Ian Woolford a UK-born American lecturer in Australia, recites Hindi poems with ease!

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February 11, 2021, 5:44 PM

Ian Woolford, a lecturer in Hindi at La Trobe University in Australia, has been garnering laurels for posting his videos reciting Hindi poems in his pure Hindi diction.

His Twitter handle @iawoolford, has about 68.3 thousand followers.

The UK born American in Australia has most of his tweets related to Hindi literature. But he does not shy away from making comments on Indian dishes and political issues of the nation as well. His sense of humor is also amazing.

Ian Woolford’s Hindi pronunciation and diction will make it difficult for you to believe that he is an American.

Recently, Ian expressed his joy after Hindi programme survived elimination at the La Trobe University.

“Good news! The La Trobe University Hindi program has survived elimination. I now have the happy task of sending 100s of thank you letters to the students, community members, academics, diplomats, and members of parliament who contributed to this effort,” he tweeted from his twitter handle.

His posts include a wide range of poems which have been written by modern Indian poet Kumar Vishvas as well as the lines quoted by renowned poet Pradeep.

According to him, despite being an American living in Australia, he became fascinated with Hindi.

“My association with Hindi has been since childhood. It was at the age of 12 when my mother enrolled me in a school in Trinidad that I started chanting Hindi bhajans and folk songs with school friends there.”

He further says that during his graduation from Cornell University, he started his formal education in Hindi. Music and Asian studies were his main subjects. Music still means a lot to him, he says.

He admires poems written by Mahadevi Verma and says, his point will be incomplete if he does not take the name of Tulsidas who scripted Ramcharitmanas.

Ajmer named after a hill called Ajay Meru

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February 11, 2021, 4:45 PM

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Ajmer derived its name from Ajay Meru! Surprised? Yes, it’s true that Ajmer has been named after the invincible hill called as Ajay Meru. The city stands at the foot of this hill today.

Surrounded by the Aravalli mountain range, Ajmer is a popular pilgrimage, blessed to have Pushkar, the abode of Lord Brahma, Dargah Sharif, where the tomb of the Sufi Saint Khwaja Moinuddin Chisti is revered by the Muslims, Pushkar Lake which is a sacred spot for the Hindus. During Kartika month, devotees throng to Pushkar in large numbers to take a dip in the sacred lake.

Pushkar: A picturesque township and the sacred lake of Pushkar is situated 13 km from Ajmer. As per a legend, a lotus fell from Lord Brahma’s hand and dropped into this valley. A lake came up on the spot and was dedicated to him. The temple (Jagat Pita Shri Brahma Mandir), dedicated to Lord Brahma on the lake side, is an important pilgrimage place.

Ajmer-e-sharif: Ajmer-e-Sharif or the Dargah, the final resting place of Sufi Saint Moinuddin Chishti, is visited by people from all faiths. The Sufi Saint Khawaja left for his heavenly abode in 1256 AD after engaging in a six-day prayer in isolation. These six days are celebrated every year as the annual Urs, being attended by thousands of pilgrims. The shrine is considered to be a place of wish fulfilment for the devout. It is said that Emperor Akbar sought blessings for his son at this Dargah.

Adhai Din Ka Jhonpda: Originally built to function as a Sanskrit college, this place was later converted into a mosque. Being an impressive blend of Indo-Islamic architecture, it was ruled by Sultan Iltutmish in 1213 AD who took charge of this place and further beautified it. Legend has it that the mosque is known as Adhai din ka Jhonpda (literally meaning, The Hut of Two and a Half Days) because of a two and half day fair held here during Urs in the 18th century.

VLCC Femina Miss India 2020 Runner-up Manya Singh shares her story of struggle…

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February 11, 2021, 3:04 PM

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Manya Singh from Uttar Pradesh who was crowned VLCC Femina Miss India 2020 – runner-up, is a rickshaw driver’s daughter who never had the opportunity to attend schools.

In her instagram post, she reveals, “I’ve spent numerous nights without food and sleep. I’ve spent many afternoons walking for miles on end. My blood, sweat, and tears have amalgamated into courage to pursue my dreams.”

She further writes, “Being a rickshaw driver’s daughter, I never had the opportunity to attend school as I had to start working in my teens. All the clothes I had were hand-me-downs. I yearned for books, but luck wasn’t in my favour. Eventually, my parents mortgaged whatever little jewellery my mother had to ensure that I paid my exam fees in order to earn a degree. My mother has suffered a lot to provide for me,” she says.

Manya further adds, “At 14, I ran away from home. I somehow managed to complete my studies in the day, became a dishwasher in the evening and worked at a call centre at night. I’ve walked hours to reach places so I could save the rickshaw fare. I am here today at the VLCC Femina Miss India 2020 stage to uplift my father, my mother, and my young brother and to show the world that all is possible if you are committed to yourself and your dreams.”

Manasa Varanasi, an engineer from Telangana, on Wednesday night emerged as the winner of VLCC Femina Miss India World 2020. While Haryana’s Manika Sheokand was declared VLCC Femina Miss Grand India 2020, Uttar Pradesh’s Manya Singh was crowned VLCC Femina Miss India 2020 – runner-up.

5 Best Handicrafts of Jaipur you would like to get your hands on

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February 10, 2021, 8:32 PM

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Jaipur and handicrafts have almost gone synonymous as the artists and craftsmen here have been modelling these handicrafts into alluring objects of art since centuries.

It’s quite exciting to shop for these handicrafts in the traditional bazaars and popular markets of Jaipur. While some handicrafts are used for home décor the others are being used for daily use. Let’s know a little more about the handicraft in Jaipur…

Blue pottery: Jaipur’s glory has gone far and wide because of its beautiful blue pottery work which is used to make different objects like flower vases, lamp shades, crockery, jewellery boxes, trays etc. The pottery, with its vibrant blue and golden designs, or animal and bird motifs, stands out in its beauty.

As this blue pottery is made of quartz stone, instead of clay, it doesn’t develop cracks easily.

Best places to buy: Kripal Kumbh, Neerja International, Kuber Handicraft, Heritage India, Jawahar Kala Kendra

Lac bangles: These bangles are made of lacquer, which is a type of varnish obtained from wood. They are strikingly beautiful with bold colors and artistic designs. These bangles made up of red and green colours are majorly worn on different festivals and celebratory occasions

With colorful beads, stones or mirror work, these bangles look more beautiful.

Where to buy: M.I. Road, Bapu Bazaar, Tripolia Bazaar, Chaura Rasta, Badi Chaupar

Bandhani: Bandhani, also called as tie and dye textile, is one of the major art work of Jaipur, which involves the tying of cloth and then dying it by dipping it into vats of color.

This household craft Bandhani has become a major shopping product of Jaipur.

Where to buy: Tripolia Bazaar, M.I. Road, Kishanpol Bazaar, Sanganer Village, Jauhari Bazar, Nehru Bazar

Puppets: Puppets can be found in every street shop and in every bazaar.

Being stuffed toys that provide enormous entertainment to the villagers and tribals of Jaipur, you can have them as souvenirs or for gifting purposes. They are used for home décor as well as for play toys for children.

Where to buy: Puppet House, Surya Handicrafts, Amit Handicraft Emporium

Kachhi Ghodi: A traditional dance act performed with colorful dummy horses is called as Kachhi Ghodi. The artists enact tales of valor from ancient times as they dance and wield swords to represent the warrior characters.

Where to buy: Walled city

Visit Meera Bai’s birthplace Merta to soak spiritual splendour

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February 10, 2021, 8:25 AM

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Merta, known as the birth place of Meera Bai, the famous saint, poetess and devotee of Lord Krishna, stands as a silent spectator of many historical and cultural upheavals since centuries.

Founded in circa 1488 AD by Rao Duda, the fourth son of Rao Jodha, the ruler of Jodhpur, this city makes for a great one-day-trip from Ajmer.

The best time to visit here is in winter from October to April.

Being the birthplace of Meera Bai, the poetess and devotee of Lord Krishna, this place is around 500-year-old and echoes with the tales of devotional queen, Meera Bai.

Tourists should visit the Meera Bai Temple, also known as the Charbhuja Temple which has impressive interiors with its walls and floors adorned with thousands of tiles and decorated with mirrors and gems.

The elaborate paintings on the walls depict different Hindu deities. Meera Bai Smarak or Meera Bai Memorial, a large gate built in typical Rajput architecture using red sandstone, is yet another tourist stopover.

Further, a tiny museum ahead near the memorial offers an insight into Meera Bai’s life.

The Aurangzeb Mosque, a fine specimen of Mughal architecture, is yet another must-visit spot in the city.

Merta, therefore, is a popular excursion while visiting Pushkar, which lies at a distance of 61 km.

Shikaar Bagh Jaipur: Relish exquisite cuisine inside this hunter cafe

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February 9, 2021, 4:55 PM

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A hunter cafe! Doesn’t the term sound exciting? Now, do you want to cherish the experience of being in this cafe which smartly recreates the magic of a hunting lodge in the vicinity of Jaipur?

Try visiting Shikaar Bagh which stands true to its name. Resembling a hunting lodge, this restaurant is situated in the heart of Pink City in the lap of wide spread heritage property, Narain Niwas Hotel.

Shikaar Bagh Jaipur: Relish exquisite cuisine inside this hunter cafe

This hunter-café recreates the magic of by-gone era blending royalty and hunting.

Ace designer, Ayush Kasliwal from AKFD, has designed the interiors to recreate an ambience of royal era bringing in mesmerising interiors which take you back to those old days where hunting was a tradition to celebrate.

Shikaar means hunting and Baagh means garden, and hence the name perfectly blends Shikaarbagh to give it an impression of a hunting lodge.

As Amar Singh Kanota was the man behind the construction of Narayan Niwas Palace, we have tried to bring in atmosphere of bygone era of royalty and hunting. He was a good cook and loved hunting and hence the space has been dedicated to him to create a beautiful experience, says Kasliwal.

The restaurant has beautifully done tents, surrounded by fountains. The wooden doors create a marvellous yet dramatic experience which enables Shikhar Baagh to create a perfect picture of a hunting lodge, he adds.

Mandore Garden in Jodhpur: Temples, rock terraces & galleries will leave you bemused…

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February 8, 2021, 8:25 PM

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Mandore Garden in Jodhpur, Rajasthan! The sudden uttering of this work brings to fore beauty at every inch!

Blessed with Hall of Heroes, rock terraces, temples, galleries, this place calls for the explorer within. It’s red bricked huge doorway makes you step in a world of imagination featuring the 6th century!

If legends are to be believed, Mandore Garden is located 9 km north of Jodhpur and is known as the birthplace of Ravana’s wife Mandodari.

Mandore Garden is situated in Mandore, once the ruling seat of the Pratihara dynasty.

Mandore Garden in Jodhpur: Temples, rock terraces & galleries will leave you bemused...

The princess of the Pratiharas dynasty married King Rao Chunda of Rathore dynasty, and received the Mandore’s Junagarh Fort as a dowry at the wedding.

This garden is a part of the massive Mehrangarh Fort, and houses the famous Hall of Heroes and the temple of Three Hundred Million Gods. The garden also has a Government Museum, which is full of artefacts and old relics.

Mandore has been the capital of many Jodhpur kings, and has witnessed several invasions from different dynasties, including the Muslim rulers of Gujarat and Malwa. So, the capital was shifted to the hilltop Mehrangarh Fort, as it offers better safety and protection to the royal kingdom.

Doll Museum in Jaipur: Visit this place to know the world’s diverse culture!

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February 7, 2021, 8:56 PM

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Jaipur accommodates the much-acclaimed Doll Museum which has a large collection of dolls and toys belonging to different countries.

One of the most sought after attractions in the Pink City, this unique museum also showcases the famous puppet culture of Rajasthan in the most brilliant and colourful ways. Let’s discuss the top four facts of this museum:

Dolls from the world: You can find dolls from various parts of the world coming in from different periods and, the traditional puppet dolls of Rajasthan. You can also find dolls from other parts of the world like Germany, Malaysia, America, Mexico, Britain, Afghanistan, Sweden and others

Culture of the world: This museum was built in 20th century to showcase the culture of the world via dolls, which also highlights the attires of the dolls, accessories of the dolls and so on. You can find many dolls that express the culture with different attires from different parts of the country like Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu, Bengal, Gujarat, Assam, Kashmir, Punjab and others.

Bridal dolls: The bridal dolls from Punjab, Mysore, Kerala, Gujarat and Bengal appeal all. Also there are dolls showcasing the traditional dance forms like Kathakali, Odissi, Bharatnatyam, Kuchipudi and others.

Dolls with favourite superheroes: A new gallery with dolls of children’s favourite superheroes, cartoon characters and so on appeals all with its unique character. The English Puppet gallery is also newly introduced. This gallery holds dolls that are just 2 inches in height.

Reaching Doll Museum?

You can board public buses from any part of the city to reach Ram Niwas Bagh bus stop or Jawaharlal Nehru Marg bus stop. From the bus stop, take a walk to the museum.

Best Time to Visit Doll Museum

As this museum is an indoor activity, the season has no impact on the beauty of the place.

Entry Timing and Fee

The museum is open from Wednesday to Monday, from 9 in the morning to 5 in the evening.

Entry Fee – INR 10 per head for Indians; INR 50 per head for foreigners and INR 20 per head for Indian students. For children below the age of 12, entry fee is INR 5.

24th Indian Birding Fair: Dedicated to Butterfly Conservation

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February 7, 2021, 2:58 PM

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Bird Fair ! You must be wondering what can it do and how can it help conservation?

Here comes the answer! It can be a catalyst to restore a lake and mobilize public opinion in favour of avian conservation. The British Birdwatching Fair (hi, Tim Appleton, what next from your stables) did it for the Rutland Water in Leicestershire, UK. The Indian Birding Fair staged it at Man Sagar, a 400-year-old heritage lake at Jaipur, India.

The 24th edition of Indian Bird Fair is being dedicated to Butterfly Conservation. The species receive little attention in India as people remain unconcerned over the trees that serve as Host-Plants for these tiny and fast flying insects. They are smart pollinators and serve as true bio-indicators in environment, states Rahul Sharma, member of the Tourism & Wildlife Society of India (TWSI), main organizer of the Fair.

‘Why Wildlife Protection Act not allowing butterfly species survive well’

The 24th Fair publication is getting ready to include amazing reading stuff: longest migrant species, a single plant hosting many butterflies (in Sagwara, Dungarpur, Rajasthan as highlighted by Mukesh Panwar), butterfly parks in India and abroad, why the Wildlife Protection Act has not been allowing these species survive well, etc. Many topics are being covered to catch attention of readers. Galloping response to the event as WWF-India’s CEO, Ravi Singh conveyed in an email — be assured of our support.

Tigers can smile differently-courtesy butterfly

Dr. Dharmendra Khandal has highlighted couple of new species identified across the Ranthambhore Tiger Reserve’s landscape:

Dakhan Tricolour Pied Flat and Desert Spotted Small Flat. He did it in association with Dr. Satish Kumar Sharma. He strengthened his contribution by sending a check-list of 59 species of butterflies that cause Tigers to smile differently there.

Setting up Butterfly Parks

The Bombay Natural History Society (BNHS) has briefed on how to set up butterfly parks. Dr. Raju Kasambe, its assistant director, has shared his plan. Its New Delhi based Conservation Education Centre has sent a narrative of host-plants for butterflies: Sohail Madan and Gita Yadav cheering up the scene.

Making e-event a lesson for many

Nishant Shukla, an edu-advocate for wild species, is dressing up the e-publication. He is tapping a new audience for a webinar on butterflies. Pramendra Khangarot, Senior Teacher at MGD Girls’ School, is willing to bat for the species. What would be a loss for a few thousand student-teacher fraternity (due to present conditions), the e-event can try to be a lesson for many.

‘Let’s make butterflies darlings in our buildings’

The TWSI President, Anand Mishra has been drumming to canvass among the real estate captains to carefully plant such species of trees, shrubs, bushes and grass that should prove ideal habitat for butterflies. “I am sounding the bugle to make butterflies as our new darlings in all new buildings”, he stated to EB&W. He belongs to the clan of Rs 3,000-crore group of real estate owners. Wow, if they do what they assure.

Bikaner: Expore undefeated Junagarh Fort, Rat Temple and best camels here!

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February 6, 2021, 9:52 PM

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Wanna enjoy the medieval charm of a desert city and admire the beauty of its red sandstone havelis and ancient Jain temples. Visit Bikaner city and enjoy exciting camel safaris. Here, we bring in the major attractions you should not side step while in Bikaner.

Junagarh Fort

Bikaner’s Junagarh has never been conquered throughout its history. A 986m wall surrounds the fort with 37 bastions and a dry moat making it virtually impenetrable. A vast complex of palaces, suites, towers, balconies and courtyards with their carvings still intact will take you in the mighty world of kings and queens

The Diwan-i-Khas (Hall of Private Audience) has a glimmering gold ceiling and houses the silver cushioned throne of the maharaja. The Phool Mahal (Flower Palace) is also a grand piece of architecture.

The Badal Mahal (Palace of the Clouds) has walls thoroughly painted with fluffy blue clouds. The Hawa Mahal (Palace of the Winds) has ancient Islamic art patters on its ceiling with scenes depicting Krishna dancing. The blue tiles found here were imported from China and Europe.

Timings: 10 AM – 5:30 PM

Entry Fee: INR 50 for Indians; INR 300 for Foreigners

Karni Mata Temple

This temple is situated in the South of Bikaner, 30kms away, in the town of Deshnok. Karni Mata, believed to be an incarnation of Goddess Durga, is thronged by lakhs of visitors to see another marvel, a massive population of rodents that co-exist with the travelling pilgrims. This temple has over 20,000 rats that scurry across the temple floors, completely at home with the crowds. The pilgrims worship these creatures and feed them prasad (religious food offerings) in the form of sugar balls.

Timings: 4:30 AM – 10 PM

Entry Fee: Free

Karni Mata Mandir (Rat Temple in Deshnok, Rajasthan): History, Facts, Aarti, HD Photos, Video etc…

National Research Centre on Camel

The NRCC has been doing some groundbreaking work with regard to the desert animals and the 8km trip here is definitely worth your time. With over 200 camels, at different stages of maturity, you will learn a thing or two about how important these animals are to Rajasthan. Try fresh camel milk ice cream which will be a once-in-a-lifetime experience!

Timings: 12 PM – 6:30 PM

Entry Fee: INR 30 for Indians; INR 100 for Foreigners

Rampuria Havelis

These are the red sandstone mansions of opulenc which has the beautiful jharokias (casements) and the gumaharias (basements). This group of havelis (aristocratic mansions) was constructed in the 15th century for the wealthy Rampuria family. The red sandstone gives Rampuria Havelis a mesmerising view glow while its drawing rooms, courtyards and balconies are worth exploring.

Timings: Open through the day

Entry Fee: Free