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[Pictures] The Grandeur of Durga Puja 2012

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

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

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

Photos By: Aniket John, Gaurav Bhattacharya, Prasun Bannerjee

The Dialysis – to Purify the Things

Since aeons, theatre has always been a strong medium of entertaining people while confronting them with reality. And reality can sometimes leave you amidst a cyclone of thoughts. One such burning truth was raised in the play “Court Martial” which was beautifully written by Swadesh Deepak and executed by a team of young and talented artists under the able direction of Shivraj Sonwal. Occasion was of World Theatre Day and the stage was of Sukhadia Rangmanch at Town Hall. With a very noble cause of ailing a very senior theatre artist Mr. Rizwan Zahir Usman, who is suffering from a severe kidney disease, this play was dedicated to him who had been a source of inspiration for many.

The play takes you to an army court where a case has been presented for trial. Accused is Jawan Ramchandar who has been accused of killing one officer and grievously hurting the other. The court is presided by Colonel Sooraj Singh, a brave army personnel who has confronted death many a times in battle field. The trial at the court puts him in a confusing situation where he has to decide between moral judgment and legal judgment. At the end, despite of getting death sentence, the accused wins over the victim.

The play forces us to put a question on the society in which we live; a society that proudly tags itself as ‘modern’. But a bitter truth is that some narrow-minded people form a part of it or rather I should say the most respected part of this society. These so-called ‘High Class People’ forcefully take away the pride and esteem of people merely on the basis of caste. Yes, crimes were committed, are committed and will continue to be committed by them against low caste people and against the whole society and humanity when tried at a larger scale. And the ‘point to be noted’ is that this prevails even in The Indian Army which does not hold any system of reservation at any of its ranks and positions. Sounds shocking but true!!

Photos by : Yash Sharma

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

Heartiest Greetings on the occasion of Navratri! Today is the 6^th 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 9^th 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

Pictures From Bindu Bhawan, Ashok Nagar

Pictures From Swarnkar Samiti, Town Hall

Pictures From Hiran Magri Sec. 4

Gandhi Shilp Mela: Art and Craft Fair in Udaipur

The National Crafts Fair, also known as the GANDHI SHILP MELA started in Udaipur from 4^th March and will continue till 13^th March 2011 at Town Hall. The craftsmen and artisans from all over India have gathered in our city to show their extraordinary masterpieces as well as talent. This event is organised by Rural Non Farm Development Agency (RUDA). According to an estimate, this year the trade till date has exceeded Rs. 10.5 Lakhs. A huge overwhelming crowd is seen enjoying the fair.many items such as furniture, wooden items, show pieces, garments, accessories, etc can be seen at display and for sale.

Here are few glimpses of the Gandhi Shilp Mela.

A Sneak Peak into Udaipur’s Diwali Celebration

Diwali or Deepawali is a festival of lights symbolising the victory of righteousness and the lifting of spiritual darkness. The word ‘Deepawali’ literally means rows of diyas (clay lamps). This is one of the most popular festivals in the Hindu calendar. It is celebrated on the Amavasya,15^th day of Kartika (October/November). This festival commemorates Lord Rama’s return to his kingdom Ayodhya after completing his 14-year exile.

There might be many more definitions on the internet but here is something which relates to our very own Udaipur.

Every year the municipality takes good care of peoples’ interests, and organises the Dusshera-Deepawali fair at Town Hall for All Udaipur Citizens, The Municipality also calls out the Film and Music stars for a special performance event each night during Fair, Alongwith space for local performers too.

The main streets such as Bapu Bazar, Ashwini Bazar, Bhattiyani Choraha,etc are lit up well, and the entire view seems magical. The Udaipurites are day by day going crazy about shopping and with the entry of various showroom brands as well as shopping malls in Udaipur, the trade increases tremendously in these days,

The Auspicious Day for Shopping is Dhanteras which comes two days before diwali, This time it marked a Shopping of Worth 100Crores in Our Udaipur City.

Moreover, there is a complete arrangement for Lighting in the City, as well as fireworks at the Town Hall on Diwali Day, makes the unlightened sky without moon shine just like the daylight gleam. Every evening becomes special here; this is the charm of the Diwali celebration in Udaipur.

Our UdaipurBlog Team and Family Wishes you all Readers a Very Happy Diwali. May you have Wonderful Year Ahead. 🙂