Tag: udaipur

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Festivals

Happy Makar Sankranti : Uttarayana 2011

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 !!! 🙂

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Social

Cycle Yatra: A trip to our roots of Culture and Nature

THE SWAPATHGAMI CYCLE YATRA LEFT UDAIPUR ON JAN 9, 2011. They will return on the 13th. There were 17 yatris from Rajasthan, MP, Maharashtra, Delhi, Mysore, Gujarat, UP. Many were students of Swaraj University. Several yatris dressed up as animals such as polar bear, penguin, tiger, elephant, etc to raise attention to the global warming and climate change issues. The yatra was organized by Shikshantar.

Cycle Yatra

For those who are new to the cycle yatra idea, it is a weeklong cycle trip into rural Rajasthan. What sets this trip apart from a general cycle trip is that we do not carry any money, electronic gadgets, food or first aid medicines with us. We stop at villages along the route and find work to earn our board and lodge.

While each participant’s learning and experience from such a trip is unique, the general thinking behind such a trip is –

  • We go manual for transportation and basically burn off some calories that we have so lovingly accumulated despite being cholesterol conscious.
  • We go slow (rather than breeze thru in fast cars) and so get a better chance at appreciating nature and rural life.
  • We interact with the local people (rather than just buy stuff off them with money power) in the course of creatively managing our board and lodge.
  • We get a peek into village life and in the process learn skills that we have lost by virtue of being part of the ‘developed’ society. We can also share some skills that we have.
  • We develop an appreciation for local knowledge and skills and the ability to thrive in what nature has provided.
  • We develop some trust in the ability of nature to take care of us and in the goodness of human beings rather than having to constantly struggle for one’s existence as if it is one long battle against nature and other human beings.
  • We get some time to reflect on our own lives
  • We loosen a little the tight stranglehold that money has over our minds and learn that alternative ways to live might exist.

And let us not forget that most important is to enjoy nature, creating music, dance, theatre, games and have a fun filled adventure! This is a real chance to re-connect to the gift culture.

Check out the film from the first yatra to get an idea of the adventure…

We will cycle about 100 km from Udaipur to Jaisamand. The whole region is culturally very rich and still has some jungles left.

What you need to bring along (and remember that everything you bring along has to be carried by you on your bike)-


  1. Personal clothing.
  2. Some bedding (sleeping bag, blanket etc)
  3. Water bottle (if you have a non-plastic one)
  4. Bikes can be rented at nearest town

More Photos From the Cycle Yatra-

Cycle Yatra_More_photos

Cycle Yatra_More_photos

By Guest Author- Manish Jain

Categories
Events

National Youth Festival: The Countdown Begins

nyf 2011 logo

nyf 2011 logo

The count down begins for the week long grand youth festival happening first time in the city of Lakes. With just three days left the spectacular event will witness vibrant colors of Rajasthan with cultural events, folk dances and other colorful events bringing in light the theme of the event for 2011 which is ‘Sabse Pehle Bharat ‘ .

sabse pehle bharat

The Jointly organized event by Government of India and Government of Rajasthan will witness the participation of 5000 participants across 35 states and union territories from India. And for the first time National Youth Festival will witness the gracious presence of delegates from SAARC and ASEAN. The neighboring nations of Bhutan, Bangladesh and Sri Lanka have also confirmed their participation in the fest.

Udaipur and Udaipies are all set to be the host of this national event and feel delightful and gracious about the ceremonial youth fest. With all the warm welcomes (Padhaaro mhare des) and mewadi “shaan and satkaar” the event will prove to be a grand success in the history of Udaipur.

The city shines like diamond to welcome its guests and give them a taste of splendid mewadi culture,and eye pleasing landscapes of the lakes, which filled and overflowed recently  The administration is all well set at its place to leave no space for any misconduct during the week long fest. Roads are being made into even the most untouched areas. Road dividers, tourist places are being painted. Almost every possible renovation work is being conducted.

renovation work udaipur

The week long fest will be inaugurated by His Excellency Dr Hamid Ansari, the Vice president of India. On 12 january 2011, His Excellency Shri Shivraj Patil, Governor of Rajasthan will be the guest of honor at the inaugural ceremony of NYF 2011.

To make it even bigger the event will Witness:

  1. Punjabi singer Jasbir Jassi performing at inaugural day ceremony on January 12 night at B.N College venue.
  2. Sudhesh Bhosle and his troop to perform on the evening of January 13 at M.B. Stadium Udaipur.
  3. Rock Show on January 14 evening at M.B. Stadium which will see live band performances by Misty Rhythms, Soul mate – The Blue Band from Shillong, Parikrima Rock Band and many more.
  4. “Yuva Kriti “ the handcraft exhibition featuring the beautiful products of young artisians from all across India to be held at Seren Shiplgram  in Udaipur from January 12 to 16 as part of NYF 2011.
  5. Mouth Watering Delicacies: forty stalls serving the delicious food from all regions of India to be held at Shilpgram from January 12 to 16.
  6. The closing day ceremony will see adventurous stunts by Indian Army men performing “Daredevil show“ ,  Indian Airforce men “Skydiving” and to end with a musical Military Band performance by Indian Army.

For a detailed schedule scheme click here

A Woooowing week waiting for every one out there ……. DO NOT MISS IT….

– By Ronak Chauhan

Categories
Places to Visit

Definitely – Venice of the East


Udaipur – the city of  lakes and the Venice of the East is definitely a feast to the eyes,especially after the monsoons . That is the time when it looks lush green and the glossy greenery adds up to the beauty . It is one of the most sought after destinations both for the domestic and the foreign tourists. This year we had a good share of rains and the lakes got filled to the brim . The onlookers were filled with pleasure .  After sunset, the rippling water with the moving reflections of the lights was a scene worth watching and one could go on gazing and inhaling the beauty for hours on end. The drive around Fatehsagar lake is awesome and Pichola lake is equally mesmirising.
A chunk of the Aravalli hills is in Udaipur and this is an add on to the charm of this small homely city. The sudden rise and fall of hills takes one by surprise at times.But ofcourse the surprise is a pleasant one.In no time one gets used to the place and one can move around without any hassles.
It has numerous gorgeous hotels which were originally palaces. The echo of the gallant and chivalrous tales of the Maharajas who once trod on this soil  greet our ears even today. The charisma of these palaces is breath-taking . The visitors are stunned and what they see with their own eyes becomes incredible. Its a city which one must have on one’s holiday list. If you have not made it to this place so far, then what are you waiting for ? Just book a ticket and be there and have the lovely experience.

An Article By: Ms. Suman (Educationist)

Categories
News Udaipur Speaks

Awesome Mausam in Udaipur

It was a Great Rainy Season this year for Udaipur When all our dried lakes were filled up and Overflowed. But the changing Climatic Conditions have Brought about the Monsoon again in the Winter season.

From Past few days its raining in Udaipur and Nearby regions Including Rajsamand, Dabok. Bageri ka Naka, Madaar Bada , Madaar Chota etc Lakes all have overflown again and the Water is now heading towards Fatehsagar and Other Water Sources to Be Overflown again. Today on 17th November 2010. I captured these pictures and Video of the awesome weather seen from my House. It is now Raining Heavily with Thunder in the City. 🙂

Video:

Pictures:

Categories
Social Udaipur Speaks

Free KarmaRepublic Tshirt Giveaway by UdaipurBlog

KarmaRepublic TShirt

Here is what i Have for you Udaipur.. Trying something Creative and will keep Bringing Such Offers .. So This Time i am Giving you Brand New Tshirt By KarmaRepublic(Social Youth Service Club). There is just One Piece of the Tshirt Size 40 (Medium).

All You Got to Do Like and Share this Post and Comment on this Post Stating

“I Am a True Hindustani and I Deserve that Tshirt“

tshirt giveaway

Note: Free Delivery of the T-shirt at Your Home By UdaipurBlog. Winners will be Randomly Chosen and Announced on 14th November 2010 here on the Blog So Keep a Check After You Participate. 🙂 So Don’t Wait Try Your Luck Now Its Worth 😀

Categories
Lifestyle

A Sneak Peak into Udaipur’s Diwali Celebration

Happy Diwali

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,15th 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.

diwali udaipur

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

Categories
News

92.7 BIG FM Launches Big RJ Pradeep Pandey

92.7 BIG FM Launched their BreakFast Rj – RJ Pradeep Pandey on 28th October 2010. The Grand Launch was held at City Palace Darbar Hall where Kuwar LakshyaRaj Singh Ji Mewar took the Curtain off this BIG Surprise and Wished him with very good luck for his Future.

All the members of BIG Family were a part of this Grand Launch which included Shashank Pathak (Station Head), RJ Jeet, Kapil Paliwal (Promo Producer), Akanksha Palawat (C&C Head).

The Grand Launch was followed by A Conference held at Hotel Shikarbadi.

Comment By Shashank Pathak (Station Head) –

We are Proud to have a RJ who is attached with Udaipur. Who Knows Feelings of the Citizens and every Nook and Corner of the City.  Udaipur Citizens would love to have a person who is near and dear to their Heart.

Catch Your Favourite RJ Pradeep Pandey On 92.7 BIG FM At

Laughter Morning – 7 a.m. to 11 a.m. (Monday to Saturday)

BIG par Meri Marzi – 6 p.m. to 9 a.m. (Sunday)

Categories
Events Social

Happy Dhanteras !!!!

Goddess Lakshmi

Dhanteras marks the first day of five-days-long Diwali Festival. Dhanteras takes place two days before Diwali. Dhanteras Festival, also known as Dhantrayodashi or Dhanwantari Triodasi, falls on the auspicious thirteenth lunar day of Krishna Paksha in the Hindu month of Kartik (October/November). In the word Dhanteras, “Dhan” stands for wealth. On Dhanteras Goddess Laxmi is worshiped to provide prosperity and well being.

Legendary stories to explain the Origin of Dhanteras :

One Popular story, when the gods and demons churned the ocean for Amrit or nectar, Dhanavantri (the physician of the gods and an incarnation of Vishnu) emerged carrying a jar of the elixir (Amrit) on the day of Dhanteras. It was because of this reason that the Dhanteras was celebrated in his honor.

Another interesting story about this day is of the sixteen year old son of King Hima. As per his horoscope he was doomed to die by a snake-bite on the fourth day of his marriage. On that particular fourth day of his marriage his young wife did not allow him to sleep. She laid all the ornaments and lots of gold and silver coins in a big heap at the entrance of her husband’s boudoir and lighted innumerable lamps all over the place. And she went on telling stories and singing songs. When Yam, the god of death arrived there in the guise of a serpent his eyes got blinded by that dazzle of those brilliant lights and he could not enter the prince’s chamber. So he climbed on top of the heap of the ornaments and coins and sat there whole night listening to the melodious songs. In the morning he quietly went away.

Thus the young wife saved her husband from the clutches of death. Since then this day of Dhanteras came to be known as the day of “YAMADEEPDAAN” and lamps are kept burning throughout the night in reverential adoration to Yam, the god of death.

Also a girl child born on Dhanteras day is considered as the arrival of Goddess Lakshmi into the house and is considered lucky by certain communities in North India. When girls born on Dhanteras get married and leave for her husband’s home, she leaves her footprints on a plate covered with ‘kumkum’ (red powder used in Hindu puja), this is to ensure that Goddess Lakshmi does not leave the house.

Dhanteras Preparations  :

To mark the auspicious day, houses and business premises are renovated and decorated. Entrances are made colorful with lovely traditional motifs of Rangoli designs to welcome the Goddess of Wealth and Prosperity. To indicate her long-awaited arrival, small footprints are drawn with rice flour and vermilion powder all over the houses. Lamps are kept burning all through the nights.

Singnificance of the white color on Dhanteras :

If we probe into the significance of the color, white in Hindusim, the image of Goddess Saraswati strikes in our mind. She is depicted as wearing a white sari, which further signifies the enlightenment of mind. Being a benefactor of knowledge and education, her white attire encourages us to adopt the traits of cleanliness, purity and peace. On the other hand, the color of Lord Shiva’s body is also white too. Thus, the color white has prominent place in the religion of Hindus.

According to Indian Astrologers, white represents the planet Venus. It is believed that the Kundali (Horoscope), there is strong influence of this particular planet, would be favored with luck, fame, glory, love and peace. The fact to be noticed here is that all these favors are mundane. And the same is purpose of celebrations of Dhanteras. Thus buying gold, silver, platinum and even steel are considered auspicious.

Mahalakshmi Mantra (महालक्ष्मी मन्त्र) :

The seed or beej Mantra for Goddess Lakshmi is based on the word bhreem (भर्ीम).

Dhanteras 2010 Puja muhurat (correct or best time) :

Laxmi Pooja – Aaso Vad Dwadasi (Ashwin Krishna Dwadashi / Kartik Krishna 12) – November 3, 2010.

Muhurat time

08:00 a.m       –          10:35 a.m

11:35  a.m        –          12:45 p.m

01:11  p.m        –          5:59 p.m

Shopping Muhurat(s) (correct or best time) :

It is said and believed that the this whole lucky day of Dhanteras is good to go for shopping but still the shopping of respective things done  according to the respective muhurats for shopping, leads to a much better life for the products and gives prosperity and appreciation.

The muhurat for shopping today are :

06.42 a.m to 09.26 a.m – vehicles, jewels, electronics & business deals.

10.49 a.m to 12.11 p.m – property, vehicles, electronics, jewels.

02.55 p.m to 04.17 p.m – property, vehicles, electronics (computers), jewels.

04.17 p.m to 05.39 p.m – garments, electronics and jewels.

07.17 p.m to 12.11 a.m – vehicles, electronics and jewels.

Dhanteras 2010 in Udaipur:

After the terrific shopping of 60(+) crores in udaipur on Pushya Nakshatra last week, its being expected that a record shopping trade of 100-150 crores will take place today on the most auspicious and exclusive day for shopping. It’s being predicted that the maximum of the shopping done will comprise of property, jewels, vehicles (2 and 4 wheeler), silver and gold coins, garments, electronics, fireworks, sweets and dry fruits etc.

Wishing a Very Happy Dhanteras from UdaipurBlog Team.

May goddess Lakshmi grants wealth and prosperity to everyone..

Article contributed by Monika Jain (an active contributor and supporter of UdaipurBlog.com).

Categories
Festivals

Dussehra: Victory of Good over Evil !!

Picture of Gandhi Ground by Rahul Bhatnagar

Struggle between the forces of good and evil, and the eventual victory of good over the evil, is the basic theme of Ramayana. Now u might have understood why I am telling all this here and now , yes because friends today’s the festival of Dussehra, which you all know symbolizes the victory of good over evil. It is being celebrated throughout the country including Udaipur with immense joy and delight. Do you know Dussehra also symbolizes the triumph of warrior Goddess Durga over the buffalo demon Mahishasur.

The Dussehra festival celebration is unique in its perception and significance. I hope everyone knows the story behind one of the greatest era of Ramayan but for the people who are not aware about the preceding section let me yet again reprise the episode in brief on this conspicuous Occasion of Dussehra. On the day of Dussehra / Vijay Dashmi, Lord Ram, killed the great demon Ravan, who had abducted Ram’s wife Sita to his kingdom of Lanka. Ram, who was a devout believer of Durga, the Goddess of War, prayed to her for the first nine days of battle and killed the evil Ravan on the 10th day along, with his brother Lakshman follower Hanuman, and an army of monkeys fought a great battle to rescue Lord Ram’s divine wife Sita. He shot Ravan with a bow that pierced his navel and Out flowed the nectar of immortality that was stored in a pot in his navel, thus destroying his invincibility. Sita had been returned to her husband Ram and they now make their way to Ayodhya in triumph and glory.

So in the months of Ashwin and kartik, we Hindus observe a 10-day ceremony of fast, rituals, celebrations and fests to honor the mother Goddess Durga and triumph of Lord Ram over demon Ravan. It is a ten-day celebration, during which Ramlila, which is based on the epic story of the Ramayana, is staged at various places in most of the cities and towns in northern India with elaborate rituals. The idols of Devi Durga after the Navratri celeberation is immersed in various rivers, lakes and ponds and on the last day i.e, Vijay Dashmi (today) the dummies of Ravana, kumbhkaran and Meghnath are buried at various places by the stars of the night – Rama, Sita and Lakshman taken around in huge chariots. Crowds of people shouting Jai Shri Ram (Victory to Rama) joins the procession…

In Udaipur also, the effigies of three Ravana, kumbhkaran and Meghnath are burnt at Gandhi Ground, in presence of thousands of individuals with performances of Ram leela in existence of colossal fireworks celebration.

narayan seva ravan udaipur
Picture of Ravan @ Narayan Seva