Author: Guest Author @UdaipurBlog

To write and contribute on Udaipurblog, submit your articles to info@udaipurblog.com

Categories
Festivals

Do You Know What is Special About April 2 this Year?

Our city, Udaipur, is known for its diversity and the way we embrace our cultures. And diversity can be seen most during the festivals. And today is the day when we can witness it well.

Today there are not one or two, but five festivals to be celebrated not only in the city but also in the country. Every festival marks its significance and history. The occasions may be divided by religions, but are united by the joy that a festival brings.

That’s why we always take pride in saying that we abide by the saying, “Unity in Diversity”. Be it Fateh Sagar or the streets of the old city you will see a variety of celebrations on the same day. Already intrigued about the 5 festivals?

In that case, give some rest to your fingers, we are here with the list of occasions and a little something about them to know our cultures even better.

HINDU NAV VARSH

This day has been chosen as Nav Varsh by the Hindu community for many reasons. Some of the reasons are that this month marks the onset of spring. Also on this day, Lord Brahma created the universe and Satya Yuga began. Some also believe that this day marks the end of the agricultural harvest and hence the beginning of a new harvest year. People offer prayers on the day for a happy and prosperous year.

CHETI CHAND

Cheti Chand is celebrated mostly amongst Sindhis. And it is also considered a very auspicious day for business. It also marks the start of the new financial year. The birthday of Lord Jhulelal, the key deity of the Sindhi people, also falls on the same day. Moreover, it is celebrated with great enthusiasm. Cheti Chand is celebrated with fairs, feasts and processions of icons of Jhulelal and other Hindu deities.

cheti chand

CHAITRA NAVRATRI

Chaitra Navratri marks the onset of nine days of Chaitra Navratri. And this festival also celebrates nine colours. Devotees are decked up in the colour of the day and celebrate it with their families, friends and near and dear ones. It is believed that following the colour of the day in mind, brings prosperity and happiness. Each day of these nine auspicious days is dedicated to worshipping nine different avatars of Goddess Durga, that are

  • Shailputri
  • Brahmacharini
  • Chandraghanta
  • Kushmanda
  • Skanda Mata
  • Katyayani
  • Kaalratri
  • Mahagauri, and
  • Siddhidatri

chaitra navratri

RAMADAN

The festival is celebrated in the ninth month according to the Muslim calendar. This is considered to be a holy month where people observe strict fasting, called Roza. The festival is celebrated following the appearance of the moon. This festival lasts for a duration of one lunar cycle which is around a period of 30 days. It is believed that on the last 10 days of Ramadan, God revealed the sacred Quran to Prophet Muhammad.

Ramadan Kareem mubarak

GUDI PADWA

We can say that Gudi Padwa’s significance is almost the same as Hindu Nav Varsh. This festival is mostly celebrated by the Maharashtrian people. On this occasion, people come together with their friends and families. And organise events where they dance, take part in street processions, and enjoy the various delicacies prepared for the festival. People also take an oil bath, wear new clothes, prepare rangolis with flowers and colours, and put the Gudi at the entrance.

gudi padwa

We all know that Udaipur celebrates festivals every day or every alternate day. But celebrating 5 festivals in a day is a big thing. An enormous amount of excitement can be seen in every individual in celebrating these festivals.

Not to forget the delicious food delicacies that are going to be prepared on this day.
So, if you want to catch a vibe of Indian traditions then you must be a part of these festivals.

Facts collected and compiled by Vaishali Jain.

Categories
News

नारायण सेवा संस्थान एवं पीसीआई के साझे में 21वीं राष्ट्रीय पैरा तैराकी चैम्पियनशिप का समापन

21st Paraswimming Championship in Udaipur

शारीरिक एवं मानसिक दृष्टि से व्यक्ति चाहे किसी भी विकट परिस्थिति में हो, लेकिन मन में कुछ गुजरने का दृढ़ संकल्प हो तो वह जीत की मुहर लगा ही देगा। यह बात रविवार को महाराणा प्रताप खेलगांव के तरणताल परिसर में नारायण सेवा संस्थान एवं पैरालिम्पिक कमेटी ऑफ इण्डिया के संयुक्त तत्वावधान में आयोजित त्रिदिवसीय 21वीं राष्ट्रीय पैरा तैराकी चैम्पियनशिप के समापन समारोह में मुख्य अतिथि राजस्थान विधान सभा में नेता प्रतिपक्ष गुलाब चंद कटारिया ने कही। उन्होंने दिव्यांगजन की शिक्षा, चिकित्सा, पुनर्वास एवं विकास के क्षेत्र में नारायण सेवा संस्थान की सराहना की।

समारोह की अध्यक्षता करते हुए राजस्थान के पूर्व खेलमंत्री एवं सांसद रघुवीर सिंह मीणा ने कहा कि शारीरिक दृष्टि से अक्षम होने के बावजूद हौसला किस तरह बुलन्दियों का आकाश छू सकता है। उसकी मिसाल थे देश भर से जुड़े दिव्यांग तैराक। उन्होंने कहा कि दिव्यांजनों ने विभिन्न क्षेत्रों में अपनी प्रतिभा और योगदान से पूरे समाज को प्रेरित किया है। उन्होंने नारायण सेवा द्वारा दिव्यांग खेल प्रतिभाओं के विकास में योेगदान की प्रशंसा की। विशिष्ट अतिथि यूआईटी के पूर्व चेयरमैन रवीन्द्र श्रीमाली, राजस्थान तैराकी संघ के सचिव चन्द्र गुप्त सिंह चौहान ने भी विचार व्यक्त किये।

21st Paraswimming Championship in Udaipur

आरम्भ में अतिथियों का स्वागत करते हुए संस्थान अध्यक्ष प्रशान्त अग्रवाल ने बताया कि दिव्यांग खिलाड़ियों के प्रशिक्षण के लिए संस्थान की स्पोर्टस् एकेडमी शीघ्र ही कार्य आरम्भ करेगी। उन्होंने बताया कि तैराकी की इस राष्ट्रीय स्पर्धा में देश के 23 राज्यों व सेना की एक टीम ने भाग लिया। जिसमें 383 खिलाड़ियों ने विभिन्न दिव्यांग श्रेणियों में तैराकी के हुनर का प्रदर्शन किया। पैरालिम्पिक कमेटी ऑफ इण्डिया के तैराकी चेयरमैन डाॅ. वी.के. डवास ने प्रतियोगिता का प्रतिवेदन प्रस्तुत करते हुए बताया कि दिव्यांगता की दृष्टि से वर्गाीकृत कुल 14 श्रेणियों में 306 पुरूष व 77 महिलाओं ने भाग लिया। कुल 245 रेस हुई।

21st Paraswimming Championship in Udaipur

21वीं राष्ट्रीय पैरा स्विमिंग चैम्पियनशिप पर महाराष्ट्र ने 306 अंकों के साथ कब्जा किया। जब कि सब जूनियर वर्ग की व्यक्तिगत श्रेणी में व्योम पावा (गुजरात) व बालिका वर्ग में रिया पाटिल (महाराष्ट्र) ने सर्वश्रेष्ठ तैराक का पुरस्कार प्राप्त किया। इसी तरह जूनियर वर्ग में तेजस नंद कुमार कर्नाटक और महिला वर्ग में साथी मंडल पीसीआई ने और सीनियर वर्ग में अन्नापुरेड्डी आंध्र व बालिका वर्ग में साधना मुल्लिक राजस्थान को सर्वश्रेष्ठ तैराक घोषित किया गया।

21st Paraswimming Championship in Udaipur

कार्यक्रम में पीसीआई तैराकी के चेयरमैन डाॅ. वी.के. डवास दिव्यांगों के लिए स्पेशल कार बनाने वाले राष्ट्रपति पुरस्कार प्राप्त रवीन्द्र पाण्डे, उत्तर प्रदेश की टीम के कप्तान विमलेश विशाल, कर्नाटक के अन्तर्राष्ट्रीय तैराक गोपीचंद को विशेष रूप से सम्मानित किया गया। समारोह में संस्थान निदेशक वंदना अग्रवाल, देवेन्द्र चैबीसा, तैराकी कोच महेश पालीवाल भी मौजूद थे। संचालन महिम जैन ने व आभार रविश कावड़िया ने किया।

तीन दिवसीय 21वीं राष्ट्रीय पैरा तैराकी में महाराष्ट्र ने कई पुरुस्कार जीत कर चैंपियनशिप पर कब्ज़ा किया।

Categories
Festivals

Everything You Need to Know About Sheetala Saptami

sheetala saptami in udaipur

Udaipur is known for its culture and diversity. And festivals are the mirror of the cultures. Big or small, the enthusiasm with which we celebrate every occasion is what makes it special.

The small rituals during the festivals keep us connected with our traditions and create a sense of belongingness. Every household has its own little traditions which they perform with friends or family. In some families, it is celebrated on Ashtami.

Every festival comes with new learnings and beginnings. One such festival is Sheetala Saptami. Like every other festival in the city, Sheetala Saptami also revolves around interesting stories recounting the history behind various festival rituals.

It is celebrated in honour of Sheetala Mata, this Goddess is an incarnation of the feminine power. People worship Sheetala Mata to protect themselves, their family and friends from getting inflicted from diseases like smallpox and chickenpox.

When is it celebrated?

It is observed on the ‘Ashtami’ of the Krishna Paksha during the Hindu month of ‘Chaitra’. It corresponds to the month of mid-March to April. Sheetala Saptami generally comes after 8 days of the Holi Festival. But in some communities, it is celebrated on the first Thursday or Monday that comes after Holi.

Significance

As per Hindu mythology, Goddess Sheetala is an incarnation of Goddess Durga and Maa Parvati. The goddess is seated on a donkey and has been shown as holding neem leaves, broom, soup and a pot. Her grandeur has been mentioned in several religious stories.

The benefit of worshipping goddess Sheetala has been explained in various details. It might not be known to many that the Sheetala Mata story was written by Lord Shiva and also known as Sheetalashtak.

Rituals

The festival starts with getting up early before sunrise and taking a bath. Then pay a visit to Sheetala Devi Temple and offer prayers with ‘Haldi’ and ‘Bajra’. After performing the rituals, listen to the Vrat Katha. And then offer other essential offerings like curd to the goddess. After offering food to the deity, the rest of the food is eaten all day long as prasad. In some parts of the country, people also shave their heads to please the Goddess.

We all will be remembering this festival as the day of eating cold food. As per the traditions, we do not light fire for cooking. Therefore, we prepare the food a day in advance and consume the food the next day. This would be the only festival where cold food is offered to Goddess Sheetala.

On this day simple, non-spicy food is made. It is said that eating normal cold food acts as a relaxant to the digestive system. As Sheetal means cold, so Sheetala Mata vrat incorporates cold food, so that our stomach is not aggravated, and gets food that is easy to digest.

Story of Sheetala Mata

It is believed that a woman lived in a village. The woman was a devotee of Sheetala Mata and also kept her fast. Other people of the village didn’t keep the fast of Sheetala Mata and neither did they have any faith.

A sudden fire occurred in the village, everyone’s huts were burnt except the devotee of Sheetala Mata. When the reason came to know, everyone understood that this happened because of worshipping Sheetala Mata. Since then people started worshipping Sheetala Mata.

We are living in a world where every day a new disease is taking birth and some country is starting a war. In these times we need to have a belief and a sense of unity that will keep us going on.

These festivals are our happy distractions from all these things which are going on in this world. It gives us peace and creates a sense of motivation amongst us.

As we go deep into every festival’s origin there are big learnings hidden in them. This festival marks the safety of our people. We all always pray for our and our family’s safety. And this festival is nothing but praying for safety.

Written by- Vaishali Jain

Categories
History and Culture

Knowing the Story Behind the Top Lakes In Udaipur

Story Behind top lakes in Udaipur

It is very rightly said that if there is magic on this planet, it is contained in water. Water is tasteless, colourless, odourless but still, it is valued more than anything in the world. We all are very well aware of the fact that there is an urgent need to preserve water for our coming generations.

And there is a zeal in every person to do something about this rising issue. In earlier times, our ancestors would have been also in this same position. They also had a dedication to save resources for us, to make it easier for us. And they did very well in providing us with a comfortable life.

Whatever may be the occupation, preserving water is our moral obligation. And that’s what our forefathers would have thought while building these beautiful lakes in our city. We live in a city that is known for lakes in the whole wide world and we take pride in it. Living in one of the hottest states of India, these lakes act as a shield in summers. Where water is scarce in almost every corner of the state.

Today is the day when we highlight the importance of freshwater, that is World Water Day. So, on this occasion, we will take you on a ride to the past where we get to know some interesting facts about the famous lakes in Udaipur.

Lake Pichola
It is an artificial freshwater lake, constructed in the year 1382 AD, by Rana Lakha. Later, Maharaja Udai Singh Ji decided to build the city of Udaipur by the banks of the beautiful lake Pichola. Primarily, dams were made to meet the drinking water and irrigation facilities of the city. Jag Niwas Island is located in the middle of the lake on which stands the proud Lake Palace. It is a 250-year-old utterly romantic palace turned Heritage hotel.

Goverdhan Sagar

Udai Sagar Lake
The construction of this lake started in 1564 AD by Maharana Udai Singh II. This dam was constructed to supply adequate water to his kingdom. We bet that you had no idea that Maharana Pratap Singh was invited by Kunwar Man Singh the banks of Udai Sagar Lake. Maharana Raj Singh conquered the army of Emperor Aurangzeb near the embankment of Udai Sagar Lake.

udai sagar

Badi Lake
This lake was built by Maharana Rana Raj Singh I in 1668 AD. Earlier the name of this lake was named Jiyan Sagar after his mom Jana Devi. Later it was renamed Badi Lake as it was under Badi Village. This lake was built to help the individuals of the city in their difficult time in summers and fulfil the need for water.

Fateh Sagar Lake
Maharana Jai Singh first constructed the lake in 1680-1698 AD. But, two hundred years later the earthen bund which formed the lake was washed away during floods. And thereafter, Maharana Fateh Singh, in 1889 AD, built the Connaught Dam on Lake Dewali to mark the visit of Duke of Connaught, son of Queen Victoria. The most remarkable thing about Fatehsagar lake is that it provides employment to 60% of the population in Udaipur.

Goverdhan Sagar Lake
This lake was constructed by Maharana Swaroop Singh in 1857 AD. It is the smallest artificial lake in Udaipur. Earlier it was constructed as a small reservoir then by Maharana Swaroop Singh it was made into a lake.

These are some of the top lakes in Udaipur. These lakes were constructed in different times. But one thing was common, they all were made for the betterment of people living then and now both.
To provide a sufficient amount of water to the people of Udaipur, these lakes were built.

We should take pride in the history of the creation of every lake. As we go deep in history, we learn something new. There was a sense of awareness back then to save resources for future generations and we should take it as a teaching on this World Water Day.

History is something that generates questions in all our minds. This led us to find information for this article from Eternal Mewar and Wikipedia. The bits and facts were compiled by- Vaishali Jain.

Categories
Festivals

10 Food Items that Make Your Holi Taste Better

Do you also look for reasons to eat, to have guilt free binge eating? All of us do. And what better excuse than a festival. The festival of colours is around the corner and we can’t keep calm.

Holi is all about celebrating happiness with friends and family. And there are certain food items for Holi that are the best medium for all Indian families to spread joy with their dear ones.

People of Udaipur love celebrating festivals and we do it in style. Udaipurites welcome every occasion with full excitement, enthusiasm and of course food.

On every festival there is a certain food delicacy being prepared in every house in Udaipur. Apart from playing with colours and dancing to our favourite songs, Holi is always associated with various traditional food items that we enjoy every year.

After playing with colours for hours, and taking the longest bath of our lives, we just cannot wait to indulge in our favourite traditional holi food items.

So, to sprinkle some colours on your plate this Holi, we are here with best traditional Holi food items to make the occasion even more colourful.

Traditional food items for Holi

1. Gujiya

Gujiya food items for holi
Holi is always incomplete without Gujiya. When we talk about Holi food items, Gujiya is the first sweet that comes to our mind. It is safe to announce that it is the official traditional dish for Holi. One can add a twist to gujiya by baking them or adding Nutella. Thinking of trying the same this Holi, aren’t you?

2. Thandai

thandai best food items for holi
Celebrating Holi under the sun, makes you crave for some chilled flavoured drink. It keeps you hydrated and ensures that your energy does not drop. And what’s better than a Thandai? There is no doubt, Thandai adds the perfect colour to the celebration.

3. Puri Bhaji

poori bhaji best food items for holi
Lunch on Holi is all about poori bhaji. Hot pooris with bhaji is the perfect delight after an endless morning of celebrating holi. It is a go to dish in every household.

4. Kanji Vada

kanji wada best food items for holi
Kanji vada is a traditional Rajasthani dish. Crispy fried vadas are dipped into rai ka pani. It is very easy to make and is a great side item for all the guests on Holi.

5. Dahi Bhalle

dahi bhalle best food items for holi
This is the most relished food item in Holi. The soft daal balls are dipped in chilled yogurt, and is garnished with chutney, making it a super delicious chaat. Drooling already?

6. Pakore

pakore best food items for holi
Pakore is hands down the best snack for Holi. During Holi bhang pakore are also prepared. These are nothing fancy. But once you start munching onto them, then there is no coming back.

7. Maalpua

maalpua best food items for holi
Every occasion is incomplete without something sweet. Maalpua can be a little difficult to make, but the hustle is all worth it. Maalpua is an Indian version of pancakes, but better.

8. Moong Dal Kachori

kachori best food items for holi
Every Indian celebration is incomplete without fried food. A combination of Moong dal ki kachori, friends and music is what we call a perfect Holi celebration.

9. Namakpare

namakpaare best food items for holi
This traditional Indian snack is the best side dish. Generally, in Holi it is made in bulk and stored. So, when guests come over, they are ready to serve. These are salty and crunchy, another snack that you cannot stop munching on.

10. Puran Poli

Puran Poli best food items for holi
For all the sweet teeth, one should not miss eating Puran Poli on Holi. It is easy to make. Moreover its sugary taste will tempt you to have more after each bite.

We celebrate a number of festivals in India, and every festival has a list of special delights. Every celebration is incomplete without some signature traditional family dish.

Though these delicacies can be made throughout the year, they taste best when they are garnished with the excitement of Holi. And being a Rajasthani, we have an assortment of gourmet’s delights.

We are sure you are tempted to have most of these food items. So what are you waiting for? Go and enjoy these delicious delicacies this Holi.

Compiled by- Vaishali Jain

Categories
News

Urban95 Udaipur Kids Festival to be held this weekend

Urban95 Kids Festival

The event, aimed at children in the age group of 0-6, will take place at Gulab Bagh on 5th and 6th March, 2022

Imagine that you are a 3-year-old child. Delve deeper into your imagination and think what all you would like to do at this age. Unlimited fun activities, making mud castles the entire day, running after balloons, curiously gazing at wonderous sights, creating colourful crafts, reading stories and getting lost in books filled with colourful pictures – this probably is the best definition of childhood.

Through the “Urban95 Udaipur Kids’ Festival”, the city is focusing on enhancing early childhood and celebrating it. This annual event is organized by the Udaipur Nagar Nigam, in collaboration with Bernard Ven Leer Foundation (BvLF) with technical support from ICLEI – Local Governments for Sustainability, South Asia and Ecorys India. This year the festival will be celebrated on 5th and 6th of March at Gulab Bagh, Udaipur.

Due to the Covid-19 pandemic, the festival could not be organized last year. However, it was a huge success in 2020, memories of which live on even now. The festival will also mark the participation of several schools, Bal Vikas Kendra and other associated organizations of Udaipur.

Kid's FestivalPlanned activities at the Urban95 Udaipur Kids’ Festival

The festival is being organized with a special focus on children up to the age of 6 years and their caregivers, and the activities are designed to aid in the physical, mental, emotional, and creative development of young children. The festival will offer insights on activities that support learning for young children as per their personalities and preferences, and behavioral insights for the caregivers to promote the[RM1]  holistic development of their children.

Children attending the festival can participate in activities like art and craft, painting, block printing, storytelling, learning tree, hurdle race, skipping, games with balloons, games with use of soil and balls, traditional games, clay art, one-minute shows and much more. The festival space will also showcase colorful décor to make the space interesting for young children.

In addition, with support from West Zone Cultural Centre, activities like puppet shows, which highlight the culture of the city, will also be organized. The Nagar Nigam has arranged a plantation drive with kids and their caregivers to spread the message of the significance of trees and the need for protecting the environment. A health camp for young children is being organized by the Health Department, facilitating routine health checkup of the children, along with measurement of their height and weight.

Under Urban95 Udaipur, the “Parents+” project, with Jatan Sansthan as the technical partner, will support parents and families with information on positive parenting, pre-school education, childcare at home, health, nutrition and hygiene, along with things to keep in mind while walking with children outdoors or in public vehicle will be discussed during a dedicated session.  Several committees have come together to plan and manage operations for the festival.

Kid's Festival

Golden opportunity for engaging young children post COVID-19

Like all children, kids have not been able to go to pre-schools or anganwadis since the past two years. Moreover, experts do not advocate too many online classes for this age group. In such a situation, kids have been confined to their homes.  The Urban95 Kids Festival is a golden opportunity for Udaipur city, where young children will be able to come out of their homes and explore the park, play with other children and connect with nature for two consecutive days. They will also be able to participate in various pre-school educational activities.

During the festival, the COVID-19 safety protocols will be strictly followed for the safety of all visitors.

Bus facility: Buses have been provided by the Municipal Corporation to pick and drop the children of various Anganwadi centers. These buses will be available on both days of the festival. Vehicle access of any kind is prohibited in the park so that children and caregivers can move freely.

Parking facility: For the parents and schools willing to reach the site by private vehicles, four-wheeler parking space has been allotted at the smart city parking near PWD. Parking for two-wheelers has been allotted at the left-hand side from the main entrance. Traffic police will be posted for the same.

Who can participate? Children up to the age of 6 years can participate in the festival. Parents and caregivers of the kids participating are also allowed to accompany them. Apart from this, individuals working with young children, teachers, social organizations, private schools, people associated with Anganwadi centers, pregnant and lactating women are also welcome to the festival. The festival will be held from 9 AM till sunset.

Categories
News

उदयपुर में 5 से 7 मार्च तक बिखरेंगे थियेटर के रंग

Theatre Festival in Udaipur

इला अरूण, लिलेट दुबे, विक्रांत मिश्रा सहित कई नामी कलाकार करेंगे दर्शकों  का मनोरंजन

उदयपुर। झीलों की नगरी उदयपुर के  दर्शकों पर थिएटर फेस्टिवल का जादू मार्च के पहले सप्ताह में चलने वाला है। यह उत्सव दर्शकों के लिए जीवन के सभी रंगों का आनंद लेने के लिए एक इमर्सिव अनुभव सुनिश्चित करेगा। 5 से 7 मार्च तक परफोर्मिंग आर्ट क्षेत्र के प्रतिष्ठित व्यक्तियों द्वारा लिखित, निर्देशित और प्रदर्शित किए जाने वाले 3 दिवसीय थियेटर फेस्टिवल की तैयारियां पूरी कर ली गयी हैं।

आयोजक अहसास महिला समूह ने बताया कि स्व. डॉ. प्रभा खेतान ने कोलकाता में प्रभा खेतान फाउंडेशन की स्थापना की थी। फाउंडेशन पूरे भारत में साहित्य, प्रदर्शन कला, सांस्कृतिक विरासत और महिला सशक्तिकरण को बढ़ावा देने के लिए समर्पित होकर काम कर रहा है। संगठन भारत और विदेशों में 40 शहरों में सक्रिय है। प्रभा खेतान फाउंडेशन अपनी पहल “चलचित्र रंगमंच“ के तहत 3 शक्तिशाली और मार्मिक नाट्य प्रस्तुतियों के साथ उदयपुर में 3 दिवसीय थियेटर फेस्टिवल लेकर आया है।

फाउंडेशन ने कोविड -19 महामारी के कारण लॉकडाउन के लंबे अंतराल के बाद इस उत्सव को पूरी सावधानी से आयोजित किया है। यह भारत के समान विचारधारा वाले संगठनों, लोगों और अहसास महिलाओं की सहायता से भारत और विदेशों में कला और संस्कृति को बढ़ावा देने के लिए निरन्तर कार्यरत है।

रेडिसन होटल में होने वाले थियेटर फेस्टिवल में इस क्षेत्र की दिग्गज लिलेट दुबे और इला अरुण अभिनय के परिचित नाम केके रैना, विक्रांत मिश्रा, इरा दुबे, जॉय सेनगुप्ता, मार्क बेनिंगटन, ऋषि खुराना, प्रणव सचदेव जैसे वरिष्ठ कलाकारों के साथ तीन समकालीन मंच नाटकों से दर्शकों का मनोरंजन करेंगी।

Lockdown Liasionsउत्सव का पहला दिन शोभा डे द्वारा लिखित लॉकडाउन लिएज़ोन्स के साथ शुरू होगा। यह नामी भारतीय अभिनेता और थिएटर निर्देशक लिलेट दुबे द्वारा निर्देशित नाटक 5 लघु कथाओं के संग्रह पर आधारित है। कोविड के समय पर आधारित नाटक जीवन और मानवीय संबंधों की असुरक्षा से संबंध रखता  है। स्टार कास्ट में लिलेट दुबे,  इरा दुबे और जॉय सेनगुप्ता शामिल हैं।

Devika Raniदूसरे दिन भारतीय लेखक और स्तंभकार किश्वर देसाई द्वारा लिखित देविका रानी का प्रदर्षन होगा।। भारत की पहली अंतरराष्ट्रीय स्क्रीन दिवा देविका रानी के जीवन पर आधारित एक अद्भुत नाटक का निर्देशन लिलेट दुबे द्वारा किया गया है। देविका रानी बॉम्बे टॉकीज फिल्म स्टूडियो चलाने वाली पहली महिला हैं। इसकी स्टार कास्ट में इरा दुबे, जॉय सेनगुप्ता, मार्क बेनिंगटन और ऋषि खुराना शामिल हैं।

Yeh Raste Hain Pyar Keथियेटर फेस्टिवल के तीसरे दिन इला अरूण द्वारा लिखित ये रास्ते हैं प्यार के नाटक  प्रदर्शित किया जाएगा। इला अरुण लोक और लोक-पॉप संगीत की शैली में एक विश्व स्तरीय नाम है। नाटक का निर्देशन केके रैना ने किया है। इला अरुण ने एक भयंकर महामारी के अनिश्चित समय में दो बुजुर्गों की एक सुंदर कहानी बुनी है, जो अपने खाली जीवन के अलगाव से मुक्त होने के लिए बेताब हैं। स्टार कास्ट में इला अरुण, केके रैना और विक्रांत मिश्रा शामिल हैं।

इस उत्सव में देषभर के विभिन्न शहरों से अहसास समूह की महिलाओं द्वारा भी भाग लिया जाएगा। अहसास जीवन के सभी क्षेत्रों की समान विचारधारा वाली महिलाओं का समूह है जो समाज को बढ़ावा देने और समर्थन करने के लिए काम करता है।

उदयपुर की अहसास महिलाएं स्वाति अग्रवाल, श्रद्धा मुर्डिया, मूमल भंडारी, कनिका अग्रवाल, रिद्धिमा दोशी और शुभ सिंघवी उदयपुर में इस उत्सव की मेज़बानी कर रही हैं।

 

 

Categories
News

राजस्थान बजट 2022- जानिए उदयपुर को मिली कौन-कौन सी सौगातें!

उदयपुर को बीजेपी का गढ़ कहा जाता है। परन्तु एक बार फिर उदयपुर को सबसे बड़ी सौगात कांग्रेस सरकार से  मिली है। 10 साल पहले भी कांग्रेस सरकार में मुख्यमंत्री रहे अशोक गहलोत ने उदयपुर को नगर परिषद से अपग्रेड कर नगर निगम बनाया था। 

अब ठीक 10 साल बाद गहलोत ने अपनी तीन वर्षों की सरकार के चौथे बजट में उदयपुर को UIT से अपग्रेड कर उदयपुर विकास प्राधिकरण (UDA ) बना दिया है। 

अब जयपुर, अजमेर और जोधपुर की तर्ज पर उदयपुर को उदयपुर विकास प्राधिकरण कहा जाएगा। यहां काम भी विकास प्राधिकरण के तौर पर ही होगा। उदयपुर को प्राधिकरण बनाने की मांग लम्बे समय से की जा रही थी।

केवल यही नहीं, उदयपुर को बजट से काफी कुछ मिला है। राजस्थान बजट उदयपुर के लिए निम्न सौगाते लाया है। 

  1. उदयपुर को विकास प्राधिकरण बनाया गया।  
  2. वल्लभनगर में रीको इंडस्ट्री बनाई जाएगी।
  3. खेरवाड़ा में एग्रीकल्चर कॉलेज खोला जाएगा।
  4. उदयपुर में अतिरिक्त सीएमएचओ ऑफिस खोला जाएगा।
  5. झल्लारा पीएचसी को सीएचसी में क्रमोन्नत किया।
  6. महाराणा प्रताप खेलगांव में सिंथेटिक एथलेटिक ट्रैक बनाया जाएगा।
  7. गिर्वा में एक खेल स्टेडियम भी बनाया जाएगा।
  8. सुपर-स्पेशियलिटी में सुविधाएं बढ़ाई जाएंगी।
  9. कोटड़ा तहसील में नए बांध बनाने की घोषणा।
  10. सेमारी उदयपुर में नया उपखंड कार्यालय बनाया जाएगा।
  11. उदयपुर में मिनी फूड पार्क बनाने की घोषणा हुई।
  12. दिल्ली के उदयपुर हाउस में 250 कमरों का हॉस्टल बनेगा।
  13. नगर निगम क्षेत्र में 40 करोड़ से नई सड़कें बनाई जाएंगी।
  14. उदयपुर-बांसवाड़ा रोड़ पर माही नदी पर पुल का निर्माण।
  15. 89 करोड़ से झल्लारा-धरियावद, प्रतापनगर सड़क, ऋषभदेव से झामेश्चर सड़क, झाड़ोल-देवास-गोगुंदा सड़क निर्माण।
  16. 150 करोड़ से प्रतापनगर से बलीचा फोर लेन रोड, आयुर्वेद चौराहे ( राड़ाजी चौराहा) से सुभाष (नेता जी सुभाष चंद्र बोस) सर्किल, सज्जनगढ़ तिराहा, रामपुरा होते हुए सीसारमा-झाड़ोल एलिवेटेड रोड़ बनायीं जाएंगी। 
  17. उदयपुर में 400 केवी ग्रिड सब स्टेशन स्थापित किया जाएगा।
  18. उदयपुर में बॉटनिकल गार्डन स्थापित किया जाएगा।
  19. भाणदा में नई चौकी, पाटिया चौकी को थाना बनाया जाएगा।
  20. उदयपुर में खुलेगा फैमेली कोर्ट। 
  21. बावलवाड़ा में उप-तहसील खोली जाएगी।
  22. घाटकोन में 9.65 करोड़ से सिंचाई परियोजना।
  23. गामदरा में 4.57 करोड़ से सिंचाई परियोजना।
  24. बेड़ा का नाका में 3.27 करोड़ से सिंचाई परियोजना।
  25. बजरिया, भूराव, हसूला और देवेंद्रा में 17 करोड़ से सिंचाई परियोजना।

यदि सभी घोषणाओं का पालन किया गया, तो हमें उदयपुर का एक नया रूप देखने मिलेगा।  

Article by: Paridhi Mehta

Categories
News

Broken Pipelines, Potholed Roads & etc.: Would You Call Udaipur “Smart” Yet? 

Udaipur ranks fifth in the country and first in the state when we speak of smart city work. But the dissatisfied citizens of the city and the respective councilors of the wards give rise to irony. Despite the ranks given, we still lag in the race of becoming a smarter city soon.

It has been months since we are waiting for the smart city works to pace up and get done. The slow work of the project has infuriated both the ward members and councilors. The time taken to make things right has not reached expectations.
In recent days, pipelines broke during the work which led to no supply of water in the area. Living without a proper supply of water is unimaginable. Seeing the agitated people, the concerned officials called for water tankers.
Even though the actions were taken by the heads, the problem couldn’t be solved completely before the evening. That is where we can look for problems. Finding solutions after days of distress leads to discontent.
There is so much that is covered in the smart city project. The redevelopment, retrofitting, and introduction of smart infrastructure pan city. But instead, the work is taking a long time and the existing facilities are also deteriorating.
The deadline for the completion of the 99 smart city projects was extended twice already. Still, 21 projects stay unattended. The aspects covered under the smart city include

  • CC roads
  • Underground cabling
  • Sewerage-drainage system
  • Water supply

The tasks have been majorly completed. The work from Rangniwas to Jagdish Chowk is supposed to be completed by March 31 this year. The ACEO of Smart City, Pradeep Sangawat claims that the citizens would not have to face the problem for long.
Being a citizen of the city, we understand that the smart city work takes time. But, the swirling dust and dirt have taken tolls over the patience of the people here. Potholed roads are a thing these days.
People, when asked, do not remember how it was like driving on a road without digs. From the locals to councilors and ministers, all are frustrated from the slow-paced work. Even though the move was towards the development of “smart” cities, people are convinced that it was not smart enough.
It has been six long years; there is improvement too. But the changes are not visible. That makes us question the officials about the very decision that was targeted towards only growth and development in the near future.
Had it been the other way round, it would have been different. On the ending note, it is important for the officials to focus on management and time that has been taken to accomplish the project. Even now, if they keep a track of this stuff, there could be chances of finishing the work by deadline

Article by: Paridhi Mehta

Categories
News

Can You Find Similarities Between Rajasthan & Punjab’s Cultures?

Rajasthan and Punjab are two very distinctive states of our country. While they are very different, there are various similarities as well. In this aspect, the governments of the respective states intend to promote each other’s cultures.

Punjab’s infotech chairman Harpreet Sandhu visited the city of lakes on February 9th. With a view to giving an insight on Punjab’s rich heritage, he gifted the Collector his book, “Sadda Sohna Punjab”.

He was also of the view that Rajasthan and Punjab share different yet very similar cultures. Both the states have people who are deeply rooted. The royalty of Rajasthan and the high-spirited lifestyle of Punjab are both exciting to know.

With the idea of cultural exchange for both the states, locals would get the opportunity to explore different destinations of the West and North. Both, Rajasthan and Punjab, take pride in boasting about their food, folk arts, and lifestyle.

Despite the various distinctive things, there are points of similarities as well. The two cultures are symbolic of happiness and joy. The Rajasthani attire for women is ghagra, choli, and odhni. And for the women of Punjab, is a salwar kameez.

And surprisingly, both attires are equally fancied by the locals.

Travel and tourism is one of the largest industries in the world. Leveraging them for the economic benefit of Rajasthan and Punjab is a strategic and advantageous decision. It will also result in the benefit of Udaipur’s tourism.

This scheme of promoting each other’s cultures brings forward an opportunity for economic development as well. The tourist destinations of the states have a great capacity to attract tourists.

Tourism spend and economic development go hand-in-hand. And with the increased tourism across the two places, there are better chances of monumental development. When travellers from Punjab come to Rajasthan, there are chances of financial betterment for our state.

This unique idea of the respective state governments can uplift the scenario of voyaging. People from Rajasthan will get to know about the culture of Punjab and vice versa. And also, they would get to experience the beauty of Punjab’s “INDIA BEGINS HERE” tagline.

Article by: Paridhi Mehta