop of Maa Durga” and in this roop, Maa Durga  has ten hands, each wielding a special weapon known as ayudh, which were contributed by various different Gods.

Alongwith the main idol of Maa Durga, riding a lion and seen as killing “Mahishasur”, there are other idols namely “Ganesh”,  “Maha Laxmi”, “Maha Saraswati” and ”Kartik”. Each of these idols are manifestations of certain virtues. Lord Ganesh is manifestation of wisdom, Maha Laxmi Ji is manifestation of wealth, Maha Saraswati Ji is manifestation of learning and Kartik Ji is the manifestation of administration/organization. If the whole idol is perceived with this viewpoint, it would very clearly covey the message that if one wants to overcome evil powers (whether external or internal) one would need to have integrated and concentrated physical power (Maa Durga herself); wisdom (Ganesh ji); financial resources (Maha Laxmi Ji); learning (Maha Saraswati ji) and administration/organization (Kartik Ji). This reasserts the position that this Pooja teaches a method by which any person can overcome the vices by augmenting his physical powers, wisdom, wealth, learning and administrative capacity.

Durga Idols | UdaipurBlog

The Pooja starts from Shashti (sixth day) and continues upto Dussera. It is said that on completion of the Pooja, Raam was able to win over and kill Ravan, and that is the reason why completion of the Shree Shree Durga Pooja coincides with the Ravan-Kumbhkarna-Meghnath effigy burning.

Bindu Bhawan Durga Puja | UdaipurBlog

The most important Pooja during the whole Durga Pooja ceremony is “Sandhi pooja”. This pooja is to be performed within a time of 48 minutes. These 48 minutes are carved out of “Ashtami tithi” and “Navami tithi” – 24 minutes from the end of Ashtami and 24 minutes from the beginning of Navami – these 48 minutes constitute Sandhi Pooja time. It is said that during this time “Mahishasur” was killed by Maa Durga, because “Mahishasur” had a boon that he will not be killed in any “tithi”. Sandhi Pooja therefore is of immense importance, because the whole purpose of vanquishing “Mahishasur” was achieved during this brief span on 48 minutes when there was no tithi in particular. The sandhi pooja is to be commenced, performed and completed within these 48 minutes, and there is every attempt to ensure that there is no lapse during this pooja.

Balidaan or sacrifice is a part of every days’ pooja. While sacrifice of goat or buffaloes used to be offered very commonly in the past, nowadays normally Balidaan of sugarcane, gourd (petha) and banana [jointly known as ‘bali’] is offered. However, still in some places sacrifice of goat is being offered. There are four balidaans during the Pooja – each after completion of the poojas of Saptami, Ashtami, Navami and of Sandhi Pooja. It is essential that the “Bali” is cut by one stroke of the weapon.

The Durga Pooja ceremony ends with immersion of the idol of Maa Durga in the water – in lakes, rivers, sea etc. . Since the idol is made of mostly bio-degradable items, it does not pollute the water resources. The immersion ceremony is followed by each greeting  the other and touching the feet of elders and obtaining their blessings. Eating of sweets is a part of each such ceremony!

Visarjan | UdaipurBlog

It is also considered by most of the Bengalis, specially ladies, that Maa Durga comes to the earth during this time, as a married daughter comes to visit her parents once in a year, and therefore everyone wants to offer the best offerings that he or she can, to Maa during this pooja. Similarly after immersion (visarjan) , ladies are quite sad and many weep when the idol of Maa Durga is taken away for visarjan. Therefore, it is again reiterated that this is not just a religious ceremony but a social festival in which everyone gets emotionally involved.  This probably is a time in the life of every Bengali, when every one tries to forget his woes and misfortunes and tries to be happy and enjoy the occasion. This festival is therefore an in-built aspect of the life of every Bengali and in whichever part of the world he may be during these days, he would always wish to be in the Pooja atmosphere, with his near and dear ones, at least during these few days. Probably Maa also comes down to the earth during this time – because God is nothing but a manifestation of the devotion that is contained in everyone’s heart !!!

Categories
Events

Dandiya Raas 2012 with Sparkles

Get ready for this year’s DANDIYA NIGHTS for it will be better than ever! It’s a series of amazing and most exciting days of the year. Sparkles Dance Group and Anushka Academy bring to you the Dandiya Raas 2012 for making the Navratri Celebrations more happening and vivid.

 

Sparkles, The Dance Institute that promotes an Indian culture is organizing an event on Garba, the colourful dance form of Gujrat. This event starts on the day of ‘Navratri Sthapna’ from 16th October, 2012 to 24th October,2012 at ‘Satyam Shivam Sundaram Garden, near Bhaskar office, Ayad’.

 

Amit Goswami
Amit Goswami, Director and Choreographer

 

‘Dandiya Raas 2012’ will be hosted by VJ & Anchor Piyush Meghwal and managed by Sparkles Event and Wedding Planners.

 

VJ Piyush
VJ Piyush

 

The Co- Sponsors of this event are:

  •  eZone
  •  Naksha Ghar
  •  Hotel Palak Palace
  •  Roshan TVS

Event Supported By:

  •  Abhi Digital Studio
  •  Paradise Sound
  •  Champion Hair Salon

Your own UdaipurBlog.com (UB Life) is the proud online media partner of this event.

So stop waiting, and get your passes now! You can also stay updated with the events happening and more by visiting Udaipurblog.com.

For Passes, contact:

  •  Amit Goswami (Choreographer and Director): 9414160658
  •  Narendra Singh Devra: 9929090129
  •  Mahendra Singh Gehlot: 9414830174
  •  Shakti Singh Salvi: 9001119111

———

Article By: Kriti Jain

Categories
News

Pacific Delight: A Proud Moment for Udaipur

Once again a jubilant and rewarding moment has come upon for the Udaipurites. Once again our local students have shown great potential in themselves and made us all feel honored.
Recently, in an event organized by the All India Management Association (AIMA), New Delhi, the students of Pacific Management Institute topped the competition among the 70 teams of six states.  The contest was based on Simulation Management games and was organized in Singhad Management Institute near Lonavala, Maharashtra on 6th of Oct.
The first round of the event was organized by the Pacific Academy of Higher Education and Research (PAHER) University itself in which 35 different teams of various reputed colleges such as Amity Jaipur, Nirma University, Ahmedabad actively participated in the competition. It was a great privilege for the university to host such an event because it was a National level program and was conducted for the first time in Rajasthan. 70 teams chosen from all over India participated in the next round at Singhad Management Institute.

smg pacific
6 teams from Pacific University went for participation from which the team represented by Sonali Mehta and group performed the best and stood first in the contest.  In Simulation Management Games (SMG 2012), an artificial environment is provided to the contestants in which they have to deal with a real business sittuation and manage it keeping in mind all the tits and bits of a company. Thus, it helps in grooming the managing skills, team work and leadership qualities of an individual. The maximum profit yeilding company was evaluated using a software called Chanakya, and was declared the winner.
The team qualified will now continue in the semifinals to be held in Coimbatore on Oct 31st.
Heartiest congratulations to all the winners for their excellent performances and wishing them all success for their future competitions and the upcoming one in Coimbatore.

Image Courtesy: Udaipurnews.in

Categories
Events Photos

[Pictures] BN Girls College celebrates Mayuri 2012

Mayuri is a 3 day event that is conducted by the B.N.P.G. girls’ college from past 17 years. This is a cultural fest that includes all types of programmes, such as dance, song, fancy dress, fashion, in all western, traditional, filmy, and folk flavors, with the traditional touch. This year the 2012 celebration of Mayuri was commemorated from 27th to 29th January 2012.

Mayuri 2012

The fest was full of cultural activities, and ended with prize distribution at the end of each day. There was the Best Students of BN competition on the last day of the fest. Many dignitaries attended the fest in the span of three days including Mr. Raghuveer Meena, Mrs. Rajni Dangi, Shilendra Dashora (Director, West Zone Cultural Centre), Mrs. Neelima Sukhadia, etc. The last day was attended by the Chief Minister of Rajasthan, Mr. Ashok Gehlot, where he praised the works by the BN Educational Sansthan, and emphasized on efforts to make B.N. a separate full fledged University.

Check out the pictures from the 3 day event below.

 

Mayuri 2012

Mayuri 2012

Mayuri 2012

Mayuri 2012

Mayuri 2012

Mayuri 2012

Mayuri 2012

—————————————

Guest Article by: Dimpy Chundawat

Photos by: Mujtaba RG

Edited by: Prasun Bannerjee

Categories
Lifestyle

Resolutions: Welcome 2012

Days passed, months ended and here we are about to bid goodbye to 2011 . Yes! Its high NEW YEAR TIME guys and apart from celebrations, hangouts and shopping, everyone wants to get the best out of them in the upcoming year 😀 The first thing that clicks every individual’s mind is WHAT changes they want in them, WHAT new they intend to bring in their life :O. As we all are aware that human wants and zests are unlimited, so the identification of immediate longing plays an enormous role. This is what defines a resolution.

Whenever I see New Year approaching, the first thought in my mind (of course after deciding the New Year gift) is what to resolve for the next year. One should adjudicate their goals according to their capabilities. To share old memories, in our School times, every girl (GIRLS CONVENT SCHOOL) had to resolve the best thing she aspires. Though we never followed what we resolved, but it was fun knowing what everyone wanted to achieve. Funny upshots came up like “I WOULD DATE THE BEST GUY OF THE CITY”, “I WOULD MAKE MYSELF A PERFECT ZERO FIGURE”  and many more ( trust me, girls don’t miss a single chance to prove themselves SILLY). One of the toppers of the class suggested providing lunch to the poor children (TO MENTION-the children coming to our very own school for free education). That soon became the resolution of our whole class, and believe me, that CHARITY gave the best of the feel deep down the heart.

Coming back to the concerned topic, there are many resolutions one can take to make himself, his family, and even the entire city happier and a joy to live in 2012. To give a start, I can see almost all the youngsters, despite knowing about the disadvantages and the health issues that may arise in the future are addicted to consumption of drugs, liquor, and most of all, Hukkah. A local paper of Udaipur dated 21st December 2011, reads out that Udaipurites have resolved to fight against the consumption of anti-social consumables like Liquor, Cigarettes, Hukkah, etc, which is a statement of pride in itself. Surveys also state and swear that Hukka is being banned in Udaipur from the very first day of 2012 itself. With the rising drug addiction and high stream of money, it’s high time to make everyone aware about the pros and cons of these drugs.

With high number of poverty stuck illiterate people, it’s our responsibility to raise voice against expanding social issues like child marriage, female infanticide/feticide (Both are at its highest peak in Rajasthan). It is the duty of Youth to resolve to scrap out these problems as well as ameliorate them among the ignorant. This can be the next resolution in one’s life if someone really wants to help the society as well.

Huge numbers of accidents are taking place in the city because of rash driving. Recently the cover story in a local daily reported against a boy aged 16 years riding his bike at 120 plus kmph, and hitting a herd (group of cattle) that came on the same way. So everyone should resolve to prove to be good citizen and prove to be a better human. Let no animal be injured, but most important, be responsible while driving on the roads, as you are even responsible for the traffic that move around you.

Bringing the most important topic into concern and admiring my own city-the city of lakes. We all know its beauty has made it the favourite tourism spot in whole of the Rajasthan, and even the world. So, resolving to keep the city clean and being eco friendly will be a great contribution. It is in our hands to take Udaipur to a new height. There are many points one can just start up with. So Udaipurites- think innovative, give a chance to yourself, resolve high and achieve big.

For the cessation, I would just end up saying that do something which brings a positive alteration because WE, THE YOUTH CAN CREATE A DIFFERENCE 😀

HAPPY NEW YEAR to everyone in advance. 🙂

——————

Guest Article by: Geetanjali Khatri

Categories
Events

New Year Celebration with Cambay

Cambay New Year Party

The high time is approaching, the party fever is increasing. And thus we have got one more party location to add to your confusion of where to go, which party to choose and any similar FAQ ;). This one’s a grand party by one of the finest hospitality names, the Cambay Hotels and Resorts.

The date to be put up on the reminder is of course the 31st December; time shall be 7:30 pm onwards, and you will find yourself in a grand celebration welcoming the 2012 with lots of fun, frolic, happiness and gaiety. Their assurance of great food with company of great people will surely make you say that it’s really a great time that you are spending with Cambay.

As per the ‘party protocol’ you will have to book your entry as soon as possible, the rates are as follows:

  • Couple entry: Rs 2500
  • Single entry: Rs 1600

To book your entry, do contact on the following numbers: 09351256434, 09351256404