Author: Drishti Soni

Doctor and Writer @ UdaipurBlog.com

Categories
Festivals

Holi – it’s time to rejoice and celebrate

It is the month of Phagun, the last Hindu calendar month. The full moon night (poornima) is celebrated as the end of the year, with beginning of New Year as chaitra, first day of Krishna Paksha. It is a festival to celebrate good harvests and fertility of the land; old leaves had fallen, and it is the time for new leaves and new flowers, the season of blooming trees. It signifies the end of winters and beginning of a new season spring, which reflects a hope for new energy in our lives.

Hindus celebrate this in a religious manner as Holika dahan, also popularly called as chhoti holi. The popular tradition is to celebrate with lighting of bonfires on the street corners, people gathering around it, offering of the first Rabi crop to the sacrificing fire with chanting of mantras and shlokas. Everyone rejoice the moments with singing and dancing.

According to the popular mythological belief behind this tradition, Hiranyakashyap was the great king of demons, who was granted with a blessing by Lord Brahma, which made it impossible to kill him. This made the king arrogant who resents his son Prahlada who was a devotee of Lord Vishnu, but in spite of several threats from Hiranyakashyap, Prahlada continued with his prayers. The king attempted to kill his son many times, but failed. Finally he ordered his son to sit in a huge fire with Holika, sister of Hiranyakashyap, who was said to have a boon, which would prevent her from burning. But when the fire started, Prahlada survived unharmed, while Holika was burnt to death. The burning of Holika is celebrated as Holika Dahan, which symbolizes the victory of good over evil. The next morning, people show their joy by celebrating with colors.

This festival also loosens the strains of social structure, including caste and status. The air enchants the lovely music of happiness, brotherhood, integrity and prosperity. It fills up the gaps between and,together, we celebrate and rejoice.

So, let’s begin our new year with new energy and new hopes, burning the old wicks in ourselves. Let’s instill in us a new positivity amidst all social, political, economical and religious down droops in the society.

 

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Categories
News

Geetanjali University Inaugurated

Geetanjali University

Geetanjali Medical University

On 26th December 2011, Central Minister of Health and Family Welfare Shri Ghulam Nabi Azad, and Union Cabinet Minister, Road Tansport and Highways, Dr. C.P. Joshi inaugurated the Geetanjali University in Udaipur. On this occasion the chief guest Shri Ghulam Nabi Azad himself did an inspection in the facilities provided by the hospital and the education quality, and expressed that the reality was far beyond, and of course better than what he expected. He said that Geetanjali University has the potential to stand amongst one of the best universities of the country in accordance with the medical facilities, infrastructure, latest equipments, etc. Apart from this, he urged the media to cooperate with the government to spread the awareness of the government health schemes to the common man.

In his presidential speech, Dr. C.P. Joshi said that after the inauguration of such a great university in Udaipur, probably now there won’t be any requirement to send the patients to Ahmedabad, Noida, etc, and that even the poor people will get quality treatment from now onwards. Special Guest Dr. I.V. Trivedi, Vice Chancellor, Mohanlal Sukhadia University said that Geetanjali University is the first ever medical university of the region, and it is the first step of the development of the medical facilities in the region.

J.P. Agarwal, Chairperson, Geetanjali University informed about the medical facilities available currently at the university, and that there is an undergoing process for the establishment of a cancer and cardiology centre worth Rs. 50 crores. Also, from the new session, the university will begin even the Ph.D in programmes for the medical and paramedical students.

The chief guests also inaugurated Nirmaya, the annual magazine of Geetanjali Medical College and Hospital. There were cultural events too along with the program, and ended with the vote of thanks by Dr. A.A. Saifee. Check out the glimpses of the inaugural event at Geetanjali University,

Geetanjali Medical University

Geetanjali Medical University

Geetanjali Medical University

Geetanjali Medical University

Geetanjali University

geetanjali medical university inaugural

geetanjali medical university inaugural

Categories
News

RNT Medical College gears up to celebrate Golden Jubilee

RNT College Udaipur

Two days to rejoice; two days of celebration; two days to celebrate the 50th birth anniversary of second “Home Sweet Home” of every medico who has passed out from RNT Medical College. Rabindra Nath Tagore medical college Udaipur is going to celebrate its golden jubilee this year on 25-26thDecember.

In the year 1961, the foundation stone of this college was laid by Sh. Morarji Desai, Finance Minister of that time. In the past 50 years, this huge tree has given its countless fruits in the service of mankind. It has made the best doctors of the world.

This event “The Golden Jubilee Celebration” is bringing together the medical students, the seniors and the juniors back to their campus, their city, their second home when every person related to this college will be cherishing their golden memories with their batch mates, family members and friends.

The organizing committee for the event consists of Dr. S.K. Kaushik as Patron, Dr. Kailash Somani as Organizing Secretary, Dr. F.S. Mehta as Chairman, Dr. Pramila Bajaj as Co-patron and Dr. P.C. Mewara as Co-chairman. The committee members are working hard to make the event a memorable one for everyone who will be witnessing it.

The two days extravaganza, starting from Sunday, 25th December 2011 to 26th December 2011, is planned to open up with R.N.T Nostalgia followed by sightseeing, group photos and batch meet. The evening will shine with Inaugural Ceremony at Lok-kala Mandal and a Cultural Eve at Rani Village.

On the next day, there will be consultation by eminent aluminis for general public following which there will be RNT carnival (picnic) at Verdia Farms, outside Sajjangarh gate. At night, Rani Village will be hosting the cultural events.

After the exhausting two days, when everyone will return to their home, we hope they will surely be having each and every moment of the past two days with them, in their heart as golden memories.

All the best to the Organizing Committee for a successful event and wishes to all the Aluminees to rock the event. 😀

RNT Gold Fest Pictures

Categories
Lifestyle

Welcoming The Season Of Hibernation – The Season Of Silent Love.

winters

Hands in hands, a long walk along the pal of fatehsagar, shivering by the frosty breeze, holding a kulhad of hot sipping coffee and relishing soft romantic music in my ears.

It is a way to rejoice yourself in this chilling season.

For now, it was a day dream, I am sitting in the balcony of my room, fully loaded with sweater, scarf and socks, holding a large mug of coffee in my hands and earpieces plugged in my ears, eyes closed and dreaming of that fatehsagar scene.

Here I am. I am welcoming winters in my balcony, in my own way.

winters

Usually not so wintry Udaipur, this time observing a much drop of temperature, a sudden thrush of cold breeze.

Winters….the cold season of the year, with icy shivering breeze and early morning dews. This is the most beautiful time, from November to February, when one can observe and silently feel the charming beauty which nature has given to us; it’s beautiful from one morning till next morning. For early morning we are provided by fog and mist, then mild warm rising sun which gives golden shade to the fallen drops of dew on the green flora.

It is the mausam to enjoy Gajar ka Halwa, Bajre ki Raab, Garma Garam Pakode, and various types of soups from our mother’s kitchen, the time to wander out on the streets to add the taste of Rewadi n Gud (Jaggery) Mungfali Chakki to our tongue, studying hard for our exams in the blankets, and to rejoice the perfect silent mode of nature. To add up, nature has given us a different swing of taste, grapes and oranges are the winter fruits.

But unfortunately, on the other hand of this seasonal celebration, there are many people for whom this biting cold brings  suffering; they are not the part of our enjoyment, they don’t have proper clothes to wear, no food and no shelter. This is an unfair part of our society that they are suffering and we are celebrating.

So udaipurities, prove your humanity, donate your old wears and some food to the needy people, so as to compensate their suffering to a little extent.

And in this way, with the new resolution in our life, we will be cherishing this cold season in a much better way.

 

winters

Wishing you all a very happy and healthy winters.

Categories
Places to Visit

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Categories
Places to Visit

A day like a Tourist [Part 1] : Destination Kumbhalgarh

Powerful kings and their beautiful queens, ruling huge empires, their breathtaking stories, magnificent castles that echo with the glory of their triumph, majestic lifestyle and inspiring victories, all these things always cast their spell on me. And I am sure that years back, while listening to your grandparents at your sleep time, these have enchanted you also.

Today, on occasion of world tourism day, I decided to have closer look of Mewar kingdom when my friends planned a trip to Kumbhalgarh and Ranakpur.

As the enchanting sights of the fort, temple and adjoining places completely soaked me, I am hereby sharing my copious memories and experience of the day with all of you, the memories of which are still fresh in my mind.

The first destination of our journey was Kumbhalgarh. Standing at the large entrance leading to the fort, I was completely mesmerized, completely fantasized. Secured against the backdrop of towering mountains of the Aravali ranges, guarded by seven massive gates, seven defending walls and with numerous watchtowers, this mountain fortress has witnessed many battles, is strong founded and so is unbeatable till date. Built on a hilltop of 1100 meters above sea level it is stated to have the second longest wall in the world, with a perimeter of about 36 km, the first being “the Great Wall of China”.

Also called Kumbhalmer, the fortress is inter-weave with the rich history of Mewar rulers. It is the birth place of Maharana Pratap, the great king and warrior of Mewar. It derived its name from Maharana Khumbha who designed and built this unconquerable fort in the 15th century which was further enlarged through 19th century. The second most important and elaborated fort of Rajasthan after Chittorgarh, it was occupied by the royal family till 19th century, but now is open for general public as a museum.

The location of Kumbhalgarh has always given an added advantage to it. Being easily accessible from Udaipur, Ajmer and Jodhpur, it highly attracts and is visited by tourists all over the globe. Situated in the Rajsamand district of Rajasthan, it is towards the north-west of Udaipur, 82 km by road from the city.

The huge complex offering ancient remnants to explore was worth watching, comprising over 360 Jain and Hindu temples, numerous gardens and palaces, making it more beautiful and magnificent.

The most spectacular place of the fort resides near the clouds, “Badal Mahal”. It is the beautiful palace with fantastic bright contrasting color combinations of green, turquoise and white to the rough, raw and earthy fortress, making the view pleasant. The place, as per its name, gives the pleasure of being wandering in the world of clouds.

The day was quite moderate in temperature. Sunny after a rainy season, the temperature was of the weather was comfortable. During summers, the temperature reaches up to 25-42°C and varies from shivering 2°C to maximum 22°C during winters. The pleasant time to visit Kumbhalgarh is between the months of September to March. During monsoon the humidity may disturb your mood.

The exciting trip hasn’t completed yet. While I’m on my way to Ranakpur, and posting the article for all the UdaipurBlog readers, I will have to currently end this part and gear up for the next destination. Take a look at the pictures of the magnificent place, and I will catch up soon with the other part.

Categories
Social

Udaipur Youth Supported Anna Hazare’s Movement

In protest of Anna Hazare’s arrest on the issue of the JanLokpal bill, a candle march rally was organized today on the 17th of august 2011 at the core of the lakecity at the Fatehsagar lakeside (paal) by all the youth of Udaipur. This great public protest and gathering of about 300 Udaipurites was in the support of Hazare’s Anti-corruption (Janlokpall bill) movement. One was able to feel the anger in the atmosphere against the government’s move of arresting Anna and his follows.

The spark off protests against the government’s move of arresting Anna and his followers created anger in the whole atmosphere. The step was initiated by a few regular readers of UdaipurBlog at a dedicated Chat room for them, and was wholeheartedly supported by all the members of UdaipurBlog. The whole spark was enlightened online only and no offline authority was involved here.

UdaipurBlog team is thankful to all the people of Udaipur for their massive support and we kindly appeal all of them to maintain a supportive and peaceful atmosphere in the city, and to oppose corruption in any form

Here are few glimpses from the march at Fatehsagar in protest of the Anna Hazare’s arrest and refusal for demonstration by the Indian Government

Categories
Health & Fashion

Be Prepared to beat the Monsoon Blues

Can’t wait to have a plate of garma-garam pakodas and hot tea sip by the stalls? But stop, make sure that what you are eating is healthy or not.

Monsoon in my own definition is after scorching hot summer, the rainy showers, which are super relieving for us, and are a hello to joy and pleasure. Though monsoon lessens our sweat, but it also brings many problems with it due to sudden fluctuations in temperature and moisture.

 

So here, UdaipurBlog brings to you some do’s and don’ts, health and fashion tips so that you can gear up for these rains.

  • Prepare your rain wears, raincoats, caps, umbrellas, waterproof shoes and plastic sheets. Keep plastic bags in your handbags also to prevent your belongings from getting wet in water.
  • Go for a walk daily in the morning. The fresh monsoon air will refresh you and open your skin pores for happy skin and happy you.
  • Don’t do heavy exercise. Instead go for yoga or simple aerobics.
  • Always take a shower when you are rain soaked. Never wear wet clothes without washing and ironing, otherwise they may cause itching.
  • Our skin becomes more prone to infections these days. So, do take care of your body hygiene. Add dettol or neem leaves to your bucket while taking bath.
  • Apply anti-fungal talcum powder to the areas which are more prone to infections like armpits, etc.
  •  The moisture and temperature during rains are the favorable conditions for microbial growth. These also results in poor digestion.
    • Therefore, while cooking, firstly wash all vegetables and fruits well, especially the leafy green as they may have hidden worms.
    • Add light grilled and tandoori foods cooked in less oil and less salt, loads of seasonal fruits, cereals and vegetables to your meals instead of heavy oily foods.
    • In breakfast we may add poha, sandwiches, egg, and cornflakes and avoid stuffed parathas.
    • Load up your kitchen and dining tables with Vitamin-C. It is a good antioxidant which helps in viral cold.
    • Add ginger to your servings. (Tea and dals).
    • Avoid packed juices and junk food, of which most of us are used to.
    • Drink boiled and purified water, homemade juices and soups only.
  • Prepare your wardrobe to drive everyone crazy with your looks.
    • Style yourself up with floral prints, pastel shades, sea blue, flora green. They all give you charming fresh look in the monsoons.
    • Go for cotton fabrics, loose fitting pants or shorts. These are comfortable and casual and also do not cause any kind of skin allergies.
    • Avoid high heels and slippery foot wears. Instead try wooden sole.
  • Exclusively for girls:
    • For glowing skin and healthy hair, apply 1 cup curd plus 1tsp of lime juice to skin and hair and wash off after 15 minutes under rain shower.
    • If you are suffering from crack heel problems, then soak your feet in warm water with a pinch of salt for 20 minutes, then wash with cold water and dry with towel.
    • A light body massage with mustard or olive oil is the need of season.

So take care of all the above, to stay healthy and charming and enjoy every treat of this awesome season outside.

Wish you all a very HAPPY and HEALTHY MONSOON.

Photograph By: Prasun Bannerjee