City Palace Udaipur in Rajasthan

Udaipur in Rajasthan is known as the city of lakes. City Palace, Udaipur is one of the major attractions of the city. It is situated on the banks of Pichola Lake presenting visitors one of the finest examples of architectural legacies of the royal land of Maharajas. Considered amongst the marvellous palaces of India, its construction was started by Maharana Uday Singh in 1559 but the succeeding emperors kept on adding to it with the same style and structure.

The Wondrous Architecture

City Palace, Udaipur is the largest palace complex in Rajasthan. The wondrous thing about its architectural style is that it comprises of 11 palaces built by different emperors but still they resemble each other. Built completely in marble and granite, this palace is an amazing framework of Chinese, European and Medieval architecture. With a number of gates called 'Pols' like 'Hathi Pol' or Elephant Gate, 'Bara Pol' or Great Gate, 'Tripolia' or Triple Gate, the palace consists of beautifully built balconies, octagonal towers, cupolas and hanging gardens. 'Raj Aangan' or Royal Courtyard built in 1571 is the oldest oldest part of the palace. After visiting decorated rooms inside the palace one can still find admirably excellent paintings of the bygone era and mirror tiles. One of the biggest and awesome temples of India, dedicated to Lord Vishnu, Jagdish Temple, is also situated inside the palace.

Where 'Moti Mahal' or Pearl Palace is known for its expensive decoration, 'Manak Mahal' or Ruby Palace contains porcelain and crystal structures. At one side 'Sheesh Mahal' or Palace of Mirrors showcases its superb mirror art, on the other hand 'Dilkhush Mahal' or Palace of Joy have breathtaking wall paintings and murals. The highest point of the palace is 'Amar Vilas' which has been decorated with fountains, towers, terraces and hanging gardens.

The Museum

The major part of City Palace, Udaipur in Rajasthan comprises of Museum which has been divided into several halls and pavilions. It houses enchanting collection of antiques, artifacts, inscriptions and ancient sculptures. It is also known as Pratap Museum on the name of Maharana Pratap. One can see the armory, a big collection of weapons, swords and protective gears used during the reign of Maharana Pratap. Bugles and drums used in the period of one of the famous emperors, Rana Sanga are also on the display. Besides this antique paintings of Mewar, Rajasthani art, inscriptions and coins add to the beauty of museum.

How to get there ?

Air : The nearest airport, Debock, is at a distance of 24 km from the main city. It is connected by Air India flights from major cities like Delhi, Mumbai, Jaipur and Jodhpur.
Rail : Udaipur Railway Station is around 4 km from the city which is directly connected with Jaipur, Chittaur, Jodhpur, Ahmedabad and Delhi.
Road : Udaipur is linked by a wide network of bus services to main cities. The Rajasthan, Gujarat, Uttar Pradesh and Madhya Pradesh Road Transport Corporation operate buses to Udaipur from various cities.

Sanjeev Verma

Read more...

Krishna Janamashtami

Krishna Janamashtami is one of the holy festivals of India which is dedicated to Lord Krishna. The festival is celebrated all over India in various forms. It is celebrated as the birth anniversary of Lord Krishna as He took birth on this day. The festival generally comes in the month of August every year and this year it is being celebrated on 14th August. According to the Hindu calendar, the festival falls on Ashtami (eighth day) of Krishna Paksha (dark half) in the month of Shravan.

This day is not only considered as the birth anniversary of Lord Krishna, the reincarnation of Lord Vishnu, but it is also treated as the birthday of a divine personality who bestowed the mankind with divine knowledge.

History of Krishna Janamashtami

There are several legends attached to the history of Janamashtami. It is believed that Lord Krishna took birth on this day to kill Kansa, his maternal uncle. Kansa was the king of Mathura and was famous for his cruelty to the mankind. The birth of Lord Krishna is calculated by the historians way back to the 'Dwapar Yug', around 3,227 BC. Lord Krishna was born on the stormy and dark night on eighth day of Shravan month in a jail.

Krishna Janamashtami Celebrations

It is a Hindu festival, which is of great importance in North Indian states, particularly in Uttar Pradesh. It is celebrated with great pomp and show specially in Mathura and Vrindavan in Uttar Pradesh, as these places are related to the life of Lord Krishna. There are a number of temples in Mathura and Vrindavan, where devotees from various parts of India flock during this festival to offer their prayers and pay obeisance.

People observe full day fast on seventh day of the Shravan month and offer prayers till eighth day morning as it is said that Lord Krishna took birth in the midnight seventh and eighth day of Shravan month. Apart from this a number of processions are also carried out in various places showing the events for the life of Lord Krishna. A large number of devotees participate in these processions known as 'Jhankis'. Apart from this special 'Krishnaleelas' (plays on the life of Lord Krishna) are presented by the devotees in the dance form.

Devotional songs (Bhajans) of Lord Krishna are recited along with chanting of 'Mantras' and 'Shalokas' from the holy book 'Geeta' and 'Vedas'. Devotees have a belief that chanting of the name of Lord Krishna for 108 times brings auspiciousness in the life of devotees.

Celebration of Krishna Janamashtami in Maharashtra

Krishna Janamashtami is a very famous festival in all over Maharashtra and the main attraction of the festival is 'Dahi Handi'. On this day a number of groups of young boys roam around in the city to participate in the special event where a clay pot filled with butter milk is tied on a certain height in between the two buildings located on both sides of a street. These boys make a human pyramid and the boy on the top of the pyramid breaks 'Dahi Handi' spilling buttermilk all over the people.

This is treated as a sign of humanity and well being. They boys participating in the human pyramid are known by the name of Govindas and also get certain prizes.

Sanjeev Verma

Read more...

Holy City of Amritsar

Amritsar is the holy city of Sikhs. It is located in the Northern state of Punjab and derives its name from 'Amrit Sagar', the ocean of nectar of immortality. Major attraction of Amritsar is Golden Temple, which is also known by the name of Harmandir Sahib. Amritsar is one of the famous tourism and pilgrimage destinations of all religions, which attract visitors from all over India and abroad. Another important attraction of Amritsar is Jallianwala Bagh, the massacre memorial.

Founded by Guru Ramdas Ji in 1574, Amritsar is very close to the international border between India and Pakistan. The city of Amritsar is a home to several prominent Sikh Gurudwaras.

Climate of Amritsar

Amritsar has the extreme climatic conditions. It witnesses scorching summers and chilling winters. Mercury rises upto 46 degree celsius in summers and dips into minus during winters. Monsoons hit Amritsar in the beginning of July and continues till September. The best period of making a tour to Amritsar is from October to April.

Main Attractions of Amritsar

Golden Temple

Golden temple or Harmander Sahib was completed in 1604 AD in the city of Amritsar, which was started by Guru Ramdas Ji. It is considered the holiest place of Sikhs as Sri Gru Granth Sahib Ji, the eternal Guru of Sikhs, is placed inside the Golden temple. It literally means 'House of God'. It was also attacked by Afghan forces of Ahmed Shah Abdali in mid 18^th century, where the Afghan forces were defeated by Sikh army. It was rebuilt in 1760 because of the damages during the attack.

Golden temple is surrounded by a man made lake known by the name of Amritsar or lake of holy water of immortal nectar. Its architecture displays the beauty of both Muslim and Hindu styles and exhibits a huge golden dome in the centre of the temple. Golden temple has got four entrances which signify its openness to all religions.

Jallianwala Bagh

Jallianwala Bagh is located near to Golden Temple and is one of the sought after places during Amritsar tour. It was the site of bloody massacre during British Raj. General Dyer ordered his forces to carry out firing on peaceful people who were celebrating Baisakhi on 13 April 1919. Around 2000 people were killed in this tragic incident.

Akal Takht

Akal Takht was constructed in 1609 by Guru Har Gobind Ji, the sixth Guru of Sikhs. It is located directly opposite to Golden Temple. It literally means 'timeliness' and the highest council of Sikhs sits here. The Guru Granth Sahib is taken to Akal Takht in the night time from Golden Temple. It is a must visit site during Amritsar tour.

Ram Bagh

Ram Bagh is another major attraction for tourists during Amritsar tour. It is the place where summer palace of Maharaja Ranjit Singh was built. One can also visit the museum named after Maharaja Ranjit Singh here, which houses ancient weapons, paintings, ancient coins and miniatures. There is a statue of Maharaja Ranjit Singh seated on his horse, which can be spotted in Ram Bagh.

Sanjeev Verma

Read more...

Coconut Festival, 2009

Come 5th August, 2009 and India flags the Coconut Day festival or Narali Purnima. It is celebrated on full day in the month of Shravan and this year it coincides with the famous Raksha Bhandan and day is going blast unlimited joy. This festival is greatly celebrated by fisher folk residing in Coastal Maharashtra, Daman and Diu.

The traditional Coconut festival in Diu announces a variety of water sports on the Damanganga Creek and food made of coconut, which attracts tourist from different parts of the world.

Coconut Festival in India

Coconut Day festival or Narali Purnima depicts the love and devotion of fishermen towards the wind and sea-god Varuna. The festival marks the end of the monsoon season and the beginning of a fresh fishing season. Devotees consider Coconut as a three eyed God, Lord Shiva and believes to offer Coconut to the Sea God on the very day. They offer prayer and believe to seek blessings for their safety and good income. It is one of the major festival for all fishing community all across India and as such fishing boat before venturing out in the water. They arrange their boat in queue and fill the aura with their song of praise.

Coconut Festival, World Wide

The festival in conducted world-wide at different season in different time. Vietnam has already devoted 16th January, 2009 to Coconut Festival, held in Chau Thanh District and Ben Tre Town. It aims at highlighting the socio-economic achievements of the place.

Coconut Festival is soon to shower joy on Kappa Beach Park in Hawaii. The occasion has been declared to be held on 3rd and 4th October, 2009 and is the 13th Annual Cocount Festival since its commencement. The event displays entertainment, cultural programmes, history and games Visitors will also be offered with the experience of shopping items made of coconut. It will stage largest gathering of kauai artisans and food-contest by the best chefs of kauai's. The sole purpose of the festival is to promote, preserve and improvise the life and business along the Royal Coconut Coast.

Mithi Dey

Read more...