April 24, 2015

Events

MEWAR FESTIVAL UDAIPUR

A two-day event of Mewari culture held around the Jagdish Mandir & Gangaur Ghat. It is alive with music, dancing, rituals, processions, devotional music and fireworks. This festival marks the beginning of spring.

SUMMER FESTIVAL MOUNT ABU

A lively tribal festival lasting three days, during which Garasias & other tribes of Gujarat & Rajasthan dance.

HARYALI AMAVASYA UDAIPUR

A traditional Mewari fair, with stalls selling all sorts of products and food on the banks of Fateh Sagar lake.

TEEJ FAIR JAIPUR

Teej marks the advent of the monsoon. The Goddess Parvati is invoked to bless her devotees with conjugal harmony & bliss!

AMRAKJI FAIR UDAIPUR

A small village fair near Udaipur Shiv Mandir with stalls and some celebrations.

RAKSHABANDAN

The occasion is regarded as a time of Goodwill and sisters tie a thread symbolizing devotion around the wrists of their brothers.

DUSSEHRA MELA KOTA

Effigies of demons are burnt to symbolise the victory of good over evil. Colourful costumes, music and stalls create a carnival feel.

MARWAR FESTIVAL JODHPUR

The History of Royal Jodhpur relives during this celebration in which spirited folk dancers perform episodes from local folklore.

DEEPAWALI (DIWALI) NATIONWIDE

The huge national Festival of Light celebrates Lord Rahma's return to Ayodhaya after 14 years of solitude. He was greeted with oil lamps as he succeeded the throne. Indian streets glitter with swathes of fairy lights and tinsel and every Hindu household sets tiny oil lamps around their property. Firecrackers burst alarmingly all through the day and night, so if you don't like noise perhaps you should go off for a couple of days to the countryside around this time. Everybody visits everybody else, bearing gifts of sweets.

KHENKHRA FAIR NATHDWARA

The event is celebrated at the Shri Nathji Mandir. Cows are decorated with mystical patterns & a calf race takes place.

PUSHKAR FAIR PUSHKAR, AJMER

Excitement & gaiety fill the air as throngs of people with their animals or vehicles head for Pushkar soon after Diwali. This is the most sacred time of the year for thousands of pilgrims to bathe in the holy lake. The fair is also well known for its livestock market and stalls selling multitude of goods.

CHANDRABHAGA FAIR, JHALWAR

Chandrabhaga is the holiest river in this region. One the night of full moon, thousands of Hindus gather to dip in its waters. In addition, huge cattle fair takes place. The fair is rich with cultural rituals & tradition of Hadoti people.

March 26, 2015

Around and Beyond Udaipur

Ahar

Crumbling ruins are all that is left of the ancient capital of the Sisodias, the castle who founded the Kingdom of Mewar. This is an important archaeological site and the museum displays relics discovered in the area, some of which date back 5,000 years. Nearby, a vast enclosed plot is used for the cremation of royalty & nobility. There are over 250 memorials, wondrous, newly renovated pieces of architecture that are well worth a visit.

Crystal Gallery

A Unique Collection of Crystals of a Bygone Era. The Crystal Gallery Located in Fateh Prakash Palace (part of the Grand City Palace Complex) was opened to the public in 1994. Overlooking the Durball Hall, the Crystal Gallery has a grand collection of more than 600 rare objects collected from different parts of the world.

Inspired by the showroom of the Birmingham based company F & C Osler in Calcutta, this unique collection of the gallery was ordered by Maharana Sajjan Singhji in the year 1877. From lamps to washing bowls, perfume bottles to paperweights & writing instruments, the collection has it all. The Crystal Gallery also boasts a crystal bed, the only one of its kind in the world. Besides these, other fascinating objects include a sofa set, a dining table, fountains, various coloured crystal objects, mirrored tabletops and exquisite decanters.

Sajjan Garh

Also known as the Mansoon Palace, it was built as an observatory by Maharana Sajjan Singh and was originally planned as a ninteen storeyed structure. However the Maharana died prematurely and the plans were curtailed. This now derelict palace dominates the skyline from its position 2468 feet high on top of Bansdara Mountain and is clearly visible from most parts of Udaipur. It affords splendid views of the City and the surrounding countryside.

Pratap Memorial

An impressive bronze statue of Maharana Pratap on his horse stands at the top of Moti Magri (Pearl Mount) overlooking Fateh Sagar. Hundreds of people climb the hill to pay homage to Rana Pratap and his faithful charger Chetak, who was killed in the battle of Haldighati. There are the ruins of One of the first of Udaipur's forts and a delightful Japanese Rock Garden nearby.

Fateh Sagar Lake

This lake was constructed by Maharana Jai Singh to the north of lake Pichola. A canal links the two. The lake is bordered on three sides by hills and on the fourth side it is dammed. The name derives from Fateh Singh, who built the dam. Visitors can take a short trip to exquisite Nehru Island Park, which is the focal point in the lake.

The City Walls

These ancient ramparts are the extensive though no longer complete. Large sections through the modern commercial area have disappeared to make way for roads and shops, but at least seven gateways remain.

These are Brahmpol (named after the god, Brahma), Ambapol (After the goddess Amba), Chandpol (the Moon Gate), and Hatipol (The Elephant Gate) to the north, Delhi Gate, Surajpol (The Sun Gate) & Udiapol (named after Udai Singh) to the East. The gateways and remaining walls are in reasonable shape but are unfortunately disfigured with hideous posters, hoardings, electric cables or pylons, learn to shacks or urinals, but plains are afoot for major restoration work.

Shilpgram

Literally meaning "Craftsmen's Village" is a living ethnographic museum depicting the enormous diversities in craft, art & culture between various Indian states. Shilpgram comprises 26 huts set in 70 acres of natural surroundings at the foot of the Aravali mountains.

Eklingji (22Km)

The village of Kailashpuri is famous for its 108 temples enclosed by a high, fortified wall. This complex was known as the Shri Eklingji temple, is associated with Lord Shiva. Some of the structures date back to the 15th Century. The main temple, built of marble and granite, has an enormous double-storied hall under a vast pyramidal roof. The regaining deity is the four-faced Shiva carved in black marble. Yet another temple in the complex is the Lakulish Temple, built in 971 A.D. It is the only temple of the Lakulish Sect in the whole of India.

Nathdwara (48Km)

When the Emperor Aurangzeb prohibited idol-worship, devout Hindus decided to move their statue of Shrinathji to a safer place. During the move, their chariot got totally stuck in the mud. This was taken as a divine sign that the statue wished to rest there, and a temple was erected which was named Shrinathji-Ka-Mandir.

Haldighati (40Km)

Known as "The Yellow Vale" because the earth is the colour of haldi (turmeric). This area was the site of the famous battle of 1576 between Maharana Pratap and Emperor Akbar. The battlefield was in a narrow pass that ends in a wide plain. It was on this plain that the main battle was fought. The Maharana was deeply wounded and his faithful horse, Chetak, carried him to safety. There is a memorial to this loyal horse in Haldighati.

Chittaurgarh (110Km)

One of the most contested seats of power in India, this city (once Mewar's Capital) has witnessed many battles. The seemingly impregnable fortress was first attacked in 1303 and then periodically until 1567, when the battle against Akbar, the Mughal Emperor resulted in the wholesale looting and virtual destruction of every building. following this, it was decided by Maharana Udai Singh to shift capital of Mewar to the area that became Udaipur. The spectacular fortified ruins are perched on a plateau 180 Meters high and they cover an area of over 700 acres. The formidable nine-storeyed Victory Tower was constructed in 1440 to mark the victory (albeit short-lived) over the Muslim enemy.

Molela (45Km)

This small, traditional town near Haldighati is renowned for the production of terra cotta ware. Over forty households are involved (although they originate from two families) in working the fine black local clay into fantastic and beautiful items. Perhaps the most important object made there are the figures of Hindu Gods and Goddesses. Typical Rajput figures, decorated tiles and animals are also exquisitely modelled. Besides these, all sorts of bowls, pots & crockery are made and decorated with folklore patterns.

Ranakpur (90Km)

A tiny settlement set in the wild & picturesque hills, Ranakpur boasts one of the India's finest Jain Temples, dedicated to Adhinathji. Building of the Temple commenced in the 15th Century and the dedicated work went on for hundreds of years. Traditional stone masons are still working on one of the gateways to the sight. This vast and amazing piece of architecture is of creamy marble. No glass is used and no electricity employed, so it bears a sort of simplicity despite its intricacy. One noteworthy point is that it contains 1444 beautifully carved pillars, no two of which are alike. There are a couple of resort hotels in Ranakpur perfect for those who need break in complete tranquillity and fresh air.

Bagore Ki Haveli

Situated on the bank of Lake Pichola & incorporating the majestic Gangaur Ghat, this haveli was built by the then Prime Minister of Mewar in the second Half of the 18th Century. It fell into a Dilapidated state until restoration by the West Zone Culture Centre began in 1986. There are 138 rooms, balconies, courtyards and terraces. The Chambers of the Royal Ladies contain fresco paintings, and the glass and mirror inlay work in the Haveli is marvelous.

Gulab Bagh

Meaning " The Rose Garden," is situated in Sajjan Niwas Park. Sajjan Singh laid out the Gulab Bagh in the late 19th Century. The Saraswati Bhawan Library (originally called the Victoria Hall) is a striking building that was built to commemorate Queen Victoria's Diamond Jubilee. It contains many rare books and a displaced statue of Victoria.

Dudh Talai

This is a beautiful, recently restored musical fountain situated near sunset point to the side of Machala Magra Mountain. The lovely, tranquil park in the area provide a romantic place from which to see the sun setting over Lake Pichola. For those who enjoy a brisk climb and an even wider view, there is a path to the top of the mountain upon which stands the ruin of an ancient fort.

Kumbhalghar (84Km)

The vast bastion, built by Rana Kumbha in the mid 15th century, stands at 1,100 m & was once almost inaccessible. Only once Was it captured due to its water supply being contaminated by an enemy agent.

Apart from this, it remained safe through the turbulent histroy of the region. Within its complex there are palaces, temples, fields and water resources sufficient to withstand even the longest siege.

Gogunda (35Km)

A village situated on a very high peak in Aravali Hills and that is reached by a hair raising pass. Gogunda that abounds with Hindu & Jain temples, and it was here that the heroic Rana Pratap was crowned.

Chavand (60Km)

Maharana Pratap had a country retreat here, and it was here that he died in1597 following a hunting accident. The People of Bheel tribe inhabit the wild countryside of this area. Bheel men were very proficient archers and use to support Pratap in battle. There is a fine statue of Pratap and four of his aides.

Dhuler (Rishbhdeo) (60Km)

The 15th Century temple at Dhuler is of special significance to Jain Pilgrims, who go there to worship the idol of Rishabhdeoji. The idol is almost one meter high and is of black marble. The founder of Jainism is Lord Mahavira, and Rishabhdeo is believed to be one of his incarnations.

Jaisamand Lake (48Km)

Measuring 14 Kms. in length by 8 Kms. At its widest point, this is one of the largest man made lakes in Asia. Maharaja Jai Singh created it in the 17th century utilizing the waters of Gomti River . Encircled by hills and with a number of summer palaces along the shore, the lake is a natural and peaceful haven. There are eleven islands on the lake , some of which provide sanctuary inhabited by several species of migratory birds. The nearby wildlife sanctuary is also worth a visit. There is a number of resort hotels catering for those who would appreciate a break from the noise and turnoil of the city.

October 22, 2014

Diwali…….The Festival of Light

India is the land of festivals. Deepawali or Diwali (meaning 'an array of lamps') is the Festival of Light and is celebrated with fervour and gaiety throughout the country to ward off the darkness and welcome light into everyone's lives. A four-day celebration marks the festival, the first day of which, 'Naraka Chaturdasi' commemorates the vanquishing of the immensely powerful demon Naraka by Lord Krishna and his wife Satyabhama.

The second day is 'Amavasya' when prayers are offered to the goddess of prosperity, Lakshmi (Lakshmi Puja), for it is believed that on this day Lakshmi is in her most benevolent mood and is ready to fulfill the wishes of her devotees. Indians queue up for hours to pay homage at the Lakshmi temples on Amavasya. The third day is 'Kartika Shudda Padyami' but is of comparatively minor relevance.

The fourth day is referred to as 'Yama Dvitiya' and on this day brothers are invited to their sisters' homes. In north India it is also celebrated as the return of Rama from 14 years in exile after killing the wicked King Ravan. To commemorate his return to his homeland, Ayodhya, his subjects illuminated the kingdom & burst crackers. For the Rajasthani business communities, Diwali marks the beginning of the new financial year. The city streets are festooned with tinsel and fairy lights, and excitement fills the air.

At a metaphysical level, Diwali signifies the victory of Good over Evil, whilst at the material level it means different things to different people. It usually means a bonus for staff, a busy time for merchants and fun time for children. People of all ages participate in the festivities to give expression to their happiness by lighting earthen oil lamps (diyas), decorating their houses, bursting firecrackers & inviting relatives & friends to their homes for the partaking of a feast. Sweetmeats are presented to all guests, and are often given out to customers in the shops. The lighting of lamps is a way of paying obeisance to God for the attainment of health, wealth, knowledge and peace.

This is the one time in the whole year that children volunteer to leave their beds long before daybreak. The day starts with a traditional oil bath at 3 am before they emerge, scrubbed clean & dressed in their best. Festivities commence with the lighting up little oil lamps & candles, which is followed by setting off crackers and sparklers. For boys, competition is stiff to see who can set off the noisiest & greatest number of crackers. As for the girls, well they just want to look their prettiest. Adults are the souls of generosity, and it's rare to hear a harsh word of reproach except a warning to steer clear of the crackers. Here are two popular recipes associated with Diwali.

Royal Vermicelli Kheer

Ingredients

Vermicelli ½ cup (thin variety) * Milk 4 cups * Sugar ½ cup * Cream ¼ cup * Ghee 4 tablespoons * Almonds 2 tablespoons Cinnamon powder 1 level teaspoon * Bananas 3 (small)

Method

Fry the vermicelli in 2 tablespoons of ghee until light gold. Leave until cold. Skin almonds & chop them into small pieces. Fry in 2 tablespoons of ghee until well roasted. Boil the milk & add the vermicelli and keep on stirring over low heat until the vermicelli is just cooked and the milk is thick. (Do not overcook the vermicelli). Reduce heat and add sugar little by little, stirring all the time until the sugar has dissolved. Remove from heat, and when cold, mix in the cream, almonds, cinnamon powder and chopped bananas. Serve chilled.

Carrot Halwa

Ingredients

Carrots ½ kg * Milk 1 litre * Cardamoms 5 * Sugar 250g * Dried melon seeds 1 tablespoon * Ghee 2 tablespoons * Cashew nuts 100g * Almonds - a few

Method

Scrap & grate the carrots. Bring milk to the boil in a heavy-bottomed pan. Add grated carrots. Cook on medium heat stirring occasionally without closing the lid until the mixture is fairly dry (about 30-40 minutes). Add sugar, crushed cardamom and the melon seeds. Mix well until everything becomes semi-solid. Then add ghee and fry well by adding the nuts cashew nuts and almonds. Serve cold.

February 28, 2013

To Buy……. Or Not to Buy

MINIATURE PAINTINGS MINIATURE PAINTINGS

When contemplating the purchase of a painting, the bottom line is whether the individual painting appeals to you. If it does, & you can get it for a reasonable price then buy it. Art appreciation is a personal thing. For those wishing to be more scientific in choosing, here are some points indicative of high-quality artwork.

The Base Material

Paintings executed on handmade paper are generally of superior quality. To differentiate handmade paper from its ordinary counterpart, the surface of handmade paper is comparatively rough and appears old whereas machine-produced paper is smoother and shinier.

Natural Colour

There are normally six natural (original) colours used nowadays. These are indigo (purple)/ iron oxide (red)/ ochre (dusky yellow)/ zinc (white)/ carbon (black)/ raw sienna (yellow-tan). Others such as those derived from Malachite and Lapis have become too costly & difficult to produce.

Details

Figures anatomically correct and attention to other details such as flowers, leaves, feathers and architecture.

Background

Shading and outlines of the painting should be clear.

Facial Expression & Balance

These details should be good, clear and attractive.

Number of Figures

Several finely formed miniature figures in a small area imply skill.

Overall

Range and use of colour. The application of gold or silver is a sign of good quality. Blocks of plain colour, when used exclusively, usually denote low quality.

PASHMINA…..FASHION'S ANSWER TO CAVIAR

Pashmina has quite recently gained huge popularity in the West. It can be rather expensive, yet the majority of those who demand and are willing to pay for it know very little about it. Pashmina comes from the high mountains of the Ladakh Range in Kashmir, or from Tibet and the hair is that of a mountain goat known as an Ibex. Fine hair from neck & chest of the animal gets left in wisps on bushes and it is this that is collected. Pashmina can be dyed any colour but most favoured are the natural colours. The spinning is carried out on a traditional spinning wheel & then woven on a handloom.

You can expect to pay in the region of Rs.6000 - 7000 for a plain Pashmina shawl, though embroidered pieces will cost an additional Rs.1000 - 5000, depending on the intricacy & skill of the work. It is unlikely that a genuine Pashmina shawl will be significantly cheaper.

Pashmina wool is undoubtedly very soft, but caution is needed when buying, as there are some good quality substitutes that can be just as soft and very similar in looks and texture, but valued at around 10% of the price. If you merely want a warm, attractive shawl then you may be content with the substitute item, provided of course, that you are paying the lesser price for it.

NOTE

One small tip is that 100% genuine Pashmina doesn't wrinkle after being scrunched into a ball. However, it takes an expert to recognise real Pashmina, so don't assume that you can tell what you're getting just by feeling it or trying to pass a shawl through a ring or whatever! You must ask for a certificate of authenticity when buying a supposedly 100% Pashmina product.

THE SILK ROUTETHE SILK ROUTE

There's a somewhat bemusing variety of silk, and of course there are materials that seem silky and sometimes passed off as silk, that are not pure silk. Let's take a look at some varieties of silk and their uses.

Wild Silk

Fairly soft & lightweight with a close, uniform weave, this silk has a matt finish and is rather unexciting when compared to other silks. It is suitable for blouses but because is difficult to stitch, tailors don't like working with it.

Leather Silk

Has a satin finish on the reverse side but the face has that almost damp feel, very much like chamois leather, and is similar in appearance. Leather silk is of medium weight & wears well as it doesn't crumple or crease. It is an interesting fabric for jackets, skirts etc..

Natural (Chinese) Silk

A very lightweight, fine, soft, closely woven silk that is available in a variety of bright colours. New natural silk has a sheen, though this will gradually disappear with use. Favoured for scarves, blouses & shirts.

Rose (Bangalore) Silk

This type of silk has a close weave with a straight, slightly rough, uneven grain. It bears a faint sheen and is of medium weight. Available in very attractive colours, it is favoured for shirts, blouses and dresses, even though it does have a tendency to crease.

Khadi Silk

Khadi silk is medium to heavy weight & has a texture that varies from sample to sample; from slightly coarse to almost as coarse as jute! It is known for its loose weave and pronounced straight grain, the lines of which vary slightly in their tone, shade or colour. Usually found in natural shades, Khadi silk is an attractive, somewhat rustic fabric suitable for jackets (if lined), or shirts.

Benares Silk

A soft, lightweight, closely woven material with a matt finish. Benares silk is often patterned & brightly coloured. It is popular as dress or blouse fabric.

Matka Silk

Another coarse, rather loosely woven, medium to heavy weight silk with a matt finish. It softens somewhat with washing and is suitable for jackets, as long as it is lined. It is generally available in natural colours.

Chiffon Silk

Very lightweight and floaty with a slightly rough, crape feel. Chiffon is somewhat transparent, comes in a variety of colours and patterns and is very feminine. It has a matt finish and is a classic fabric for blouses and dresses as well as scarves.

NOTE

To test for pure silk, burn a thread. If it is pure it will be reduced to ash & should not melt or bobble. The smell of burning silk varies, but Khadi & Bangalore silk are the only two that really smell of singed hair. When purchasing silk, ask about the laundering. The rule-of-thumb is to have it dry-cleaned the first time. Subsequently it can generally be washed in cold water, though it is always advisable to dry-clean a jacket.

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