Mount Abu, popularly known as the summer capital of Rajasthan is a hill station in the Aravalli ranges of the Sirohi district located in western Rajasthan. Blessed with steep rocks, picturesque backdrop, pleasant lakes, pleasant flora and fauna and favorable climate, Mount Abu is a paradise for visitors. The popular hill station attracts millions of tourists throughout the year. Although monsoon and winters are the best time to visit Mount Abu the ambiguous road to Mount Abu catches the eyes every single time when a visit is made.
One can visit mount Abu in summers too especially to witness the Summer festival organized by Rajasthan government, held every year in April month during the occasion of Buddha Poornima. The summer festival is basically celebrated to honor the local people, their rich hospitality, colorful life and their sweet gesture towards all the visitors.
source: Noble house tours
The three-day occasion commences with ballad singing which begins from RTDC Hotel Shikhar and gathers a the exotic Nakki Lake. The audience witnesses the Rajasthani and Gujarati folk dances and music.
Day two and three includes various competition like horse racing, tug of war, CRPF band show, skate race, Panihari Matka Race, Ghoomar and various other fun activities. The most exciting boat race also takes place in the exotic Nakki Jheel which always leads to a nail-biting finish.
Shaam-e-Kawaali
Evening activity includes a Shaam-E-Qawwali musical performance that is enjoyed by the tourists. Festival is closed by a series of dazzling fire workers in the sky that looks stunning.
Other major attractions of Mount Abu:
1. Dilwara temple-
Dilwara temple in Mount Abu
Famous for: Architecture, history, and pilgrimage
Visiting hours: 10 am to 5 pm.
2.Guru Shikhar-
source: Traveltriangle.com
Famous for: photography, trekking, viewpoint.
Visiting hours: 8 am to 6:30 pm.
3. Nakki Lake-
Nakki Jheel Udaipur
Famous for: boat riding, Zorbing, and photography.
Visiting hours: 9:30 am to 6 pm.
4. Sunset point-
Sunset point in Mount Abu
Famous for: Viewpoint, photography.
Visiting hours: Sunrise to Sunset.
5. Wildlife Sanctuary-
Wildlife sanctuary in Mount Abu
Famous for: Jeep Safari and Birdwatching.
Tickets: 300 INR for Jeep Safari (per person).
Visiting hours: 9 am to 5:30 pm.
Mount Abu is a small yet beautiful hill station and the summer festival is a must visit for everyone. It is a perfect getaway destination for every Udaipurite. So, what are you waiting for? Let the planning begin.
Have you witnessed the summer festival in Mount Abu yet? Tell us about your experience in the comment section below? We would love to hear from you.
Gangaur festival ended yesterday on March 22, 2018, after a three-day grand celebration. Let us tell you how the royals celebrated this grand fiesta of the bygone era.
Celebrated in the honor of Gouri, the Gangaur festival of Mewar is famous not only in India but also in foreign countries. It was a queer combination of royal splendor, cultural display, and religious fervor.
The procession of Gangaur was regulated by the sound of the Nakkaras. The first sound indicated that it was time to reach the right place. While the second sound meant that the procession had been set in order. When the Maharana sat on the elephant or the horse, there was the third sound. At that time 21 cannons were fired.
Right at the front was Nishan Ka Hathi, on which sat a young person holding the Rajya Ka Nishan that was a small flag made of Jari with white sun and moon embroidered on it. With him sat a wrestler carrying golden Guraj. On the other elephants sat Sardar Peshwan and Majeenda in the Handa. Then followed a band, clad in colorful dresses and directed by the Band Master.
Riding an elephant or a horse, the Maharana used to be the biggest attraction and the public wanted to watch him from close quarters. The Maharana had Jama and Dodi, Pagdi on his head, jewel-studded ornaments, Tilak on the forehead, pearls, Akshat, Kamar Bandh, Dhal, Talwar, and velvet Mojdis. There used to be Lawajma of Chanwar, Chatra etc. Other Sardars, Jagirdars, and Peshawars followed him. Then came Sardari Sawar, horse-riders etc. The loud voice of Chhadidars and the recitations of couplets of Veer Ras by Charans and Dholis reverberated in the air. Right at the end came Nagare Ka Hathi with Nagaras on both the sides that were sounded by the Nagarchis at whose back sat the Shahnai players.
Poles used to be put up from Badi Pol to Gangaur Ghat to mark the route of the procession. There were guards on both the sides. The public watched the procession from windows and roofs. Bhistis used to sprinkle water on ‘Kucchi’ roads. The mixing of the smell of the sand, the sound of the musical instruments and the noise of the crowd created a refreshing atmosphere that became memorable. Thus, concluded the first phase of the Gangaur procession.
Two huge boats were made for this festival. They were then joined. On one of them was a high ‘Sinhasan’ on which sat the Maharana. On it was put up an artistic ‘Chhatri’ with four pillars. The ‘Chhatri’ and ‘Sinhasan’ were decorated with bright and beautiful clothes.
The second boat without any ‘Chhatri’ had the seventeenth Umrao Pradhan. In the two boats, there was space for 125 persons. The boat ride was for three days and every day the color of the dresses and Pagadis changed. The procession in boats would go to Badi Pol and returned from there.
Meanwhile, the procession of Gangaur reached Gangaur Ghat. It was a procession of ladies in which a lady would carry Gangaur on her head. Other women used to sing and accompany her. The Maharana and others used to stand up and honor the Gangaur. After the systematic ‘Puja’ of Gangaur, the flowers etc. offered to her were given to the Maharana. There would be singing and dancing and the Gangaur returned to the palace. Getting down at Roop Ghat near the palace, the Maharana would return to the palace. The three-day festival is famous in Udaipur. A mini form of this festival was also celebrated in Thikanas of Mewar.
Over the years, there have been big changes in the way this festival is celebrated in Udaipur. Tourist Deptt. now celebrates it for three days and that has, in turn, promoted tourism.
Gangaur is one of the Mewar’s eagerly awaited festivals. Women worship Gangaur with deep devotion for the long life of their husband while young girls do so to get a spouse of their liking.
Source: Patrika
According to Dr. Mahendra Bhanawat, an authority on folk culture, there have been several cases of abduction (Kidnapping) of Gangaur. He has heard about quite a few incidents in which to show their valor and to run down others, kings have abducted Gangaur. There are many songs that relate such incidents. No wonder the rulers kept their Gangaurs surrounded by guards.
The beautiful wife of Isar Singh
Beginning with Udaipur, Dr. Bhanawat says that once Viramdas who was related to a royal family had a beautiful daughter who was engaged to Isarsingh of Bundi. Several young men began to envy Isarsingh and wanted to take away his wife. When Isarsingh came to know about it, he rushed to Udaipur and carried away his wife on horseback. On his way back, he found that river Chambal was fully flooded. Without any consideration, he jumped into the river. No wonder, the couple was washed away.
‘Bringing the Gangaur of Jawad’
Dr. Bhanawat relates another incident that he says he heard from Rani Laxmikumar Chundawat of Devgarh. Near Devgarh is a village named Barjal that had a big population of Rawats. Once the wife of Jala Rawat’s brother taunted him saying as if he could bring the Gangaur of Jawad. Jawad was a big jagridari and its Gangaur was very famous. Jala was deeply hurt. He went to Jawad and when the Gangaur was taken out in a procession, he rushed, took away the Gangaur and returned home with it. He was praised highly by the people in the village. ‘Bringing the Gangaur of Jawad’ became a phrase. Later on, this Gangaur was given to Devgarh Thikana by the Rawats.
The capturing of the Gangaur of Kota
Dr. Bhanawat has yet another story about Gangaur. Once someone praised the Gangaur of Kota before Maharana Swarup Singh. He challenged everybody to bring it to Udaipur. Kunwar Lalsingh of Gogunda accepted the challenge and went away to Kota. When the festival of Gangaur was being celebrated Lalsingh sent a message to the Durbar that from a distance had come to a horse rider who was expert at making a Gangaur on a horse dance. The Durbar was amazed and called Lalsingh. Lalsingh entered the place, lifted the Gangaur, put it on the horse and began to move the horse slowly. Then he gradually increased the speed and suddenly made the horse gallop away. The shocked Durbar asked his horse riders to chase Lalsingh but to no one availed. Lalsingh returned home and presented the Gangaur to the Maharana. The Maharana was all praise for Lalsingh and asked him to keep the Gangaur with him. This very Gangaur is a big attraction during the Gangaur Mela at Gogunda and is taken out in a procession. This Mela takes place at night. Thousands of tribal folks from neighboring villages add to the attraction of this fair with dancing and singing. Dr. Bhanawat adds that he learned about this incident from Purohit Bherunlal of Gogunda when he met him in 1975.
The Broken Gangaur
According to Dr. Bhanawat Rao Manohar Singh of Bedla Thikana has a Gangaur that has only its trunk. Rao Saheb does not remember from where it was brought. But he had heard from his forefathers that its limbs were broken in a fight and only its trunk was brought on the tip of the lance. This 300-400-year-old Gangaur is still worshipped reverently. It is extremely beautiful and is dressed in expensive clothes in such a way that its disability is not revealed.
Gangaur of Bikaner state
Dr. Bhanawat says that as ordered by Maharawal of Jaisalmer, Bhati Mehajal and his group took away by force the Gangaur of Bikaner state. Then Lakhan Singh son of Bitwar Khangir Singh attacked the Bhatis and killed Mehajal. Pleased by this act, Maharaja Karansigh of Bikaner gave Loha village of Ratangarh tehsil of Churu district to Lakhan Singh. The latter is still remembered for his valor.
Gangaur of Merta City where the Gangaur is guarded with Guns
Saubhagya Singh Shekhawat an eminent scholar of Dingal literature wrote in a letter to Dr. Bhanwat that once Ramsignh Khangarot of Singhpri near Jubner took away the Gangaur of Merta City. He was the Faujdar of Sikar Thikana. Villagers of the area are still so frightened of him that they guard their Gangaur with guns, bows, arrows and ‘lathis’.
The origin of the song ‘Aage Aage Gindoli, Pachhe Jagmal Kanwar’
Rani Laxmikumari Chundawat related one more incident to Dr. Bhanawat. Once Hathikhan, Subedar of Patan forcibly carried 140 girls when they were celebrating Teej and presented them to the Badshah of Ahmedabad. Jagmal was not in the village at that time. He was furious when he returned and learned about the incident. He vowed not to shave, wear clean clothes or put on Pagdi till he took revenge. On the occasion of Gangaur when Gindoli the daughter of Badshah Mehmood Baig came out to see the procession, the Pradhan of Jagmal, Bhopji Hool reached there with his group and captured her. When, after the immersion of Gangaur, the procession, the Pradhan of Jagmal was returning Bhopji reached there with Gindoli. Jagmal was extremely happy. He kept Gindoli in the front of the procession and himself at the back. This is the origin of the song ‘Aage Aage Gindoli, Pachhe Jagmal Kanwar’ that still reminds people of the incident.
To create awareness about Indian classical music and dance among people, especially the youth, and to acquaint them with the big contribution of the great Maharana Kumbha to this art, Maharana Kumbha Sangeet Parishad Udaipur, named after the great Rajputana ruler, organizes an eagerly awaited three-day music fiesta every year.
Source: UdaipurTimes Last years sangeet samaroh’s pictures
Schedule of the Music Fest
Music and dance lovers of not only Lake City but also of places near and far are going to enjoy the presentation by noted artists on 16th and 17th March at Sukhadia Rang Manch, Town Hall and on 18th March at Muktakshi Rang Manch of Shilpgram. The program would open with a bang on the first day with flute recital by the reputed Pandit Parasnath of Mumbai.
This is to be followed by classical singing by well-known Raghunandan Panshikar. The on March 17th is to have classical music by the famous Sonia Roy of Kolkata.
The second artist on the second day would be the famous sitar player of Kolkata, Pandit Purbayan Chatterjee.
The final day me on 18th March at Shilpgram would have the performance of the famous artist of Mumbai, Pandit Anuradha Das and country’s first novel women classical music band.
This is to be followed by a special form of Kolkata dance by the well-known artist Richa Jain and party including the accompanist, the would have 40-50 artists this year. It will be for the first time that a band would be performed in this Sangeet Samaroh. According to Vice- President of the Parishad, Dr. Prem Bhandari, a noted ‘ghazal’ singer and former HOD, Music, MLSU, Udaipur his team spends 2-3 months to select the artists every year as it listens to a number of CDs. The three forms viz, music dance and instruments. Both the well-known and upcoming artists are given a chance to perform.
A special feature of this national level event that is famous all over the world is that it is being organized for the last 5.6 years without a single break in spite of difficult situations of various kinds.The idea of setting up an organization in the name of Maharan Khumbha a rare among the rarest kings of Mewar who a great ruler and warrior was not only but also a great musician himself, came up in 1962. Maharana Kumbha wrote Sangeetraj an authentic and original treatise consisting of 16,000 Sanskrit ‘Sholks’ dealing with all the three ‘Vidhas’ of Indian classical music. This earned him the title of ‘Vogeykar’ that means one who writes poems and composes music. This great work lay dormant for over 500 years before it was discovered due to light by the research done on it by Premlata Sharma, a disciple of Thakur.
The motivation came from Pandit Omkarnath Thakur, a legend in the world of music.
The first Sangeet Sammelan was inaugurated with a recital by this great maestro. The importance of the Sammelan can be ganged from the galaxy of artists who have performed in it. Even now artists consider it as an honor to get an opportunity to perform here and pay their homage to Maharana Kumbha.
The huge number of artists who performed in the event during its history of over (1962,1963) Pandit Ramnaryan (1962). Pt. Ravi Shankar (1977), Ut. Ali Akbar Khan (1975), Shri Purushottam Das (1962), Pt. Kumar Gandhar (1968,1979), Ut. Abdul Halim Zafar Khan (1969,1976), Pt. Shiv Kumar Sharma (1984), Ut. Allah Rakha (1977), Pt. Chatulal (1962), Pt. Shamta Prasad (1970, 1979), Pt. Kishan Maharaj (1965), Pandit Jasra (1967,1981,1986,2002), Pt. Hariprasad Chaurasia (1983), Ut. Zakir Hussain (1983), Ut. Shahid Parvez (1979,2008), Pt. Birju Maharaj (2009), Smt Parween Sultana (1978,2009), Dr. Sonal Mansingh (1980), Pt. Rajan Sajan Misra (1993,2003), Ut. Rashid Majumdar (2004), Pt. Visva Mohan Bhatt (1983,1998,2003) to name a few.
Another unique feature of the Sangeet Sammelan is that the entry to it is free of charge.
It has been possible due to the support of agencies such as Art and Culture Ministry Govt. of India, Govt. of Rajasthan, Vedanta Hindustan Zinc Ltd., State Bank of India, Rajasthan State Mines and Minerals Corporation, Singhal Foundation Western Zone Culture Centre, Udaipur. The members of the Parishad also try their best to minimize the expenses. This year S.S College of Engineering is providing free bus services to and from Shilpgram. To create interest in classical music among students, some schools and colleges are sending their students to attend this event.
According to Dr. Yashwant Kothari, Hon. Secretary of the Sangeet Parishad, every year two awards are given to two artists who perform in the Samarohviz Murli Narain Mathur Award and Yashwant Kothari Kumbha Samman the latter was started last year. Well-known classical music singer Pandit Raghunandan Panshikar is to receive M.N Mathur Award while Yashwant Kothari Samman goes to famous ‘tabla’ player Pandit Anuradha Pal this year. The latter one was won by Pandit Vishwamohan Bhatt last year.
To create interest in classical music among people, especially the youth, a new feature has been introduced this year. Those who attend the Sangeet Samaroh on all the three days are to get lucrative gifts.
A gala event, this Samahroh has become highly enjoyable not only for music lovers of Lake City but also outsiders who prefer to tour the city on this occasion. It also draws a large number of foreign tourists. According to Dr. Yashwant Kothari, a big lover of classical music Kalyan Banerjee President, Rotary International is coming all the way from Mumbai to attend the Samahroh.
The Parishad is actively engaged in the promotion of classical music. Last year it organized a Dhrupad, Samaroh that is a pure classical form of Indian music in collaboration with Akashwani. The held in the memory of the two maestros Ustad Zia Moinuddin Dagar and Ustad Zia Farirrudun Dagar was telecast on Doordarshan Channels. Both the Dagars were born and brought up in Udaipur and had the patronage of Mewar Rajgharana.
Dagar Gharana is known all over the world. The Parishad has a building with an auditorium and a small library of rare books. For the encouragement of young artists of the town and other places concerts, seminars etc. are organized every month. The daily evening classes are attended by a large number of music students.
Located at a distance of about 65 km from Udaipur and surrounded by river Koyal on three sides is the small town of Rishabhdeo on way to Ahmedabad.The main idol in the ancient temple is that of Lord Rishabhdeo. On the occasion of the birthday of the Lord on Chaitya Krishna Asthami is held a huge fair that attracts lacs of devotees from not only places such as Bagidora, Pratapgarh, and Dhariawad but also other states like Gujarat and Madhya Pradesh.
Source: travel.vibrant
Kesariyaji is another name of this ancient temple.Devotees offer ‘kesar’ as it is felt that saffron is extremely pure, good for health and has a sweet fragrance. It also makes the stone of the idol stronger. It not only saves the atmosphere from pollution but creates a feeling of elation among worshippers. It is believed that Gods shower ‘kesar’ here every day. The main idol of Rishabhdeo has a carving of a bunch of hair (‘kes’ or ‘kesh’) from which the temple gets its name. Its another name is Kalaji temple as the idol is made of black stone. Dhulev is its yet another name. Maybe it is because it is believed that a villager name Dhoolia had seen the idol of the Lord at the spot in a dream.
According to historians, the idol was brought from the ancient capital of Vagad Pradesh Vatpadrak, Baroda town that is now in Dungarpur district. It was once a big center of Jainism. According to another version it was shifted from Jawas or Khunadari village that used to be a state of Mewar for reasons of safety. The temple is believed to have been built in the second century with unbaked earthen bricks and was built again with ‘pareva’ stone in the eighth century.
Source: News Detail
The temple is a living example of communal harmony and is considered to be a highly sacred place by different communities such as Digambar and Shwetambar Jain Sects, Shaivas, Vaishnavas, Bhils, and others. It is a big place of pilgrimage for Hindus as they consider the deity to be one of the nine incarnations of Lord Vishnu. As also for Jains who consider it to be of the first of their twenty-four Tirthankars. The Bhils also have a great reverence for Kesariyaji.
The attractive 3.5 feet high idol of Lord Rishabdeo in black stone is placed on a 1.5 feet high seat in the inner part of the temple.There are nine small Jin idols which are the forms of Navagraha and also a depiction of sixteen dreams. On the sides and upper part of the idol is the attractive throne with the idols of the 13 Tirthankars that are made of metal. Except for the throne, the inner temple and its door are coated with silver.
Source: Wikimedia
After entering through the first door of the Nakkarkhana one comes to a ‘chowk’ and has the darshan of Padmawati in the south and of Chakreshwari Devi in the north. To reach the main temple one has to climb up ten stairs. Another three steps take one to Nau Chowki Mandap that gets its name as it rests on nine pillars. On entering the third gate, comes Rang Mandap and connected to it is Garbhaagrah. The domes over artistic Shikhars, Rangmandap and Nau Chowk are very attractive. The divine, singing and dancing forms, ‘apsaras’ and other figures carved on the outer walls are really exquisite.
On the other side of the ‘parikrama’ of the temple, there are Hindu temples of Charbhujaji and Eklingji. The former is on the left of the temple while that of Eklingji is at the back.
Source: News Detail
A fascinating feature of this ancient temple is the use of ‘jal ghadi’, water clock that decides the timings of all the rituals that are performed in it. The clock is set up near the main gate of the temple. In a wooden box is put a big copper pot that is filled with water. There is another small copper cup with a hole in it. It is full of water in 24 minutes. As soon as it is full, the guard rings a bell to signal the time. There is a difference of about 45 minutes in the time indicated by this water clock and Indian Standard Time. Forty-five minutes make one ‘ghadi’, eight ‘ghadis’ make one ‘prahar’ and four ‘prahars’ make one day.
The ‘Abhishek’ of the idol with water and then with milk is performed in the morning at about 7:30.Water is used again and the idol is dried with a cloth. This is followed by Dhoop Khewan (incense) and ‘poojan’ with Kesar and flowers. Then at about 2 in the afternoon this whole process is repeated. In the evening is done ‘aangidharan’ that is worn till 8 pm.
Source: youtube
The famous fair attracts tourists not only from nearby places but also from distant ones in states such as Maharashtra, Gujarat and Madhya Pradesh, shopkeepers from different places start setting up shops at the fair site days in advance.Shops are put up especially in areas like Purana Bijlighar, new bus stand, Pagliaji Marg, Patuna Chowk etc. A main attraction is the ‘jhoolas’ and shops in Patuna Chowk and big ‘jhoolas’ in Gurukul Ground. Cosmetic items and objects made of plaster of Paris are in great demand. Arms such as bows and arrows are also sold in large number as the fair is attended by a huge number of tribals. Swings for children, ‘doller chakri’ and magic shows attract a big number of devotees. Some religious organizations distribute free food to the pilgrims. The presence of rural tribal folk dressed in traditional costumes and dancing on folk music is a special attraction of the fair.
With the firing of twenty-one canons by the ‘jawans’ of the temple force at about 6:30 in the morning, the gates of the Mandir are thrown open to devotees for ‘Mangladarshan Pooja’. They gather outside the main gate of the temple after a bath in the nearby Koyal river, Surajkund, and ‘baoris’ near Pagliyaji. The men are dressed in ‘dhoti’ and ‘pachewadi’ and women wear ‘abotiyan’. Abhishek with water, milk, and saffron is performed. Bids are invited for ‘dhwajarohan’ that is done just after midday. The highest bidders are given the first chance to perform the rituals.
Tastefully decorated with flowers, fruits etc. the chariot with the idol of Rishabhdeo is taken to the main gate with the playing of religious songs by the band of Bhandar Dhulev. In the afternoon gun Salutes are also given. The 80-year old ‘ratha’ is made of 50 kg silver and has 2 silver horses in the front. It is drawn by devotees. Passing through the main streets of Rishabh Chowk, Johri Bazaar, Sadar Bazaar, Nehru Bazaar and Hospital Road, the big procession reaches Pagliyaji. Devotees keep singing and dancing all along the way. For ‘pooja archana’ bids are invited. At about 8 pm the procession returns to the temple where it is welcomed by the firing of guns. Janakalyan and Mangal Deepak Aarti are performed at midnight.
A huge number of devotees congregate here on this occasion that also showcases the rich folk culture of Mewar.
Rajasthan is a land of colors and festivals. Every day is a fiesta here and every region has a number of fests, fairs, and processions which add to the culture and heritage of the entire state. A heritage and culture-filled city like Udaipur gives its visitors a lot to carry with themselves – an array of colorful memories. Not just that these are pleasing to the eyes, these fests and fairs are also great for capturing, if you’re a photo enthusiast.
Festivals
These festivals are especially celebrated in Rajasthan (Udaipur). Obviously, there are a lot of nationally celebrated festivals.
Gangaur festival
One of the most colorful festivals of Udaipur is the Gangaur Festival. This fest is held two weeks after Holi every year and is visited by a large number of tourists from various parts of the world. The word ‘Gangaur’ is made up of two words- ‘Gana’ is another name for Lord Shiva and ‘Gaur’ is synonymous with Gauri or Goddess Parvati which symbolizes marital bliss.
Source: UdaipurBlog
The conviction behind the festival carries the ceremony in which the unmarried women worship ‘Gauri’ for bestowing them with a good husband, while married women do so for the welfare, health, and longevity of their husbands and a buoyant married life.
The festival begins on the first day of Chaitra, the day following Holi and continues for 18 days, typically in the month of March and April. This year it started on 2nd March and the main event is on Tuesday, 20 March 2018.
Gavri Festival
After the monsoons, in the months of September and October, the forty-days-festival “GAVRI” is celebrated by Bhil tribe in Udaipur, Rajsamand and Chittor districts of Rajasthan. The entire males of the community, even children participate in this dance-drama symbolizing a healthy environment and it intends to ensure the well-being of the community and the village.
Source: Pramod Soni
Until Gavri concludes, these people don’t consume green-colored food, non-vegetarian food, and alcohol. In the performance, they pray to Lord Shiva and his wife, and each day the performance is set up at different locations for 5-6 hours.
Teej Festival
When the rain comes down, spirits soar high in celebrations. Song and dance mark the gaiety of the Teej festival in the city. It is held every year during the Hindu month of Shravan and marks the advent of the monsoons. The religious significance of Teej festival lies in the devotion of Goddess Parvati for her husband Lord Shiva. It was on this day that the divine couple Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati reunited with each other after hundreds of years.
Source: Indiaonlinepages
On strolling through the streets, one will find the sweet smell of “Ghevar” and “Malpuas”, these mouthwatering dishes are special in Teej revels. Women clad in Lehariya and Green sarees visit Shiva temples with extreme devotion towards their husbands.
Dashamata
Two days after Sheetala Ashtami, the women of Mewar observe the festival of Dashamata. On this day women deck up in traditional ornaments and clothes and adore Peepal Tree, from very early in the morning and the poojan activities stretched till afternoon.
Source: Khas Khabar
They relate the tale of Dashamata to each other and pray for health and wealth of their family.
Sheetala Ashtami
The festival of Sheetala Ashtami falls on the eight days of Chaitra (March) month i.e. first month in Hindi calendar. As per conventional approach, the day is generally observed on the seventh day, but at many places, it is celebrated on the eighth day of the month.
Source: Khabar IndiaTV
This festival is celebrated with the belief that this would prevent people from the deadly epidemics. To have more info about Sheetla Ashtami Click Here
Janmashtami
Janmashtami is celebrated on the eighth day (Ashtami) in the month of Sravana i.e. the birthday of Natkhat Gopal. The Jagdish Mandir and Asthal Mandir are crowded with queues of devotees waiting eagerly to have a look of Lord Krishna. The most exciting event is “Matki Fod” at Jagdish Chowk.
Source: UdaipurTimes
The Dahi Handi event at Jagdish Chowk has become a prolonged custom; the Janmashtami celebration is accompanied with colorful cultural activities where many localities and foreign tourists take active participation. These activities include cultural dance, singing performances which ends with the Dadhika Matki Phod. The special attraction here at the Jagdish chowk is the performances by the tourists across the globe who sing and perform on Rajasthani Songs.
Other the mythological festivals, there are some public fests like:
Lake Festival
Udaipur Lake Festival is planned by Rajasthan Tourism, UIT, & Municipal Corporation. This initiative of a festival was taken at the helm by seeing the immense growth in tourism. In this context only, it was decided to develop various activities in and around lakes to highlight the unique benefits of the water reservoirs.
Source: UdaipurTimes
Udaipur has witnessed three consecutive years of Lake Festival and people are excited about the coming years.
World Music Festival
From past three years, Udaipur is experiencing the Udaipur World Music Festival (UWMF) in the month of February. The festival is a three-day extravaganza and people from the entire globe flock to Udaipur to enjoy great international as well as national artists.
Source: whatshot
Conceptualized and produced by Seher, the event is free, that means no entry ticket is there. It is held, every year, at 3 different locations. The first year, people of Udaipur experienced Papon, the second year Kailash Kher and this year people experienced the music of Shankar, Ehsan, and Loy.
Fairs
Udaipur has many fairs held in the city, let us have a look at some of the most famous ones.
Hariyal Amavasya Mela
‘Hariyali’ refers to greenery and ‘Amavasya’ refers to a no-moon day thus it is festival which is celebrated on a no-moon day to welcome the month of monsoon.
Source: UdaipurBlog
In the month of July-August, a fair for men and women is held for two days, the last day of the fair is usually reserved for women, at the banks of Sahelion-Ki-Bari and Fatehsagar. Shops displaying varied crafts and swings are put up; boating is organized by the municipal corporation. Women wear green colored dresses and join the festivals. The famous dish of Rabri Malpua is available in plentiful. Historically, it is believed that Maharana Fateh Singh was the first to set up this fair.
This year the tentative date of the mela is August 11 (Saturday) 2018.
Diwali-Dushera Mela
Systematized by the Udaipur Municipal Corporation, this fair run for a full-fledged 10 days. The fair witnesses many cultural programs and activities at night. The fair is held before Diwali which is one of the biggest festivals of India. The fair has hundreds of shops which sell handicrafts and other products. Food stalls present in the arena give mouth-watering snacks that people can relish while at the fair. There is also a section for swings and other amusement rides.
Source: UdaipurTimes
The Diwali-Dushera Mela is held at the Town Hall for many years and the city people gather in a huge number to enjoy the fair.
Khadi Mela
To promote Khadi Gram Udyog this fair is held for 29 years and has received a considerable boost because of the continuous exhibition. It is a 15-day Khadi exhibition cum sale which is held in the Town Hall Udaipur, every year. Craftsmen and traders from across the country participate in this. This fair is a smaller one if compared to the Diwali-Dushera Mela. It witnesses almost 130 stalls and the products are dissimilar from the aforementioned fair.
Source: UdaipurTimes
Products found in the fair include leather goods, spices, woolen khadi, besides suiting-shirting, dari, jajam, khas, blankets, saris, salwar suits and so much more.
Mega Trade Fair
The Mega Trade Fair is held for 10 days every year. The fair is organized by Rajasthan Patrika around Navratri and it has a great craze among the local people. Haryana’s handloom, woolens of Himachal Pradesh and Kashmir, Saharanpur’s furniture, crockery, decorative items, terracotta items, jewelry, cosmetic products, toys and basic items of daily needs are available in this grand fair.
Source: Youtube
Earlier the venue for the fair was BN College Ground but it is now changed to Fateh High School Ground since a couple of years.
Shilpgram Mahotsav
Inaugurates every year on the 21st of the month of December, this ten-day long Shilpgram Utsav witnesses over 600 folk artists from 18 states and 400 artisans who display their handicrafts over shops and stalls. The bazaar starts around 12 noon where craftsmen showcase handloom, handicraft, jute, silk, pashmina, pure wool, Kashmiri clothes, eco-friendly items and so much more.
Source: Shilpgram.in
You can have more knowledge about the Shilpgram Mahotsav Here
Processions
Processions are a part of festivals. There are some of the major processions that line the city roads, every year.
Jagannath Rath Yatra
Every year the grand Rath-Yatra is held on the Ashaad Shukla Dwitya of Vikram Samvat, as per the Hindu calendar. Udaipur holds the distinction of holding the 3rd largest Rath Yatra in India. The city has two Rath Yatras on the same day at different locations.
Source: UdaipurBlog
A wooden chariot weighing 21,000 kg including the 51kg silver plating carrying an idol of Lord Jagannath, Subhadra (his sister), Balram (his friend) is pulled by the devotees of Lord Jagannath. The Rath Yatra starts from the Jagdish Temple, near the City Palace and is moved in Jagdish Chowk, Mochiwada, Bhadbhuja Ghati, Bada Bajar, Ghanta Ghar Mandi, Marshall Chauraha, Jhiniret Chowk, Bhattiyani Chohatta, Santoshi Mata Mandir, Asthal Mandir, R.M.V.
Eid-Milad-un-Nabi Procession
Eid Milaad-un- Nabi or the Birthday of Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) is a mass celebration, consisting of a colorful procession. Milad-un-Nabi is also known as Barawafat or Mawlid.
Source: UdaipurTimes
The Birth anniversary of the Holy Prophet (pbuh) is remembered on 12th Rabi-ul-Awwal of the Islamic lunar calendar every year by all Muslim communities. More than 1 Lakh people gather and cover almost 10-15 Km of Udaipur every year. Read more about Eid Milad Here
Muharram Procession
In Udaipur, the Taziya procession, on the 10th day of Muharram is one of the most essential events that occur in Udaipur every year. Taziyas are replicas of Imam Hussain’s mausoleum and are made of wood and paper.
Source: UdaipurTimes
The first ever procession of Taziya began in Udaipur in the year 1559. Since then the procession is organized where Taziyas from several locations are carried through the city and submerged in the water. Though, since a couple of years, this ritual of submerging Taziyas is prohibited from keeping the lakes of the city clean.
Makarvilakku Procession
Celebrated by the Keralite Hindus, the two-day long Makarvilakku festival was observed on on 13th and 14th January 2018. Normally, it coincides with three other festivals that are Makar Sankranti by Hindus, Lohadi by Sikhs and Lal Loi by Sindhis. Makarvilakku festival is related to Lord Ayyappa and his temple in Sabarimala.
Source: UdaipurBlog
The holy outing or procession of Lord Ayyappa starts from the temple in New Jyoti Nagar, Shobhagpura and wends its way through CPS school road, Bansi Pan Chouraha, Court Chouraha, Delhi Gate, Shastri Circle, Ashok Nagar, Ayad Puliya, 100 feet road and returns to the temple.
These were some of the major fairs, festivals, and processions in the City of Lakes. However, if we have missed any fair or festival or procession; you can let us know by mentioning that in the comment section below.
In Mewar, as in the other parts of the state, there are more festivals than the days in a week, ‘saat vaar aur nau tyohar’. No exception is the month of March that started with a bang with the festival of Holi is followed by Sheetla Saptmi or Asthami, Kesariyaji Mela, Navratri, Dashamata, Chetichand, Gangaur, Mahavir Jayanti, Good Friday and Easter.
Eight days after Holi is celebrated Sheel Ashtami. Earlier the festival was celebrated on Saptami. But later on, as Maharana Bheemsingh’s birthday fell on this day, the festival began to be celebrated on the next day. But people were free to choose any one day.
The legend of Sheetla Mata Ashtami
Maharana Sangramsingh built a temple of Sheetla Mata near Rang Niwas close to Samore Bagh. On Asthami, in the morning, the Maharana would go in a procession to the temple for ‘darshan’ of the goddess. A ‘darbar’ was held in Rang Niwas. Then he used to go Navlakha or Samore Bagh where there was a lot of singing and dancing. On that day a ‘dawat’ banquet, was organized by Rajya Pradhan or senior officials in honor of the Maharana. All the Sardars and Umraos were invited to this feast. Floral garlands were offered to all the ‘durbaris’. Then the Maharana returned to his palace. After the death of Idarwali Rajmata Chhoti Rathore in 1892, the tradition of going to the house of the Pradhan stopped. Once Maharan Sajjansingh went for the ‘darshan’ of Sheetla Devi dressed in ‘bhagwa’ color clothes. To this play on Ashtami, ‘bhog’ is sent to the temple of the goddess from the royal palace.
The beliefs and rituals of Sheetla Mata Ashtami
In earlier times chickenpox was a deadly disease that was the cause of the death a large number of people. This disease spread wildly during March and April when the season changed. To appease Sheetla Mata who is considered to be a form of Ma Bhagwati Durga, she is worshipped on this occasion. The tradition is that fresh food is not cooked on this day. On the previous day, a lot of dishes such as sweet rice, pakode, kadi, halwa, and rabdi are cooked and are eaten cold on this day.
In Udaipur, in the morning women clad in gorgeous dresses with ‘puja thalis’ in their hands and singing merrily reach the Sheetla Mandir near Rang Niwas in groups. They worship the goddess reverently and offer her milk, curd and the eatables they have prepared the previous day. The ‘Katha’ of the Mata is related. The surroundings have a ‘mela’ like scene.
It is believed that worship of Sheetla Mata results in happy married life. She is also believed to be the goddess of cleanliness. She is also worshipped as Pathwari Devi, who shows people the right path, both literally and figuratively.
The reason behind eating cold meals at Sheetla Mata Ashtami
The eating of cold food on the occasion has scientific reason also. The festival falls in the transition period of two seasons – winter and summer. In winter, bacteria do not flourish in food and it remains fresh for a longer time whereas in summer it starts rotting soon. So, it is advisable to eat only fresh food after this festival.
नाथद्वारा, श्रीनाथ जी के मंदिर की वजह से पुरे विश्वभर में अपनी एक अलग छवि रखता है। हर साल लाखो-करोड़ो लोग श्रीनाथ जी के दर्शन हेतु नाथद्वारा आते है। दर्शन के दौरान श्रद्धालु श्रीनाथ जी की दाढ़ी में लगे हीरे को भी देखना पसंद करते है। लेकिन उस हीरे के दाढ़ी में होने के पीछे की क्या कहानी है?
हम बताते है…
नाथद्वारा में हर साल धुलंडी पर एक सवारी निकलती है, नाम बहुत दिलचस्प है ‘बादशाह की सवारी’। यह सवारी नाथद्वारा के गुर्जरपुरा मोहल्ले के बादशाह गली से निकलती है। यह एक प्राचीन परंपरा है जिसमें एक व्यक्ति को नकली दाढ़ी-मूंछ, मुग़ल पोशाक और आँखों में काजल डालकर दोनों हाथो में श्रीनाथ जी की छवि देकर उसे पालकी में बैठाया जाता है। इस सवारी की अगवानी मंदिर मंडल का बैंड बांसुरी बजाते हुए करता है।
photo courtesy : patrika
यह सवारी गुर्जरपुरा से होते हुए बड़ा बाज़ार से आगे निकलती है तब बृजवासी सवारी पर बैठे बादशाह को गलियां देते है। सवारी मंदिर की परिक्रमा लगाकर श्रीनाथ जी के मंदिर पंहुचती है, जहां वह बादशाह अपनी दाढ़ी से सूरजपोल की सीढियाँ साफ़ करता है जो कि लम्बे समय से चली आ रही एक प्रथा है। उसके बाद मंदिर के विभाग-प्रमुख बादशाह को पैरावणी भेंट करते है। इसके बाद फिर से गालियों का दौर शुरू होता है, मंदिर में मौजूद लोग बादशाह को खरी-खोटी सुनते है और रसिया गान शुरू होता है। तब आसपास का माहोल ऐसा हो जाता है मानो मथुरा-वृन्दावन में होली खेल रहे हो।
इस सब के पीछे की वजह –
नाथद्वारा में मान्यता है कि जब औरंगजेब श्रीनाथ जी की मूर्ति को खंडित करने मंदिर में आया था तो मंदिर में पंहुचते ही अँधा हो गया था। तब उसने अपनी दाढ़ी से मंदिर की सीढियाँ साफ़ करते हुए श्रीनाथ जी से विनती की और वह ठीक हो गया। उसके बाद औरंगजेब ने बेशकीमती हीरा मंदिर को भेंट किया जिसे हम आज श्रीनाथ जी के दाढ़ी में लगा देखते है।
photo courtesy : the baltimore sun darkroom
बस इसी घटना को हर साल धुलंडी पर ‘बादशाह की सवारी’ निकालकर याद किया जाता है। यह सवारी नाथद्वारा के अलावा ब्यावर, पली और अजमेर में भी निकली जाती है।
The three-day long fiesta of revelry Holi is celebrated with great enthusiasm in Mewar by different sects of the Hindu community. Historians tell us that in Mewar the festival of colors used to start from Basant Panchmi. There was dancing of her by mates and that of Ghoomar by the ladies. Lok geet reverberated with the sound of ‘daph’ ‘dhol’ and ‘thali’. The Maharana would go to the garden where entertaining programmes were held. In the ‘durbar’ at Naginabad, the servants were given gifts. Holi was also celebrated in the chowk.It was only after the sacred fire was lit in the Rajmahal that Holi started in the city. There was a tradition of fireworks on Holi in Mewar.
Nowadays, on Holi starting from Shambhu Niwas Arvind Singhji Mewar, reaches Manek Chowk with Naubatrisawari that has ‘ran kan kan’ horses etc that attract the attraction of the foreign and Indian tourists who give him a standing ovation. Guard of Honour is also given to him by the personal army of the palace. Then rituals of Holi Dahan are performed under the guidance of the Purohits of the Dharmsabha.
As the fascinating legend about the Holi festival goes Hiranya Kashyap was very unhappy with his son Prahalad, a devotee of Lord Vishnu. He wanted to kill him several times but failed. Fearing that if he performed the ghastly deed himself, the public would go against him, he asked for his sister Holika’s help. It was believed that fire would not burn her as she sat in the fire for a long time every day. It was proposed that she would sit in the fire with Prahalad in her lap. At first, she did not agree but then her brother told that her if she refused, she would not be allowed to marry Eloji. However, Prahalad’s deep devotion to Lord Vishnu saved him and Holika was burnt to ashes. When Eloji with his baarat was on his way to the palace to marry Holika, he was stunned to learn of the tragic incident. He smeared his body with the ashes of Holika and vowed never to marry. He lost his senses and wandered here and there. He is considered to be an ideal lover. In Rajasthan, in many places have been named after him and one of which is Eloji Ka Neem, near Ganesh Ghati in Udaipur. At some places, people try to guess what the coming year is going to be like from to direction of the flames. Going off the flames in the north pretends a good time and the future is to be medium. When the direction is south. Also good is to be the time when the direction is east or west.
DAY 1: HOLIKA DAHAN
Source: india tv. Holi celebration at City Palace Udaipur
As the time for Holi Dahan, approaches people start gathering at spots where Holika’s have been set up. The trunk or big branch of a tree is set up in the middle and it is surrounded by smaller branches and twigs, pieces of plywood, hay, cow dung ‘uplas’ that are made by women and children. Firecrackers are also put in the middle. At the appointed time, some rituals are performed and the fire lit. There is a feeling of elation as the flames go up. People go round the fire and start greeting others.
‘Dhoond’ ceremony of the newborn children is performed for their good health and welfare. As the legend goes, there lived a rakshas named Dhunda or Dhooni who came to the village and troubled children by making them sick and harming them. When other ways to drive her out of the village failed, the villagers cursed and abused her and lit a fire to frighten her. Finally, this succeeded and it became a tradition on the occasion of Holi.
DAY 2: DHULANDI
source: FairytaleIndia.com Dhulandi celebrations
On the day after Holika Dahan, comes ‘Dulhandi’ when the whole town goes gay smearing faces with ‘gulal’ and colors and sprinkling water. Revelry is in the air. The old difference is often forgotten and people they have started using ‘herbal gulal’ that does not stain clothes nor harm the skin. The use of harmful colors and paints is on the decrease.
DAY 3: BHAIYADOOJ
On the third day of the festival, falls ‘Bhaiya Dooj’ when the brother-sister bonds are revived. The festival that also known as yamdwitiya has a special significance for the Kayasth community. As the legend goes, as desired by Lord Vishnu, Brahma created the world. The latter asked Dharmraj to keep an account of all the deeds performed by human beings and reward or punish them accordingly. Dharmaraj requested the Lord to give him an able assistance to record all these things as it was an extremely difficult task to accomplish single-handed.
For the first time this year, ready-made ‘Holi’ is available in big numbers. The market with ‘semal’ wood costing 300 to 1100 in places such as Surajpole. Also available are ‘uplas’, cow dung cakes made by women. However, hay is to be bought separately. Earlier, people collected dry wood, grass, plywood pieces etc and women and girls made ‘uplas’.
HOW IS HOLI CELEBRATED BY DIFFERENT COMMUNITIES?
After Lord Brahma had meditated for a long time, he saw standing before him an intelligent and handsome being who was to take up this challenging task. As he had originated from the ‘kaya’ soul of the Lord, he has named Kayasth Chitragupta. The people of Kayasth community are descendants of Chitragupta. His sons got their surname after the places they settle in e.g Mathur as they settled in Mathura. As Chitragupta kept a record of the deeds of a man using a pen, the pen has become the weapon of Kayathas as the sword is that of the Rajputs. On On Yamadwitya, Chitragupta with his pen and inkpot is reverently worshipped by Kayasthas.
The Sindhi community of Udaipur has some fascinating Holi tradition. Pieces of wheat dough are baked on burning coal to make ‘Koki’. Sindhi Ghewar is offered as ’prasad’ during Holi Puja and after this 21, 51 or 101 Ghewars are sent to daughters and sisters. Bereaved families are offered Ghewar to end the period of ‘shok’.
SPECIAL RITUALS PERFORMED IN DIFFERENT TEMPLES OF UDAIPUR
source: Udaipurtimes.com Holi celebrations at Jagdish temple, Udaipur
Special rituals are performed in different temples of the towns such as Shrinath Mandir, Jagdish Mandir, Asthal Mandir, Baijiraj Mandir and Jagat Shriomani Mandir. In Srinath Mandir, the Lord has simple Pichwai of white muslin but its original color is not visible as ‘gulal’ is sprinkled on it by devotees.
In Shrinath Mandir, Nathdwara Holi is a big event when thousands of devotees from distant places throng the Mandir. All the main gates are gaily decorated with ‘bandanwar’. Everything gets covered with ‘gulal’ and ‘abir’. Mandlis from outside sing ‘rasias’. On Dulandi ‘dholutsav’ is celebrated. Holi Dahan is done at several places in the town for which ‘dand’ and ‘dhawajas’ are given to children by the Mandir Board.
Menar becomes the venue of a highly fascinating scene on the occasion of Jamra Beej. The main ‘Chouraha’ is beautifully illuminated drum beating goes on all the day at Omkareshwar Chouraha. After the ‘Kasumba’ ritual, the people with swords tied around the waist, and swords and guns in their hands come together. In the evening five groups that are followed by women carrying ‘Kalash’ on the head and singing songs of valor converged at the main chowk and fire guns in the air. Feats with swords are performed. The history of Mewar village and Menaria Samaj is read out.
Tamatar Rad, tomato fight, in which tomatoes are thrown by two parties of young men is organized in Dendor wada near Juna Mandir. After this Ger dance is performed. In village Bhiluda near Raghunath Mandir were two parties used to indulge in throwing stones at each other has been stopped now over 10,000 tribal folks perform Ger dance in the premises of the famous Tripura Sundari Mandir, near Banswara.
Leaving memories behind, people in Mewar wait eagerly for the next year to enjoy Holi revelry again.
अगर आप उदयपुर में रहते हो तो भाग्यशाली हो। भाग्यशाली इसलिए क्योंकि यह शहर आपको कभी यह सोचने पर मजबूर नहीं करेगा कि ‘कुछ है नहीं करने को तो क्या किया जाए’? यह शहर त्योहारों और उत्सवो का शहर है। शायद ही साल का कोई ऐसा एक महिना भी होगा जो बिना किसी त्यौहार, उत्सव या मेले के जाता हो।
ऐसा ही एक और उत्सव मार्च में आने वाला है, ‘ऋतू वसंत’। जिसे पश्चिमी क्षेत्र सांस्कृतिक केंद्र आप लोगो के सामने लेकर आ रहा है। शिल्पग्राम इस फेस्टिवल को होस्ट करेगा। यह एक तीन दिवसीय फेस्टिवल है जिसमें देश के ख्यातनाम, विश्व प्रसिद्ध शास्त्रीय कलाकारों की प्रस्तुतियां होंगी। यह सभी प्रस्तुतियां शाम 7 बजे से शुरू होंगी। इस दौरान पद्म विभूषण सम्मानित डॉ सोनल मानसिंह भी आएगी।
कुछ इस तरह रहेगा ‘ऋतू वसंत’ –
photo credit: shilpgram
9 मार्च पहला दिन: पद्म विभूषण सम्मानित डॉ सोनल मानसिंह की कथाअट्टम प्रस्तुति होगी।
photo credit: shilpgram
10 मार्च दूसरा दिन: शुचिस्मिता दास की शास्त्रीय गायन प्रस्तुति होगी ।
photo credit: shilpgram
11 मार्च तीसरा दिन: सितार वादन की प्रसिद्ध कलाकार अनुपमा भागवत अपनी कला से लोगों को लुभाएँगी साथ ही जयपुर घराने के प्रसिद्ध कलाकार हरीश गंगानी व दल के द्वारा होगी शानदार कत्थक प्रस्तुति।
9 मार्च तक होली का पक्का कलर भी उतर ही जाएगा। तो क्यों न क्लासिकल डांस और म्यूजिक के सात रंगों में खुद को रंग लिया जाए, उम्मीद है यह रंग लम्बे समय तक आपके दिलो-दिमाग पर छाया रहेगा। 🙂
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