udaipur birthday – UdaipurBlog

Dotted by magnificent Aravalis, grand palaces, beautiful Havelis and mesmerizing lakes, the city of Udaipur is celebrating its 468th foundation anniversary on Sunday, April 26 on the occasion of Akshaya Tritiya.

Udaipur was founded in 1553 by Maharana Udai Singh II after his citadel Chittorgarh was captured by Mughal Emperor Akbar.

According to the legend, Udai Singh was guided by a hermit who was meditating on the hill near Pichola Lake to establish his capital on this very spot. Since the place was surrounded by gigantic Aravali Ranges, dense forests and lakes, it was less vulnerable than Chittorgarh. Consequently, Udai Singh II established a residence on the site.

In November 1567, the Mughal emperor Akbar attacked & forced to give up control of the venerated fort of Chittor. After the Mughal empire weakened, the Sisodia Ranas, and Maharanas stood-up for their independence and recaptured most of the Mewar except for Chittorgarh.

Udaipur remained the capital of the state, which became a princely state of British India in 1818. Being surrounded by a mountain range, the region was unsuitable for heavily armoured Mughal emperors to be attacked. And therefore, Udaipur remained safe from Mughal influence in spite of much pressure.

The Rajvansh of Udaipur is one of the oldest dynasties in the world. Today, Shriji Arvind Singh Mewar is the 76^th custodian of the Mewar Dynasty.

At present, with a population of more than 6 lakh, the city’s living heritage is the 400-year-old City Palace with clusters of centuries-old residences.

The city has been celebrating the rich culture and heritage every year on Udaipur Foundation Day with great zeal. It has always been an auspicious day for all the Udaipurites when one of the most precious gems of Rajasthan was discovered.

The City Administration along with few other social and cultural organisations celebrate the day by organising various events and programs.

Foundation Day Udaipur — Photo by BrandBoaster

This would be the first time Udaipur will ever see the Foundation Day in lockdown. Unfortunately, the celebration was not possible on a grand public scale keeping the health and safety of the people in mind. However, this will surely not lessen the love and respect Udaipurites have in their heart for the city.

As a responsible and true Udaipur citizen, people will celebrate the Foundation Day of Udaipur by showing the same fighting and winning spirit that the founders of the city had.

Gaining popularity as the favorite venue of many famous personalities for royal marriages, functions, congregations and shootings, yesterday City of Lakes witnessed one of the biggest ever Birthday Blast when the Real Estate Tycoon Kushal Pal Singh aka K.P. Singh (Chairperson, DLF) stepped in the 80^th year of his life. Claimed as one of the expensive birthday parties ever thrown, a billion of money was spent to make the evening a memorable one. Impressed by the beauty and tradition of the city, daughter of Mr. Singh, chose Jag Mandir for the venue of his party over Las Vegas.

Maharana Pratap Airport gleamed as the celebrities and royal guests landed there one after other to join the Birthday Party. Businessman Prakash Hinduja was the first to step in Udaipur at 1:15 PM, followed by renowned singer Adnan Sami, who was looking great in his slim and smart ‘Avtaar’. Actor Kabir Bedi arrived at 2 PM. Host for the party, Mr. K.P. Singh, arrived with his family at 3:15 PM. Sunil Bharti Mittal (CEO, Airtel) arrived at 4:15 PM.

Standing amidst the peaceful water of Pichola, Jag Mandir was glowing under a dim blue light that got hold of every eye, leaving everyone mesmerized with its elegancy. Guests and celebrities were comforted with the luxurious preparations that were made under the head of Piya Singh, daughter of Mr. Singh. The Guest list listed many popular faces including Adnan Sami, Sunil Mittal, Kabir Bedi, Pawan Kumar Munjal, and of course the most awaited of all Latin Pop Star Shakira. A 15 feet high stage was set up which was flooded with decorative lights and flowers. Colourful floating Fountains were placed in Pichola that took the breath of guests and also of Udaipurites who were standing at the ‘Paal’. A huge balloon was revolving above Pichola Lake from which beautiful angels landed up rendering everyone hypnotized. Crackers worth 2 Crores were brought but Collector Mr. Gera and the administration didn’t give permission for late night fireworks.

Programme started with the performance of Adnan Sami at 8 in the evening as per the schedule and received a huge roar of appreciation from the guests. After his performance, a film casting the various phases of Mr. Singh’s life was shown. Tears welled up in eyes of everyone, especially Mr. Singh. His son and daughter shared the golden moments of their father’s life and called him up on stage. Overwhelmed with emotions and many memories of his long journey from serving in army to this stage in the business world, he cut his 80^th Birthday Cake.

Being the Brand Ambassador of UNICEF, Waka Waka girl Shakira also visited SIERT where she met the rural girls and motivated them to get educated and achieve high positions in the society. When she reached at the place, small girls dressed in traditional ‘Lehangas’ welcomed her according to Rajasthani Culture. Despite of being such a famous celebrity, she easily got mixed up with the school girls. She even danced with them and answered each and every question very politely. Girls also sang many folk songs for Shakira and Shakira also encouraged them by clapping and dancing with them.

Pictures: (Credits: UNICEF Press Release)

Shakira in Udaipur — Media Interviewing Girl from SIRT

After making a promise to visit Udaipur again, she said goodbye to all of them and proceeded for JagMandir where she practiced with her drummer for the evening performance. Shakira mounted on stage at 10:20 PM and thrilled everyone with her sizzling performances. Her voice filled the air and her grace made the breeze to dance with her. She made every feet dance as she performed on her hit and famous songs. Following the rules, the party ended up at about 11:15 PM.

Everyone present for the party was dumbstruck with the charm of LakeCity, its beautiful lakes, warmth present in hearts. Mr. K.P. Singh also said that Udapiur is one of the best city in the world and it feels great to be here. So now it becomes our moral duty that we give the best of impression about us and our city to every tourist and visitors. Let us put this city ahead of all others. 🙂

Here are some more pictures from Jagmandir : Credits : ( Rupesh Mehta )