The festive season is just around the corner and during this time of vacation, all we want to do is spend some good time with our friends and family at some cozy and plush restaurant. Celebration Mall has always been the first place whenever someone thinks of a good time.
The mall has a wide range of places that can be your ideal choice for your next leisure time.
1) Barbeque Nation – If you are one of those foodies for whom food is the most important part of your leisure time then this is the most perfect place to be. Barbeque nation has got some lip-smacking dishes both veg and non-veg where you can relish an unlimited meal including a wide range of dishes in starters, main course and dessert as well. It is the most preferred destination for all the non-veg lovers.
Source: tripadvisor
2) Jaipur Jungle – this restaurant is the perfect combination of soothing ambiance and scrumptious food. It has impeccably incorporated the theme of a jungle which will make you feel like you are in a different world altogether. In addition to that, a plethora of mouthwatering dishes will surely add up to your quality time with friends and family.
3) Brewz Rock Café – Stunning lights, rock music, booze, and good food, Brewz Rock Café has got everything that you need to have a rocking evening with your friends. The best time to visit the café would be during weekends when you can enjoy live concerts and hum the lyrics of your favorite song along with your friends.
Source: Justdial
4) Hari Vedas – the most amazing amalgamation of food and a comforting environment. But beware because the wide range of exotic food items will make you cheat your diet and overeat. With all this Hari Vedas guarantees a good time with your friends and family.
Source: Forum Malls
5) Go Foodie – Is it a cheat day for you? Then Celebration Mall has got all the brands that can make your cheat day the best day. Mc. Donalds, Dominos, Subway, Belgian waffle, Keventers, Frozen factory, you name it. You can eat at your favorite brand and if you are confused, you can probably go everywhere.
Food and festivities go hand in hand when there are so many options you can choose from then it’s just a cherry on the top, right?
Udaipur is the most sought-after destination for tourist all around the world. And why wouldn’t it be? The city is full of historical places and natural beauty. And because of the same reason, one problem that most of the traveler faces on their visit to the city is that what all places should be and can be covered on a given number of days.
And so, we present different itineraries for a different number of days so that you do not have to worry about a single thing and you can enjoy the city of lakes at its fullest.
Places to cover on a one day trip to Udaipur:
Jagdish temple – Start your day with the worship of Lord Jagannath. The historical temple will take you back in time and the beautiful architecture will allure you for real.
Time needed to explore: 1 hour
Click here for a list of prominent temples in Udaipur.
Picture by: Anil Vohra
City Palace – One of the major palace of the city. The palace attracts numerous tourists every day. It was built over a period of 400 years back by Maharana Udai Singh II.
Timings: 9 am to 4:30 pm
Ticket: Children – 100/Adult – 300
Time needed to explore: Around 3 hours
Click here to know the historical places of Udaipur and the history behind them.
Source: holidify
Bagore ki Haveli – the museum is full of attractive and historical items. If you happen to visit it in the evening, attend the Dharohar show at the museum. It would be something you would never forget. Click here to read more about Bagore ki haveli.
Entry ticket – 70
Dharohar show ticket – 90
Timings – 10 am to 8 pm
Show timings – 7 am to 8 pm
Time taken to explore – 1 hour and 30 minutes
Bagore ki Haveli
Lake Pichola & Daiji footbridge – one of the prominent lakes of the city and would give a picturesque sight from Ganghaur Ghat situated just next to Baghore ki Haveli. After visiting the Ghat, go on a walk at Daiji footbridge near the Ghat and click some amazing pictures to be insta ready.
Ambrai ghat– Another Ghat situated in the old city. It will give a magnificent view of the palaces and the city. You absolutely cannot afford to miss the place in the city.
Time taken to explore – 30 min to an hour
Source: @kulgaurvi
Fatehsagar– the heart of the city. The place is frequently visited by not just travelers but also the locals.
Time taken to explore – 1 hour
Source: @theview_finder
Moti Magri – Moti Magri or pearl hill is a memorial of the great Rajput hero Maharana Pratap. The place overlooks the entire Fatehsagar Lake and gives a mesmerizing view. The place has a museum and hall of fame which can be visited. Click to read a list of museums in Udaipur.
Entry ticket – Rs. 75 for adults and Rs. 35 for children
Time taken to explore – 2 hours
Source: Trip advisor
Places to cover on a two day trip:
Visit all the places above on the first day and on day 2, you can consider the options below:
Shilpgram– It contains lifestyle, history, and art of rural and tribal people of Rajasthan. One can witness various art and crafts inside. If you are here at the time of December, visit the Shilpgram Utsav.
Entry tickets: Rs. 30/- for Indians and Rs. 50/- for foreigners
Time taken to explore: 2 hours
Source: Oh My Rajasthan!
Ahar Cenotaphs and Museum – Ahar Cenotaphs are a group of cenotaphs located in about 2 km east of Udaipur. The site contains more than 250 cenotaphs of the maharajas of Mewar that were built over approximately 350 years.
Time taken to explore: Max. 1 hour
Picture by: maximvo
Monsoon palace– Also known as Sajjangarh, is situated at a distance of 5 km from Lake Fatehsagar. It is a huge palace overlooking the entire city.
Entry tickets: Rs. 60/-
Timings: 9 am to 6 pm
Time taken to explore: 2 hours
Source: twitter
Sajjangarh wildlife sanctuary– Sajjangarh Biological Park is a zoological garden with a variety of animals such as leopard, crocodile, birds etc. Click here to read a list of wildlife sanctuaries and nature parks in and around Udaipur.
Entry fees: Rs. 30 for park and 20 for the zoo
Time taken to explore: 2 hours
Karni mata temple – Begin your day 2 with a trek to Karni Mata temple. The view is simply amazing from the temple. If you do not wish to climb up, you can opt for ropeway as well. Click here to read about the history of Karni Mata temple.
Price of the ropeway: Rs. 100/-
Time taken to explore: 2 hours
Source: taxiudaipur
Pichola Pal – Pichola pal is situated right opposite to Dudhtalai. One can have a wonderful view of Lake Pichola. There’s also a boating point at Pichola pal.
On the third day of your tour, you can go to some outskirt area of the city such as –
Pratap Gaurav Kendra – Pratap Gaurav Kendra is located at a distance of 6 km at Tiger Hills. It has a huge statue of Maharana Pratap. It has an exhibition which aims at providing information about Maharana Pratap and the historical heritage of the area with the help of modern technology.
Entry ticket: 50/- for children, 100/- for adult
Time taken to explore: 2 Hrs
Source: mewarblog
Lake Badi – One of the prominent Lakes in the city at a distance of around 9 km from the city. Don’t miss the Badi hill there which will give a mind-blowing view from there.
Source: @curvywanderer
Ubeshwar Ji – Ubeshwarji is a village at a distance of 23 km from Udaipur. It has a famous temple and a major waterfall behind the temple. It looks good in monsoon and is a good picnic spot.
Peepliya Ji– Peepliya is a village situated at a distance of approx. 30 km from Udaipur. One can see the entire landscape view from here. The foggy surroundings here in monsoon is a must visit. It is a bit ahead of Ubeshwarji.
Jaisamand Lake – It is India’s second largest artificial lake also known as Dhebar Lake. It is at a distance of 58 km from Udaipur.
Source: Wikipedia
Eliminate the places you do not wish to visit from the itinerary with the below places:
In the city –
Goverdhan Sagar Lake & Panna Dhai ship
Saheliyon ki Badi
Gulab Bagh – No entry fee and visit the library there if you wish to.
The largest aquarium in India – Under the sun (Entry ticket: 118 inclusive of GST)
Outskirts of the city –
Haldighati – Haldighati is a museum of Maharana Pratap, the ruler of Mewar. It is situated at a distance of 47 km. (Entry ticket: 30/- per person)
Bagheri ka Naka
Kumbhalgarh Fort
Tidi Dam – Read about Tidi dam and other dams around Udaipur, here.
Chandni village
Udai Sagar Lake – One of the major 5 lakes in and around Udaipur. Its distance from Udaipur is 11 km.
Ekling Ji temple – It is a very old temple of the deity Ekling Ji. It is at a distance of 30 km from Udaipur.
Sas Bahu temple – It is situated near Eklingji. It is a remain of sahastra bahu temple. The temple is now in partial ruins but one can still marvel at their original splendor, the artisan and the perfect geometry of it.
And even at the end of all this, go where your heart leads you to. If you are willing to stay at a place for a little long just because it soothes your soul, stay there. If you feel like talking to a complete stranger, do it. At the end of your trip, it is just these crazy experiences and memorable moments that are going to count, not the money you spend, not the places you see.
World Living Heritage Festival (WLHF) is a 4-day mega festival which brings together a variety of artists, academicians, activists and student delegates of India as well as overseas and works as a forum of Knowledge exchange. The event is organized by the Maharana of Mewar Charitable Trust (MMCF) and the venue of the same will be The City Palace.
The 4th edition of the World Living Heritage Festival is meant to celebrate the rich cultural diversity of Mewar, India as well as the world. Moreover, the event will witness a variety of speakers including scholars from architecture, urban planning and heritage conversation, scholars from humanities and social sciences, representatives from Government of India, Government of Rajasthan, foreign government, and representatives from UNESCO, ICOMOS, IHCN-F, national and international institutions, organizations, and NGOs.
Source: TopYaps
The schedule of the 4-day festival beginning from 17th October will be as follows:
17th October 2018 (Day 1)
The event will start with Ashwa Poojan which is an old tradition for the house of Mewar and is the expression for gratitude.
The art and craft bazaar known as ‘Srajan’ will be inaugurated.
18th October 2018 (Day 2)
The second day of the event will include sessions – Identifying Approaches to Living Heritage, workshops with local artists and artisans, musical concerts and dance performances.
Artists:
Mudra School of Indian Classical Dance, Ahmedabad
Jogiyaar Mahabharata / Panduan Ke Kadde, New Delhi
19th October 2018 (Day 3)
Heritage walk, sessions on temples, discussions, workshop with Sikligars and on Living Heritage documentation, concert, dance performance will be incorporated in day 3.
Artists:
Kala Ashram College of Performing Arts, Udaipur
Nooran Sisters, Jalandhar
20th October 2018 (Day 4)
Sessions on Oral traditions, their role, and impact, Workshop on the confluence of crafts, concert and a heritage walk.
Artists:
Bharatanatyam by Kalangan Dance Company, New Delhi
(Disciples of Guru Jamuna Krishnan and Smt. Ragini Chandershekar)
Swarathma – Indian Folk Rock Band, Bengaluru
To know the full detailed schedule of the event, click here.
If you have any feedback regarding the article then share with us in the comment section below or write to me at juhee@udaipurblog.com.
Mavli is a town situated at a distance of 26 km from Udaipur. In the history of Mewar and the prominent places in Udaipur district, Mavli town owns a significant role in the commercial as well as administrative point of view. Very few people are aware of the rich history and politics associated with the town. According to former historians, there was a pastoral land, which was won by the then Maharaja of India, Udai Singh in the battle with Banveer during the Mughal era. In the medieval period, the town was known as Maholi.
Source: India Rail Info
One of the noticeable places in the town includes a Baori (step wall) known as Baiji Raj ki Baori which has a very interesting story behind itself. The Baori was built by the mother and sister of Rana Bhim Singh Ji between the years 1772 and 1780. According to history, Maharana’s mother was Rajmata Sardar Kunwar Jhali. She belonged to the Jhala family of Gogunda and got married to Maharana Ari Singh Ji II. The only daughter of Maharana Ari Singhji-II was Baisa Chandravati Ji who got married to Maharaja Parbat Singh of Ratlam. The Baori was given in dowry to Baijiraj Chandrawatiji.
The historic ‘Bai Ji Raj Ki Baori’ and the pavilions present in the town still seem to sing the saga of Mewar’s history and bravery. As Mavli was given in dowry, many Kshatriyas of the Mewar Raj family still do not accept food and water in the town.
Source: Udaipurtimes
There are some places and temples in the town that can be visited by the travelers which include Laxmi Narayan temple, Shriramji- Seetamata- Laxmanji (Akhada), Thirthankar Chanda Prabhu Swami (Jain Temple), lok temples like Adra Bavji, Radaji Bawji and Chamunda Mata.
The town was visited by the officer of the British East India Company, Colonel James Tod in the year 1820 who writes the following about the town: Maowlee, 26th, October 1820. Seven and a half miles. — As usual, all was barren between Sunwar and Maowlee; though at each are the traces of reviving industry. This was formerly a considerable town, and rated in the books at seven thousand rupees’ annual rent, but now it yields not seven hundred. Its population consists of about eighty families of all classes, half of which have “been recalled from their long exile in Malwa and Candeish, and have already given a new aspect to Maowlee in its sugar-canes. Her Highness’ steward, however, is not…
[p.629]: …one of the faithful. There is a very fine bawari, or reservoir, of course, marble, constructed by Baeji Raj, ‘ the royal mother’ of the present Rana and his sister, in whose appanage it is. — An inscription, dated S. 1737, recorded an ordinance in favor of the Jains, that “the oil-mill of Maowlee should not work on the four rainy months;” in order to lessen the destruction of animal life.
According to Veer Vinod, Maharana Udai Singh won his battle against Banbir is the Chaprada (which is currently a fair spot) of Mavli and saved the Sisodia clan. He later founded the city of Udaipur. From the time of princely era, Mavli has been the main center of transportation of Mewar. Due to the absence of traffic resources, people of the entire country used to come here including Mewar, Waagad, and Malwa. For this reason, Rabri also received fame all across the country. It is said that Maharana Bhupal Singh was fascinated with the rabri (a sweet, condensed-milk-based dish) of Mavli, hence Rabri was sent to Rajmahalas through bullock carts.
The “rabri” made here in Mavli city, keeps its unique identity from the time of Rajwadas throughout the state. Every year, on the occasion of Sharad Poornima, a fair known as ‘Chamunda Mata Pashu Mela’ is conducted which is attended by people from far-flung places for business.
Do you have any feedback regarding the article? Or have an interesting story to share with us? Write to me at juhee@udaipurblog.com.
नवरात्री के त्यौहार पर उदयपुर के लगभग हर कोने में माता रानी के पंडाल सजाये जाते है और गरबे की धुन में सभी उदयपुरवासी झूम उठते है। लेकिन इसी शहर की एक जगह ऐसी है जहाँ पिछले 25 सालों से उदयपुर का सबसे बड़ा पंडाल सजाया जाता है। आइये जानते है की ये कौन सी जगह है।
उदयपुर का सबसे बड़ा पंडाल
25 सालों से सजते आ रहे इस पंडाल की शुरुआत एक सामान्य रूप में हुई थी। समय और दर्शनार्थियों की श्रद्धा के साथ इसकी लम्बाई बढ़ते बढ़ते आज तकरीबन 55 फीट है। इसके स्थापन के लिए बंगाली टीम को बुलाया जाता है। दिलचस्प बात ये है की ये पूरी बंगाली टीम मुस्लिम समुदाय की है। माता रानी के दरबार में सभी समाजों के लोग आमंत्रित रहते है। इसी वजह से हिन्दू, मुस्लिम, बोहरा आदि समाजों के लोग आप को वहां देखने को मिल जाएंगे। वहीं सजावट का काम स्थानीय लोगों के जिम्मे रहता है।
पंडाल के निर्माण की शुरुआत नवरात्री के 10 दिन पहले से हो जाती है क्योंकि इसे पूरा होने में लगभग 10 दिन लग जाते है। लोगों को माता के दर्शन में कोई तकलीफ ना आए इसके लिए मूर्ती के दोनों तरफ 55 फीट की सीढियां लगवाई जाती है जहाँ नवरात्री के पूरे 9 दिन श्रद्धालुओं की भीड़ लगी रहती है। हर साल दर्शन के लिए लगभग तीन हज़ार से ज़्यादा लोग आते है।
माता का श्रृंगार
Photo by: Sayyed Ahmed
नवरात्री में हर तीन दिन में माता रानी का श्रृंगार कर उन्हें एक नया रूप दिया जाता है। हर साल एक थीम को चुना जाता है और उसी के हिसाब से श्रृंगार होते है। थीम कुछ इस प्रकार होती है – मोर, राधाकृष्ण, श्रीनाथजी आदि। इस साल श्रृंगार की थीम मोर की रखी गई है। साल 2011 में नवरात्रि के आखिरी दिन माता का श्रृंगार आभूषण और फूलों के साथ नोटों की माला से हुआ था जिनका मूल्य लगभग 7 लाख था।
नवरात्री के कार्यक्रम
सुथारवाडा में नवरात्री के कार्यक्रम की शुरुआत आमतौर पर 21 तोपों की सलामी, ढोल नगाड़े, पटाखे और आतिशबाज़ी के साथ नवरात्री के पहले दिन होती है जिस दिन माता की मूर्ती की स्थापना होती है। रोज़ शाम 7:30 बजे और 10:30 बजे आरती होती है। इसके बीच डांडियों के कई राउंड होते है जहाँ शहर के अलग अलग हिस्सों से लोग काफी उत्साह के साथ माता के सामने नवरात्रि का जश्न मनाते है।
इन नौं दिनों में यहाँ कई तरह के कार्यक्रम होते है जिसमें डांस, डांडिये, ड्रामा शामिल है। अष्टमी के दिन यहाँ महाआरती का आयोजन होता है जिसके तुरंत बाद ही महाहोली मनाई जाती है। आम होली की तरह इसमें गुलाल का नहीं बल्कि फूलों का इस्तेमाल किया जाता है। इसमें सभी लोग माँ अम्बे के अवतार में सजी एक बालिका पर फूलों की वर्षा करते है।
9वें दिन विसर्जन का कार्यक्रम रहता है जिसमें कई मशहूर लोग अपनी कला का प्रदर्शन करने आते है। इंडियाज़ गोट टैलेंट का निशान-ए-ग्रुप, दिल्ली के मनोज डांस ग्रुप जैसे जाने माने लोगों ने भी यहाँ कई बार डांस किया है।
इन सभी कार्यक्रमों के बीच इस बात का ध्यान रखा जाता है की आने जाने वाली गाड़ियों, लोगों और दुकानदारों को कोई तकलीफ ना हो। इस पूरे कार्यक्रम का आयोजन सुथारवाडा मित्र मंडल करीब 150 वालंटियर के सहयोग से करवाते है जिनके आयोजक श्री तुलसी राम माली और सह आयोजक लक्ष्मी लाल जी माली है।
अगर आप वहां जाएंगे तो आप पाएंगे की पंडाल की आस पास की सभी बिल्डिंग और घर भी बत्तियों से जगमगा रहे होते है। इसके साथ साथ पूरे प्रांगण में CCTV कैमरों की सुविधा है जिससे कोई भी अनचाही घटना ना हो।
अगर आपको यह आर्टिकल पसंद आया या आपके पास ऐसी ही कोई दिलचस्प कहानी है जो आप हमारे साथ शेयर करना चाहते है तो मुझे लिखे juhee@udaipurblog.com पर।
November seems like the golden month for all the air travelers of the city several direct flights are getting introduced in this month. After the direct flight to Bengaluru, Lucknow, and Surat, Spice Jet is launching another direct flight to Varanasi which will be initiated from the next month. The price of the flight starts from Rs. 4,607.
This flight will depart at 3:35 pm from Maharana Pratap Airport and arrive at 5:25 pm at Lal Bahadur Shastri Airport. The same flight will depart from Varanasi at 5:45 pm and reach Udaipur at 8:25 pm.
So many new direct flight from Udaipur assures a happy Diwali to all the traveler Udaipurites.
If you have any feedback for the article or have any such information you want to share with us then write to me at juhee@udaipublog.com.
At a distance of around 50 km from Udaipur, rests a rarely known gem of a temple which is known as Ambika Mata temple. The village named Jagat houses the architectural temple. Ambika Devi, who is the form of Goddess Durga is the chief deity of the temple. Goddess Ambika is worshipped as goddess Shakti is believed to be the primordial source of energy. She is associated with Durga through her lion mount and is connected to the Jains when a vision from the temple advised Vimal Shah, a minister of the Chalukya King of Gujarat, Bhimdev I, about building a temple of Lord Adinath at Dilwara, Mount Abu.
Source: Astrolika
This ancient temple is said to be constructed in 961 AD, the period when Laxman Mandir at Khajuraho was being constructed. An inscription on the temple suggests that a person named Sabpura who is the son of Vellur has restored the temple in Vikram samvat 1017. The beautiful idols, the posture of the idols, ornaments and the Nagar architectural style of the temple resembles that of Khajuraho temple which is why it is also called – The Khajuraho of Mewar.
Source: Travel with sharad vyas
There are innumerable inscriptions on the pillar and the wall of the temple which charms the eyes of every visitor. The unmatched and eclectic sculptures include Mahishasurmardini, Navdurga, Veenadharini, Saraswati, Ganpati in the dancing posture, Yama, Kuber, Vayu, Indra, erotic sculptures and other figures engaged in their chores. As a Devi temple, most of the temples here represents Goddess Durga, Goddess Laxmi, Brahmani, and other goddesses.
Source: Tour My India
The temples have been perfectly preserved by the State Department of Archaeology and Museum, Rajasthan. It has a pentagonal shape with a gigantic rampart wall in its surroundings which makes it completely exhilarated. One surprising thing about the architecture of the temple is that the unique architectural style doesn’t belong to its surrounding region in any manner. There is no solid evidence of North Indian Hindu temple architectural features or any Rajasthani architectural characteristics in it. It isn’t also blended with local or regional architectural features and characteristics.
Source: Travel with sharad vyas
Apart from the beauteous architecture and sculptures the temple own, it is famous for the fair that is conducted here during the time of Navratri and other functions during Durga puja etc. Along with the religious people all around the world, the temple holds a unique significance for the people interested in archeology, sculptures, and idols.
If you any feedback regarding the article or an interesting story to share with us, then write to me at juhee@udaipurblog.com
Navratri season has arrived and so is the season of rocking those Garba nights with your friends. But these days are absolutely incomplete without those colorful lehengas and traditional chaniya choli. If you have a single worry about getting those dresses on rent, then you do not need to worry because we have got it all covered for you.
Below is the list of places where you can get all kind of garba apparels and jewelry on rent for the perfect Navratri selfies and pictures you’ve been dreaming of.
RK Kala Sadan
You can find a number of garba dress style to select from such as Gujarati style, folk style, Kathiyawadi style, etc. Dresses for annual function, folk dance, different kinds of short and long lehengas are available too. Jewelry of all kinds is available on rent.
Apart from the usual traditional dresses of Garba, Indo western dresses and lehengas are available here. Handmade pom pom jewelry and other kinds of jewelry can be found at Rasm.
All kind of traditional as well normal printed lehengas and jewelry can be found at Odhani. Apart from that, bridal dresses and other folk dance dresses are available here too.
Mahalaxmi fancy dress stocks a large variety of dresses which involves Garba dresses as well as annual function, folk dresses, casual lehengas, and jewelry.
Address: Opposite Neelam Restaurant, Bohra Ganesh Ji Chouraha, University road, Udaipur
Contact: 9667906664
Fashion Closet Rental Boutique
Trendy Navratri dresses and jewelry are available here and apart from that, you can also buy dresses for other occasions on rent. Different style of dresses and jewelry is the highlight of the place.
Creation stocks a wide range of garba dresses which include both male and female dresses as well as jewelry. Apart from that, you can find fancy dresses, dance dresses for kids and adults. Dresses can be designed as per your requirement too.
Address: I road, Bhopalpura Main Road, Udaipur, above vijeta studio
Contact: +91 98283 38838
Fancyano
Traditional dresses for kids, adults, male and females are available at fancyano. The jewelry is provided along with the dresses itself. All kind of fancy dresses, wedding dresses, and jewelry are available at Fancyano.
All types of traditional dresses and jewelry are available at Kala Sadan. Apart from Navratri dresses, fancy dresses, play dresses and western dresses are available here along with jewelry.
You can get all kind of Navratri dresses and Rajasthani apparels and jewelry here at Konika Hastkala Kendra. Apart from that, handicrafts made here is the main highlight of the place.
All kind of Navratri apparels and jewelry is available here. Apart from that, Indo western apparels, traditional Rajasthani dresses for people of all ages are available.
Address: 4, Gulab Bagh Road near Royal ice factory, Udaipur
After World Music Festival 2017, Kailasha Kher will make our feet groove and heart sing again with his musical rendition at this year’s Diwali-Dushehra Mela which will be conducted at town hall Nagar Nigam campus. The music artist will be accompanied by the great Indian comedian Raju Shrivastava in the fair. The fair will begin from 28th October stretching all the way for 14 days and coming to an end on 11 November 2018.
Udaipur Municipal Corporation has announced a week-long schedule which will include lots of entertaining elements for people of all ages.
On 28th and 29th October, the stage of the fair will serve all the local talent of the city that will involve singers, dancers and other performers. People interested to participate in the activity can register their names at Nagar Nigam by 11th October.
The next day i.e. on 30th October Kailash Kher will melt the hearts of all Udaipurites with his sweet melody. On 31st October, a Raas Leela would be performed on Shree Krishna’s life followed by Raju Shrivastava’s performance the next day i.e. 1 November 2018. The schedule for the rest of the days would be as such – 2nd November: Ghazal and Bhajan, 3rd November: Kavi sammelan where artists like Surendra Sharma, Suman Dubey, Vineet Chauhan, Kumar Sambhav, Ashok Charan, Dinesh Banti, Sunil Jogi, Abdul Gaffar, Gaurav Golcha, etc. will perform. On 4th November, Performance by Prince Gupta and dance group will be held.
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At a distance of around 50 km from Udaipur, near the religious town of Nathdwara rests a village named Molela. Molela, also known as ‘potters village’ is quite popular for its unique art form called MolelaTerracotta. A settlement of around 40 families belonging to a pottery background lives there. And almost every potter residing in the village has excelled the art of creating Molela terracotta.
Source: India Rail Info
What is Terracotta?
Terracotta is a ceramic material which is used in construction as well as decorative arts since ancient times in many of the cultures all around the world. The word terracotta can be translated as ‘Baked earth’ in English. It is formed from the natural clay which is why it has the characteristic reddish-brown color.
Source: studiopottery
The Potters of the Molela makes multiple kinds of terracotta which include devotional plaques, large panels, temple bells, domestic ware, etc. and out of all that, the hollow votive plaques is the most famous artistry. The art form generally depicts rural village scenes and charming visual narratives and culture of their everyday life.
The inherent charm of these terracotta sculptures attract a plethora of buyers from different places but the demands for these plaques tend to be seasonal. Vessels and statues of the lord are required during the time of harvest or festive seasons. So, to sustain themselves during the lean months, the artisans turn themselves into farmers.
The process of making Terracotta
The process of making a terracotta can be divided into 3 steps:
Clay Preparation – the clay used to prepare the sculptures is sourced from local ponds and drains. There two types of clay – Nada, and Alu. Both the clays are mixed with each other along with 20% dried and sifted donkey dung. The clay is then wedged and kneaded by the feet and the hands respectively. This clay is then laid flat on the ground and evened out using water and wooden tools. This then works as the base surface of the sculpture.
Source: DSource
Crafting – The wet clay is then cut into the desired shape using a stencil and measuring scale. Incarnations of Durga, Dashavatars, Shrinathji, Gauri nritya, scenes from Ramayana, and everyday village life is the most popular depiction in terracotta. Parts of these forms such as limbs, face, and body are made by the basic techniques such as squeezing, pinching and coiling. These parts are then attached to the wet clay to create a firm shape. Once, the figures get a firm shape, ornaments, eyes and other details are added to the sculpture.
Source: DSource
Firing – The dried sculptures are then stacked in a circular opening meant for firing. This is the most convenient form of firing the sculptures. This kiln is constructed with bricks. The sculptures are loaded in the kiln on cow dung cakes and is sealed with a few layers of pottery shards. The temperature of the kiln is around 600-700 centigrade and the products are fired for a period of 4 to 6 hours.
Source: DSource
People of Molela
‘Murtikala’ is the art form which has been passed from generation to generation, getting evolved with generation. Amongst numerous artisans in the village, one of the pioneers of this art form is Mohanlal Chaturbuj Kumhar who has been practicing and teaching the art to his family members and other people of the village from around a decade. His sons, Dinesh and Rajendra has been actively involved in this craft work.
Source: DSource
For the same, Mohanlal Ji has been awarded several national and international awards. In 2012, he was awarded by the prestigious Padmshree award by the former president of India Ms. Pratibha Patil. Moreover, Mohanlal Ji founded an institution named ‘Mohan Terracotta Art Research & Development Centre’ to teach the people of the world, the unique art of Molela Terracotta.
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