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Rajasthan’s smallest premature – 520 gms baby – survives despite all odds

jivanta hospital 520 gms

Born at barely 24 weeks, 520 gm baby beat odds to survive

Baby Maya’s tale of survival is an extraordinary one. The micro-preemie, born prematurely at just 24 weeks of gestation [Five and half months] and weighing only 520 grams, fought for three-and-half months to survive a stormy course in the neonatal ICU of Jivanta Children’s Hospital, Udaipur- Smallest ever survived in Rajasthan.

Born to couple Maya and Dev Singh [name changed] from Narnaul, Haryana married for 18 years, she started premature labor pains and leakage of amniotic fluid at 24 weeks of her pregnancy.  The ultrasonography revealed nearly absent amniotic fluid. The couple rushed to Udaipur and as the survival of a baby was getting compromised was taken up for emergency cesarean section. Twin babies were born weighing just 520 grams and 480gms at birth on 29th May. These babies were very precious and the only hope for the family. The baby required artificial breathing support to regularize his breathing and then quickly transferred to Jivanta neonatal ICU. However 480-gram baby detected to have major brain hemorrhage shortly after birth, treatment was discontinued on parents consent.

“To salvage baby of this size is a mammoth task and big challenge. At the best of centers, only 30% of such babies born this early survive. Most doctors do not even attempt to save such babies, as the possibility of healthy survival is low.” said Dr. S K Tak.

“There is no documented record of survival of the baby born so early and weighing this low in Rajasthan. Last reported smallest baby survived in Rajasthan was Baby Geeta (607 gm and born at 27 weeks) @ Jivanta children’s Hospital,” said Dr. R K Agrawal.

Dr. Pradeep Suryawanshi added, “Baby born this small have the extremely poor function of all body organs including lungs, heart, brain, kidney, skin, intestines & all of them need support for the survival of baby. This is where skilled & dedicated Neonatologist & Nursing staff is required, as the margin of error is close to zero. Problems related to any single system can singularly kill the baby & only 5-10% survives without brain damage.”

The baby was managed & looked after at Jivanta Neonatal ICU under the precise care of Neonatologist Dr. Sunil Janged, Dr. Nikhilesh Nain & trained nursing staff. At beginning baby was struggling to breathe, so was put on a ventilator & given surfactant to expand tiny immature lungs. The baby was having an infection in blood; his hemoglobin level was very low at birth which required blood transfusions. His heart functions and pumping was poor. The baby also had a large connection between two major vessels [patent ductus arteriosus], which was closed with medicines. His gut was immature & he could not be fed, so the baby was put on TPN which means giving all essential nutrients such as protein, carbohydrate by blood. To get venous access umbilical lines were put. Such babies lose water very quickly through their parchment like skin & their weight drops down further. These are some of many problems one faces while managing such babies. Regular screening of heart & brain were performed to rule out any bleeding in the brain.  Due to brain immaturity baby used to forget to breathe, we call it as apnea of prematurity. Baby required ventilator support for 70 days.

In all he was in NICU for 102 days, today he is being discharged, on discharge, his weight is 1.710 Kg. By far his progress in NICU is satisfactory, Brain is structurally normal, eyes are developing normally.

“It was a long & tough journey for me & my team; it is the latest technology, the high-end expertise of our NICU team, which has pulled this off. In last 2 years Jivanta has successfully treated more than 75 extreme premature babies weighing less than 1000 grams and having more than 90% survival of extremely low birth babies” said Dr. Sunil Janged, Chief Neonatologist at Jivanta Children Hospital.

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राजस्थान का बनारस – Ghats of Udaipur

उदयपुर के घाट

“ हमनें आपसे वादा किया था कि पिछले आर्टिकल कुछ ख़ास है ये इमारत – Ghanta Ghar  से हम उदयपुर से जुड़ी जानी-अनजानी जगहों, किस्से-कहानियों की एक सीरिज़ शुरू कर रहे है जो आप लोगो को अपने शहर से जोड़ने का प्रयास करेगी । ताकि आप अपने ही शहर को और अच्छे से जाने, उन जगहों की बात करें, वहाँ जायें, जो अब तक आपकी पहुँच से दूर थी । उन कहानियों और किस्सों को जीयें जो आपके दादा-परदादा, पापा-मम्मी सुनते और सुनाते आये है । “

उसी सीरीज़ में इस बार हम आपके सामने “उदयपुर के घाट – Ghats of Udaipur”   के बारें में कुछ जानकारियाँ और तथ्यों को लेकर आये है । उम्मीद करते है कि आप इससे अपना जुड़ाव महसूस करेंगे।

घाट की परिभाषा – घाट उन सीढियों के समूह को कहते है, जो किसी छोटे तालाब, झील या फिर किसी नदी के किनारे बना हुआ हो, घाट कहलाता है ।

उदयपुर में घाट की कमी नहीं है, यहाँ इतने घाट है कि अगर इसे ‘राजस्थान का बनारस’  बोला जाए तो कोई गलत बात नहीं होगी । पर देखा जाए तो कुछ दो या तीन घाट को छोड़कर बाकियों पर कभी बात हुई नहीं । शहरकोट के घरों में होती है, पर कहीं ये उन घरों तक ही सिमट के न रह जाए, इस बात का डर लगता है । उन दो या तीन घाट को अगर छोड़ दिया जाए तो बाकी बचे हुए घाट को बहुत कम लोग जानते है । आसपास बसे लोगो के अलावा शायद ही कोई जाता होगा । इसी वजह से कईयों की हालत ख़राब भी पड़ी हुई है । सिटी वाल के बाहर एक नया उदयपुर बस रहा है । ये उदयपुर शहर के, बाहर तो है, पर शहरकोट के लोगो से ज्यादा शहरी है । ये लोग उदयपुर घूमते है पर इन्हें उदयपुर के किस्से-कहानियों की ख़बर ज़रा कम है । इस सिरीज़ में फोकस इन्ही बातों पर रहेगा । ये सब रिसर्च करने के दौरान अच्छी बात ये जानने को मिली कि यंगस्टर्स इन सबके बारे में क्यूरियस है और बहुत कुछ जानना चाहते है पर उन्हें ये सब जानने और पढ़ने का प्लेटफार्म नहीं मिल रहा है । हमारी यहीं कोशिश रहेगी, आप लोगो की ये खोज हम तक आकर रुक जाए ।

हम आर्टिकल को उन घाट से शुरू करेंगे जो अब तक लिखे ना गए । अब आप सीधा घाट का रुख़ करिए और इमेजिनरी दुनिया में तशरीफ़ ले आइये ।

  • धोबी घाट : सबसे पहले बता दे कि इस घाट का आमिर खान से कोई लेना देना नहीं है । ये उदयविलास के पीछे की और पिछोला का आख़िरी घाट है । इसके बाद आपको और कोई घाट नहीं मिलेगा । यहाँ चूँकि धोबी कपड़े धोने आते है इसलिए इसका नाम धोबी घाट पड़ गया । यहाँ पास ही श्मशान घाट भी है, जहाँ आसपास बसे लोग अंतिम संस्कार की प्रक्रिया के लिए आते है ।Dhobi ghat
  • नाथी घाट : इस घाट की हमें एक शानदार स्टोरी पता चली । नाथी बाई नाम से एक औरत हुआ करती थी, 19वी सदी की शुरुआत में । ये घाट उन्ही के द्वारा बनाया गया । उनके कोई बेटा या बेटी नहीं होने से उन्होंने अपने पास रखे 10-20 रुपयों से ये घाट बनाया । एक आंटी हमें बताती है मेवाड़ी में, ‘नाथी बाई कहती ही कि अणा रिपया रा म्हूं कई करूँगा, म्हारो धाम तो अटे ही वणाऊंगा ।‘ और इस तरह उन्होंने अपने पास रखे कुछ रुपयों से ये घाट बनाया ।nathi ghat
  • महाराजा घाट : ‘महाराजा घाट’ को खोजने में हमें भी पसीना आ गया । ये घाट बहुत छोटा है और बहुत ही छुपा हुआ भी है । यहीं पास में वाळी बाई रहती है, उन्होंने ही इसके बारे में बताया । इस घाट पर पहले महाराजा/बाबा/योगी लोग आकर बैठा करते थे और नहाते थे । इसलिए ये महाराजा घाट कहलाया ।maharaja ghat
  • पंचदेवरिया घाट : गणगौर घाट के ठीक सामने आपको एक छोटा सा घाट दिखेगा जहाँ एक मंदिर भी बना हुआ है, दरअसल ये मंदिर नहीं बल्कि पांच छोटी छोटी देवरिया है, जिन्हें पंचदेवरियां कहा जाता है । उन्ही की वजह से इसे पंचदेवरिया घाट बोलते है । कुछ लोग इसे ‘फिरंगी घाट’ भी कहते है । यहाँ से आपको वाकई लगेगा की क्यूँ उदयपुर को हमने ‘राजस्थान का बनारस’ बोला ।panchdevariya ghat
  • हनुमान घाट : ये घाट तो आप सभी जानते ही होंगे । फ़िल्मी दुनिया की ‘रामलीला’ यहीं हुई थी । हिंदी फिल्म ‘रामलीला’ की शूटिंग इसी घाट पर हुई थी । हनुमान टेम्पल की वजह से इसका नाम हनुमान घाट पड़ गया । इसके ठीक सामने आपको गणगौर घाट दिख जायेगा ।

    hanuman ghat
    credit : inside_the _window (Instagram)
  • हामला हारो/रोव्णिया घाट(1) : अब आपको ले चलते है ‘हामला हारो/रोव्णिये/रोवनिये घाट’ पर । इसका नाम इसके काम को बयाँ कर रहा है । ‘रोव्णिया’ मेवाड़ी शब्द है जिसका मतलब होता है ‘रोने वाला’, और चूँकि ये पैदल पुलिया के सटा हुआ है और सामने की तरफ होने की वजह से इसे ‘हामला हारो’ यानि ‘सामने वाला’ घाट भी बोला जाता है । इस घाट पर डेथ के बाद औरतें रोती हुई आती है और फिर नहाती है, इस वजह से इसका नाम ऐसा पड़ा । इस घाट को हत्थापोल घाट से जोड़ने वाली पुलिया ‘दाइजी-पुल’ नाम से जानी जाती है, जिसे फूट-ओवरब्रिज भी कहते है । यहीं पर महादेव का मंदिर, एक स्कूल और कई होटल्स भी मिल जाएगी ।rovniya ghat
  • हत्थापोल(सत्यापोल) घाट : जगदीश मंदिर वाले छोर पर ‘दाइजी-पुल’ जहाँ बना है, उसे हत्थापोल घाट कहते है, पहले यहाँ घाट हुआ करता था जिस पर बाद में फुट-ओवरब्रिज बना दिया गया । ‘दाइजी-पुल’ और चांदपोल पुलिया के बीच के हिस्से को ‘अमर-कुंड’ बोला जाता है ।hattha pol ghat
  • रोव्णिया घाट(2) : पिछोला किनारे दो घाट ‘रोव्णिया घाट’ नाम से जाने जाते है । इस बात ने हमें भी पहले कंफ्यूज कर दिया । फिर बाद में पता चला दाइजी पुलिया के जगदीश मंदिर छोर वालों के लिए ये घाट रोव्णिया घाट है । और उस छोर वालों के लिए ‘हामला हारो’ घाट ‘रोव्णिया घाट’ है ।rovniya ghat
  • मांजी का घाट : ‘मांजी का घाट’ ही अमराई घाट है, अमराई होटल होने की वजह से आज के लोग इसे अमराई घाट से ज्यादा जानते है जबकि इसका असली नाम ‘मांजी का घाट’ है । यहाँ एक मंदिर भी है जिसे ‘मांजी का मंदिर’ बोला जाता है । अंतिम संस्कार के बाद जिस तरह औरतें ‘रोव्णिया घाट’ पर जाती है वही आदमी ‘मांजी का घाट’ पर नहाने आते है । यहीं पर पूजा का कार्यक्रम और सर मुंडन का काम होता है । यहाँ से पिछोला का 270 डिग्री व्यू आता है । यहाँ से गणगौर घाट, गणगौर बोट, सिटी पैलेस, लेक पैलेस और होटल लीला पैलेस को देख सकते हो । इसे ‘एक्शन उदयपुर’ के अंतर्गत डेवेलप किया गया उसके बाद से यहाँ काफी लोग आने लग गए । यहाँ यंगस्टर्स गिटार बजाते और गाना गाते हुए मिल जायेंगे ।

    manjhi ka ghat
    credit : le roi udaipur (facebook)
  • नाव घाट : कुछ सालों पहले तक नाव घाट से ही नावें चलाई जाती थी जो टूरिस्ट्स को पिछोला में दर्शन करवाती थी । बाद में इस घाट को प्राइवेट कर दिया । आज की तारीख में ये दरबार का पर्सनल घाट है । अब नावों का संचालन लाल घाट से होता है ।naav ghat
    nav ghat
    credit : crazyass_0318 (Instagram)

    nav ghat
    credit : crazyass_0318 (Instagram)
  • पिपली घाट : ये घाट आम लोगो के लिए खुला हुआ नहीं है । यहाँ सिर्फ सुरक्षा गार्ड्स को ही जाने की इजाज़त है । इसको ‘पिपली घाट’ यहाँ लगे हुए पीपल के पेड़ों की वजह से बुलाते है । इसके बाद से महल की दीवारें शुरू हो जाती है ।

    pipli ghat
    credit : sheer_khurma (Instagram)
  • बंसी घाट : बंसी घाट भी दरबार का पर्सनल घाट है जो दरबार के काम के लिए ही यूज़ होता है, यहाँ से लेक पैलेस के लिए नावें चलती है । इस घाट का नाम दरबार के ही बंसी जी के नाम पर पड़ा । ये घाट ‘गोल महल’ के नीचे बना हुआ है । यहाँ पर सुनील दत्त स्टारर ’मेरा साया’ की शूटिंग हुई थी ।

    bansi ghat
    credit : gauravmarwah.edtgm (Instagram)
  • लाल घाट : आज की तारीख़ में नावों का संचालन यहीं से किया जाता है । ये गणगौर घाट के पास ही बना हुआ है । यहाँ आसपास होटल्स और गेस्ट-हाउसेस होने की वजह से टूरिस्ट्स बड़ी मात्रा में आते है । एक वजह यहाँ मिलने वाली शांति भी है ।
    lal ghat
    credit : mr._dhawan19 (Instagram)

    lal ghat
    credit : mohaansr (Instagram)
  • गणगौर घाट : इसके बारे में अब क्या ही बताया जाए आपको । ये उदयपुर की पहचान है । यहाँ न जाने कितनी ही मूवीज़, सिरिअल्स, वेडिंग शूट्स हो चुके है । यहाँ एंट्री के तीन गेट्स है जिन्हें त्रिपोलिया बोला जाता है । यहाँ पर फेमस मेवाड़ उत्सव, गणगौर पूजा होती है, जो की देखने लायक है । कोई उदयपुर घुमने आता है तो एक बार गणगौर घाट ज़रूर जाता है । यहाँ बच्चो से लेकर बड़ो, देसी से लेकर विदेसी सब तरह के लोग मिल जायेंगे ।gangaur ghat गणगौर घाट की एक बात पता चली, 1973 से पहले गणगौर घाट इतना बड़ा नहीं था जितना आज दिखाई देता है । 1973 से पहले तक गणगौर घाट त्रिपोलिया तक ही फैला हुआ था, उसके बाद उसे आगे बढाया गया ।gangaur ghat
  • बोरस्ली घाट : गणगौर घाट से सटा हुआ घाट ‘बोरस्ली घाट’ के नाम से जाना जाता है । चूँकि यहाँ बोरस्ली के पेड़ बहुत है इसलिए इसका नाम ये पड़ा । ये गणगौर घाट से एक छोटी सी गुफ़ानुमा गली से जुड़ा हुआ है । इस घाट पर मंदिर बहुत ज्यादा है और हर शाम यहाँ आरती होती है । सुबह के वक़्त आसपास के बुज़ुर्ग लोग यहाँ आकर बैठते है और फिर बातों का दौर शुरू होता है । ( ये जानकारी हमें फेसबुक कमेंट्स से प्राप्त हुई, गोविन्द जी माथुर का हम शुक्रिया अदा करते है ।

ये सब लिखना तब ही आसान हो पाता है जब हमें वाळी बाई, राधावल्लभ जी व्यास, भरत जी जैसे लोग मिले । हम इन जैसे उन सभी लोगो का विशेष शुक्रिया अदा करते है जिन्होंने हमें अपना कीमती वक़्त दिया और हमारी भूख शांत की ।

bharat ji, radhavallabh ji, waali bai

ये कुछ घाट थे जिन पर हमने कुछ जानकारियाँ जुटाई और आपके सामने लेकर आये ।  कुछ और घाट भी है जैसे इमली घाट, बाड़ी घाट, पशु घाट उन पर हमें कुछ ज्यादा मिल नहीं पाया । अगर आप लोग उदयपुर के और भी घाट जानते है और उनसे जुड़ी कोई बात बताना चाहते है तो हमें कमेंट में ज़रूर लिख भेजिए । आपकी भेजी हुई इनफार्मेशन हमारे ही शहर के काम आयेगी ।

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Places to Visit

कुछ ख़ास है ये इमारत – घंटाघर (GhantaGhar)

हर शहर का अपना एक इतिहास होता है  । ये अपने अन्दर बहुत कुछ समेटे होता है । वहाँ की ज़मीन, उस ज़मीन पर रह रहे वहाँ के लोग, उनकी बनाई हुई चीज़े, उनकी सोच, उनका पहनावा और भी बहुत कुछ । ये सारी बातें उस शहर के इतिहास को ज़िंदा रखती है, उस शहर को बचाए रखती है ।

सुना है शहर का नक़्शा बदल गया महफ़ूज़

तो चल के हम भी ज़रा अपने घर को देखते हैं

                                                                                     – अहमद महफ़ूज़

 

अहमद महफ़ूज़ साहब का ये शेर उदयपुर पर बिलकुल सही बैठता है । उदयपुर का इतिहास बहुत बड़ा है । और इस पर कितनी ही किताबें लिखी जा चुकी है, इंटरनेट, विकिपीडिया हर जगह आपको उदयपुर के बारे में पढने को मिल जायेगा । पर अब भी ऐसीं कुछ किस्से-कहानियाँ है जो अनछुई है, जिस पर कुछ लिखा नहीं गया है या बहुत कम लिखा है और लिखा भी गया है तो अभी तक लोगो की पहॅुच से दूर है ।

ऐसी ही एक इमारत बारे में हम आपको बताने जा रहे है जो उदयपुर शहर के बीचों-बीच खड़ी है वो भी 130 सालों’ से, वो है ‘घंटाघर’ या ‘क्लॉक-टावर’ । हाँ बिलकुल, इसी साल ये अपने 130 बरस पूरे कर रही है । जब इसके बारे में गूगल किया तो बड़ी ही इंटरेस्टिंग बात पता चली । इसमें लगी घड़ी ‘लंदन’ से लाई हुई थी । पर इसके अलावा हमें ज्यादा कुछ मिला नहीं । तो हम भी निकल पड़े खोजबीन करने ।

‘घंटाघर’ के बनने के पीछे एक कहानी छिपी है, जिसे ज्यादातर लोग नहीं जानते है । पर ये आपको वह आसपास की दुकानों में बैठे बुज़ुर्ग लोगो से पता चल जाएगी । हालाकिं वे अब कम संख्या में ही बचे है । हमने उन्ही में से एक जिनका नाम चतुर्भुज था, उनसे बात करी । बहुत शांत, गंभीर साथ ही साथ थोड़े मजाकियां भी । उन्होंने मुझे वो सब बातें बताई जो शायद आपको इंटरनेट पर कतई न मिले । कुछ पॉइंट्स शेयर कर रहा हूँ जो थोड़े उन्होंने बताये कुछ कहीं और से पता चली :-

History of Ghantaghar

  • ये करीब 130 बरस पुरानी है ।
  • ये सज्जन सिंह जी मेवाड़ के टाइम पर बनी ।
  • इसके बनने के पीछे का कारण बोहरा और महाजनो के बीच हुआ विवाद है, तत्कालीन महाराणा ने दोनों समुदाय को सज़ा के रूप में 5000-5000 रुपयों का हर्जाना भरवाया ।
  • इसीलिए ये भी कहा जाता है कि ये नजराने-जुर्माने की रक़म से बनी है ।
  • इसमें लगी घड़ी ‘लन्दन’ से लाई हुई थी ।
  • आज ‘घंटाघर’ के सामने जहाँ पार्किंग होती है वहाँ पहले एक बाज़ार हुआ करता था जिसे इमरजेंसी के दौरान तोड़ दिया गया ।
  • ‘घंटाघर’ के ठीक नीचे एक शानदार बाज़ार लगता था जहां 9 दुकाने होती थी, इस वजह से उसे ‘नौ-हठिया’ कहा गया । ये दुकाने ज़मीन से कुछ नीचे होने के कारण अक्सर बारिश में पानी से भर जाती थी ।
  • ‘घंटाघर’ पुलिस-चौकी शहर की सबसे पुरानी पुलिस-चौकी है, इससे पहले वहाँ लोग रहा करते थे । इसी चौकी के ठीक नीचे आज जो सोने-चांदी की दुकानें है तब यहाँ घोड़े बांधे जाते थे।

इस बिल्डिंग का स्ट्रक्चर अपने आप में यूनिक है, इसके अलावा शहर में और भी पब्लिक-वॉच है पर ऐसी बनावट और डिजाईन के नहीं मिलेंगे।

History of Ghantaghar

  • इसकी ऊँचाई कुछ 50 फीट की बताते है और इसके चारो तरफ चार घड़ियाँ है जो चारो दिशाओं में एक जैसा समय दिखाती है ।
  • ये शहर की पहली पब्लिक-वाच थी । इससे पहले उदयपुर के लोग ‘जल-घड़ियाँ’ इस्तेमाल करते थे, हालांकि वो ऊँचे तबके के लोगो के पास ही हुआ करती थी ।
  • इसके अन्दर ‘सगस जी बावजी’ का मंदिर भी बना हुआ है ।

History of Ghantaghar

 

History of Ghantaghar

  • फेसबुक पर हमें गोविन्द जी माथुर लिखते है, ‘ घंटा-घर के नीचे जो मार्केट लगता था उसे ‘छोटी बोहरवाड़ी’ कहा जाता था । यहाँ मौजूद कॉस्मेटिक्स और मणिहारी की दुकानें लड़कियों और महिलाओं के लिये आकर्षण का केंद्र हुआ करती थी ।
  • देवानंद साहब की ‘गाइड’ पिक्चर का फेमस गाना ‘कांटो से खींच के ये आँचल’ यहीं फिल्माया गया था ।

ये कुछ जानकारियाँ थी जो हम चाहते थे कि आप तक पहुचें । आप इसे पढ़े, जाने और जो नहीं जानते है उन्हें भी बताएं । अगर आप भी ऐसा मानते है की ऐसे ही उदयपुर की अनजानी-अनछुई जगहों, किस्सों-कहानियों को उदयपुरवालों के सामने लाया जाए तो आप कमेंट्स कर के हमें बताये । आप लोगो के ध्यान में अगर ऐसी कोई जानकारी हो तो हमें कमेंट्स में लिख भेजिए, हम उसे उदयपुर के सामने लेकर आयेंगे ।

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Food

6 Places in Udaipur To Satisfy Your Ice-Cream Cravings

It’s summer, why not take a trip to our favorite ice cream destination and satisfy our cravings for some ‘Thanda.’ Here are the 6 best places in Udaipur to feast on the yummy combination of Ice cream.

 

  1. Gujarat Ice-Cream

    5 Places in Udaipur To Satisfy Your Ice-Cream Cravings

No doubt this is one of the oldest outlet or ice-cream parlor in Udaipur that has charmed all of us since childhood.  Gujarat Ice-cream is a famous name in Udaipur and gives the best combination of ice creams.

I tried their best, Gujarat Special, a combo of 5 flavors of ice cream which can get anyone drooling.

5 Places in Udaipur To Satisfy Your Ice-Cream Cravings
Gujarat Special

Location: Surajpole

What I tried: Gujarat Special

Price: 80 Rupees

 

  1. Standard Kulfi

    5 Places in Udaipur To Satisfy Your Ice-Cream Cravings
    Rabdi Kulfi

It is famous for its Rabdi kulfi. The taste is mouthwatering, and I could not believe that I could get a kulfi for rupees 5, yes, he sells Mawa Kulfi for just rupees five.

Location: Jhini Ret

What I tried: Rabdi Kulfi

Price: Ranges from 10, 20, 25, 35 rupees

 

  1. Live Tawa Ice-Cream

    5 Places in Udaipur To Satisfy Your Ice-Cream Cravings

This is a new outlet near town hall opposite the petrol pump. Well, he makes ice cream in front of you and serves with tasty garnishing. The menu started from rupees 79.

5 Places in Udaipur To Satisfy Your Ice-Cream Cravings
Ferrero Rocher Rolls

Location: Near Town Hall

What I tried: Ferrero Rocher

Price: 129 rupees

 

  1. Shiv Sagar Ice-Cream Shake

    5 Places in Udaipur To Satisfy Your Ice-Cream Cravings

A sober outlet, just apt to relinquish your ice cream hunger pangs. It serves a variety of ice creams and shakes and every little bit and sip is exceptionally delectable.

5 Places in Udaipur To Satisfy Your Ice-Cream Cravings
Anjeer Scoop

Location: Bank Tiraha

What I tried: Anjeer Scoop

Price: 30 rupees

 

  1. Happinezz

    5 Places in Udaipur To Satisfy Your Ice-Cream Cravings

It is one of the well-known ice cream parlors in Udaipur and no doubt why it’s famous. The presentation of the triple sundae I had was pretty striking and the taste did utmost justice to my sweet cravings.

5 Places in Udaipur To Satisfy Your Ice-Cream Cravings
Happinezz marine

Location: New Fatehpura, Panchwati

What I tried: Happinezz Marine (triple sundae)

Price: 250 rupees

 

  1. Utsav Ice-Cream

    5 Places in Udaipur To Satisfy Your Ice-Cream Cravings

It is one of the oldest ice cream parlors and serves some of the best ice creams. Good in taste, great in price. I had their specialty, Gotala and it was a mix of 5-6 flavors of ice cream topped with cashew nuts, raisins, and jelly; sumptuously delicious. MUST-TRY!!!

5 Places in Udaipur To Satisfy Your Ice-Cream Cravings
Gotala

Location: Opposite Town Hall

What I tried: Gotala

Price: 60 rupees

Drooling? Aren’t You? These super-yum utterly delicious ice creams are sure to satisfy your sweet-tooth.

 

Know any other place to replenish? Mention in the comments, I would be glad to know!

 

Photos By: Fouzia Mirza & Siddharth Nagar

Categories
Places to Visit

Dharohar: Reliving the heritage of Rajasthan

As Dharohar” means “Heritage”, the Dharohar show is an exclusive display of Rajasthan’s exquisite heritage and folk dance forms which are quite famous pan-India and have gained international recognition too. Tourists from various cities of India as well as from overseas come down to Rajasthan to sway with the mesmerizing dance forms accompanying vernacular vocals and music.Dharohar: Reliving the heritage of Rajasthan

The show is held in Bagore Ki Haveli, which is situated at Gangaur Ghat, is a 17th-century private mansion of Rajput royals and is now turned into a museum. The Dharohar show, in collaboration with West Zone Cultural Center (WZCC), is held every evening from 7 pm to 8 pm at Neem Chowk in Bagore ki Haveli. The show is running seamlessly every day since the last 17 years.

The show starts with artists singing folk songs of Rajasthan, which are indeed quite touching. Then the following listed dance forms are performed by skilled artists. Let us have an overview of the dance forms illustrated by the performers.

Chari DanceDharohar: Reliving the heritage of Rajasthan

The show starts with the Charri dance. Chari dance is one of the most popular folk dances in Northern Rajasthan, performed by women of Gujjar community of Kishangarh. This dance depicts the art of collecting water in a chari (earthen pot) by these women in their daily routine.

Dressed traditionally in colorful Rajasthani dresses, Gujjar Women perform the Chari dance on the beats of Rajasthani instruments like dhol, dholak, nagada etc which becomes one of the reasons for the attraction towards this dance. The dancers carry brass pots that are fire lit and dance keeping them on their heads.

Gawri Dance

Dharohar: Reliving the heritage of Rajasthan

Next, to the Chari dance, Gawri was performed. Gawari dance of southern Rajasthan is a tribal dance of the famous Bhil tribe. They move from places to places to perform this dance which is in a form of a drama. The dance shows a dynamic fight between the Goddess Amba and Devil Bhiamwal. The entire troupe dances around a central spot consecrated to the deity Amba.

Ghumar Dance

Dharohar: Reliving the heritage of Rajasthan

Often performed exclusively for ladies gathering, Ghumar is particularly a women’s dance. It was initially developed by the Bhil tribal community of Rajasthan but later adopted by various others as well. Known for its enthusiastic and traditional touch; Ghumar has not only built its name in India but also has gained international recognition and applaud.

This spectacular folk dance has derived its name from ‘ghoomna’ which means circling. Fascination starts when colors of the flowing ‘ghaghara’ (the long skirts) worn by the women dancers start to flow. Filled with oodles of grace, the skirt flair sways while the women twirl in circles, their faces covered with a ‘Ghoonghat’ or veil.

Terah Taal DanceDharohar: Reliving the heritage of Rajasthan

Terah Taal is a dance form which is performed by skilled artists; these are the Kamada Tribes who are traditional snake charmers. This intricate dance form comprises of tying thirteen little brass discs known as “Manjeeras” to various parts of their bodies and play Terah Taal or thirteen rhythms. They strike these manjeeras in 13 different styles with the ones they hold in their hands. This creates a soothing rhythm.

It is also performed religiously by devotees of Baba Ramdev temple at Runecha. Terah Taal is one of the most complex as well as the eye-pleasing folk dance of Rajasthan. Often swords in the mouths and pot on the heads are also balanced to create more magnificence in the dance form.

Kathputli Dance

Dharohar: Reliving the heritage of Rajasthan
Source: dharoharfolkdance.com

Bright colored beautiful clothes, sharp features, squeaking voices and quirky moves on the nimble fingers of the puppeteer is what a “Kathputli” is. A wooden structure derives its name from two different words of Hindi- ‘Kath’ meaning wood and ‘Putli’ meaning doll caters a large audience who love to see them dance.

Kathputli dance is one of the major attractions of the Rajasthani culture. It’s believed that “Putli Bhats” discovered this art form to entertain people in exchange for cash. The Maharajas of Rajasthan are known to have a great affinity towards this dance form and hence it flourished in those times.

Generally, three Kathputli are used in the show with a story line for the performance. Embellished with jewelry and other accessories, these puppets are attached to strings.

Bhavai Dance

Dharohar: Reliving the heritage of Rajasthan

The male musician playing the background music and beautifully adorned Bhavai artist dancing on melodious beats is a usual sight of this dance form at the Darohar Show. Ear-pleasing Rajasthani folk songs are sung adding to the beauty of this dance. Many instruments like pakhwaja, dholak, jhanjhar, sarangi, and harmonium are also played which gives the performance the added charisma.

This dance represents the enjoyment of Rajasthani women when she gets water in a desert after walking so long keeping so many vessels on her head. Artist also dances on the sharp edge of a metal plate and broken glasses.

Dharohar: Reliving the heritage of Rajasthan

The charges for the Dharohar show are as follows:

  • For Indians Rs. 90 per head
  • For Foreigner Rs. 150 per head
  • Per child Rs. 45
  • Any Camera Rs. 150

These eclectic dance forms in addition to the grandeur of the Rajasthan makes the Dharohar show a must watch. Rajasthan has different hues of its culture, a fascinating facet of which is its energetic and graceful dance forms. Various communities and their versatile dance forms depicting romance, valor, masculinity as well as sophistication leave the onlooker mesmerized.

At the Dharohar show, every dance form is a unique blend of a specific tribe or religion and is different with respect to its structure, style, and art form that can be seen in their costumes, pattern of dancing, makeup, jewelry and musical instruments. The Rajasthani vibrancy and splendid grandeur is an adjunct to some of the most priceless folk dance forms.

Dharohar: Reliving the heritage of Rajasthan

Late in 2000, Mr. Deepak Dixit (Founder of Dharohar) decided to bring the many facets of Rajasthani culture under one roof in order to revive and promote our rich heritage and art. This idea and the support of the director of West Zone Cultural Centre, Dr. Vishwas Mehta (IAS) was instrumental in the birth of “Dharohar”. (Source: dharoharfolkdance.com) Dharohar: Reliving the heritage of Rajasthan

 

Photos By: Siddarth Nagar and Fouzia Mirza

Categories
Places to Visit

Ahar cenotaph complex: A 4000-year-old Mausoleum at Udaipur

Did You Know a 4000-year-old Cremation Ground Exists in Udaipur?

Udaipur is known as the City of Lakes, undoubtedly there are beautiful lakes in the city. However, not just lakes, the city is also famous for its culture, heritage and its majestic palaces and architecture in and around the city. While the city houses some well-known structures, some places of significance are still not much known to the people as well as to the tourists turning up to the city.

 

Ahar cenotaph complex

 

One such place is Mahasatya (महासत्य) which is a huge royal cemetery. The cemetery is a matchless structure built for the royal family of Mewar dynasty in memory of their ancestors. The complex is located on eastern side of the city at a distance of 3 km from the central city; it is a well-known archeological site. Mahasatya is also one of the largest among other medieval Rajput cenotaph complexes covering an area of 3.2 hectares with peculiar royal heritage constituents. There are 372 cenotaphs in total out of which 21 are said to hold great significance. These domes were built over 400 years ago.

What Are These Structures And Why Were These Constructed?

Ahar cenotaph complex
cenotaphs

Mahasatya, principally, is a burial and a cremation ground. These structures are tombs of the royal family. It is believed that some of them are tombstones of the kings, while some are established as a memorial structure of the kings and their wives. Some of these structures constructed are small while some are quite enormous and majestic.

Architecture of the Cenotaphs Complex

 

Ahar cenotaph complex
Carvings at the pillars of cenotaphs

 

The complex has striking columns elevated on large platforms shielded by dome-shaped roofs. These platforms have several steps or stairs that make their way to the central domes of the Cenotaph.  Several pillars erected with intricate carvings on them sustain the domes. The inner walls of the structure have beautiful carvings of flowers and human figurines on them. The cenotaphs have structures known as ‘Chattri’ which is a common architectural sight in Rajasthan.

The moldings of the roofs are embroidered with embellishments that resemble the 15th-century temples. You can find an image of Lord Shiva and a figure representing Maharanas with their ‘Sati’ wives (wives, who sacrificed their lives in Maharana’s cremation flames). The top of the cenotaphs has ‘Shiv-Ling’ on them, with a statue of ‘Nandi Ji (cow).’

 

Ahar cenotaph complex

 

There are 21 Cenotaphs which hold the maximum importance, these are of Maharanas and have an inscription on them. There are some smaller cenotaphs which are of the royal family members and of the several wives of the Maharajas. All these massive structures are made from white marble stone.

Important Structures of the Complex

  • Cenotaph of Maharana Amar Singh

    Ahar cenotaph complex
    Maharana Amar Singh

The cenotaph which is devoted to Maharana Amar Singh is the most fascinating. It has a 4-faced figurine in the center, and the wall paintings on the subterranean vault illustrate the slaughter of the emperor’s wives who decided to commit “Sati.”

 

  • Cenotaph of Maharana Sangram Singh

    Ahar cenotaph complex
    Maharana Sangram Singh

The Cenotaph of Maharana Sangram Singh (Cenotaph completed in 1985) is another attraction that has fifty-six pillars in its porch. He was cremated here with his twenty-one wives. It has a beautiful construction. It possesses an octagonal dome in its center with the support of eight small pillars. The light falling on the dome gets directed by the octagonal dome and creates a mesmerizing shadow.

 

  • The Gangodbhava

Nearby to these cenotaphs is the “Gangodbhava” or the holy pool (‘kund’). The kund and the temple of Shiva have a four-faced ‘Linga,’ and are encompassed by small ‘Chattris; carry holy value and historical importance. The ‘kund’ is a step well, which is again a classic architectural style of the semi-arid regions of Rajasthan and Gujarat. These have small steps on four sides of the well, which lead to the inside of the well for collecting water.

 

Ahar cenotaph complex
Small Kund

 

The other cenotaphs include cenotaph dedicated to Shambhu Singh, Fateh Singh, Bhupal Singh, Bhagwat Singh Mewar and Sajjan Singh and have their names and other information inscribed on them. The newest, erected in 2004, is that of Udaipur’s last Maharana Bhagwat Singh (1955–84).

 

Ahar cenotaph complex
Maharana Bhagwat Singh

Ahar Archeological Museum

Ahar was also a site of an ancient settlement that preexisted in Udaipur by three-and-a-half millennia. Just 150 meters along the road from the royal cremation ground is the Ahar Archeological Museum. The museum contains copper and terracotta pottery objects that are more than 3300 years old. It also houses sculptures of Hindu gods and ‘tirthankars’ (Great Jain teachers) from the 8th to 16th centuries AD.

The Ahar culture is also known as the Banas culture. It was a Chalcolithic archaeological culture of southeastern Rajasthan state in India, lasting from 3000 to 1500 BCE.

 

Ahar cenotaph complex
Ahar Museum

The collections of antiques in the museum date back to the 10th century. Here you can see earthen pots, iron objects and other artifacts that used to be part of the lifestyle of prehistoric people. You can see a depiction of trenches that were used to be a part of the lives of the Ahar people. Some things are acknowledged to belong to 1700 B.C.

Even though this museum doesn’t have a lot of things, but the relics here were excavated and collected by the continuous attempts of the “Archeological department of Rajasthan.” A few things are proved to have been used in 1700 B.C. A metal statue of Lord Buddha that belongs to the 10th century is indeed a great thing to watch. In the midst of the collection of statuettes, a statue of “Vishnu-Nag-Nathan” is also a great wonder to watch.

 

Ahar cenotaph complex
Metal statue of lord buddha

 

Apart from these, there are various other remains excavated from the ruins of the civilization. These are terra cotta spindles, wheels, seals, cones, terra cotta skin scrubber, animal figurines, tiny pots, human figurines, bangles, ear ornaments, beads and balls that date back to the first century B.C. The terracotta toys and huge clay pots and few other utensils are revealed in the beautiful museum. The ornaments were also made of ivory that depicted an era of body decoration. Soak pits, about 2000-year-old, have also been discovered in one of the drains which portray the sense of hygiene among early historic people of this region.

 

Ahar cenotaph complex
Ahar Museum

Present Day at Mahasatya

This important heritage site is one of a kind. It reflects the regal grandeur of the Royal Rajasthan. The place is covered with unwanted shrubs and wild grass.

 

Ahar cenotaph complex
Ruins at Ahar cenotaph complex

 

Not many people are aware of the place’s significance. Some of the cenotaphs are in their ruins and are getting degraded. The area is not open to the public and is a private lodging of the Royal Family. Though some heritage walks were conducted at the place, people are still not aware of the reason behind these structures.

 

Ahar cenotaph complex
Ahar cenotaph complex

 

Photos By: Siddharth Nagar

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Udaipur Speaks

Download Rajasthan Tourism Ad Songs & Lyrics

The New AD Campaign by Rajasthan Tourism 2016 is making everyone Crazy and We have been getting a lot of request for the Music Track & Lyrics. The work for rebranding the Rajasthan Tourism campaign was assigned to the Agency – Ogilvy & Mather who has developed these awesome campaigns to add to the Beauty and Unexplored Charm of Rajasthan.

Rajasthan Tourism Ad Music

Here is a Clip/Jingle of the Music Track taken from the Aryasthan Version of the Advertisement. We hope you Like and Enjoy the Jingle & Lyrics.

Click Here to Download the Rajasthan Tourism Ad Jingle 1

Click Here to Download the Rajasthan Tourism Ad Jingle 2

Click Here to Download the Rajasthan Tourism Ad Jingle 3

 

 

The Lyrics of Rajasthan Tourism Ad are as Follows :

 

Maati baandhe painjanee,

Bangdi pehne baadli,

Dedo dedo baavdo,

Ghod-mathod baavdi…

 

The English Translated Version of Rajasthan Tourism Ad : 

 

The land is wearing anklets,

The sky is wearing bangles,

The clouds in a happy frenzy have taken different shapes,

The beautiful revolving and rotund earth…

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Videos

These Rajasthan Tourism ADS are simply Unavoidable !! [Must Watch]

Rajasthan Tourism has finally come up with competing Ads to Madhya Pradesh and Gujarat Tourism Ads with the tagline – “jaane kya dikh jaaye” these Ads make you Vouch your Love for Rajasthan and Its Tourist Places. The Multi Crore budget & launch of the Campaign all set to Boom the Tourism in Rajasthan which as of now gets 1.5Million Foreign Tourists every Year and is expected turn to 3Million by 2020.

Rajasthan Tourism 2016

Here are the Videos – Enjoy – Love – Share !

 

 

 

 

 

 

With Best to Credits to Rajasthan Tourism 

Categories
Places to Visit

Lake Rajsamand : A Meadow of Azure Depicting Rusticity

rajsamand lake pal

Rajsamand Lake is an epitome of didactic work done by the princely states for the well concern and revampment of society and economy, which could be easily traced by its sun gold essence of gleaming ethics and serenity. This is a massive lake with well built Ghats. It is one of the largest artificial lakes of medieval period. It is a place of small gust of pleasure, where sun shades the waters the lake, precisely pedestrianized and stuffed with beautiful arrays of silver linings is bestowed to the town Rajsamand. The lake contours about 1.75miles wide, 4 miles long and 60 feet deep, having coordinates 25°4’14″N 73°53’15″E.

The fabulous site of this tarn was the result of a dam constructed across the river Gomati, Kelwa and Tali was debuted by Maharana Raj Singh I in the years 1662-1676 with elaborated structures of Jharokas and jettings. The catchment area of the lake is approximately 508 square kilometers.

 

Why was it Constructed?

The major reason for construction of Lake Rajsamand was to overcome the problem of drought and to render employment for victims of a widespread drought and famine in the year 1661, and to provide canal irrigation to local farmers. It is among the oldest relief works done in Rajasthan. The digging of this foundation began on January 1, 1662. Construction of the actual dam began on January 14, 1676. Mukund Jaggatnath was one of the main architects. It was built in Indo –Persian style and materials used for the construction were stone, rubble and masonry. River Gomti is the main supplier of water to Rajsamand Lake.

rajsamand lake

 

Architecture & Design:

On the bank of the Dam three mandaps were constructed out of white marble, each mandap has three chokies. The first mandap has very interesting scenes where a newly wed girl is departing from her husband’s house. The villagers are seen in sad postures. It is shown that the husband is dragging the wife; the camel of the camel cart is also seen in a sad posture. The second mandap has a scene of animal fighting. The fight of Elephant with Horse is depicted.

On the southern end of this lake their lies a large embankment 183 m. long and 12 m. high, known as Nauchowki or the nine pavilions. It is believed that the dam measures nine hundred ninety nine feet in length and ninety-nine feet in breadth. Every step measures nine inches and there are nine white marble cenotaphs build on the dam. Each of these cenotaphs is nine feet in height and is at nine degree angle from each other. This embankment has marble terraces and stone steps touching the lake and is dotted with five toranas or weighing arches and chhatris (cenotaphs). The colonnaded pavilions are decorated with depictions of the sun, chariots, gods, birds and dancing girls, exquisite carvings that are claimed to be unique in India. It is overviewed by the Dwarikadhish temple and from the Kumbhalgarh Fort the vista it glitters with gushing water is as captivative as scarlet is. This place is also considered to be the one where Maharana Raj Singh and his descendents organized the event of Tuladan: they were weighed in jewels and gold, the cash value of which was distributed among Brahmans for the construction of temples and tanks for the welfare of the people. The history of Mewar is also inscribed here in 107 stanzas, on its 21 marble stones known as ‘Raj Prasasti‘ an epic by Ranchhor Bhatt. It has also been acclaimed as one of the longest etchings in India. The epigraph has given lot of historical, commercial, civil, educational, weighing system etc. to carve out the history and to bring the different shores of historical facts together. The Rajsamand was also the scene of a desperate battle in the late 17th century between Mewar and the Mughal emperor Aurangzeb. The Mugals destroyed the torans and ruined all the carvings on the mandap. During World War II, Rajsamand Lake was used as a seaplane base by Imperial Airways for about six years.

There was no provision for sluice gates, at the time of construction of the lake. Irrigation water was supplied by means of a lift irrigation system. The first sluice gate canal was built by the British people, it is 8 km long, and after independence in the 1960s, an ambitious second one was added, which was 35 km long.

Preposterously, in the year 2000, the lake came into the verge of its existence it was just a barren land of rocks and weeds and residents used the Nand Sagar Lake located about 15 km upstream as a substitute then fortunately on the passage of time the monsoon refilled it. Now the Lake Rajsamand has been used for irrigation and its canal network services are used to provide water to 42 villages covering an area of 7,284 hectares. The villages viz.: Peepli, Mohi, Kuwariya, Bhava, Rupakheda etc. are the regular connectors of this water.

The charm exuded by the unparalleled beauty of the Rajsamand Lake is infectious and the tourists are attracted to this place. It has genuine beauty of its own, especially when women clad in hues of yellow, green, purple accommodate the lake on the festive of Gangaur and Teej. The provocative thing of this place is its purity of water, the shimmering and dancing rays of sunbeams of the settling god and the colour changing water beckons the tourists to its charm by over whelming their hearts.

Photos By : Hemant Paliwal

Categories
Featured News Photos and Videos

[Pictures] Udaipur celebrated birth anniversary of Maharana Pratap

Yesterday was the day of immense pride and honor for the people of Mewar as we all celebrated 472nd birth anniversary of its greatest ruler, Maharana Pratap. Though respect for him never diminishes in any heart, it seems like the birth anniversary gave an occasion to show their respect for this son of Maharana Udai Singh.

Pratap Jayanti | UdaipurBlog

Udaipur was no behind in showing their pride and gratitude towards Pratap and his beloved horse, Chetak. City Council and Kshatriya Mewar Mahasabha organized a rally that started from Moti Magri and ended at Town Hall passing through Chetak Circle, Hathipole, Moti Chohatta, Clock tower, Sindhi Bazar, Soorajpole, Bapu Bazar and Delhi Gate; the bands playing regional Mewari songs of Maharana Pratap and bravery giving Goosebumps to everyone the way.

Pratap Jayanti | UdaipurBlog

The Guest of Honor was Mr. Narendra Modi, CM of Gujrat, who along with the royal prince, Lakshyaraj Singh Mewar started the rally by offering flowers in the feet of Maharana Pratap’s statue at Moti Magri. This was followed by the worship of Chetak at Chetak Circle. The shine of rally was increased by the esteemed presence of Mrs. Rajni Dangi, Mr. Mahendra Singh Shaktawat, Prem Singh Shaktawat and many others.

School kids on their skates were moving first followed in sequence by horse and camel riders holding Saffron flags, members of Mahadev Sena, Mewar Kshatriya Mahasabha and Shooldharini Sena. Jawans of Mewar Sindhu Brigade gracefully played the role of soldiers as they walked holding guns. In the last was the statue of Maharana Pratap and Eklingnath Ji placed in an open jeep. Even the statue of Pratap shined so brightly with bravery and self-esteem that every head bowed out of reflex in front of it.

The rally ended with a programme at Town Hall where Narendra Modi addressed the gathering, expressing his respect for Maharana Pratap and his values and commenting on the state of political parties and the corrupt leaders. He also expressed his pride on Rajasthan – Gujarat relationships and on the progress of Gujarat.

The detailed glimpse of the event can be seen here in the pictures, shot by Mujtaba RG

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Pratap Jayanti | UdaipurBlog

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Pratap Jayanti | UdaipurBlog