Category: Lifestyle

Udaipur has an urban populace of 608,426 residents. The people of Udaipur appear from various backgrounds and ethnicities. Hindus (72%) form a mass of the population, followed by Muslims (15%), Jains (10%), Sikhs (0.8%), Christians (0.63%), Buddhists (0.04%) and others. They live collectively in peace and harmony and have a very pleasant & peaceful attitude towards immigrants and tourist. They work in various industry like tourism, agriculture, retail, and mineral industries. Although western attire is gaining attention, most of the locals tend to prefer traditional dresses. Men wear ‘angarakha’ and ‘dhoti’ or ‘pyjama’ while the women wear ‘choli’ and ‘ghagra’. Hindi and Mewari are the foremost languages spoken in Udaipur. Marwari, Wagdi, Urdu, and Gujarati are some others which are in use in the city.
Udaipur has established a rich cultural heritage from the long-gone ages. The lakes, temples, huge fort and palaces boast about the rich inheritance of this city. The city has kept stability between preserving the rituals and customs of the past while keeping up with the modern advancement and changes in way of life.

Exploring the Food Court at Forum Celebration Mall

In Udaipur, if you talk about the best and premium shopping destination, Forum Celebration Mall is the first thing that comes to your mind. With a wide variety of brands that stands perfect for all the sections and class of people, Forum Celebration offers lots of options for your entertainment purpose as well. From shopping, entertainment and family time, the mall offers every single thing we may need to spend a day out.

When you are heading to the mall for your winter and new year party shopping, you may feel exhausted. With so many exciting offers, the amazing Christmas and New Year decorations, you also need a little break to treat your tummy with some delicious wholesome meals.

So, when hungry shoppers look for good food, they can head to the Food Court in Forum Celebration Mall.

Let’s explore how Forum Celebration Food Court can help you to satiate your hunger pangs!

OMG

A one-stop destination offering mouth-watering Indian fast-food items. You can try Rajasthani style Raj Kachori, stuffed with potato and sprout fillings and served with curd, chutney and namkeen and priced at Rs.110/-. The outlet also serves amazing Chola Bhatura priced at Rs.126/- and Cheese Pav Bhaji for Rs.137/- per plate.

Keventers

Rich milkshakes made from quality milk, Keventers is the most trusted brand to have some fruity, frothy milkshakes. Caramel Obsession priced at Rs.282/- and KitKat Shake for Rs.150/- are worth trying.

New Generation Cafe

An outlet serving mouthwatering Indian and Italian dishes along with the awesome wholesome shakes and desserts. The Strawberry Shake priced at Rs.158/- is an amazing option to quench your thirst for some fruity tangy beverages. The White Sauce Pasta priced for Rs.158/- and Cheese Blast Pizza for Rs.178/- can prove out to be complete hunger-killing items.

Foodie Cafe

A delight for food-lovers of Udaipur, Foodie Cafe offers a unique and huge “Bahubali Burger” priced at Rs. 200/-. The huge burger requires two to finish it.

Subway

A promising and reliable brand offers some amazing wraps and rolls and much more. You can try the Paneer Tikka Wrap which cost Rs. 210/- or Mexican Petty Salad priced Rs. 210/-

Matki

As per the name, the outlet offers delicious desi delicacies like Khandvi, Makki Ki Raab, Mango Rabdi and a huge Luxury Thali priced at Rs. 100/-, 40/-, 100/- and 500/- respectively.

With so many options offered at the Celebration Mall Food Court, you can be assured to have a gala time while shopping at the mall. So, make a list for your shopping cart and spend a fun-filled and stomach-full day at Forum Celebration Mall Food Court.

Street Food in Udaipur: Winter Special

Yes, the winters in Udaipur have gradually started to soar!!!

And this undoubtedly is another best season to enjoy the city vibes. Beautiful lakes, foggy mornings, misty and hazy mountain range, and the amazingly delicious street food in Udaipur!

The city of lakes offers some of the best street food choices to beat the winter chills. From Dabelis to Mirchi Bada, Egg Bhurji, Kulhad Coffee and much more, the city has so much to treat your tummy with yummy food.

Here we have listed some of the best, hot and delicious street food in Udaipur and where to find it!

Egg Varieties

Egg dishes are perfect winter beaters. Be it Egg Bhurji, Omelette, Boiled Egg, or Udaipur’s famous Tandori Egg, every dish prepared with egg, when served hot, taste equally amazing. If you are an egg-lover, don’t forget to try Chetak Circles’s famous Egg World for Tandori Egg. Besides, there are many other food joints in Udaipur that specializes in egg delicacies.

Dabeli

Originally hailing from Gujarat, Dabeli is like an Indian burger which is quite popular among the foodies of Udaipur. The dish is prepared by stuffing boiled potato Tikki between two buns. The yummy dish is traditionally served with sliced onion and chutneys. In Udaipur, Shankar Dabeli at Panchwati is the most popular joint for Dabeli lovers.

Bread Pakoda

This yummy dish prepared from bread is quite a hit, especially in winters. When in Udaipur, do not forget to head to Fatehsagar where you will find a popular joint, ‘Kamlesh ji Bread Pakoda’ serving fresh, hot and spicy Bread Pakodas. Stuffed with boiled and mashed potato and dipped in ‘besan’ mix, these ‘pakodas’ taste super yummy in winter when you are having them at the most happening place with an amazing view.

Aloo Tikki Chaat

Another street food item made out of boiled potato, Aloo Tikki, is a popular street food snack of North India. When served hot, this spicy and a bit tangy – due to imli (tamarind) chutney – street food item becomes a popular choice for winter food cravings. Udaipur’s Sanwariya Chaat Center located at Ashok Nagar serves delicious Aloo Tikki Chaat. You can also try the vendors at Babu Bazaar and 100 ft Road.

Maggi & Sandwiches

Vegetable Maggi in Udaipur — Vegetable Maggi

Although hot and luscious Maggi is the most sought after street food all year round, it tastes even yummier in chilling winters when topped with lots of winter vegetables (carrot, green peas, capsicum etc.), spices and cheese. Panchwati’s famous Bajrang Bali Sandwich is one of the most popular Maggi and Sandwich seller in Udaipur. Apart from ‘everybody’s favourite’ Maggi, you can also try Masala Sandwich, Cheese Sandwich and other popular sandwich varieties here.

Kulhad Coffee

When the capacity of your belly is over with food, there is still something that can find its place in the tummy – Hot & frothy Kulhad Coffee! The age-old popular beverage, coffee got its makeover in India when vendors started serving it in environment-friendly clay cup – ‘Kulhad’. Udaipur was never far behind in joining this environment-friendly way of serving hot coffee. Fatehsagar is the most popular and best place to enjoy Kulhad Coffee in winters. Sai Sagar Coffee House and Vinod Fast Food are a couple of the most popular coffee joints in Udaipur.

Kadai Doodh

A sweet and rich delicacy prepared by boiling milk in a Kadai, this dessert-cum-beverage becomes extremely popular during winters. To give it a little richness, lots of dry fruits, Kesar and a few spices are added to it. Vasudev Doodh Bhandar at Suraj Pol is an age-old shop selling Kadai Doodh in Udaipur. Besides, you can also get yummy and thick Kadai Doodh at few shops at Fatehsagar.

With the above list, we surely have given the foodies of Udaipur, a few options to satiate their hunger pangs in this winter with some hot and delicious street food variety. So, head right away and fill your palate with some amazing street food of Udaipur.

If you have any more suggestions or additions in the above list, we would love to know about it. Please write to us at neha@vivirmedia.com

Winter Shopping at Forum Celebration Mall Udaipur

Want to grab some amazing winter shopping deals, head to Forum Celebration Mall, Udaipur!

Winter is primarily the season of food, clothes and parties. With weddings, Christmas and New Year, there are festivities and fun all around. And this is when you get that “I have nothing to wear” feeling. If you are one of those who are planning a good shopping day for the upcoming winters, Forum Celebration Mall is the one-stop-shop for all your big and small shopping needs.

Be it kid’s wear, men’s wear or women’s wear, Forum Celebration is the one place where you will get the widest and latest range of winter wear collection under one roof.

Check out some amazing shopping, offers and discounts at Forum Celebration Mall for Kids, Men’s and Women’s winter wear collection.

Winter Shopping for Kids

Forum Celebration Mall has a dedicated floor for kid’s shopping. From big brands to local retailers, you can shop for your kid’s clothes, footwear, accessories and much more. The brands like Mothercare, Kapkids, and J4K – Just for Kids have some amazing options for kids’ winter wear collection. You can also check out some good deals on winter wear at Max Fashion and Trends.

Winter Shopping for Men

Brands like Allen Solly, Arrow, Blackberry, Louis Philippe, Peter England, U. S. Polo Assn. and Van Heusen all are completely stuffed with men’s latest winter wear collection at Forum Celebration. From casual winter wear collection to formal party wear and winter wear for work, this is one place where you can get the entire wardrobe sorted for men’s winter wear. Along with kid’s collection, Max Fashion, Trends, and Iconic have a good collection for men’s wear too.

Winter Shopping for Women

When it comes to shopping, women are considered to be a little picky and choosy. Celebration Mall is the place where women can shop their heart out for the warm the cosy winter. With some exclusive brands like AND, Aurelia, BIBA, Global Desi, and W, which are loaded with the gorgeous traditional and indo-western winter collection, there are other brands offering western winter wear collection for women.

With great options to stock your winter wear, your search for good shopping will end at Forum Celebration Mall. From simple and chic to fashion trends, Celebration Mall is the hub for best of fashion to match the taste and style of every age group.

Rajasthan’s Next Top Model 2019:

This state-level beauty contest/pageant is conceptualized and directed by Damini Sharma and Aayush Gupta from Fashion Star, a platform created for fashion enthusiasts who want to build their career in the fashion and entertainment industry.

Just like the past years, this year also the event witnessed a grand success and love from the audience and the participants.

Here’s an insight into the amount of love, the event witnessed this year:

Auditions	Number of Participants	Auditions Venue	Jury Panel for Auditions
Ist Audition	800	Diggi {alace, Jaipur	Aayush Gupta, Damini Sharma, Juhi Vyas, Ranu Sharma, Manu Punjabi, Winay Kumawat, Sumit Dasgupta, Raj Kumar Sah, & Priom Katariya
IInd Audition	500	Fairfield by Marriott, Jodhpur	Aayush Gupta, Damini Sharma, Manu Punjabi, Juhi Vyas & Ranu Sharma
IIIrd Audition	700	Saagasa Hotel Yois, Udaipur	Aayush Gupta, Damini Sharma, Manu Punjabi, and Juhi Vyas
IVth Audition	600	Hotel Mansingh, Jaipur	Aayush Gupta, Damini Sharma, Manu Punjabi, and Sumit Dasgupta

The total selected participants include 20 boys and 20 girls. Selected Participants will walk the ramp in the Grand Finale which is going to be held on Saturday 28th September’19 at Opera Garden, Udaipur.

The Grand Finale event will have celebrity singers like Manindar Buttar and Tony Kakkar performing for the event along with other celebrities like Noyonita Lodh, Rohit Khandelwal, Manasi Moghe, Sharad Malhotra, Sahil Khan, and Neha Malik.

The contestants not only get great exposure but also reach to over thousands of people across the state which are associated with the fashion and glamour industry which could turn out to be very helpful while building their careers.

Website: www.fashionstarudaipur.in

Facebook Profile: facebook.com/fashionstarudaipur

Instagram Profile: instagram.com/fashionstarudaipur

Call for Queries: +91-85299 21110

Udaipurites, it’s time to share your feedback for Forum Celebration Mall!

Udaipur, also known as the lake city, is well-known for places that feels so natural and real but the city’s man-made architecture also blow away one’s mind.

The best example of one such architecture is Forum Celebration mall. The very first mall of this Lakecity has redefined the entire definition of malls in Udaipur. In fact, the mall actually brought forward the initiative to bring in the concept of malls to Udaipur in the very first place. From food to leisure shopping, the Forum Celebration Mall has become one of the most significant hubs for various type of activities which Udaipurites can enjoy.

Being the largest mall in Udaipur, Forum Celebration Mall is home to various National and International brands related to food, lifestyle, and everyday use industry.

The managing authority of the Forum Celebration Mall is concerned about customer satisfaction as well. In order to maintain the rapport that comes by the brand Forum’s association, the authorities wanted to know more about the customer feedbacks.

So, let’s help them! All you’ve got to do is fill in the survey form and you’ve done your part.

To fill the feedback form, click on the link https://bit.ly/2MZKczd.

Every feedback is important for the authorities at the Forum Celebration Mall, Let’s help them enhance our experience at our beloved mall.

Do you know about this oldest juice shop in Udaipur?

Udaipur, the city of lakes is not only well-known for its alluring palaces, traditional food, scenic lakes but also for the scorching heat during summers. Almost everyone is complaining about the quivering heat. But this doesn’t stop the Udaipurites from visiting different places, hanging out with friends or going to work, does it?

As the summers in the state are moving towards its apex, there are some things that we all must make a note of. Keeping our bodies hydrated and healthy is most significant. Most of us head out to work at the peak hours of the day. While there are several ‘Nuskhas’ to safeguard ourselves from the hot spell, one foolproof plan is to gulp down a chilled glass of fruit juice to keep yourself hydrated.

There are various juice shops spread across the city, but we have found the best juice shop in the town to put an end to the summer dehydration woes.

JJ JUICE CORNER:

The famous juice shop near GhantaGhar was started by Lt. Jamiatmal Jagatram Karira in the 1950s. The business started as a fruit retailer where Chikoos and other local fruits were imported from Mumbai.

Lt. Ramesh Chandra, son of Lt. Jamiatmal Jagatram Karira overtook the shop and took the business in his hands. The legacy is still running, keeping the rapport up to the mark.

In our conversation with Mr.Rakesh Karira, the current owner of the JJ Juice Corner, we learned significant things about the shop and its clientele.

The journey started with just Mosambi and Pineapple Juices in 1991. Now, with over 200 varieties of shakes, smoothies, and juices, JJ Juice Corner has always been in news for its delectable taste. Mr. Rakesh believes in innovation and has been trying every permutation and combination with the fruits and dry fruits.

The juices are made according to the client demands, fresh fruits are handpicked to get the best taste. Keeping in mind the current scenario of unhealthy eating habits, honey and dates are used to sweeten the juices which is a very thoughtful initiative taken by the owners. The current staff at JJ Juice Corner has been associated with the business from more than 20 years now.

The Juice corner has been featured in the famous travel and fashion magazine, Femina and the travel website TripAdvisor. As the shop is near the famous City Palace, it receives a great tourist attraction, majorly foreigners. Mr. Rakesh tells that Israelis are the most common customers. The bestseller Mix Fruit Juice with Dates is the favorite amongst the foreign customers, especially Israelis.

JJ Juice Corner in the famous Femina magazine.

Everything served at JJ Juice Corner is filling and must-try.

Address: 85, Clock Tower, Jagdish Temple Rd, Udaipur, Rajasthan 313001

Price Range: Rs.30 to Rs.200

Contact Number: 0294-2412465

We have tasted how super fresh juice and smoothies taste like( courtesy to JJ Juice Corner), Have you yet?

5 Royal Things to do in Udaipur

The city of lakes in the western part of Rajasthan is the manifestation of a destination no less than a dream. Walking through it feels like the word ‘royalty’ was coined in the charming streets of Udaipur. The millennia-old history is a matter of fascination amongst Indians and foreigners alike, a glimpse of which can be seen in everything native there. In Udaipur, an accommodation that calms the soul is as simple as spotting lakes, gardens, and its famous forts. However, certain activities that imbibe royalty in your very thought and nature are also available.

Click and let Click

Everyone wants some memories of the stay in the city synonymous to grandeur, especially when you can find a natural or man-made wonder everywhere. The Saheliyon Ki Bari (Court of Maidens) is one such popular garden where photography leads to pictures on your walls forever. You do not need permission for photography here. It is the perfect spot if you’re hoping to do a shoot for your brand/client with some royal gardens in the backdrop. Of course, there are several Havelis as well, but you’ll have to check if photography is allowed.

Eat like a Queen

Rajasthani cuisine is particularly spicy, yet delectable. Even the humblest restaurants, cafes, and roadside stalls offer food that cannot be resisted. Don’t forget to try the Mewari curries that are known for their strong flavors and spices being used sparingly. For the highlight, you must try the Laal Maas, which is a traditional Rajasthani non-vegetarian delight. The red meat (mutton) is slowly cooked in red chili and exotic herbs and can be found at virtually every restaurant. You may find the royal experience you’re seeking dining at a restaurant next to Lake Pichola.

Stay in Style

The stay in Udaipur is what makes or makes the experience. The way to getting the best of it in Udaipur is staying on or next to a lake. You can be sure of an experience like no other at The LaLiT Laxmi Vilas Palace Udaipur situated next to Fateh Sagar Lake. The hotel is constructed in an image of royalty. Choose from the Maharaja, Maharani, or Princess Suites that offer space, regal furniture and a service that will make you feel like nobility. Moreover, it won’t burn a hole in your pocket as compared to other options on and around lakes.

Get an aerial view

The view of the city from a height is simply incomparable as it reveals all the humble rises and descents in the city’s geography apart from the lakes that are much bigger than they seem at level. Take the ropeway to the famous Karni Mata Temple. Apart from the view, the ride issues a rush that adds to the excitement inherent in the city. Nothing offers a panoramic view of the majestic city as the ropeway.

Boat ride

Lake Pichola is not only sight in Udaipur, but across the country. More beautiful than a sunrise, you can get a glimpse of the rich history in a flash when the sun sets on the Pichola. However, don’t wait for it on the shore; take a boat cruise on the freshwater and witness the meaning of peace as the lake glimmers with the rays of the sun. The islands on the lake that illuminate as the night begin to fall make it even better.

5 Things you HAVE TO TRY at Khaugali

Khaugali needs no introduction in Udaipur. It has become the new ‘Meet-up’ junction for friends, bucket list place for the foodies, and a selfie spot for the studs and divas of the town. But while you are there, one thing that remains the biggest confusion is what all should you try and from where given that there are an umpteen number of food joints all around.

Well, worry not, we have brought the absolutely new foodie bucket list for you all at Khaugali. Below are the things that may stun you or drool you. Whatever it may, make sure you DO NOT miss these 5 dishes while you are at Khaugali.

Magizza at Bhukkad

Want to have Maggi? But love pizza as well? What if I tell you that you can have both at the same time? You heard it right! Magizza is one lip-smacking combination of your favorite masala Maggi turned into a pizza with lots of cheese and veggies topped onto it. This two in one dish will surely give you the ultimate foodgasm of your life.

Price – 150

Also try – A steaming cup of hot Chocolate with it will bring an end to your dream meal, I’m telling you!

Falafel pita sandwich at Pita Ji

Falafel pita sandwich will wake your unstoppable love for Lebanese cuisine. Moreover, it’s the first street Lebanese joint which serves a bunch of finger-licking Lebanese dishes, one of which is the Falafel pita sandwich. Hummus, falafel Tikki, veggies and loads of liquid cheese filled in scrummy pita pockets will be an absolute bliss to your taste buds. They are served with Lebanese dip hummus and our very own green chutney.

Price – 89

Also try – to complete your blissful Lebanese treat, go for ‘Shahi Tukda’. This nut and rabdi filled toasties will definitely satiate your sweet tooth.

Panchratan Uttapam at Ice n Spice

All the south Indian food lovers, gather around because this one is just for you. Panchratan Uttapam is a combination of 5 different flavored Uttapams served at once. These 5 flavors include corn and cheese, onion uttapam, mix veg uttapam, onion tomato capsicum and a plain one. These are served with two types of chutney – coconut chutney and tomato chutney and a steaming hot bowl of sambhar to go with.

Price – 100

Also try – If you have any more space in your stomach, try the Rawa Masala dosa there and thank us later.

Cigar rolls at Desi Firangi

Don’t go on their simple looks, these inside-out cheese filled cigar rolls will give you a gastronomical experience that nothing else can give. These rolls are made from two simple ingredients gooey potato mix and liquid & shredded cheese. This irresistible snack is served with ketchup and green chutney.

Wanna have a sneak peek to more dishes by Desi Firangi? Click here.

Price – 120

Also try – Fruit cocktail ice cream after these rolls and you can call it a day!

Smoking poppers at Oh Crepe

Why smoke cigarettes when you can smoke desserts? As soon as you put these icy cold poppers in your mouth, you’ll emit smoke like a dragon. This smoke is not harmful so you need not to worry about that. It is actually the liquid oxygen that is added to the poppers that cause the smoke.

Price – 100 for 4 pieces

How to reach Khaugali?

Do you think we missed something? Share it with us in the comment section below or write to me at juhee@udaipurblog.com.

Best Winter Delicacies of Udaipur and Where to Have It

Winter season is around the corner. We might not like the harsh weather with having to carry so many heavy jackets around all day long, but one pleasure of winter that no one can deny is the scrumptious winter delicacy of Mewar. Udaipur is flooded with mouthwatering delicacies all around but you have to accept that some things simply tastes better in the winter season. And apart from that, it is said that our body engine works better in winter and the food is digested quickly. So you can have all the guilty pleasures this winter without having any regrets.

We bring to you a list of all the best winter delicacies that you should try this winter in Udaipur.

Garam Doodh (hot milk)

What’s better than the thick nutty milk topped with savory malai in a kulhad cup? This is the most loved drink of every Udaipurite in the winters.

Where – Jodhpur Misthan Bhandaar, Bapu Bazaar, Opposite Town Hall

Makki ki Raab

this authentic mouthwatering Rajasthani delight is something which can’t be resisted by anyone, especially in winters. Raab is a healthy and nutritious porridge made from corn flour, curd, and rice. It is not just healthy but gives a peculiar pleasing taste to your taste buds as well.

Where – Bapu Bazaar

Makki ke dhokle

This warm and comfort food of winters from Rajasthani cuisine is usually had with dal and onion salad. Loads of ghee is poured upon the dhokla to make it irresistible. Apart from Dal Baati, this is one dish which shouldn’t be missed at all.

Where – Gordhan Thal, 32, Shopping Center, City Station Road

Makki ki Papdi

Deep fried papad served with either salad or spices. It is the best snack for winters when eaten fresh. Usually, it is consumed with tea.

Where – Aapni Dhaani and Shilpgram

Boiled egg

Non-Vegetarian? Don’t worry, we haven’t forgotten you at all. Eggs are an amazing source of protein which will promise you a good dose of nutrition along with a fabulous taste and it won’t even burn a hole in your pocket.

Where – Opposite Samor Bagh, Dudh Talai

Tomato soup

Tomato soup is not alien to anyone but at this place, the taste of the soup will remain in your mouth until you die. This exceptional tomato soup is topped up with fresh coriander leaves and pieces of dry toast which compliments it.

Where – Mayur Tomato soup opposite Woodland showroom, Bapu Bazaar

Desserts

For me, winter is the best time for having desserts and why wouldn’t it be? All the luscious sweet and sizzling Rajasthani desserts will just let you have another cheat day. So here’s a quick food bucket list for all the foodies out there to try this winter season while you are in Udaipur.

You may also want to read – Best sweet shops in Udaipur

Gur Til Chikki

Source: YouTubeSource: hindustannewsnetwork

This one dessert can be called the star of the winters. It is a dessert made from sesame seeds and jaggery. Apart from being absolutely delicious, sesame seeds have some health-boosting mineral which is good for your skin and bones. It is also a rich source of protein.

Where – You can find this delicacy at any sweet shop in Udaipur during winters and while you are there don’t forget to try the peanut chikki as well.

Halva

Be it Badaam halva (almond pudding), suji halva (semolina pudding) or Gaajar ka Halwa (carrot pudding), as soon as the first warm spoon of this dish gets into your mouth, you just cannot help yourself but have at least a bowl of it.

Where – Lala Misthan Bhandar

Gaund ke laddu (Edible gum laddu)

Gaund is a heat giving edible gum extracted by the bark of a tree. This heat giving dish is heartily devoured in Udaipur during the winter season. It is usually had with a glass of milk during breakfast while some prefer to have it as a dessert after their meal.

Where – Nagda Misthan, Asthal Mandir Chouraha, Surajpole, Udaipur

Maalpue

Soft and sweet bread soaked in the warm chashni (sugar syrup) is all you would want this winter. This sweet dish contains the entire essence of winter in Udaipur. Maalpue has one more variation known as Rabdi ke maalpue which is made out of another sweet dish known as ‘Rabdi’.

Where – Shastri sweets, Shastri Circle, Udaipur

Where are you heading to this winter season?

Do you think we have missed something? Then mention it in the comment section below along with where is it served best in Udaipur or you can directly write to me at juhee@udaipurblog.com.

Do You Know About this Beautiful Art at our Railway Station?

At a distance of around 50 km from Udaipur, near the religious town of Nathdwara rests a village named Molela. Molela, also known as ‘potters village’ is quite popular for its unique art form called Molela Terracotta. A settlement of around 40 families belonging to a pottery background lives there. And almost every potter residing in the village has excelled the art of creating Molela terracotta.

What is Terracotta?

Terracotta is a ceramic material which is used in construction as well as decorative arts since ancient times in many of the cultures all around the world. The word terracotta can be translated as ‘Baked earth’ in English. It is formed from the natural clay which is why it has the characteristic reddish-brown color.

The Potters of the Molela makes multiple kinds of terracotta which include devotional plaques, large panels, temple bells, domestic ware, etc. and out of all that, the hollow votive plaques is the most famous artistry. The art form generally depicts rural village scenes and charming visual narratives and culture of their everyday life.

The inherent charm of these terracotta sculptures attract a plethora of buyers from different places but the demands for these plaques tend to be seasonal. Vessels and statues of the lord are required during the time of harvest or festive seasons. So, to sustain themselves during the lean months, the artisans turn themselves into farmers.

The process of making Terracotta

The process of making a terracotta can be divided into 3 steps:

Clay Preparation – the clay used to prepare the sculptures is sourced from local ponds and drains. There two types of clay – Nada, and Alu. Both the clays are mixed with each other along with 20% dried and sifted donkey dung. The clay is then wedged and kneaded by the feet and the hands respectively. This clay is then laid flat on the ground and evened out using water and wooden tools. This then works as the base surface of the sculpture.

Crafting – The wet clay is then cut into the desired shape using a stencil and measuring scale. Incarnations of Durga, Dashavatars, Shrinathji, Gauri nritya, scenes from Ramayana, and everyday village life is the most popular depiction in terracotta. Parts of these forms such as limbs, face, and body are made by the basic techniques such as squeezing, pinching and coiling. These parts are then attached to the wet clay to create a firm shape. Once, the figures get a firm shape, ornaments, eyes and other details are added to the sculpture.

Firing – The dried sculptures are then stacked in a circular opening meant for firing. This is the most convenient form of firing the sculptures. This kiln is constructed with bricks. The sculptures are loaded in the kiln on cow dung cakes and is sealed with a few layers of pottery shards. The temperature of the kiln is around 600-700 centigrade and the products are fired for a period of 4 to 6 hours.

People of Molela

‘Murtikala’ is the art form which has been passed from generation to generation, getting evolved with generation. Amongst numerous artisans in the village, one of the pioneers of this art form is Mohanlal Chaturbuj Kumhar who has been practicing and teaching the art to his family members and other people of the village from around a decade. His sons, Dinesh and Rajendra has been actively involved in this craft work.

For the same, Mohanlal Ji has been awarded several national and international awards. In 2012, he was awarded by the prestigious Padmshree award by the former president of India Ms. Pratibha Patil. Moreover, Mohanlal Ji founded an institution named ‘Mohan Terracotta Art Research & Development Centre’ to teach the people of the world, the unique art of Molela Terracotta.

Did you like the story or have something to share with us?

Then write to me at juhee@udaipurblog.com