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Kite Festival Jaipur(Makar Sankranti 2022): Significance, Rituals & Celebrations

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Wanna see kite flyers merrymaking in Jaipur on the roofs of their houses? Visit Jaipur on Makar Sankranti, a festival following the solar cycle rather than the lunar cycle, like most festivals in India.

Celebrated on January 14 each year, Makar Sankranti remains incomplete without a mention of the Jaipur Kite Festival as people indulge in fun-loving rivalry, and try to outdo each other in the numerous kite flying activity held across the city.


Happy Makar Sankranti 2022

Kite Festival Jaipur(Makar Sankranti 2022): Significance, Rituals & Celebrations

Let’s study the significance and cultural aspect of this festival:


Significance: The kite festival is observed on Makar Sankranti or Uttarayan which marks the transition of the sun to makara rashi (Capricorn) from the dhanu rashi (Sagittarius). It is said that the northward journey of the sun (Uttarayan) begins on this day, making the celebrations quite auspicious in nature.



Celebrations galore: The kite festival has become one of the standout events of the city of Jaipur, and is attended by visitors from all over the world. The Kite War and the Friendly Kite Flying at the festival are the main two attractions of the days around Makar Sankranti.The locals take this celebration quite seriously as can be witnessed on the full roofs of the homes all across town.

The cultural aspect: The Kite Festival in Jaipur, Rajasthan includes several cultural performances that showcase numerous colors of Rajasthan’s folk and culture. From local singers exalting the virtues and braveries of times long gone to dancers exhibiting their finesse at local customary dances that capture the splendor of Rajasthan; the kite festival is the embodiment of the Rajasthani background.

Food on Makar Sakranti: All across Jaipur, feasts commemorate the celebration of Makar Sankranti with delicious Rajasthani treats including pheeni, daal ki pakori, til ke laddoo and til-laddoo.

With celebrations, visitors, delicacies and fun, the Kite Flying Festival’s date with Rajasthani delicacies comprise a real gastronomic adventure with local food.

Sonal Sharma Inspirational Story: A milkman’s daughter, Cracks judicial services exam

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Milkman’s daughter set to become judge with her hardwork. This is a remarkable story of grit and determination of a girl who studied under a cowshed all her life and recently cracked the Rajasthan Judicial Service Examination to become the first-class magistrate in a Sessions court in Rajasthan.

This girl is Sonal Sharma (26), who is daughter of a milkman based in Udaipur, who studied on a study table made of empty oil cans in cow shed through out her life. 

Sonal Sharma Inspirational Story: A milkman’s daughter, Cracks judicial services exam
Sonal Sharma with her certificates

She has been a topper all through her life and has stood first in BA, LLB and LLM.

Since 10 years of age, she followed the same  routine—waking up at 4 am, helping her father in milking cows, cleaning cowsheds, collecting dung and distributing milk in neighbourhood in Udaipur. 

As and when she got time, she cycled to her school and then to college from where she visited the library and made comprehensive notes for affording any renowned coaching for judicial exams was a distant dream for her.

Sonal Sharma Inspirational Story: A milkman’s daughter, Cracks judicial services exam
Sonal with her father working in cowshed

Even at a time for preparing for her judiciary exams, she continued helping her father in his dairy located in Pratap Nagar area of Udaipur.

However, on December 23, Sonal received the best gift of her life as she received a notification regarding her selection in the Rajasthan Judicial Services.

Sonal shall now be posted as a first-class magistrate in sessions court after a year’s training at the judicial academy in Jodhpur.

The girl with grit and determination used to attend her classes in schools and colleges in footwear smeared with cow dung. “

Initially, it felt embarrassing to share the profession of my father which was of being a milkman. However, today, I am proud of him as well as my family background, says Sonal.

Sonal Sharma Inspirational Story: A milkman’s daughter, Cracks judicial services exam
Sonal’s father on way to distribute milk

Sonal faced many financial challenges and hence could not join any coaching centre. However, she prepared for the exam on her own and studied for 10-12 hours daily.

Sonal says, she never had any distractions. “I have never logged on to any social media as I was focussed to attain my goal,” she said.

Sonal, in class 12 CBSE exam, had topped the state in Economics and was the all-India topper in Hindi.

Pursuing her post graduation from Mohan Lal Sukhadia University, she topped her BA.LL.B and LL.M exams and received two gold medals and the Chancellor’s medal at the convocation held on December 22.

Now, Sonal aims at providing a comfortable life to her parents.

“My father has worked hard since years to give us good life and education and  has even taken loans for our education. We have seen him waking up at 4 am and sleeping around midnight as he has been engaged in milking cows and selling milk. So now it comes my turn to take care of my parents,” she says.

Lok Sabha Speaker’s daughter cracks UPSC Exam to become an IAS

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Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla’s daughter Anjali Birla has been selected for civil services by the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) which has released a list of 89 candidates on its reserve list.

Anjali studied political science (honours) from Ramjas College here and qualified the civil services examination 2019 in her first attempt.

“I am very happy to get selected in this exam. I wanted to join the civil services to do something for the society as I always saw my father’s commitment towards the people of the country,” she told media here

Anjali said her elder sister Akansha, a chartered accountant, helped her in clearing the examination.

“The credit for my success especially goes to my elder sister who helped me a lot in preparing for the main examination,” she said.

5 Unique Experiences at Crocodile Safari at National Chambal Gharial Sanctuary Palighat

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Watch Gharials at Palighat Crocodile Safari living in marshy lands near Chambal river

Wanna have an unforgettable experience after exploring tiger safari in Ranthambore? Try visiting Palighat Crocodile park, situated about 35 kms from Ranthambore, on Chambal River banks.

Located at an hour’s drive from Sawai Madhopur, Palighat crocodile park is one of the best things to do in Ranthambore as the presence of several ‘Gharials’, living along with mighty marsh crocodiles within the steams of Chambal river, shall give you goosebumps. Let’s explore 5 things we can do at Palighat Crocodile Safari:

1. Unique experiences: Watching the endangered species of Gharials encountering with their prey is a unique experience here which can be a lifetime memoir.

2. Boat Safari: Boat safari is yet something interesting you can have here. You can in fact enjoy this safari in Palighat Crocodile sanctuary and should take your binoculars along.

3. Explore diverse fauna: You can also witness a diverse variety of fauna including Jungle cats, turtles and skimmers. In rare occasions, people have also sighted Gangetic Dolphins within Palighat crocodile sanctuary. 

4. Camping site: For the adventure freaks, there is yet another interesting activity— camping. A few private players provide camping facility at a distance of less than 100 meters from the place where Crocodiles breed. Spending an overnight time will give you an experience that will leave you spellbound.

5. Experience the natural beauty: Enjoy the beautiful drive from Ranthambore to Palighat which is an experience in itself. Watch wild animals crossing the roads with jungle at either side of the road. 

Best time to visit: Palighat is operated during October to June. The sanctuary remains closed during monsoon.

ry remains closed during monsoon.

4 Main Rituals of Rajasthani Wedding

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Rajasthan, known all across the world for hosting rich fat wedding, has four main functions which are colourful and make the surroundings live with rich celebrations.

Making the wedding celebrations a lively and extravagant affair, these ceremonies starting with an engagement go all the way through to post-wedding!

  • Tilak
    This engagement ceremony mostly takes place at the groom-to-be’s residence. The name of this ceremony symbolises tilak application (vermilion mark) on the groom’s forehead in the presence of both families. This ceremony reflects bonding of the alliance between them. Various gifts including clothes, fruits, sweets etc are gifted to the groom. Thereafter, a grand celebration starts with a grand feast to mark the occasion.
  • Toran – Bandan
    Under this celebration, the groom makes his way to the bride’s home on a horse, following his wedding procession. As he is mounted on the horse, he touches a floral decoration part which is hanging above the entrance called toran seven times. Thereafter, the groom is greeted by his mother-in-law who anoints his forehead with curd and mustard.
  • Saptapadi
    This is the most pious ritual of the wedding ceremony which is performed under an exquisitely decorated pandal. Here, the bridegroom takes bride’s hand and takes the oath of marriage. Both of them walk around the holy fire seven times. The bride leads the groom for the first three rounds, while the groom leads during the last four rounds. During these rounds, the priest recites mantras from the Vedas. During the first three rounds, the bride remains a part of her family but the fourth round signifies that she now belongs to another family – the bridegroom’s.
  • Music and Dance  

Music and Dance comprise an important part of Rajasthani wedding. The females dancing to the folk songs in traditional dressing brings to fore the rich cultural aspect of the desert state.

How will Rajasthan host the Wild Ass which reached the desert state Mr CM?

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By Jaysukh Parekh Suman in Bhuj, a conservationist & photographer

What a surprise — the Wild Ass has now settled in Barmer district of Rajasthan. So here comes one more ungulate species for this largest state in India which boasts of Tigers, Leopards, Birds and Bishnoi people who treat Nature Conservation as part of their 500-year-old religion. However, so far, no one has offered a flowery garland to this new arrival though the Forest Minister, Sukh Ram Bishnoi did ask forest authorities to take appropriate measures and provide its due to the Ass. His constituency is nearly.

Current challenges of forest officials

The forest department is at its wit’s end. Already knee deep in pressure owing to truant Tigers, and leopards roaming in to urban areas, Bustards disappearing from designated Desert National Park to find agricultural fields as better habitat for own survival, migratory Vultures coming from Europe and the Himalayan heights not finding sufficient carrion to survive during winter months, poaching too, etc.  

Developing Barmer as a viable sanctuary

A project report has been scripted to develop the areas in Barmer district as a viable sanctuary to not only accommodate this Ass  but also to take care of numerous migratory and resident species of birds that stay in brackish water puddles of that arid region, named as Rankhar. An estimated fund worth Rs 25-crore is to be spent if made available to foresters. It is to create a new wall and raise barbed-wire fencing to ensure safety of wild species and protect their habitat.  

Conceiving new option for tourism

The officials feel that this brackish area can be conceived for tourism on lines with what Gujarat has done in the Greater Rann of Kutch: tent-living to enjoy the Rann under moon, sun and have camel rides, etc. Securing a niche through the Ass and birds? Sounds good. But water will not be available there round-the-year so it will be like Sambhar and Keoadeo National Park, facing shortage of water for wild species. 

Why Wild Ass opted for Rajasthan

Wild Ass is native to Little Rann of Kutch in Gujarat. People double up for birds and mammals in this vast brackish area covered with mostly Vilayati Babook (Prosopis juliflora), grassland, and long stretches of monsoon water. Some mammals’ population increased to good luck of Gujarat and they spread their legs towards northern areas in Rajasthan. Gujarat does not mind its Ass opting a new place in Rajasthan.  

Welcome note awaited yet

However, Rajasthan so far appears bit shy to host it? That is why the state’s Tourism Department has not yet written a welcome note for this new addition in its charter of attractions. The usual practice may be to leave most decisions to Hon Chief Minister, Ashok Gehlot. For the Wild Ass also. Wildlife lovers and tourism operators are waiting for a declaration in the New Year. Best wishes from EB&W for this as well. 

PS: The writer is an expert on wildlife and is a great photographer too!

9 Best Places for New Year 2021 Gala Celebrations in Rajasthan

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Rajasthan Tourism
Rajasthan Tourism

As the New Year eve approaches closer, the party wanderers start searching for destinations where they can celebrate the much-awaited day with great zeal and excitement. Here we bring 9 best places of Rajasthan which are the best to create lifetime memories. They are:

1. Mount Abu

Mount Abu is the only hill station in Rajasthan and hence is also called as the Oasis in the Desert.  The abundance of lakes, rivers, waterfalls and evergreen forests along with the sunset view from Mt. Abu make it favourite of travel freaks. The rich lineage of ancient legends, temples and forts also make it a favourite destination of history buffs and religious people.

Best Places to visit in Mount Abu: Jain Temples including Dilwara Temples, Durga Ambika Mata Temple, Nakki Lake,  Achalgarh Fort etc.

2. Kumbhalgarh Fort: 

Enjoying the credit of having second longest wall in the world, the majestic Kumbhalgarh Fort is a Mewar fortress situated near Udaipur and is one of the best places to celebrate New Year. With a massive a 38 km long wall, it is a World Heritage Site under the group of Hill Forts of Rajasthan.

Best Places to visit in Kumbhalgarh Fort: 300 Jain Temples, 60 Hindu Temples, Shiva Temple with the largest ‘Shivalinga’ of India.

3. Ajmer

Ajmer is the most popular destination accommodating a domed shrine of Muslim Sufi saint Garib Nawaz (Khwaja Moinuddin Chisti).

Best Places to visit in Ajmer: Ajmer Sharif Dargah, Adhai Din ka Jhonpda, Mayo College, Anasagar Lake,  Soniji Ki Nasiyan and more.

4. Pushkar

Situated along the shores of pristine Pushkar Lake, Pushkar is a sacred destination for the Hindus.

This ancient town boasts of a 14th century Jagatpita Brahma Temple  which is one among the oldest temples in the world.

Best Places to visit in Pushkar: Pushkar Lake, Brahma Temple, Gurudwara Singh Sabha, Varah Temple, Man Mahal, Camel Safaris, Pushkar Fair, Nagaur Fair and Cattle Fair.

5. Jaipur

The “Pink City” and capital of Rajasthan -Jaipur is yet another city which has many attractions to celebrate New Year. Amber Fort,  an attractive fort built of red stone,  Jantar Mantar, a UNESCO World heritage Site and one of the largest of the 5 astronomical observatories, the iconic Hawa Mahal (1799) where the royal ladies could sit and observe the everyday life and The Albert Hall Museum housing a range of stone and metal sculptures, craft items, carpets, weapons, ivory goods and miniatures from parts of Rajasthan, make it a favourite for avid travellers.

Best Places to visit in Jaipur: Nahargarh Fort, Central Museum, Jaigarh Fort, Birla Temple, Jal Mahal, Anokhi Museum of Hand Printing, Moti Doongri Ganesh Temple.

6. Udaipur

Udaipur, yet again, is undoubtedly one of the best places to celebrate New Year’s in Rajasthan. Also called as a city of lakes and the ‘Venice of the East’,’ it is built around water bodies and  the lush green Aravali Hills.  The top tourist spot in Udaipur is the famous Lake Palace situated in the middle of Lake Pichola.  Jaisamand Lake is the second largest man-made sweet lake in Asia.

Best Places to visit in Udaipur:   Lake palace, Udaipur City Palace, Jag Mandir, Monsoon Palace, Ahar Museum, Fateh Sagar Lake, lake Pichola, Saheliyon Ki Bari, Shilpgram (festival in December), Haldi Ghati and Bagore Ki Haveli.

7. Jaisalmer

Jaisalmer is a perfect New year eve getaway, also referred to as the ‘Golden City’ which acts as a guard to the Thar desert at western Rajasthan. The Jaisalmer Fort also known as Sonar Qila (Golden Fort) is the most prominent tourist attraction here.

 Best Places to visit in Jaisalmer: Jaisalmer Fort and Museum, Nathmaljii Ki Haveli, Salim Singh Ki Haveli, Mandir Palace, Patwon Ki Haveli, Jain Temples, Kuldhara, Desert national park and bada Bagh.

8. Jodhpur

Jodhpur (1459) gives another best choice to celebrate the New Year eve.  Its signature construction in shades of blue which is used to build the palaces, forts, havelis, temples and houses, has made it famous as the Blue City.  The fortress of Mehrangarh looming on a rocky ridge with eight gates is one of the renowned attractions here.

Best Places to visit in Jodhpur: Mehrangarh Fort, Khejarla Fort, Umaid Bhawan Palace, Moti Mahal, Phool Mahal, Sheesh Mahal, Ranisar Padamsar, Chamunda Mataji temple, Jodhpur Government Museum, Mahamandir, Bishnoi Village Safari, Sardar Samand lake and Palace and Ghanta Ghar.

9. Ranthambore

 Ranthamboreis one of the most loved destinations for the New Year eve. Even during pandemic times, Bollywood stars namely Alia, Deepika, Ranbir, Ranveer etc have camped here to make New Year celebrations.  Ranthambore national Park and Tiger reserve offers the finest opportunity to spot a tiger in the midst of the wilderness.

A banded Siberian Crane discovered in China

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New discovery about migration routes By A.Shililna, A. Sorokin, Yu.Markin

EB&W carried an item on Western and Eastern flocks of the Siberian Cranes. Elena Ilyashenko, head of the Siberian Crane Research Group based in Russia, has provided more details to EB&W which is being reproduced here:

On 17 November, 2020, Siberian Crane Flyway Coordinator Elena Ilyashenko sent us a photo and a request from Chinese specialists: what is known about the banded Siberian Crane (left leg – red and green color plastic rings, right – metal ring) which was found in a flock of Siberian Cranes in the Yellow River Delta (photo 1,2).

At the same time, this question was asked to specialists from Mongolia, China and Russia, who are conducting research on the eastern population of the Siberian Crane and conducting work on marking the Siberian Crane of this population.

Everyone answered that the Siberian Cranes of the eastern population were not marked with such a ring combination.

We checked our database of banded Siberian Cranes reintroduced into the wild in order to conserve and restore the West Siberian population.

The Siberian Crane, marked with a red and green ring on the left leg and a metal ring A 16030 on the right leg, was released at the age of about 3 months in 2003 in the breeding place of the Siberian Cranes in the Kunovat River basin (Yamalo-Nenets Autonomous Region, Russia) in a group of 6 Siberian Cranes .

According to the International Siberian Crane Stubook (2014), its number is 507, date of birth is  May 16, 2003, name Olenek, sex -male. 

Olenek was born in the Oka Breeding Center (Russia), he is costume isolated rearing bird.

India’s interest in this species is very long though the birds stopped visiting India’s Keoladeo National Park in 2002, presuming the Central flock became extinct.

Russian experts are continuing breeding of the birds at their Oka Breeding Centre in Russia hoping new discoveries to be received. One such is detailed above.

Thank you Elena, A.Shililna, A. Sorokin, Yu. Markin – editor, EB&W Portal.

Top 5 Adventure Sports In Rajasthan For Thrill & Excitement

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Top 5 Adventure Sports In Rajasthan For Thrill & Excitement: Camel safari, zip lining, paragliding, hot air balloning, wildlife safari

Rajasthan offers thrills and chills via adventure sports which can surprise any tourist and raise his adrenaline. Sand dune bashing, camel ride, zip lining, paragliding and hot-air ballooning, the list goes long when it comes to diverse activities of adventure sports available in the desert state. Let’s look into the five adventure sports which are must to try in Rajasthan:

  1. Camel safari: Wanna traverse through sand dunes, past ancient havelis, temples and even historic landmarks? Take a camel safari tour in villages of Bikaner, Jaisalmer, Bikaner, Jodhpur (Osian), Pushkar and Nagaur.

Camels are known as the ship of the desert and riding this ‘ship’ is a unique experience. The villages around Jaisalmer, Bikaner, Jodhpur (Osian), Pushkar and Nagaur give this unique experience. Thar Desert and its camel safari offer a distinguished treat to tourists offering visitors fun, vibrancy and memorable experience.

Best places for camel safari: Bikaner, Jaisalmer, Bikaner, Jodhpur (Osian), Pushkar and Nagaur

Best time to visit: Winters and autumn

2. Zip Lining:  Wanna see the diverse landscape of Jaipur, Alwar and Jodhpur and glimpse through the diverse landscape, trespassing through the regal fortress and desert lakes,. Try zip lining and experience the unique sports of flying in the sky.

Best Destinations For Zip Lining In Rajasthan: Mehrangarh Fort in Jodhpur and Neemrana Fort in Alwar

Best Time For Zip Lining In Rajasthan: Summer and Winter

3. Paragliding: Paragliding is a must-to-try sport on your itinerary in Rajasthan. No matter is you are an  adventure enthusiast or casual vacationer, you can soar above the beautiful, crimson-sand countryside of Rajasthan.

Best destination: Jodhpur

Best season: February to April, October-December

4. Hot air ballon rides: Wanna soar over the sky to see treat your eyes with breath-taking views?

Try taking up hot air balloon rides which are available in Puskar and Jaipur.

Best Destinations For Hot air ballon rides: Pushkar and Jaipur

Best time: September to November

5. Wild life safari: Rajasthan offers best experiences in wildlife safari in different places including Ranthambore, Sariska, Desert National Park-Jaisalmer and Kumbhalgarh Wildlife Sanctuary – Rajsamand. Trace the great Indian bustard, sand grouse, kestrels, laggar falcons, spotted eagles, tawny eagles, short-toed eagles, vultures, buzzards, falcons, harriers, and various other species of eagles, tigers, leopards etc in these parks.

Best destinations for wildlife safari: Ranthambore, Sariska, Desert National Park-Jaisalmer and Kumbhalgarh Wildlife Sanctuary – Rajsamand

Best time: winters (October to March)

Best time to visit: November and December

This Centre in Bikaner Runs Camel Milk Parlour Which Offers Camel Milk Products

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This camel research and breeding centre is the only one of its kind in Asia. Wanna see camel milk parlour serving camel milk products?

Visit Bikaner’s National Research Centre on Camel which is first of its kind centre in Asia. Also known as Camel Research & Breeding Centre, it is situated at the distance of 8 kilometres and is spread out over 2000 acres of semi-arid land, which is being managed by the Government of India.

The tourist visiting the canter can see the camel of different breeds and their behaviour. 

A camel museum is available to apprise them of the developmental and research aspects of the camel in the desert ecosystem. 

Facilities of camel riding, safari and video/photography are available for the visitors. 

Camel milk parlour is a special attraction because it vendors unique value added camel milk products like ice-cream, hot and cold beverages. 

Every year thousands of Foreign and Indian Tourists visit the centre.

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