Cricket and Bollywood are synonymous with entertainment in India and with the World Cup fever around the corner, 92.7 BIG FM the radio arm of Reliance Broadcast Network Limited (RBNL) announces its association with ‘ICC Cricket World Cup 2011’ as the official radio partner. Starting from February 7th 2011 – April 4th 2011, 92.7 BIG FM will entertain its listeners with live cricket action across its 45 station network. This celebration of cricket will last through out the World Cup with live match updates, detailed match analysis, rewarding contests and more…
As part of its promotion, 92.7 BIG FM will engage and entertain its listeners with an innovative campaign called ‘Bollywood meets Cricket’ ; an action packed property that will offer listeners a chance to be part of their favourite Bollywood superstars team. This activity will see the celebrity-named teams fight against each other for the coveted title. Registered listeners from different teams will play against each other to answer 6 questions on their favorite superstar and the final winner will win goodies ranging from merchandise of the World Cup mascot, to movie tickets and world cup tickets etc.
During the ICC Cricket World Cup 2011, 92.7 BIG FM will introduce famous RJ and stand-up comedian Udham Singh, who in his inimitable signature style and humour will comment on the preparation of the team before every match along with pre and post match analysis. Prior to every match, the radio station will treat its listeners with Pitch Report, Astro Prediction, Weather Report, Team Profiles, etc. Famous cricket commentators like Arun Lal, Charu Sharma will also come on air to provide expert comments during the match and explain finer details on theWorld Cup 2011. Post the cricket match, the RJ will also share match summaries with names of the best bowler, best batsman and best fielder.
92.7 BIG FM will bring the cricketing action alive on-ground by playing Power Cricket in Tier I and Tier II cities. The players can participate for the on-ground activities by answering the right question of their favourite Bollywood superstar and can win on the spot movie tickets.
The radio station also has an excellent line up of activities guaranteeing the highest excitement levels with their Cricket Microsite where listeners can register, choose their favourite team and play the game of Bollywood ka World Cup online. The website will also host audio podcasts of Udham Singh’s interstitial , expert comments on the game, RJ links of the game played, .
The holistic promotions will be taken on mobile through SMS led games that allows listeners to undertake net practice, as well as members who have registered for the service can predict about players and their team. The registered members will also get daily updates via mailers and SMS. The radio station further take the activity to social networking sites like Facebook wherein people can add an exciting gaming application and send challenges to their friends who can either bet on a match or a player.
BIG Street, the Out of Home arm of Reliance Broadcast network Limited will add to the excitement by projecting online game on LED screens wherein people around the LED screens can also get a chance to play the innovative game. This activity will be taken to Delhi Metros through a flip book that will be brought alive through innovative use of back to back site of DMRC. The creative will be designed such that when the train moves in or out of the station, the passengers inside will get an impression that the cricket ball is moving from one side to the other.
92.7 BIG FM will ensure maximum reach through multiple touch points for the ICC World Cup 2011 and also provide a 360 degree approach by offering integrated solutions through its various media verticals including BIG Digital that will offer online and mobile solutions along with an effective campaign to assure this activity permeates into consumer’s lives and garner great success .
Commenting on the development, Soumen Ghosh Choudhary, Business Head 92.7 BIG FM, commented,
Soumen Ghosh Choudhary
“We are excited to be associated with this prestigious cricketing event and this campaign sets a new benchmark for the offerings of 92.7 BIG FM to its listeners. With hectic schedules it becomes difficult for cricket fans to follow all the matches, 92.7 BIG FM will provide its -listeners near live updates, match analysis and all the action right from the cricket field so that they can follow the game on the go. We will offer the perfect blend of Bollywood and cricket and give a chance to our listeners to be a part of the World Cup while allowing them a chance for excellent gratification too.”
Udaipur is one of the most sought out tourist destinations in India. With a rich history, culture and ecology, thousands of people come to visit this beautiful lake city every year. To develop Zero Waste Udaipur, Shikshantar in association with the Lonely Planet Guide Book, has been motivating hotels and tourists to make their practices more ecologically and culturally friendly. The Greenleaf Rating is one way Shikshantar has devised to help hotels take stock of their ecological footprint and be mindful to protect Udaipur’s traditional culture.
This conversation around eco-friendly tourism in Udaipur began in 2007 between Shikshantar and tourists in the city. Tourists were asked what they thought of the environmental practices in Udaipur and expressed what green alternatives they would like to see from hotels. Their feedback, as well as research conducted by Shikshantar on the best practices from around the world, contributed to the making of a survey for hotels to measure their eco and culturally friendly efforts.
Association with the Lonely Planet began in 2008 when the Lonely Planet expressed interest in the Greenleaf rating and offered to publish a link to Shikshantar’s work on eco hotels in Udaipur. Shikshantar rated the hotels mentioned in the Lonely Planet based on a range of criteria from segregation of waste, to solar energy, to rainwater harvesting, to organic food, to promotion of local art and culture. The link to these findings were published in the 2009 edition of the Lonely Planet.
A team at Shikshantar has just updated its ratings of 35 hotels in Udaipur. They found that there have been improvements in the ecological practices of many hotels, especially in terms of solar water heating, energy saving practices, rainwater harvesting and organic food. Among budget hotels, Lal Ghat Guest House, Hotel Lake Star, and Nukkad Guest House scored the highest. Among mid-range hotels Udai Kothi, Pahuna Haveli, and Hotel Ram Pratap scored the highest. Among high end hotels, Udaivilas, Fatehgarh and Lake Palace Hotel scored the highest.
According to Vishal Singh Dhaybai, coordinator of the survey for Shikshantar, “We would love to see the momentum continuing and would like to support hotels in creating 1) a culture of segregation and re-use of “waste”, 2) water and energy conservation and 3) use of bio-degradable cleaning products, 4) filtered water re-fill stations to minimize use of plastic bottles. Tourists are also becoming more conscious of the need to minimize their ecological footprint and we hope this also encourages hotels to go green”. All the ratings have been posted on the Shikshantar website www.shikshantar.in.
For more details on the Green Leaf Ratings and Zero Waste Udaipur, contact Vishal Singh Dhaybai at Shikshantar (tel. 0294-245-1303; email shikshantar@yahoo.com).
Yeah it is indeed the 1st of Feb, lots of new plans for the upcoming month, for the near approaching exams, the season of marriages, Basant Panchmi, of course not to forget the Valentine’s Day, and lots more. After all, “khush hai zamaana aaj pehli taareekh hai”
But not to forget the previous month, the beginner of the New Year, which filled the welcome of 2011 with many reasons of happiness and pride, as well as many mixed feelings for the entire Udaipur, and the Udaipies as well.l Lets have a quick flashback of the month we left behind yesterday.
Parties and celebrations were at their extreme. With many mixed feelings and memories of 2010, Udaipur welcomed 2011 with a great vigour. Also, the Year 2011 began with great news to rejoice. Rajasthan won the national level kick- boxing tournament held in Udaipur. Almost all of the Udaipur was excited to host a series of events to be held in the next few weeks of global repute.
It began with the hosting of the International Kites Festival 2011, in the first week of January.It was a three day festival which was held at the Maharana Bhupal Stadium (Gandhi Ground) from 5th to 7th Jan 2011. Every eye was on the sky, which was full with vivid colours and cultures from as many as 10 countries across the world, in Udaipur.
In the next few days after its completion, the entire Udaipur was engaged into the preparation for the 16th National Youth Festival 2011. Every roads, every nook and corner of the city was shining like a newly built palace.
Finally the day came. 12th of January and the entire India came into life at the opening ceremony of the 16thNational Youth Festival in the Gandhi ground.There were many cultural events, competitions, evening shows, heart throbbing stunts by the Army, and lots more.There was a spectacular performance by the Indian Air Force and the Indian Army on the closing ceremony.
A remarkable news that can never be forgotten here is the struggle between life and death by Narayan Tomar, a worker at the Devas Tunnel Project who was struck at his workplace for many days. Every Udaipie prayed for him, and finally every prayer was heard. Narayan was successfully taken out of the tunnel by several hours of continuous rescue operation.
The Mohan Kumar Mangalam football tournament 2011 was held at Zawar Mines this year from 23rd to 31st January. This is a National Level football championship, held every year. Team Dehradun won over the Mumbai team in the finals after a very interesting match, and was the champion for the MKM 2011
Udaipur also hosted the Inter-University boxing championship, in both men’s and women’s categories.
We all remembered Ganhiji, his principles and all the sacrifices by freedom fighters, and despite of the cable TVs’ or the DTH installed in our homes, all switched on to the DoorDarshan on the 26th Jan, our 62nd Republic day, with a patriotic feeling in our minds, and to salute the Great Indian Flag. A huge crowd too gathered at the Gandhi ground, where the Flag was hoisted by renowned dignitaries.
This was beginning of 2011 only. For more Photographs on the above news, do visit our Facebook fanpage. And there are lot more stuffs yet to enter Udaipur and our lives as well. That was all for the moment. Team UdaipurBlog will be back with more news and surprises in the upcoming times. Keep liking, sharing and supporting. 🙂
Zawar Mines, a place approximately 40kms far from Udaipur, famous for its zinc mines, different kinds of people from different states living at such a lovely place, Ramnath temple, Zawar Mata Temple, Hindustan Zinc Limited (HZL) , etc.
Zawar Temple
One more thing that contributes to its popularity is Mohan Kumar Mangalam Football Championship popularly known as MKM, which is a National level football tournament.It started in 1975, it is an awesome tournament that lasts for 8-10 days, and is played at Zawar Stadium. During these days HZL workers get a half day holiday to watch this tournament and they happily contribute their one day salary for organising this tournament.
Zawar Football Stadium
One surprizing fact about MKM is that the HZL team has won this tournament in 1975 only, and never after that.
This year in 2011 the Football excitement began on 23rd January 2011, and ended up today.Many teams from all over India participated.
There was a heart throbbing match in the finals between Union Bank of India, Mumbai and Uttarakhand Police Dehradun. All the football enthusiasts were gathered and the adrenaline rush increased each time the heart pounded with thrill. Finally with the help of penalty shot the Dehradun team won over team Mumbai, with a score of 3-4
Team UdaipurBlog wishes the Uttarakhand Police Dehradun team for their wonderful victory in the Championship.
About the Author– born in Zawar Mines and settled in central Udaipur, Surbhi Chhadwani is an active Udaipurite, currently pursuing her engineering from Udaipur in Computer Science.
How we reached so far: from Independent to a Republic country
The foundation of independence laid before 150 years in 1857, which is described as First war of Independence got success after 100 long years of struggle and on 15th August 1947 when a new democratic country which has taken over the attention of the world with it’s principles of non-violence and peace.
India obtained its independence but did not yet have a permanent constitution; instead, its laws were based on the modified colonial Government of India Act 1935. On 28 August 1947, the Drafting Committee was appointed to draft a permanent constitution, with Bhimrao Ramji Ambedkar as chairman. A draft constitution was prepared by the committee and submitted to the Assembly on 4 November 1947. The Assembly met, in sessions open to public, for 166 days, spread over a period of 2 years, 11 months and 18 days before adopting the Constitution. . This committee finally drafted with 395 Articles and 8 Schedules and it was adopted by the Constituent Assembly on 26 November 1949. After many deliberations and some modifications, the 308 members of the Assembly signed two hand-written copies of the document (one each in Hindi and English) on 24 January 1950. On this day Rajendra Prasad was elected as first President of India. After two days i.e on 26 January 1950 the Constitution of India came into effect, a date celebrated annually as Republic Day in India. 26 January 1950 is one of the most important days in Indian history as it was on this day the constitution of India came into force and India became a truly sovereign country.
On 26 January 1950 India developed into a democratic republic with a president, prime minister and a council of ministers, all who are elected by the public. India’s full title is The Republic of India and today it is the largest full democracy in the world.
India – Development since 1950
Agriculture
Before independence India was a country which relied heavily on agriculture. After independence this remained much the same, even today India ranks second worldwide in agricultural output. Agriculture and allied sectors like logging, forestry and fishing accounted for 15.7% of India’s GDP in 2009, employed 60% of the total workforce and despite a steady decline of its share in the GDP, is still the largest economic sector in the country. India has always been a major grower of cash crops such as tea, tobacco, coffee and spices while also being a world leader in exporting many varieties of fruit. Although India has developed many modern and innovative means of farming the agricultural sector in India remains synonymous with poverty. The majority of India’s farmers earn less than $2 (USD) per day growing rice on tiny family-owned plots.
Services
The services sector employs 23% of the Indian workforce and began its rapid development in the 1980s, this is in comparison with approx.4.5% in the 1960s. The stimulus for the spurt in growth in the services sector came from two main areas: a substantial stepping up of public investment and also the emergence of a highly educated Indian workforce who were willing to work for far lower wages than their European counterparts. The services sector accounted for 63% of Indian GDP in 2008-09 and as per the Central Statistical Organisation this figure has continued to grow.
Industrialization
Before independence India was a largely agriculture-based country. Post-independence, the Indian private sector began attempts to expand. It has since handled the change by squeezing costs, revamping management, focusing on designing new products and relying on low labour costs and technology. Technology has been one of the main cornerstones of India’s industrial development. Information Technology sector accounted for 5.9% GDP. Mining and other energy exploits have also been one of the main areas which have pushed the industrialization of India since independence. India has the third largest coal reserves in the world. Nuclear power is a very large source of electrical consumption in India. As of 2010, India has 19 nuclear power plants in operation generating 4,560 MW while four other are under construction and are expected to generate an additional 6000 MW. This recent development has coincided with further industrialization of many of India’s cities.
The development of India since independence has changed it into a democratic, industrial country at the forefront of becoming a big global power. However due to this rapid change and urbanization, India faces many problems. The country is facing many sustainability issues in the near future which will be discussed below.
India and Future Sustainable Development
Poverty
Poverty is an everyday sight in India but something which must be addressed or it will negatively affect the country’s future sustainability. According to a 2005 World Bank estimate 42% of the Indian population fall below the international poverty line. Although this is a major increase on the figure of 87% in 1980 it is still a shocking statistic. If India is to become a truly developed country it must develop a form of social welfare scheme, this means that at current poverty levels close to 240 million people would be availing of welfare benefits. This is a figure which is simply not viable, therefore if India is to sustain development into the future it must do something to lower poverty levels.
The Environment and Pollution
Although India is low on the carbon emissions scale compared to countries such as America its carbon levels are still very high and steadily increasing. India is emitting 1.17 tonnes of CO2 per person per year and this is an ever-increasing figure. Most of these carbon emissions are coming from factories and industry. India’s main fossil fuel is coal (a very high polluter) means that air pollution levels will probably continue to increase. However there have been some encouraging signs in recent years as the government and legislators have begun a major drive to invest in clean technology and recycling facilities.
Water
India has huge problems with water pollution. The river Ganges is considered to be one of the world’s dirtiest rivers and still an estimated 2 million people bathe in its waters everyday due to Hindi beliefs and culture. Some sources even say that India’s water pollution problem is so bad that 70% of available water in India is contaminated. Indian officials must act to create sewerage treatment plants in order to reverse the country’s unprecedented levels of water pollution.
Another Sustainability issue which India faces in the future is the problem of water availability. According to World Watch Institute, Indian demand for water in urban areas is expected to triple by 2025. Another big problem is that actual water reserves look set to deteriorate due to global warming. 80% of India’s water comes from the Himalayas, either from rainwater or melting glaciers. If current projections are correct global warming will melt many of the Himalayan glaciers away by 2030 and this would result in the level of many of India’s main rivers dropping further pushing water demand.
Poverty and the Environment
The links between poverty and pollution and environmental-damage can be seen everywhere in India. The use of rivers as sewers is common to Indian slum areas. However to blame India’s poor for the environmental degradation would be a huge mistake. It is the lack of resources and facilities provided to the poor which results in the level of damage occurring in India. However there are many methods which the Indian government could use to tackle both problems i.e. reduce poverty by tackling environmental degradation.
Strengthen participation by the poor in decision-making related to access to environmental resources: People in India’s poorest areas should be involved in deciding where sewerage should be provided and how best to provide clean water as their local expertise would be vital.
Employ only local people in the building of environmental resources in their slum areas: This would boost the local economy and also create a sense of pride in environmental resources within the community.
Expand the natural asset base of the poor: By providing free plots of land to the countries poor India could promote a sense of environmentalism and a respect for nature while also providing economic assistance to the poor.
Conclusion
India has developed from an agricultural country into an urbanized, industrialized country. However this has led to many problems for the country including poverty and environmental damage. However it is not too late for India to fix its problems and hopefully in the future we will see this happening.
“Mother Earth provides enough to satisfy every man’s need but not every man’s greed”
– Mohandas Gandhi.
Appeal to people of India
We the people of India should participate in development of Indian directly or indirectly. Instead of always finding negative things and only talk over that, we should work together to eradicate the negative things and polish positive things.
Team UdaipurBlog wishes all the readers a very Happy Republic Day
On 25, January 1993 the little internet maestro of Udaipur – Sanjit Chohan was born. With the modest knowledge and interest he started the internet search and brought a huge internet revolution in the City of Lakes-Udaipur.
He’s none other than then the founder of UdaipurBlog – Sanjit Chohan. Sanjit founded UdaipurBlog a year later at 17 which today is the number 1 blog site of Udaipur. Sanjit is also a designer (watch his design collections at Gfxlovers ), developer (as a co-developer of WebUdaipur etc). Actually in my view he’s a perfect example of an internet geek. Yeah, he’s a true internet nerd of Udaipur who at the age less than 18 developed more than 5 successful websites.
Sanjit presently is a student of class 12th at St. Anthony Senior Secondary School and he wants to be an Engineer. He’s a bright student with 80+ % in 10th. I hope he’ll score his target 85+ % marks this year in 12th boards. My wishes are with you bro (Good Luck 😉 )
Sanjit Chohan
His interests here’s to the crazy one – Planning future development of websites in the peak exam times, social networking, drawing/designing, music, cricket, and hangouts with friends.
Sanjit by nature also is a very kind, open, helping, funny and communicative person. He also knows the tips and tricks to manage a (going to be) company (as planning to make UdaipurBlog a company very soon). He also likes to connect and share with people. He strongly believes and follow revolutions, information flow, and minimalism.
Lastly I can just say, He invents. He sometimes has a bad temper. He heals. He creates. And he keeps inspiring. Or at least, he inspires me.
So on this 18th (adult/legal) birthday of your’s. I wish you a very Happy birthday on behalf of me , UB team and the whole of Udaipur. May God Bless you and fulfills all your dreams and desires. May you live long !!
All the best for the near approaching Exams and Life 🙂 Love u , take care and Enjoy 😉
Sorry Sanjit and everyone as I became very late in sharing this post due to some personal burden/ reason.
Once again a very Happy 18th birthday, <3 Sanjit <3
Note: You can wish him at 9929067498 and his Facebook and Twitter account.
“Experiments and Explorations” was a 5 day theatre workshop at Shikshantar with one guiding theme: “The audience”. We explored different means of audience participation, and discussed the many ways in which the theatre can interact with its public. The workshop consisted of exercises, games and creation techniques- looking at the links between theatre with the visual arts, music, dance and street performances. The objective was not only to explore the art form of the theatre, but to try and understand how it might be able to play a part in social and political commentary.
The workshop resulted in a small performance on the street outside Shikshantar. Working with the theme of “Nature”, the participants reflected on the changes that are taking place in our environment – the causes, the effects and the possible solutions.
Nandita Dinesh is from Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu and has an M.A. in Performance Studies from the Tisch School of the Arts at New York University. A recipient of the Watson Fellowship, Nandita pursued a project entitled “All the world is a stage: Using theatre to address conflict”; and as such, traveled to Guatemala, Northern Ireland and Rwanda understanding the role that theatre played during/ after the conflict in question. She has coordinated community theatre related efforts in India, Rwanda, Uganda, Kenya, Zimbabwe, Northern Ireland, the United States, Costa Rica, Guatemala and Mexico.
Finally it was the 16th of January, when the 16th National Youth Festival ended, everyone was sad for they had enjoyed a new world in these days, as the whole India was brought to our own beautiful city of lakes for 12th to 16th January, and yes, we too were happy and proud to host such a great festival in our city for the first time, which was otherwise held in the capital cities of the states only.
Everyday there were variety of competitions at different locations of our city, along with a great night show in the Maharana Bhupal Stadium (Gandhi Ground). For those who have missed any part of the NYF, here we bring to you a complete wrap up of these Festive days
Here below I am mentioning the day by day different events that were held throughout the city. But before that take a look on two events that was open for all the days.
1. Yuvakriti: The mouth watering food festival at Shilpgram
Inaugurated by the sports minister, Mr. M.S. Gill, this was a mouth watering event open for all Udaipies; different cuisines were prepared which represented the complete India in Shilpgram itself. They were available at a price scheme of NO PROFIT NO LOSS fixed by the organisers.
2. Adventure Camp at Railway Training College ground
This place was all about the thrill, the excitement, and huge bursts of adrenaline rushes. Para-sailing, Para-gliding, Hot-air balloon thrilled Udaipies to the extreme.
DAY-1 (12th January 2011): Opening
This day marked the opening of the youth festival in our city opening ceremony was held in Gandhi ground in the day. It was inaugurated by our hon’ble Vice President of India Mr. Hamid Ansari, in presence of the delegates from SAARC, Chief Minister of Rajasthan, Mr. Ashok Gehlot, Sports Minister Mr. M.S. Gill, and many more honourable guests.
There was a march past of all the participant states in which the city witnessed the overwhelming spirit and culture of entire India
Night Show: At night, there was a laser show depicting the life of Swami Vivekananda, followed by massive boosts of fireworks, and then foot tapping performance by Punjabi singer Jasbeer Jassi.
Day-2 (13th January 2011)
The day was full of competitions, whose glimpses we provide you below.
Night Show: There was a show by Sudesh Bhosle at night in the Gandhi ground.
Day-3 (14th January 2011)
A Day full of competitions, whose glimpses we provide you below.
Night Show: A heart throbbing performance by Rock Bands made people thrill to their max. The show was started by “Soulmate”, followed by “Mystic Rhythms” and finally the excited adrenaline rush was taken to the extreme by “Parikrama”.
Day-4 (15th January 2011)
A Day full of competitions, whose glimpses we provide you below.
Night Show: Much awaited performance by Sonu Nigam who made Udaipur wait for his entry for a long time. Uncontrollable crowd made the work of Police Force and the security much difficult. But finally he entered the show, and really rocked it.
Day-5(16th January 2011): Closing Ceremony
The closing ceremony was held in Railway Training College ground, where there were amazing stunts performed by the Indian Armed Forces. Nine divers of Indian Air Force, from the team “AKASHGANGA”, headed by Wing Commander Jai Kishan, were dropped by an IAF Aircraft. They showed their extra-ordinary courage and performed different styles after jumping from an altitude of 5000feet carrying the Indian National Flag.
This was followed by the acrobatics and stunts, the “DAREDEVILS” team of Indian Army (Military Police). All were equipped with their “SAFED ASHWA/WHITE HORSE” which were white coloured Bullet motorcycles, and did amazing wonders with them, along with the stunts; there were two army men, dressed as jokers who amused the audience with their crazy stunts.
For a detailed photo story on the Daredevil Show, Click here
There was performance by the army band, which was followed by cultural programmes, and the prize distribution ceremony, and finally the Youth Festival said “Good Bye Udaipur” with a pledge to keep alive the spirit of “Sabse Pehle Bharat” forever.
We are thankful to our team members as well as our contributors for getting us news updates, photos and videos from across all parts of the city for all these days of the youth festival.
On 15th of January 2010, Udaipur witnessed an amazing and heart-throbbing event which took place at the Railway Training College Ground. The ground was full with crowd, and the city witnessed first of its kind bike stunt show by the Indian Daredevils on account of celebration for the National Youth Festival. Every witness wowed on every move of our Indian Army men who were just doing miracles on their bullet motorbikes.
Video of these Biking dare devils on final day of NYF2011
Believing in the saying – “Actions speak louder than words”, we end up the text here only, leaving below a complete photo story of the thrilling day at Railway Training College.
On 15th of January 2010, Udaipur witnessed an amazing and heart-throbbing event which took place at the Railway Training College Ground. The ground was full with crowd. Every witness wowed on every move of our Indian Army men who were just doing miracles on their bullet motorbikes.
Believing in the saying – “Actions speak louder than words”, we end up the text here only, leaving below a complete photo story of the thrilling day at Railway Training College.
Makar Sankranthi, or Sankranti is a popular Indian festival. It is celebrated in many parts of the country and also in some other parts of the world with great zeal and enthusiasm. It is a harvest festival which is basically celebrated in the Hindu communities. In Indian, the states of Bihar, Bengal, Punjab, Maharashtra, Gujarat, Rajasthan and Tamil Nadu celebrate the festival with great fervor and gusto.In Tamil Nadu the festival is known as Pongal, in Assam as Bhogali Bihu, in Punjab, as Lohiri, in Gujarat and Rajasthan, as Uttarayana.
The festival of Makar Sankranti marks the day when the sun begins its northward journey as scientifically said that around December 21-22 is the shortest day of the year. After that the day span usually gets longer. Hence, Winter Solstice actually begins around this date when the tropical sun moves into the Makar rashi or Capricorn zodiac sign and enters the sign of Makar (the Capricorn) from the Tropic of Cancer. It is like the movement of sun from Dakshinayana (south) to Uttarayana (north) hemisphere.This day falls on the 14th of January every year according to the Hindu Solar Calendar. The festival is considered to be a day from where onwards all the auspicious and ritualistic ceremonies can be solemnized in any Hindu family.This is thus considered as the holy phase of transition.
Makar Sankranti holds special significance in the solar calendar as on this day, the duration of the day and night remains equal. There are several important legends and myths associated with the origin of Makar Sankranti. The special significance of this day was recognized even by the Aryans and they largely celebrated the festival of Makar Sankranti. Warrior-hero Bhishma Pitamah even after being offended in the Mahabharata war lingered on till Uttarayana set in. Death on this day is set to bring Moksha or recovery for the deceased.
Since the festival is celebrated in the mid winter, the food prepared for this festival are such that they keep the body warm and give high energy. Laddu of til made with Jaggery (Gul)is specialty of the festival.
Makar Sankranti is celebrated all across the country with great zeal, vigor and fervor. India being such a diverse country, all states celebrate this festival in their own individual style, tradition and culture.For the people in the Indo Gangetic plain, the day begins with taking dips in the Ganga and offering water to the Sun God. The dip is said to purify the self and bestow punya. Special puja is offered as a thanksgiving for good harvest. According to folklore, girls who take the holy dip get handsome husbands and boys get beautiful brides.
While in the Western part of the country like in Gujarat and Rajasthan (including Udaipur) people offer prayers to the Sun God. They do this by flying beautiful kites.While in mewar junction of Rajasthan (including Udaipur) people also play Sitoliya (a game with 7 marble pieces and a ball). Although Kite flying festivals are organized throughout the country it takes place mostly in western India.
In rural places, cock fight is organised by the people. The villagers make merry by eating the cock which loses the competition.On this day, Saraswati, Goddess of Knowledge, is also paid respect.In South India, Makar Sankranti is a four-day long festival, each day signifying something important.People decorate their houses with mango leaves. Sesame sweets are prepared as a part of the festive feast.A dish made of rice called “Pongal” is relished on Sankranthi. This is the main delicacy of the festival in the south.
The festival of Makar Sankranti ties up states as flowers into a scared thread of joy and affection. Just like tying up many color flowers to one thread to increase its beauty. This festival also increases the dignity of nation by tying the states together so wish you all have a bombastic and joyfull Makar Sankranti.
Udaipurblog Team wishes you all a Very Happy Makar Sankranti !!! 🙂
