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Photos

Dusshera: Victory over the Evil symbolized at Gandhi Ground

The victory of good over evil was again symbolized at Gandhi Ground yesterday, where a huge crowd gathered in the evening to celebrate the moment. There were processions and events from the afternoon, which concluded with the entry of Ram, played by Mr. Vijay Kasturi, Lakshman played by Amit Khathuria, and Hanuman played by Kishor Lalwani entered the ground.

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The structures were standing tall at about 60 feet. There was a lot of effort done on the preparations. After the Tilak of Ram, the scene came into action with fireworks, and Hanuman set the Golden Lanka on Fire. Following this moment, Ram set the structures of Ravan, Meghnad, and Kumbhkaran on fire, with his fiery arrow. The awesome fireworks wowed the entire crowd present at the moment. The Chief guests present at the ceremony were Mrs. Rajni Dangi, Mr. Gulabchand Kataria, Dr. Girija Vyas, Mr. Raghuveer Meena, Mrs. Kiran Maheshwari, etc.

Ravan was burnt, but we all still have many evils around us, such as crime, illiteracy, poverty, etc, most prominent among them being corruption. With the burning Ravan, which symbolizes the evil, we just hope that the “trending” Ravans among us burn away from our society.

Check out the pictures below shot by Mujtaba RG

 

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Categories
Photos

[Pictures] Nine days of Navratri Finally Concluded with Zeal

Navratri means nine days of full fun, frolic, devotion, as well as enthusiasm. This year during Navratri, one had many options for enjoying the same with friends, family, or even alone. First of all, the rocking environment of Garba, or Dandiya shall not be forgotten. Huge populations have poured in huge amount of money for arranging passes and getting inside for enjoying the Garba. Here are few photographs of the Our Real Estate Dandiya Raas 2011 event by Mujtaba RG

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Other than the Garba, there was also the Durga Puja Celebration held by Bengali communities over different places in Udaipur. Devotees of Goddess Durga celebrated the Durga-ashtami on the 8th day of Navratri, majority of devotees observed fasts. The Bengalis worshipped the Goddess Durga at the Sandhi Puja with 108 lotus flowers and 108 lamps at late night, which is the Sandhi, or the joining period of the going 8th day, and the coming 9th day. The photos below show few of the rituals such as Sandhi Puja, Dhunuchi dance, etc. The Dhunuchi is a clay pot filled with burning incense; devotees of the Goddess Durga dance with these – hop across to the nearest Durga Puja pandal this evening, it’s breathtaking, and too much of fun as well. Photos are shot by Gaurav Bhattacharya, Mujtaba RG, and Prasun Bannerjee 😀

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Decoration and arrangement at Sutharwada

 

 

Cultural events being held at the pooja communities
Scene from Arti in the evening from Bindu Bhawan, Ashok Nagar
Devotees performing the Dhunuchi Dance

Categories
Photos

Dusshera Preparations in Full Swing

Today is the last day of Navratri, and tomorrow is the day of Dusshera, or Vijaya Dashmi, which denotes the victory of Good over Evil.

Every year, the entire Udaipur gathers at the Bhandari Darshak Mandap, popularly known as Gandhi Ground for witnessing the spectacular Ramleela. Preparations for the same are in a full swing; gigantic structures for Ravan, Meghnad and Kumbhkaran have been created, and soon will be a centre of attraction for tomorrow’s celebration. When Team UdaipurBlog reached the venue, there were the structures, waiting to be erected.

Here are the photographs from Gandhi Ground, clicked by Gaurav Bhattacharya. Do have a look and share your views. 🙂

Dusshera Festival Udaipur

Dusshera Festival Udaipur

Dusshera Festival Udaipur

Dusshera Festival Udaipur

Dusshera Festival Udaipur

Dusshera Festival Udaipur

Dusshera Festival Udaipur

Dusshera in Udaipur

Dusshera in Udaipur

Dusshera in Udaipur

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Social

Durga Pooja: Following an Eco-Friendly Tradition

We all see too many colorful idols around us at the time of Navratri, Ganesh Chaturthi, etc. But a really true fact behind all of them is the concern to our ecology. Now a day the idols are made from Plaster of Paris (PoP), which get a nice finish due to the easy and handy spray paint, distinct shine, and easy for mass productions, as the PoP rapid hardening material, as well as casted in moulds.

But an utter truth behind the scene is that the PoP idols do nothing but harm our environment and ecosystem. As after every festival of Ganesh Chaturthi, or the Durga Pooja, the idols are immersed in water body on the last day, Plaster of Paris does not dissolve easily in water and hence the idol floats on water after immersion. Since the idol is not immersed properly, in a way it amounts to dishonouring the deity. Talking about the health factors, PoP idols may take anywhere between several months to years to fully dissolve. In addition, when chemical paints are used to decorate the idols, these paints contain heavy metals such as mercury and lead, which seep into the water as the idol dissolves. Seems I need not elaborate more on the harm that it may cause to our health, as the same water is used for consuming by people of our city.

Durga Puja | UdaipurBlog
Idols being Prepared at Bang Samaj, Udaipur

The Bengali Community, sets forth an example of following a tradition from long time, which is eco-friendly and doesn’t harm the environment. The Bengalis celebrate the Durga Pooja primarily at four places in the city, which I have already mentioned in a post few days back. Special artists and sculptors are called every year from Kolkata, situated thousands of miles away, who spend many weeks in Udaipur, and create very beautiful idols of Goddess Durga with all the bio-degradable material like mud, chaff, jute, bamboos etc. Even the colours they use are water colours. So the water where the idol is immersed neither gets polluted nor it is an environmental hazard to immerse the idol in the lakes.

“I am indeed concerned for the safety of lakes. The idols made of PoP do not dissolve in water and thus pose serious problem for the lakes. Our family has been celebrating Duga Puja in this city more than five decades ago at Bindu Bhavan, but we follow the same traditions for rituals as well as preparation of idols, as was followed since 1956. The sculptors we call from West Bengal for the same purpose put in lots of efforts and spend a lot of time in carving out each and every minute detail of the idols, which is impossible to do with the PoP idols, as it hardens too fast. Hence mud is the primary constituent of the idols prepared. Putting this on record is essential, because every year the question comes up whether the idol should be allowed to be immersed in the lake or not.”

-Apurva Bhattacharya

Bindu Bhawan

 

“We have been celebrating Durga Pooja since past 20 years, and we have always been celebrating according to the traditions. It is always an idol made from mud which is worshipped, and we spend a major portion of our annual Pooja Budget for idols itself, to ensure that they are eco-friendly.  People must learn to preserve their environment, and shall take an oath to avoid immersing the idols made from PoP in our lakes. PoP idols must not be immersed, or shall be sprinkled with water and kept.”

-Dipankar Chakravarty

President, Bangali Kalibadi Society

We all must learn a lesson from the community, and must take considerable steps to preserve our environment. Afterall we never own our nature, but we owe it.

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More

Plan a Wedding in an Hour with Frozen Apple Events and Entertainments

Wedding in Udaipur

“Planning for a grand event in family?”  “Yes!”

“Have lots of work to do? “Yes!”

“Have very less time?” “Yes!”

“Confused what to do and where to start with?” “Yes!”

“Can you spare just an hour?”  “Yes, but Why?”

“Because your complete event can be planned and prepared within just an hour.” “What???”

Yes you got it right. Frozen Apple Events and Entertainments, one of the most premier event managers in the city have come up with a unique one hour planning programme. They provide the easiest way to plan any wedding or any occasion with royal taste of Rajasthan, in just an hour. You can always call them up, and one of the executives from Frozen Apple Events and Entertainment would be there at your doorstep, or any of your desired location. Just spare an hour for a meet with them, and they will counsel you with their best experience, and meet your requirements in the most effective and affordable price. In this way, you can enjoy the wedding of your near and dear ones in a royal way, and that too entirely tension free. The planning includes planning over phases, in a series as:

  1. Venue
  2. Catering
  3. Decor
  4. Lighting
  5. Entertainment
  6. Hosp. & Guest Management
  7. Invites
  8. Trousseau
  9. Photo video
  10. Wedding day theme
  11. Bar Concepts
  12. Fireworks
  13. Mehendi
  14. Make Up
  15. Designer
  16. Rental
  17. Rituals

 

Contact Frozen Apple Events and Entertainments on : 08003336000 Or visit: www.FrozenAppleEvents.com

Categories
Festivals Photos

[Pictures] Durga Puja 2011: Celebration by the Bengali Community began today

Heartiest Greetings on the occasion of Navratri! Today is the 6th day of the Navratri, and as many of you all might know, the Bengali community begin their celebration of the year long awaited festival, Durga Pooja from today. 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.

I, being a Bengali, remain too excited for the arrival of the season throughout the year. And now when the season has arrived, the adrenaline rush is to the extreme, and so is the enthusiasm and happiness of all the Bengalis. The celebration will continue till the 9th day of Navratri, followed by Visarjan on the day of Dusshera, or Vijaya Dashmi.

For the first day, I bring you few clicks from the prime locations of celebration of Durga Pooja in Udaipur by the Bengali community. Every idol carved magnificently, every decoration was just spectacular. Do not miss to witness the culture and see the holy idols in the season of Navratri.  There’s still a lot more coming from your very own UdaipurBlog.com on the occasion of Navratri, so stay tuned.

I would also like to wish you on behalf of Team UdaipurBlog.com a very  ‘Happy Navratri‘ and may Goddess Durga shower her blessings on all of us 🙂

Pictures From Bang Samaj, Bhupalpura

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Pictures From Bindu Bhawan, Ashok Nagar

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Pictures From Swarnkar Samiti, Town Hall

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Pictures From Hiran Magri Sec. 4

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Categories
News Photos

Hello Udaipur: Says Chetan Bhagat

Chetan Bhagat in Udaipur

As we informed you all that the most famous Indian authors among the youth, Mr. Chetan Bhagat is in Udaipur. His stellar education and diverse professional background makes him the ideal person to share his thoughts and experiences on topics such as leadership, passion, values, team building, motivation, achieving goals etc. Yesterday, on 1st Oct 2011 he was there to speak at the Gandhi Ground, where he spoke about his success story and delivered an inspiring motivational speech in front of the huge audience, most of which comprised of the students from Udaipur.

He spoke that most of us want to get success in our life, but we do realize in older ages that success is the not only requirement, but happiness is the utmost requirement one must earn from his life. Speaking about his story, he said that his efforts were constantly crushed by the publication houses, etc, when a time came that even his family lost belief in him. He said that one must always keep a faith on himself. One must try and try till the success is achieved.

He also said that a student can be comparatively more successful if he learns a few things.

  • English, for better language skills, as it is preferred worldwide
  • Good communication skills
  • Marketing
  • Finance

In the end he said that a person owes his society, his nation. Therefore, one must give a payback to the society, and contribute to it, for better development of tomorrow. It is not only our voluntary will but also our duty.

The entire evening was greatly inspiring. A number of guests were present at the moment, including Mr. Lakshyaraj Singh Mewar, Prof. I.V. Trivedi, Mr. R.S. Vyas, Mr. Rahul Agrawal, etc. As his new book, Revolution 2020 is rolling out by next week in the market, and is awaiting a launch, Team UdaipurBlog wishes him All the Best. May his book once again be a bestseller and rule the hearts worldwide.

Check out few snaps of the awesome evening by Mujtaba R.G. and Yash Sharma

Chetan Bhagat in Udaipur

Chetan Bhagat in Udaipur

Chetan Bhagat in Udaipur

Chetan Bhagat in Udaipur

Chetan Bhagat in Udaipur

Chetan Bhagat in Udaipur

Chetan Bhagat in Udaipur

Chetan Bhagat in Udaipur

Chetan Bhagat in Udaipur

Chetan Bhagat in Udaipur

Chetan Bhagat in Udaipur

Chetan Bhagat in Udaipur

Chetan Bhagat in Udaipur

 

Chetan Bhagat in Udaipur

Chetan Bhagat in Udaipur

Chetan Bhagat in Udaipur

Categories
Events

‘Sparkles’ of the Navratri: The ambience of Dandiya Raas

The season is back again. The excitement has hit all the generations of Udaipur, not only the youth. The same can be seen at the Our Real Estate Dandiya Raas 2011 by the Sparkles Dance group. Being organized at Satyam Shivam Sundaram Garden, Ayad, the location is too easy to reach from the city.

To have a glimpse of the event, I had a visit at the place yesterday. I am not at all a good dancer, so I chose to stick with my camera to click few pictures of the event and share it with the Udaipies. As could be seen in the photographs, the response of the crowd was overwhelming, RJ/Anchor Piyush hosted the show in his awesome style, and above all, the traditional music pumped up every heart beat and forced every pair of feet to dance on its own.

If you are in a mood to enjoy the season of Navratri at its best, I strongly recommend you not to miss the Our Real Estate Dandiya Raas 2011.

Here are the photographs from yesterday’s event clicked by Mujtaba RG and Prasun Bannerjee

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Categories
News

Chetan Bhagat in Udaipur on 1 October

Chetan Bhagat in Udaipur

Chetan Bhagat – Most famous novel writer and motivational speaker among the Youth of India 😀 Author of –  Five Point Someone , One Night @ the Call Center , The 3 Mistakes of My Life, 2 States, Revolution 2020 is a graduate from Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Delhi and IIM Ahmedabad. Chetan is a youth icon and also holds record for being “the biggest selling English language novelist in India’s history” (NYTIMES). He is also one of the 100 Most Influential People in the World according to TIME Magazine.

His stellar education and diverse professional background makes him the ideal person to share his thoughts and experiences on topics such as Passion, Leadership, Team Building, Values, Motivation, Achieving Goals etc. If you are one of the motivated souls, you will be happy to know that this great author  will be addressing youth of Udaipur  on 1st  Oct 2011 at Bhandari Darshak Mandap, Gandhi ground.

Date: 1 October, 2011

Time: 5 p.m.

Venue: Bhandari Darshak Mandap, Gandhi Ground

(Entry is Strictly Through Passes)

For Passes and other details you can contact: 9672872968, 9672870163, 9672844382

Categories
Places to Visit

A day like a Tourist [Part 2] : Destination Ranakpur

Our exciting trip was not completed yet. After exploring the sheer majesty of Kumbhalgarh, we reached our second destination for the day, Ranakpur, in the heart of Aravali valleys, passing by the lush green valleys and streams. The World renowned state of the Jain art temples, it is one of the most important pilgrim among the five pilgrims of the Jainism. It is located between Jodhpur and Udaipur, in a valley on the western side of the Aravali Range. It is easily accessed by road from Udaipur.

The place features a widely acclaimed main temple, dedicated to Adinatha (Lord Rishabha), the first Tirthankar (enlightened human), built in graceful white marble, designed as ‘chaumukha’ or a four faced temple and also for a much older Sun Temple which lies opposite the former.

There were three distinctive domes in the main temple. The most dazzling highlight were the 1444 intricately carved marble pillars, which support the halls and domes of the temple, which gave a spectacular effect. A centuries old growing tree in the huge marble structure was witnessing the sanctity of the place. In the assembly hall, there were two big bells weighing 108 kg, whose sound echoes in the entire complex. The artistically carved nymphs playing the flute in various dance postures at a height of 45 feet were an engrossing sight.

As per the history, it was a businessman Dhanna Shah, inspired by a dream of a celestial vehicle, who commissioned it under the organization and got great financial support during the reign of the gifted and liberal ruler of Mewar, Rana Khumbha, in the 15th century.

The best time to visit Ranakpur is between September and March. Temperature during summers varies from 22 to 42 and 10 to 20 in winters.

Ranakpur is the perfect place for experiencing the charm and vibrancy of Jainism in Rajasthan. It offers a peaceful spiritual experience to tourists.

After the eventful journey, we all were fully exhausted, but the heart capturing views drove away the journey fatigue. So if you are looking for some unique experience of lifetime, I promise a lot of fun, excitement and adrenaline rush to you, after exploring this north-west corner of Udaipur.