Makar Sankranti Celebration in Rajasthan

Makar Sakranti is a Hindu festival that is observed to mark the end of the chilly months of winter. When the glorious Sun starts its journey to the Northern Hemisphere, celebration of Makar Sankranti starts. It’s time to begin a new life with bright light within us to shine brighter and brighter.

This is the season when the skies are clear and the breeze seems pleasant making everyone in a jubilant mood. On the auspicious occasion of Makar Sankrati, bathing in Haridwar, Kashi and other spiritual sites have a great significance, and the joy of season is celebrated by flying colorful kites in the sky.

Since many years, the cities- Jodhpur and Jaipur in Rajasthan have been hosting Kite Festival on Makar Sankranti with great fervor. The main attribute of the festival is the show of ‘diversity’ in all aspects. Kites all shapes and sizes are seen in the sky and the main competition is to cut the strings of nearby kite flyers and bring it down. For this purpose people intend to make their strings and sharp as possible, to give a tough fight to its opponent flyer. The special kite strings are coated with the mixture of glass and glue called as ‘manjha’.

Bright and colourful kites in striking shapes and unusual designs, some never seen before, would dot the sunny sky of Rajasthan on 14 January, 2014. Jaipur host International Kite Festival from January 14 to 16, 2014 at the Jal Mahal ground.

image courtesy: Gaurav Hajela Photography

Kites made of leaves, paper, plastics, shiny material cover the sky on this day. All members of family gather on the roof top to enjoy the festival. Women sing traditional songs. They also prepare special food like til laddoos, Moongfali, gazak, dal pakodi and Gajar Ka Halwa. Over the course of the day relatives and friends visit each other to exchange greetings.

Til ke Ladoo, Moongfalli and gajak

Enjoy the rejoicing festival of Makar Sankranti!!

 

Unravel the Picturesque Destination of Machkund Temple

Located in the Indian state of Rajasthan, Dholpur is a major holiday destination offering lot many locations and spots to be explored. Though famously known for its Chambal Safari and boat excursion, one sacred place for pilgrims that holds a special attraction is ‘Teerth Raj Machkund‘

Machkund Temple– Rooted in tradition and a pilgrim stronghold in Dholpur , Machkund Temple is situated about 4 kms from the town of Dholpur and is an ancient sacred place. It has a water tank that is surrounded by a series of temples around it. The place is named after Raja Machchh Kund, the twenty fourth king of the Suryavanshi Dynasty, who is said to have reigned nineteen generations before Lord Ram. According to legend, Raja Muchchhkund was sleeping here when demon KaalYaman (while pursuing lord Krishna) accidentally woke him up. The demon KaalYaman was burnt to ashes because of a divine blessing to Raja Muchchhkund.

A picturesque view surrounded by a series of temples of different deities, Machkund temple is an ancient place having reference in Puranas and Shri Madbhagwat. It is believed that after visiting to all Theerth Sthaan (pilgrimage) one need to take a holy dip in Machkund then only the pilgrimage is complete.

RajNiwas Palace, Dholpur or Dholpur Palace , invites you to closely witness and experience the pilgrimage from the comforts of royalty.

 All you need to do is pack your bags and contact us for the best stay!

For Reservations:

Raj Niwas Palace – Dholpur Rajasthan, 328001
Contact Details :  91 +7665002151
Fax:- 05642- 224888

Delhi Sales Office
Contact Person : Mr. Jitender Sharma 91+ 8860518880 , Mr. Sharabh Dixit 91+ 8860518883
Landline No : 011-45665201/02/03
Email : sales1@consortiumhotels.org: / reservations@consortiumhotels.org

Visit our website: http://dholpurpalace.com/

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Ghevar: The Festival Dessert of Rajasthan

“The belly rules the mind” goes a famous Spanish proverb, a phrase that Rajasthan, the land of the kings, is no stranger to. Rajasthani cuisine is a splendid combination of unique, spicy and colorful dishes. It’s incomplete without the description of Dal-Baati-Churma, a traditional wholesome meal of the state. Sweet dishes are never referred to as ‘dessert’ in Rajasthan, because unlike desserts which are had after the meal, Rajasthani sweets are had before, during and after the meal.

 

The Months of July and August are perfect to talk about the much celebrated dessert in this season of special festivities. “Ghevar”,  an incredible Rajasthani Delicacy which is widely popular and traditionally associated with Teej Festival (locally called Saawan ki Teej) and Raksha Bandhan festival falling in the month of August in Rajasthan. It is a round mesh like disc-shaped fried delicacy drenched in sugar syrup and topped with sliced nuts and flavored rabri.

Malai Ghevar

Dry Fruit Mix Malai ghevar

Plain Ghevar

Mawa Ghevar

Pista Mix Saffron Ghevar

Saffron Ghevar

This Rajasthani festival Dessert is always a chart topper and savored in different styles; some enjoy it plain while others love it with the toppings of Mawa or Malai.  Ghevar also tastes great when it is eaten with hot Milk or Kheer.

Having such a variety in taste Ghevar can definitely satiate your sweet tooth pangs for the time being but cannot satisfy your need to have it again and again. “Padharo mahare des” is an apt phrase, which means: “Welcome to my state”, where you can experience the uniqueness that it has on offer and enhance it with the wonderful hospitality, food AND Sweet Dishes that Rajasthan is famed the world over…..

Jaipur to host Big Rajasthan Entertainment Awards

After recognizing and awarding talent in various states, Big FM has now announced the launch of the ‘Big Rajasthan Entertainment Awards’ celebrating the best in the Rajasthani entertainment industry. The Pink City would relish the essence of entertainment with bollywood and television celebrities tonight i.e. on 6th March, 2013 at BM Birla Auditorium, Jaipur.

The awards will honor and recognize the contribution of some of the best talent from across fields including film, music, dance and sports among others. The popular awards will be presented on the basis of listener votes and an eminent jury panel across the region in 13 categories like ‘Big Most Entertaining Actor’ (Male and Female), ‘Big Most Entertaining Music Director’, ‘Big Most Entertaining Singer’ (Male and Female), ‘Big Most Entertaining TV Actor of the decade’ (Male and Female) and more.

Performances by Veena Malik, Hrishita Bhatt, Rohit Sharma and Josh Group are sure to add more spice to this glittery night. Irrfan Khan and Soha Ali Khan would be seen promoting their upcoming movie “Saheb, Biwi aur Gangster Returns” during the star studded evening in the city.

Boat Ride

The pristine Chambal River cuts through mazes of ravines and hills and leaves many sandy beaches throughout the 425 km long sanctuary.
The Chambal Safari is an attempt to acquaint visitors with a land that has retained its unique landscapes, rugged charm and rare wildlife.

Raj Niwas Palace , Dholpur is an ideal base for exploring the National Chambal Wildlife Sanctuary and surrounding areas, with excursions designed to appeal to everyone, from the serious birder to the wildlife enthusiasts. Set in 13 acres of garden, the palace grounds are full of peacock and birdlife that nip over from the National Chambal Sanctuary nearby.

National Cambal Wildlife Sanctuary is a 400 Km stretch of protected river for critically endangered Gharials & river dolphins. This vast area of sanctuary can be best explored on boats, providing spectacular opportunities to view the wildlife. A boat excursion to National Chambal Sanctuary offers many good viewpoints for photography of Gharials, shore birds and landscapes. The river safari is a unique experience, unlike anything on the Indian wildlife circuit. The boat ride on the calm waters of the Chambal, combined with the dramatic landscape and close-up views of the amazing abundance of wildlife are the highlights of the river safari.

A boat excursion will also offer many good viewpoints for photography of water and shore birds and unique landscapes. Walking trails in the ravines and along the river offer opportunities for close observation of the wide variety of plants and animals in the Sanctuary.

The boatman, are particularly skilled at cutting the boats engines, and manoeuvring as close to the birds and animals as possible, without disturbing them. Trained naturalists accompany visitors and provide expert information on the varied flora and fauna of the Chambal. A safari takes you on a four hour ride down the River Chambal, drifting past Gharials basking on the sandbanks, marsh crocodiles and turtles sunning themselves on the rocks  , while the dolphins, usually in pairs, splash in and out of the river as they come up for air.

The boatman and naturalists are all local residents that have been trained and given livelihood options that have them appreciate the National Chambal Sanctuary and provide the means of sustainable and mutually beneficial coexistence with the wildlife.

Jodhpur Festival- December 08-16, 2012

Enjoy the “Jodhpur Festival” a complete package for all the family members involving shopping, entertainment and delicious Rajasthani food.

In this festival, you can shop till you drop, indulge in gastronomical delights and have full entertainment with friends and family.  The venue for Jodhpur Festival would be Ravan Ka Chabutra, Jodhpur, Rajasthan.

The Jodhpur Festival is celebrated with great enthusiasm. Be it young children or the old people, all of them take part in the pomp and show. It serves as a platform to perform local customs that have been there since times immemorial. If you are planning to visit Jodhpur, try to plan your trip between December 08 and 16, 2012 so as to experience the popular pomp and pageantry in Jodhpur.

Jaipur : 285 Years and many more …

Proud to be known for my work as a Photographer. I am equally privileged that it was Jaipur where I honed my skill as a Photographer. Here is a tribute to my favorite city through my lens…

BADI CHAUPAR –  It’s a square that occurs at the intersection of east west roads with three north south roads. Each Badi and Choti chaupar are  around 100m x 100m. They were used for public gathering on festive occasions. The width of the square chaupars was three times that of the main street.

The lampposts running through the center of Johari Bazaar, Jaipur depicts an image of the rising sun, a common symbol of the rulers.You can not miss the Pigeon sitting on them 

Hawa Mahal (हवा महल or  ”Palace of Winds”), is a palace in Jaipur at Badi Chaupar. It was built in 1799 by Maharaja Sawai Pratap Singh. Its unique five-storey exterior is also akin to the honeycomb of the beehive with its 953 small windows called jharokas.

An old gate inside the walled city. JMC (Jaipur Municipal Corporation) has stamped it in the year 1948.

Beautiful stone carved Elephant at Roop Chatrubhuj temple at Choti Chaupar

Isar Lat or Sargasuli is known as the tower to heaven. It is situated near the Tripolia gate in the capital city of Rajasthan. It was built by Sawai Ishwari Singh in 1749 to commemorate a grand battle victory.

Stepwells, also called bawdi (बावड़ी) inside Panna Meena Kunda near Amber in Jaipur.

Puppets for sale inside the walled city of Jaipur

Painted Elephants during Elephant Festival that is held every year in Feb/March

Maharaja High School at Badi Chaupar, Jaipur. Probably one of the oldest school of Jaipur

Johari Bazaar, the jeweler’s market of the city.

Boat ride to re-discovered Jal Mahal which is likely to be constructed by Sawai Jai Singh II around 1734.

A beautiful Chatri at Badi Chaupar, one of the hidden treasure of Jaipur

Jaipur’s walled city was one of the most well planned city. The rules are still quite strict and generally followed.

Rays of hope on a winter morning at Kulish Smriti Van, Jaipur

Domestic and Foreign travellers rubbing shoulders to witness Elephant Festival which is held a day prior to Holi

Few of the 953 small jharokha (Windows) of Hawa Mahal Jaipur

Darbar Hall of Hotel Diggi Palace during Jaipur Literature Festival, perfect fusion of heritage, literature and glamor.

Choti Maharani ka Nauhara at Gangauri Bazaar, Jaipur. You can’t miss the Pink here 

Restored Jal Mahal at night, Jaipur

Mandana painting at Jawahar Kala Kendra, Jaipur. This is a traditional painting which is done on the houses in village.

Pink all the way. Although there are many theories floating around as to why Jaipur was painted Pink, the most accepted one is that pink is the traditional color of hospitality, and the city was freshly painted and paved with pink gravel to warmly welcome Edward VII for his visit here in 1876.

Jaipur : a perfect blend of all activities

Goddess of Teej during Teej Festival

Jal Mahal at night, Jaipur

Folk artist performing Fire trick at a festival

Hawa Mahal, Jaipur another perspective

Jaipur is all about splashing colours.

Vivid Colours of Jaipur, painted Elephant legs during Elephant Festival

The heritage town is now a technologically developed city. A board during JLF where visitors can download festival schedule on their mobile. There are number of wifi zones available for travellers.

This is Phase -I of the blog. This is scheduled to be updated and eventually will be available as an app on Android and iOS. Keep following this space.

Gaurav Hajela (gaurav@pathfynder.in)

Pushkar Fair begins from Nov 18-27, 2012

The most awaited Pushkar Fair is going to begin from 18^th November up till 27^th November,2012, also known as Pushkar Camel Fair and Pushkar Cattle Fair is a major event in the travel calendar of Rajasthan and is popular among tourists coming to Rajasthan from all over the World.

Religion, culture and fun, all are witnessed here in abundance. Pushkar is the home of Brahma, Creator of all Creation. Pushkar has the only Brahma temple of the world and is a holy pilgrimage place for Hindus. The Pushkar Fair is held in the month of Kartik, when pilgrims gather here for a dip in the lake to wash away their sins.

Spread over nine days, this fair is the largest of its kind in the world and attracts lakhs of people from both India and abroad. The golden sand comes alive with Rajasthan traditions, a burst of colors and sounds of revelry. The Pushkar Fair is associated with cattle. It is the world’s largest camel fair and other cattle is also bought and sold in large numbers. Camels are a Rajasthani’s pride.

Tourist Attractions during the Pushkar Fair

• The Holy Dips (Snan)
• Floating Lamps (Deep Dan)
• Cattle Trading
• Temples & Ghats
• Camel races
• Music, folk dances and cultural events

The folklores, music, ballads and dance performances at Pushkar showcase the colorful culture of Rajasthan which heightens the joy and excitement of this fair. The bards and the poets enchant the audiences with the tales of gallantry. Cultural shows, exhibitions and movies add to the fun at the Fair.

Location: Pushkar, Rajasthan

Date: November 18 – 27, 2012

Volvos to run on eight new routes from Dec 1

The Fleet of eight new buses has been added to attract more passengers. Seeing the increasing number of travelers going by road, the Rajasthan State Road Transport Corporation (RSRTC) has decided to start new Volvos from Dec 1.

The Volvo from Jaipur to Agra will depart at 12 am and will reach at 5 am from December 1. The fare will be Rs395. For Bikaner, the bus will depart at 5 pm and reach at 10:30 pm at fare Rs365.

Traveling will be convenient from Jaipur to Mount Abu; the Volvo will depart at 8 pm so as to reach at 7:30 am. The fare will be Rs760. Going from Jaipur to Kota will also become comfortable; the Volvo will depart at 10 pm to reach Kota at 3 am at fare Rs365.

In addition to this, Volvo will also connect Jodhpur to Ahemdabad and the fare will be Rs639. The service from Jodhpur to Udaipur has also been started benefitting the people of Rajsamand , Charbhuja and more places at fixed fare of Rs395.

Blue Lotus: the Musical Event in Pushkar

After Rajasthan, the new Jaisalmer music festival in November, another one is ready for its debut next year. This one, called the Blue Lotus, will take place in Pushkar, February13 onwards. And according to the organizers; the six day festival will have some 300 musicians from all over India.

It is an authentic music festival, not restricted to folk alone, that also has semi-classical and Sufi. As per the event insiders, the musicians are practicing flourishing as well as vanishing genres of the Indian musical tradition- qawwali, bhajan, kafi, bheth, waai, shram geet, deru, jangda, luddi and many more.

As per current plans, there will be a total of 40 concerts that will be held on Pushkar Streets, the nearby sand dunes and some temples, all open to the public. While some of the 40 ate ticketed and scheduled to be held at a new Resort in Pushkar

And music is not all!! You can also look forward to activities like music and film workshops, besides yoga and AOL sessions at the main venue.

This event is focused on presenting the richness of genres and styles of best of Indian Sufi, folk, traditional, gypsy, tribal, devotional, spiritual and indigenous music. Hold True, it may actually launch the temple town’s entry on the musical map of the country!!!