Category: Festivals

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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

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Festivals

Spend Your Christmas Here In These Beautiful Churches Of Udaipur

As we speak of 25th December, let’s for a paragraph indulge ourselves into its origins, myths behind Christmas, St. Nicholas, and Krampus. Christmas, The Christian festival, celebrates the birth of Jesus Christ, born in Bethlehem and raised in Nazareth, a town in Israel. The date 25th December, according to the Roman calendar also marks The Winter Solstice. 

With Christmas came the story of the great St. Nicholas, an early Christian bishop of Greek descent, from the city of Myra. It’s said to believe that St. Nicholas aka, Santa Claus rewards children who have been well-mannered and obedient children. But then also came the myth of Krampus, a half-human with a goat-like head. He is said to scare children who had behaved in an ill-mannered way. Celebrate Christmas with all its glory and mythologies.

Krampus & Santa Claus

Udaipur has always been rich in culture, architecture, spirituality, charm, and beauty. Its mesmerizing architecture never fails to leave its appreciators in amazement. We have talked on several occasions about artistry, but let’s shift our focal point on the Churches of Udaipur, this December.

Shepherd Memorial Church, Church of North India

James Shepherd, arrived in Udaipur in 1877, as a missionary at the request of the United Presbyterian Church of Scotland. His noble work in Udaipur, his commendable medical skills, and his considerate personality won everyone over. Within eleven months of his arrival, his dispensary had 27,472 visits. He also held preaching meetings two times a week. Impressed with his noble work, Maharana gifted him with a piece of land on which he commenced the construction of his church, now known as the Church of North India. It’s a protestant and an independent church.

The edifice of this church has a whiff of Victorian architecture with the dash of Roman to it. The grey stones of the structure give the age of the church as it is the first church built in Udaipur.

Address: Shepherd Memorial Church, Chetak Cir, City’s Prime Healthcare Area, Udaipur, Rajasthan 313001

Our Lady of Fatima Cathedral

This catholic church in its olden days received the statue of Our Lady of Fatima from the Bishop of Ajmer, who received it from a German lady who was a devotee of Our lady of Fatima. It remained unopened in Bishop’s home from 1964 to 1967 before the Tridium Management was thrilled to take it.

The church is spacious. It has finely carved pillars all around for the people who love to marvel at the architecture. With a serene ambiance and a calming aura, it has an occupancy of almost 500 devotees.

Address: HMWX+PCQ, Bhopal Pura, Udaipur, Rajasthan 313001

Rajasthan Pentecostal Church

Late DR. Thomas Matthew established this beautiful church around 1987. He also founded the Pentecostal church. For much time, this church was under the Shepherd Memorial Church, then in 1987, it was built in all its glory in the scenic environs of Rani Road.

The Church is constructed with utmost beauty surrounded by lush gardens. And the interior is commendable with elegance. Its white walls with the gorgeous view of the lake make this church one of the most beautiful churches of Udaipur.

Address: Filadelfia Campus, Rani Rd, opposite Sanjay Park, Malla Talai, Udaipur, Rajasthan 313001

St. Gregorios Orthodox

The beautiful church of St. Gregorios is an orthodox church as aforementioned. It has an exquisite interior with a high arched ceiling, alluring stained glass, a hint of Victorian in the windows and the whole church is splashed in a shade of white from the inside. It also has Syrian flow in its architecture. The church was established in 1987 and gets its name from St. Gee Varghese Mar Gregorios of Parumala. The space in the church is appropriate for 200 devotees. The patron saint of the church is St. Gregorios and there is a statue of him in the prayer hall too. Visit the church this Christmas and let yourselves experience the spirituality and beauty of the church.

P.B.No.172, Khar Kuan,
New Bhupal Pura, Udaipur, Rajasthan 313 001

Emmanuel Mar Thoma Church

Rather modern in its architecture and interior as it was constructed in 1994, this church has links with Kerala. Marthomites who migrated from Kerala came here and formed the Malayalee Syrian Christian Congregation. The bedrock for this church was earthed by Bombay-Delhi Diocesan Bishop by the name Geeverghese Mar Athanasius.

Address: University Road, North Ayad, Udaipur

These churches will hold a prayer meeting in the morning. A simple and minimalist Christmas. There are many more churches that devotees go to. This Christmas you can add to your Christmas tour. Visiting any of these churches is a mystical experience. It makes devotees feel calm and in the presence of divinity. A few of those are:

1)  Bethel Pentecostal Church – House No.1, Road, No.5, Mayank Colony Rd, New Ashok Vihar, Udaipur, Rajasthan 313001

2)  Calvary Covenant Church – 15, Govind Nagar, Rd No 4, Sector 13, Udaipur, Rajasthan 313001

3)  Church of Lord Jesus Christ – 5, New Vardhaman Nagar, Sector – 12, opp. Palodra House, Udaipur, Rajasthan 313001

4)  Believers Church – RJ SH 9, Madri Asholyan, Rajasthan 313203

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Festivals

Permission Granted! Check Out The Places & Guidelines To Celebrate Chhath Puja In Udaipur This Year

A sense of divinity, a sense of prosperity runs through the veins in this 4-day festival of Chhath Puja. Chhath is one of the most important and religious Hindu festivals dedicated to Lord Surya and Chhathi Maiya. This year the festival of keeping ‘Nirjala’ fast (a fast without consuming water) for more than 36 hours is commemorating on November 8, 2021 and will end on November 11, 2021.

The festival requires for devotees to perform their rituals by standing with their feet dipped in a water body. Due to the spread of Covid-19, the devotees symbolically did their Chhath Puja as gatherings were prohibited. But to everyone’s surprise, the guidelines have been lifted this year and permission granted, but with the hinge of restrictions.

Let us know more about the guidelines and places to celebrate Chhath Puja in Udaipur, this year. Before that here’s all you want to know about Chhath Puja.

ALL ABOUT CHHATH PUJA

  • There are many stories behind as to why Chhath is celebrated but one of them says that according to Hindu mythology, it is believed that Lord Ram offered prayers to the Sun when he returned to Ayodhya after 14 years of exile.
  • Chhath Puja is celebrated on the sixth day of the month of Kartik, mainly by people who hail from Bihar, Jharkhand, West Bengal, Odisha and eastern parts of Uttar Pradesh.
  • It is one of the most auspicious and biggest festivals dedicated to Lord Surya and, during the span of four days, devotees keep a fast that lasts from sunrise to sunset and comprises of more than 36 hours of Nirjala Fast.
  • The timings of Suryodaya (sunrise) and Suryast (Sunset) are highly significant during Chhath Puja and the celebrations begin with ‘Nahay Khay‘ also known as ‘Barona‘, followed by ‘Kharna‘ also known as ‘Sanjhwat‘, ‘Sandhya Arghya‘ and ‘Usha Arghya‘.
  • During this festival of 4 days, the devotees are allowed to consume only Satvik food (without onion and garlic) and prepare the meals with the utmost hygiene and eat only after taking a bath.
  • This year, the festivities of Chhath Puja begin on November 8 with Nahay Khay and will end on November 11 with Usha Arghya.

Four Days of Chhath Puja

  • On the first day of Nahay Khay, devotees take a bath in the holy Ganga water and clean their house and surroundings. Rice, chana dal (split Bengal gram) and bottle gourd are a must on the menu of the devotees on Nahay Khay.
  • The second day is Kharna and on this day devotees fast for the whole day and make a special prasad called Rasaio-Kheer (with jaggery and rice) accompanied with chapatis and eat it before the sunset. Devotees eat the prasad and start their nirjala fast the till Usha Arghya.
  • On the third day of Sandhya Arghya, folk songs are sung at the banks of water bodies and ghats. The worshippers prepare a special sweet dish ‘Thekua or Tikri‘ with jaggery, ghee and flour, which is offered as a prasad to Chhathi Maiya. At the ghat, the devotees take sugarcane along with a basket of fruits and bamboo soops for the evening Arghya. In the evening, at the time of sunset, they offer Arghya to Lord Surya with the family members in a nearby water body or at a ghat, which is also known as Sandhya Arghya or Pehli Arghya.
  • Usha Arghya is the last and fourth day of the four-day-long Chhath festival and is also known as Paran Din. On the final day, devotees offer prayers to the Sun and perform all the religious rituals and customs during the dawn of the day. They stand in the water bodies till the sun rises but some of the devotees sit near the banks until the sun rises. Devotees break their nirjala fast after offering Arghya to the rising sun.
www.dnaindia.com

GUIDELINES AND PLACES TO CELEBRATE CHHATH PUJA IN UDAIPUR

Due to the spread of coronavirus, last year the devotees were not able to gather and perform the rituals near ghats and water bodies. But this year the government has lifted the restrictions and now religious events can be held in both closed and open spaces with covid appropriate behavior of applying mask, sanitizers and social distancing. This has been a good piece of news as, unlike any other year, last year the devotees had to symbolically complete their festive rituals.

Whereas the committee members of the group organizing Chhath Puja events have said that this year, keeping in mind the probable spread on corona, there will not be a grand event but the areas, especially the Dewali end at Fatehsagar has been cleaned by the committee for devotees to come and do their festivities, comfortably.

Places in Udaipur to perform Chhath Puja festivities:

  • Dewali end at Fatehsagar
  • Rani Road
  • Goverdhan Sagar
  • Dudhtalai

(Note: These are the major places where Chhath Puja rituals were performed before the year 2020)

May lord Sun and Chhathi Maiya bring peace, prosperity and enlightenment in your life and may you get to fulfill your dreams and desires.

Happy Chhath Puja!

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Festivals Social

Eco Hut: The Eco-Friendly Store In Udaipur For Your Ganpati

Everyone talks about the environment, nature, mother earth and how it is important to protect them. But how many of us actually step up and work in that direction? We must have an answer for that.

Yes! must is the word I am using here because it’s high time to just think over and over. The Eco Hut is doing its own part in contributing towards the environment.

About Eco Hut

  • Eco Hut was founded by Guddi Prajapat, Ritesh Shekhawat, and Vishal Singh. 
  • It started in the year 2014 with an aim to encourage environment friendly products.
  • Eco Hut is a nonprofit social business that aims towards conserving the environment in the best way possible.
  • The organization also conducts workshops with children and youth on how to upcycle waste and make something creative out of it by producing and selling eco-friendly products.
  • Their products include herbal items, handmade jewelry, upcycled creative products, décor items and anything environmental and eco-friendly. 

About Eco-Friendly Ganesha Murtis

Ganesh Chaturthi is one of the prominent festivals of our culture where we welcome the lord of prosperity, happiness and wisdom with open hands. So, why not bringing Lord Ganesha this year with a touch of eco-friendliness.

  • This time Eco Hut has stepped up and preferred the murtis of Lord Ganesha to be made by potters.
  • The potters have made these beautifully carved sculptures with their hands instead of using pre-designed moulds to make the sculptures more authentic.
  • Eco Hut said that with this initiative they wanted to create more employment opportunities as instead of giving the assignment to one person, giving it to 7 to 8 different potters will generate employment and will promote our culture.
  • Each design has its uniqueness and the murtis can be custom made too. 
  • The artists have used stone colors on the sculptures instead of synthetic colors.

This Ganesh Chaturthi welcome your very own eco-friendly Ganesha and take a step towards saving the environment.

Click here to know about prominent Ganesh temples of Udaipur.

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Festivals

Guru Purnima: History, Significance, Celebration & Culture

Gurus or teachers are a house full of enlightenment and gratefulness. From showing the paths to a bright future, to contributing in what we are today, they have always been a very significant part of our lives. Bowing to them today, bowing to their dedication and solemnity today on this auspicious occasion of Guru Purnima, we pay gratitude to all the Gurus in our life.

Talking about Indian Traditions, one must know that Gurus in our cultures are akin to gods. So let us know what exactly is Guru Purnima and why and how do we celebrate it.

About Guru Purnima

  • Guru Purnima also known as Vyas Purnima is celebrated on the full moon day of Ashadh month.
  • The Purnima tithi this year starts at 10:45 am on July 23 and ends at 08:08 pm on July 24.
  • It is also named as Vyas Purnima , after the name of famous hindu teacher and scholar Ved Vyas. According to the mythology, this day commemorates as his birthday.
  • The word GURU originates from Sanskrit which literally means ‘the one who frees us of ignorance.
guru shishya
https://in.pinterest.com/Sandeep_Narain/happy-guru-purnima-2019/

History of Guru Purnima

  • Legends say that Ved Vyas structured the four Vedas, composed the epic of the Mahabharata, created the foundation for the many Puranas and the day of Guru Purnima is to honor him.
  • Some also say that Guru Purnima represents the date on which Lord Shiva as the Adi Guru taught the seven rishis who were the seers of the Vedas.
  • In some parts, Buddhists celebrate this day as Buddha Purnima too as it is believed that Lord Buddha was said to have delivered his first sermon on this day at Sarnath, reflecting the power of this sacred time.

How to celebrate Guru Purnima

  • On this day people worship the gods who are our ultimate teachers in life.
  • It has also been seen that people associate importance of Vishnu pooja with Guru Purnima.
  • The thousand names of Lord Vishnu also known as Vishnu Sahatranam should be recited on this day.
  • The day is celebrated with full vigor and auspiciousness of thanking the lords and the Gurus.

Fasting and food traditions on Guru Purnima

  • Many people fast on this occasion. They refrain from eating salt, rice, heavy foods such as non-vegetarian dishes and other meals made of cereals.
  • They only eat yogurt and fruit mostly.
  • People break their fast after performing puja and other rituals in the evening.
  • In most houses a feast of delicious Indian delicacies like poori, choley, halwa and other exuberant sweets are prepared and enjoyed.
https://www.funfoodfrolic.com/best-indian-thali-meals-festivals/

Significance of Guru Purnima

Guru Purnima is being celebrated since ancient times as to feel grateful to have a guru, A teacher in one’s life. We celebrate this day in the remembrance of the efforts of all those who work on us to make us a better human being , to whom we can always look up to, to those who teach us not just to jump the obstacle but to face and overcome it. The significance of a Guru is more than words.

We say here in our culture that a teacher is equivalent to god and after mother and father he/she is the most important person. I feel that’s nowhere wrong. Our teachers, gurus are the people who teach us to face the real life without being biased. They lead us to great ways and we can never be thankful enough. Here’s wishing our guides, our mentors a very happy Guru Purnima.

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Festivals

आइए जानते है क्या है चातुर्मास?

रंगों और त्योहारों की भूमि भारत में त्योहारों का एक और मौसम दस्तक देने वाला है।  

जैसे-जैसे बारिश का मौसम आ रहा है, वैसे ही आ रहा है “चातुर्मास” यानि “चौमासा” जिसका अर्थ है चार बहुत ही पवित्र महीने। हमारी संस्कृति में इन चार महीनों का विशेष महत्व है।प्रत्येक व्यक्ति और धर्म अपनी संस्कृति के अनुसार धार्मिक संस्कार और अनुष्ठान करते हैं लेकिन अंत में हम सभी इन चार महीनों को एक साथ मनाते हैं।

आइए जानते हैं चातुर्मास के बारे में

  1. आषाढ़ शुक्ल एकादशी से लेकर कार्तिक शुक्ल एकादशी या आषाढ़ पूर्णिमा तक के समय को चातुर्मास कहा जाता है.
  2. यह देवशयनी एकादशी (आषाढ़ी एकादशी) से शुरू होती है और प्रबोधनी एकादशी के साथ समाप्त होती है जिसे देव उठानी एकादशी भी कहा जाता है।
  3. इस साल चातुर्मास 20 जुलाई 2021 से शुरू होकर 14 नवंबर 2021 तक खत्म होगा और यह इस बार 118 दिनों का होगा।
  4. धार्मिक मान्यताओं के अनुसार, भगवान विष्णु और अन्य देवता इन चार महीनों के लिए विश्राम की स्थिति में प्रवेश करते हैं।
  5. इन चार महीनों के लिए विवाह या गृहप्रवेश आदि मांगलिक कार्यों पर प्रतिबंध रहता है।
  6. धार्मिक अनुष्ठान और दूसरे धार्मिक संस्कार जैसे उपवास, पवित्र नदी में स्नान, तपस्या आदि किए जाते हैं।
  7. साथ ही चातुर्मास का पालन करने वाले आमतौर पर गुड़, दुग्ध उत्पाद, मसालेदार भोजन, पत्तेदार सब्जियां, पान, सुपारी और मांस का सेवन नहीं करते हैं। इन महीनों के दौरान शराब और तंबाकू का सेवन भी सख्त वर्जित है।

भोजन के संबंध में कोई सख्त नियम नहीं हैं। यह हर एक व्यक्ति पर निर्भर करता है कि वह चातुर्मास व्रत उपवास या का पालन कैसे करना चाहता है।

चातुर्मास के चार महीने 

चातुर्मास में चार पवित्र महीने होते हैं जिन्हें सावन, भाद्रपद, अश्विन और कार्तिक के नाम से जाना जाता है। आइये जानते है कुछ उनके बारे में। 

  1. चातुर्मास का पहला महीना सावन होता है। यह महीना भगवान विष्णु को समर्पित है।
  2. दूसरा मास भाद्रपद होता है। यह महीना त्योहारों से भरा होता है। इसी महीने में गणेश चतुर्थी और कृष्ण जन्माष्टमी का पर्व भी आता है।
  3. चातुर्मास का तीसरा महीना होता है अश्विन। इस महीने में नवरात्रि और दशहरा मनाया जाता है। 
  4. चातुर्मास का चौथा और अंतिम महीना कार्तिक होता है। इस महीने में दिवाली का त्योहार मनाया जाता है। इस महीने में देवउठनी एकादशी भी मनाई जाती है। इसके साथ ही शुभ कार्यों की शुरुआत हो जाती है। 

चातुर्मास 2021 में आने वाले त्यौहार –

जुलाई 2021

  • 24 जुलाई: गुरु पूर्णिमा (वेद व्यास जयंती)

अगस्त 2021

  • 08 अगस्त: हरियाली अमावस्या
  • 10 अगस्त: सिंजारा दूज
  • 11 अगस्त: हरियाली तीज
  • 13 अगस्त: नाग पंचमी
  • 22 अगस्त: रक्षाबंधन
  • 25 अगस्त: सातुड़ी तीज
  • 27 अगस्त: चंद्र छठ
  • 30 अगस्त: कृष्ण जन्माष्टमी
  • 31 अगस्त: गोगा नवमी

सितंबर 2021

  • 03 सितंबर: गोवत्स द्वादशी (बख्श बरस)
  • 09 सितंबर: हरतालिका तीज
  • 10 सितंबर: गणेश चतुर्थी
  • 11 सितंबर: ऋषि पंचमी, जैन सावंतसारी पंचमी
  • 12 सितंबर: हल छठ, बलराम जयंती
  • 16 सितंबर: तेजा दशमी
  • 17 सितंबर: डोल ग्यारस
  • 19 सितंबर: अनंत चतुर्दशी
  • 20 सितंबर: श्राद्ध आरंभ

अक्टूबर 2021

  • 06 अक्टूबर: सर्व पितृ मोक्ष अमावस्या
  • 07 अक्टूबर: शारदीय नवरात्र आरंभ
  • 13 अक्टूबर: दुर्गा अष्टमी
  • 14 अक्टूबर: महानवमी
  • 15 अक्टूबर: विजयादशमी (दशहरा)
  • 20 अक्टूबर: शरद पूर्णिमा
  • 24 अक्टूबर: कारव चतुर्थी

नवंबर 2021

  • 2 नवंबर: धनतेरस
  • 3 नवंबर: रूप चतुर्दशी
  • 4 नवंबर : दिवाली पूजन
  • 5 नवंबर: गोवर्धन पूजा, अन्नकूट महोत्सव
  • 6 नवंबर: भाई दूज
  • 10 नवंबर: सूर्य छठ (सूर्य जयंती)
  • 11 नवंबर: गोपाष्टमी
  • 15 नवंबर: देवउठनी एकादशी

हमारा देश एक बहु-सांस्कृतिक देश है। इन चार पवित्र महीनों को अलग-अलग क्षेत्रों में अलग-अलग तरीके से मनाया जाता है। चातुर्मास उत्सव, उत्सवों और खुशियों की एक नई शुरुआत है। यही प्रार्थना है की चातुर्मास का महीना हमारे जीवन में सकारात्मकता और रोशनी लेकर आए।

Categories
Festivals History and Culture

महाराणा काल में गणगौर की सवारी का दृश्य | How Gangaur was celebrated in ancient times

gangaur celebration in 18th century in udaipur

हमारे देश में त्यौहार, समय अनुसार मनाये जाते हैं। उदयपुर के लोग राजाओं-महाराजाओं के काल से ही उत्सव-जलसे बड़े धूम-धाम से मनाते आए हैं। उन्ही त्योहारों में से एक है, गणगौर। गणगौर का त्यौहार चैत्र महीने के शुक्ल पक्ष की तीज पर आता है। आज हम आपको लेकर चल रहे हैं इतिहास के पन्नो में। क्या आपने कभी सोचा है कि महाराणा काल में गणगौर जैसा त्यौहार, जो कि आज भी इतना रंगीन और खुशनुमा है, उस वक़्त कैसे मनाया जाता था? इतिहास का विस्तृत पेश करती हुई गाथा वीर विनोद से आभार सहित कुछ अंश इस जश्न के, हम आपसे प्रस्तुत कर रहे हैं।

18 शताब्दी अर्थात महाराणा सज्जन सिंह जी  के काल में गणगौर के इस त्यौहार का विस्तृत वर्णन कुछ इस प्रकार किया गया है- “नवीन वर्ष आरम्भ होते ही सभी ज्योतिष-गण उत्तम वस्त्र और आभूषणों से सुसज्जित होकर, महाराणा की सेवा में उपस्थित होते है तथा शुभकामनाओं के साथ महाराणा को नवीन पंचाग भेंट करते है। गणगौर इसके अगले दिन मनाया जाता है। गणगौर के दिन सभी स्त्रियाँ सुन्दर वस्त्र और आभूषण पहनकर बाग़-बावड़ियों में जाती है। महाराणा के आदेश पर राज्य भर में जश्न होता है। ये जश्न किसी धूम-धाम से कम नहीं होता।

दिन के ठीक तीन बजे पहला नगाड़ा बजता है, उसके बाद दूसरा और फिर तीसरे नगाड़े पर महाराणा घोड़े पर विराजमान होते हैं। एकलिंगगढ़ पर 21 तोपों की सलामी दी जाती है। बड़ी पोल से त्रिपोलिया घाट तक दोनों तरफ़ लकड़ी के बड़े खूंटे लगा दिए जाते है और उन पर रस्सियाँ बाँध दी जाती है। इन खूटों के आसपास पुलिस के जवान पहरा देते हैं। इन पर बाँधी गयी रस्सी के भीतर राजकीय अधिकारियों के अलावा अन्य व्यक्ति नहीं आ सकता है। जब महाराणा की सवारी महल से रवाना होती है तब सवारी के बाद सबसे आगे मेवाड़ के राजकीय निशान से चिन्हित हाथी चलते हैं, उनके पीछे के हाथियों पर सरदार, पासवान और अन्य अधिकारी होते है।

सवारी में जंगी घुड़सवारों के साथ साथ अँग्रेज़ अफ़सर भी शरीक होते है। विदेशी बाजा बजता हुआ निकलता है और उसके पीछे निकलते है सोने चाँदी के हौदे जो ख़ास हाथी पर कसे हुए होते है। इसके साथ ही राज्य के बड़े-बड़े प्रतिष्ठित लोग, उमराव, सरदार और चारण घोड़ों पर आते है। इस कारवाँ के पीछे जरी व सोने-चाँदी से सुसज्जित घोड़े रहते है।”

महाराणा की सवारी का दृश्य कुछ इस प्रकार होता है


“मधुर, सुरीला बाजा बजता रहता है, उसके पीछे महाराणा अच्छी पोशाक, ‘अमर शाही’, ‘आरसी शाही’ और ‘स्वरूप शाही’ पगड़ियों में से एक किस्म की पगड़ी, जामा और नाना प्रकार के हीरे मोतियों के आभूषणों को धारण किये और कमर बंध व ढाल लगाए हुए घोड़े पर विद्यमान रहते है।

महाराणा के पीछे दूसरे सरदार, जागीरदार, पासवान व जंगी सैनिक रहते है और सबसे पीछे हाथी चलते है। सवारी के दोनों तरफ छड़ीदारो की बुलंद आवाज़ और आगे वीरता के दोहो का गायन करने वाले ढोलियो की आवाजें सवारी के आनंद को दोगुना कर देती है। इसी ठाठ बाट के साथ महाराणा धीरे-धीरे त्रिपोलिया घाट पर पहुंचते हैं और वह घोड़े से उतर कर नाव पर सवार होते हैं। इनमें से एक नाव के ऊँचे गोखड़े पर लगभग दो फुट ऊंचा सिंहासन रहता है, उस पर चार खम्बों वाली लकड़ी की एक छतरी होती है। सिंहासन और छतरी ज़र्दोजी और ज़री से सुशोभित होती है।  सिंहासन के चारो तरफ, नीचे के तख्तो पर शानदार पोशाकों व गहनों से सज्जित सरदार, चारण व पासवान अपने दर्जे के मुताबिक बैठते है और कितने ही अन्य लोग आसपास खड़े रहते है। महाराणा के पद के नीचे के सभ्यगण उसी के समीप जुड़ी हुई नाव में सवार होते है। नाव की सवारी धीरे-धीरे दक्षिण की तरफ बढ़ती है और बड़ी पाल तक जाने के बाद फिर लौट कर त्रिपोलिया घाट पर आती है। दक्षिण के तरफ बढ़ते हुए आतिशबाज़ी चलाने का हुक्म दिया जाता है, तालाब के किनारों तथा कश्तियो पर से तरह-तरह की रंग-बिरंगी आतिशबाज़िया होती है। ये सब देखने में बहुत आनंद आता है।

इस अवसर पर बहुत से लोग सवारी को देखने दूर-दूर से आते है, क्योंकि उदयपुर के गणगौर के जलसे की दूसरे  राजपुतानों में बड़ी तारीफ़ होती है। तालाब के किनारे देखने वाले लोगो की बड़ी भीड़ रहती है, इतनी की भीतर घुसना भी बहुत कठिन हो जाता है। इसके बाद महल से गणगौर माता की सवारी निकलती है, जिस के साथ नाना प्रकार की सुन्दर पोशाकों और सोने-चाँदी के गहनों से सुसज्जित दासियो के झुंड साथ चलते है। एक स्त्री के सिर पर लगभग 3 फुट ऊंची, सोने चाँदी के गहनों से शोभायमान, लकड़ी की बनी हुई गणगौर माता की मूर्ति रखी होती है। सवारी के आगे और पीछे, सवारी के लाज़मी हाथी घोड़ों पर पंडित व ज्योतिष लोग विद्यमान रहते हैं।

त्रिपोलिया घाट पर सवारी के पहुंचते ही महाराणा अपने सिंहासन से खड़े होकर गणगौर माता को प्रणाम करते है, फिर गणगौर माता को फर्श युक्त वेदिका पर रखकर, पंडित व ज्योतिषी लोग पूजन करके महाराणा साहिब को पुनः देते है। इसके बाद दासियाँ गणगौर माता के दोनों तरफ बराबर खड़े हो कर, प्रणाम के तौर पर झुकती हुई, “लहुरे” (एक तरह का गाना) गाती है। यह जलसा देखने लायक होता है। यहाँ राज्य में लकड़ी की बनी गणगौर की बड़ी मूर्ति के अलावा मिट्टी की बनी हुई गणगौर और दूसरे भगवानों की छोटी मूर्तियां भी देखी जा सकती है। बाकी शहर में दूसरे भगवान और गणगौर की मूर्तियां साथ ही निकाली जाती है।

राजपूताना की कुल रियासतों में इस त्यौहार को एक बड़े उत्सव के तौर पर मनाया जाता है। इस देश में ऐसी कहावत है कि दशहरा राजपूतों के लिए और गणगौर स्त्रियों के लिए बड़ा त्यौहार है। यहाँ महादेव को ईसर (ईश्वर) और पार्वती को गणगौर कहते हैं। फिर गणगौर माता को जिस तरह जुलुस के साथ लाते हैं, उसी तरह फिर से महल में पहुंचाया जाता है। इसके बाद उसी फर्श पर दसियों द्वारा घूमर नृत्य और गाना-बजाना होता है। स्थानीय निवासी लोग भी नावों में सवार होकर इस जलसे को देखने के लिए आते हैं। आखिर में महाराणा रूप घाट पर नाव से उतर कर तामजान में सवार हो महल में पधार जाते है जहां कीमती गलीचे- मखमल का फर्श, ज़रदोज़ी के शामियाने व सोने चाँदी से बने हुए सिंहासन व कुर्सियां इनका इंतजार कर रही होती है और इस तरह यह जलसा पूरे 4 या उससे भी ज़्यादा दिन के लिए इसी तरह चलता रहता है”

उपरोक्त दृश्य की परिकल्पना मात्र ही आनंदमय लगती है। उस ज़माने की बात ही कुछ और थी। उम्मीद है आपको ये सब पढ़कर अच्छा लगा होगा। हम आगे भी कुछ ऐसे त्योहारों के बारे में आपको बताएँगे। कैसी लगी आपको हमारी ये पेशकश, हमें कमेंट्स में लिखकर ज़रूर बताएं। तब तक के लिए खम्मा घणी।

Categories
Festivals

Do you know why we celebrate Sheetala Saptami?

Sheetala Saptami, which falls on Krishna Paksha Saptami of the Chaitra month in the Hindu Calendar, is a Hindu festival that occurs seven days after Holi. A festival celebrated in northern India celebrates Goddess Shakti’s feminine power and incarnation, Goddess Sheetala. Different cultures celebrate either Sheetala Saptami (regionally called Sheetala Satam) or Sheetala Ashtami (also known as Basoda in some regions and cultures), which falls either seven days after Holi (Saptami) or eight days after Holi (Ashtami). While different cultures celebrate it differently, Udaipur majorly celebrates Sheetla Saptami. Some of us might not be aware of the history or significance behind celebrating Sheetala Saptami. Are you also wondering about the reason behind eating cold food on this day? Let’s find out why we celebrate Sheetala Saptami!

Significance and History behind Sheetala Saptami

According to mythology, Maa Sheetala is an embodiment of Goddess Parvati, who manifested herself during the Gods’ sacramental fire ritual (Havan). The Goddess is said to have four hands, one of which holds a dustpan and the other a broom, dawning neem leaves and a water pitcher. Her vehicle is a donkey. Although the first two reflect cleanliness, the pitcher emphasizes water quality for life on Earth, and neem is associated with medicinal properties. During the Havan, a demon known as Jwarasura (literal meaning: Fever-demon) arose from the earth after a bead of Lord Shiva’s sweat dropped to the ground. Jwarasura is regarded as the fever-deity, who transmitted diseases around the world and did damage to mankind. Later on, Goddess Sheetala came to the rescue to cure the illness.

Sheetala Saptami puja is done to ask the Goddess to shield our families and us from heat-related illnesses. It is generally accepted that Goddess Sheetala helps in the prevention of diseases such as chickenpox, smallpox, measles, and other infectious diseases. This is also the reason why on this day, devotees refrain from cooking or consuming hot foods and instead consume foods that have been prepared a day before. The prayer or “pooja”, as we call it, is completed by doing aarti of the goddess.

How is Sheetala Saptami Celebrated in Udaipur?

Maa Sheetla is discussed in detail in Skanda Purana as a goddess who has the powers to overcome infectious diseases. The festival is rather an important one in Udaipur, and people celebrate the same with utmost devotion. Food items such as Oliya, Aaloo ki Sabzi, Panchkuta (ker sangari), puri, bhindi, amchur, etc., are made a day before the festival. 

There is a Sheetala Mata Temple outside City Palace’s gate near Samor Bag in Udaipur, where most of the people go to worship the goddess on this day. The devotees get up early on Sheetala Saptami, usually before sunrise, worship the goddess, offer bhog and then eat the special dish of the day, Oliya, which is a traditional rice pudding made of curd, sugar and rice.

Throughout the day, the devotees avoid any freshly cooked food or hot/warm food items and do not light up stoves in the kitchen for the day.

As we know it, most of the festivals in India are associated with some myths and superstitions. Sheetala Saptami is also attached to certain myths when it comes to not following the tradition of eating cold food. People say that by defying the tradition or not following the festival’s story, one may suffer from diseases such as chickenpox, smallpox, measles, or other skin diseases.

Since Sheetala Saptami comes during the onset of summers, and in many ways, marks the start of summer season/transition from spring to summer when a country like India experiences high heat, foods condensed with heat and spices just aggravate the body’s condition and make digestion more difficult. Sheetal means cool or cold in Hindi, implying that our physical and mental condition should be peaceful this season. As a consequence, people agree that basic food can be consumed for at least one day.

Sheetala Saptami’s importance is still high today, as people have found that the belief is also scientifically right. The doctors have also quoted that this festival is good for your whole body since the fruit dishes and cold sweets are full of nutrients that increase your immunity.

Presenting her views on Sheetala Saptami being healthy for mind, body, and soul, expert dietician Shalini Mathur says, “Adding coconut, curd and dry fruits shakes fruit chat into the Stale food prasad makes it nutritious, healthy and also improves your digestion.”

 

The heritage and culture seem nostalgic and interesting, right? Read about more festivals, and occasions celebrated in Udaipur

UdaipurBlog wishes you a very happy Sheetala Saptami!

Categories
Events Festivals

Rajasthan Diwas 2021 – Rajasthan’s Foundation Day

“Rang Rangeelo Ras Bharyo MHARO PYARO RAJASTHAN”

The land of Rajasthan has always been in the limelight since ancient times because of its grandeur and great warriors. Rajasthan is the biggest state in India in terms of area and is blessed with truly vivacious cultures, tradition, heritage, and a grand lineage. The state celebrates its 71st Foundation Day on 30th March 2021. A number of events take place to celebrate the auspicious day, and Rajasthanis take active participation in the Foundation Day’s celebration. Various programs are being organised at the Janpath in Jaipur to reminisce the rich heritage of Rajasthan. However, due to the COVID-19 precautions and guidelines, the celebration has been kept low this year. Nevertheless, we will still rejoice this day in our hearts and wish you a very happy Rajasthan Diwas!

The Chief Minister of Rajasthan, Mr Ashok Gehlot, tweeted this morning to wish the people of Rajasthan a very happy Rajasthan Diwas. His tweet included quite a charming message about the princely state where he described Rajasthan as a “Land of Warriors and Adventurers.”

Why do we celebrate Rajasthan Diwas?

The princely states of Jaipur, Jodhpur, Bikaner, and Jaisalmer were combined to form the “Greater Rajasthan Union” on 30th March 1949. This day is considered the establishment day of Rajasthan, where people could bask in all its historic glory. Rajasthan was divided into over 22 native princely states, soon after India was liberated from British Rule. Only one of the princely states that is Ajmer Marwada, was ruled by the Britishers, and the other 21 states came under the native kings, who proclaimed to call their alliance after independence. As a result, many small provinces were merged as one and thus became the largest state of Rajasthan. Therefore, to commemorate and celebrate the alliance of princely states and provinces, we celebrate Rajasthan Diwas 30th March every year. The states were a mix of two major regions of Rajasthan, i.e., Mewar and Marwar. Know the difference between Mewar and Marwar here!

Rajasthan Diwas 2021 Exhibition organized in Suchana Kendra Auditorium, Udaipur

On the occasion of Rajasthan Diwas 2021, an exhibition based on the art, culture and geographical beauty of Rajasthan was organized in the Suchana Kendra Auditorium under the aegis of the District Administration, Tourism and Public Relations Department on Tuesday. District Collector Chetan Deora inaugurated this ‘Bahurangi (Multi-coloured) Rajasthan’ exhibition in the Suchana Kendra Auditorium.

The district collector was overwhelmed by the unique confluence of natural beauty with art, culture, and the glorious history of the Mewar region. The Collector bowed down the portrait of Maharana Pratap displayed during the exhibition and freely appreciated the portrait based on the architecture of the famous tourist destination, Jagdish Temple in Udaipur. During the Rajasthan Diwas Exhibition, several officials of the district administration, including social worker Pankaj Sharma, MLA Phool Singh Meena, visited the exhibition and appreciated the art and artefacts displayed there. This multi-coloured exhibition depicts the crafts, architecture, art culture and scenic diversity of Rajasthan through more than 200 colourful shadow paintings.

Exhibition for Rajasthan Diwas in Suchana Kendra Auditorium, Udaipur

Exhibition for Rajasthan Diwas in Suchana Kendra Auditorium, Udaipur

Exhibition for Rajasthan Diwas in Suchana Kendra Auditorium, Udaipur

Exhibition for Rajasthan Diwas in Suchana Kendra Auditorium, Udaipur

Rang Rangeelo Rajasthan – Cultural Event

The colourful culture and tradition of our state were concluded by the folk dances showcasing Rang Rangeelo Rajasthan. Udaipurites witness an evening full of cultural performances was conducted on the auspicious event of Rajasthan Diwas 2021. As part of Rajasthan Foundation Day celebrations, a cultural evening was organized at the Lok Kala Mandal folk theatre on Tuesday evening under the aegis of the Tourism Department and District Administration and Folk Arts Board. On this occasion, Nodal Officer and Deputy Director of Tourism, Ms Shikha Saxena, welcomed the artists and congratulated everyone on Rajasthan Day. In the program, colourful cultural folk dances and folk songs were presented by the artists of the Board of Indian Art and Western Cultural Centre. During the program, the beautiful performances of Kesariya Balam Padaro Mahare Desh, Ghoomar, Terhatal, Bhavai, Chari etc., shed some light on the rich heritage and tradition of Rajasthan. On this occasion, Dr Laik Hussain, Director of Lok Kala Mandal and officers and representatives of other departments were present.

Rajasthan Diwas 2021

Rajasthan Diwas 2021

It is an honour remembering and commemorating the rich culture and colourful beauty of Rajasthan on this auspicious day! Let’s reminisce our warriors and grandeur of Rajasthan by celebrating the 71st Foundation Day together! Happy Rajasthan Diwas to everyone.

Categories
Festivals People

Are you Celebrating Holi Amidst COVID-19?

The country is witnessing a constant uptick concerning the deadly COVID-19 cases. By keeping the current scenario in mind, the government has imposed strict guidelines and regulations to do damage control. But the question is – Will the people of Udaipur and beyond follow these set guidelines issued by the government or will they just put a lid on it and carry on with their celebrations as usual?

UdaipurBlog team took things into their own hands and asked some people about the gravity of the current situation and will they be celebrating Holi this year or not. We also asked them about the concept of the Holi Festival and why do we celebrate it. Some were clueless, and some had a sliver of information about the same. Our team got some funny answers as well!

Check out the video to know what answers we got on our little escapade!

In frame: Aatmagya Upadhyay

Behind the camera: Prakhar Chouhan and Shashwat Kaushik

Why is Holi Celebrated?

Although Holi is celebrated on a particular day, i.e., 29th March, it is rather a week-long affair for people who are most enthusiastic about the festival. Holi marks the advent of the spring season in our country, but do we know the true story behind celebrating it? Well, the concept behind celebrating Holika Dahan as well as Holi dates back to the mythological story when king Hiranyakashayp ordered his son Prahlad to be burnt since he was a devotee of Lord Vishnu. Hiranyakashyap’s sister Holika complied to escort Prahlad in the fire, considering that she had the blessing of being immune from fire. She wanted to ensure Prahlad’s demise.  Holika sat on the conflagration with Prahlad. Turns out that Holika was burnt alive while Prahlad was saved by God. Also, the story of Lord Krishna and Radha is related to the festival. We celebrate the intimate connection with the divine deities and their love plays when they used to go to each other’s villages and play with colours.

However, when Team UdaipurBlog had a chance to ask people about the same, they were quite clueless, while a few knew the gist of Holika and Prahlad’s story.

Will You Celebrate Holi this Year?

Well, when our team moved ahead with all the question business, they asked people if they would celebrate Holi this year, considering the fear of COVID-19 lurking around us. We got a bunch of “Ayes” & Noes.” The “Ayes” were fairly confident about the lesser extent of Coronavirus in our country and that the disease could do them no harm! Goodness Gracious!

The government had advised people about keeping the Holi Celebrations low this year since it is the right thing to do, knowing the damage our recklessness can cause in the near future and to other people. It is highly advisable to stay at home and celebrate with your family and close friends rather than going over the top with the Holi Celebrations. Wear a mask and ensure social distancing at any cost.

Guidelines and Protocols Imposed by the Rajasthan Government

Seeing the spike in cases, the Rajasthan government has issued certain guidelines to control the further spread of Coronavirus amidst the Holi Festival.

On March 26, the Home Department of the Rajasthan government partially revised the previous order banning public events and issued a new order, according to which it will now be allowed to hold events at public places on March 28 and 29 from 4 to 10 pm, in which a maximum of 50 people will be able to participate.

What precautions should we take while celebrating Holi?

  • Caution should be your first priority, even if the government has given the nod to any public celebrations in the city.
  • Keeping social distancing, sanitisers, and masks is a must!
  • People above the age of 45 or 50 years are advised to avoid taking parts in crowded events and celebrations (if any).
  • Those who are allergic to colours, cold water, or any substances shall remain at home or maintain their distance.

 

Wishing everyone a very Happy, Colourful and Safe Holi. Enjoy a lot but remember to maintain social distancing and adhere to the COVID-19 guidelines!

Happy Holi Udaipur! Stay Safe!