Palace on Wheels: The luxury train now woos domestic travellers with 30% discount

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January 7, 2021, 12:14 PM

You must have dreamed of travelling in Palace on Wheels, a luxury train, however, its occupancy by foreign travellers never gave a chance to domestic travellers to take a tour on this lavish train. However, COVID-19 seems to be changing the equations.

Palace On Wheels is now wooing the domestic tourists by bringing in new itineraries and offering 30% discount to travellers.

Plans and ways to fight to COVID battle

As the world seems going stagnant fighting the COVID battle, the tourism industry in Rajasthan plans going the domestic way to battle the odds. Eventually, a domestic traveller will now have more chances to take a tour in their ‘dream train’. Let’s bring out a few plans being chalked out by the Travel Industry in Rajasthan to fight Corona crisis:

An aggressive marketing campaign: Tourism stakeholders are chalking out strategy to undertake an aggressive marketing campaign to project Rajasthan as the preferred tourist destination for domestic tourists.
New circuits to be developed: State tourism minister Vishvendra Singh says that new circuits will have to be worked on focusing on spiritual, wildlife and adventure tourism
Palace on Wheel to focus on domestic tours: The luxury train, Palace on Wheel, enjoying around 98pc occupancy of foreign clients, shall now focus on domestic tours. The train’s itinerary will also be changed accordingly, said tourism minister Vishwendra Singh in a Rajasthan Revival Summit meet held here recently. This meeting was called by Rajasthan tourism stakeholders to plan out a strategy to revive the tourism industry which has been hit hard by COVID-19 crisis which witnessed multifarious suggestions on reviving tourism in Rajasthan in these times of global pandemic and post-Corona.

4. Reviving tourism department’s website: The tourism department website will be revamped and social media will be made more innovative and creative. Singh said that a committee on the health and hygiene issues has been formed within the Department. They will focus on the various health guidelines informed by the Health department to be followed.

5. Package for craftsperson and folk performers: On a suggestion made by internationally acclaimed Kalbeliya dancer, Gulabo, the tourism minister announced that craftspersons and folk performers need to be looked after during these times and a package will be organised for them as well.

6. Aggressive advertising campaign: It was suggested that the Tourism Department should undertake a proactive advertising campaign in the leading newspapers and channels.

7: Tying up of luxury train with private museums: MP Diya Kumari said the Palace on Wheels should tie up with private museums and monuments. This will give them a boost as well. She also emphasised on a proper health guideline to be given for the visiting tourist after the lockdown is lifted.

Representative of Indian Heritage Hotels Association (IHHA) and Federation of Hospitality and Tourism of Rajasthan (FHTR), Randhir Vikram Singh said that there should be a toll-free number for the tourists so that they can get immediate information about the State. He also emphasised that film shooting was another potential area in which the Government needed to support by waiving off the fee and making the required permissions for shooting easier.

5 Miracle Temples of Rajasthan

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January 7, 2021, 11:28 AM

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We, as humans, pray to the almighty for his blessings. We also pray to him to shower his divine powers upon us to bless, heal and help us and our dear ones, in fighting tough challenges diseases and ailments. Some holy places have so much divine energies that miracles have happened, there, time and again. Many people have found their diseases
and problems vanished in thin air after they paid their homage to these holy shrines. Below are 5 miracle temples of Rajasthan:

5 Miracle Temples of Rajasthan — Tanot mata in Jaisalmer

1) Bombs from Pak failed to destroy the Tanot Mata Temple (Jaisalmer): This old temple is situated near the Indo-Pak border in the Jaisalmer district of Rajasthan in western India. Tanot Mata (goddess) according to Charan
literature is an incarnation of Hinglaj Mata. The temple is situated near the battle site of Longiwala of the India –Pakistan war of 1971. During this war, Pakistan army dropped many bombs to destroy the temple but not a single bomb exploded on the temple. Such is the miraculous sacred powers of this temple and the locals have immense faith in the goddess.
Do visit its museum where the unexploded bombs are still kept.

2) Rats and the Deity stay together in Karni Mata Temple (Deshnokh): This is the world famous Rat Temple where thousands of
rats live along with the deity. Tourists are amazed to see rats crawling on the deity’s statue,
floor, temple bells and just everywhere. It is believed that the family members and devotees
of the Goddess were turned into rats so that they could live with her forever. In spite of
thousands of rats plague has not touched this holy miraculous temple, but people suffering
from plague are brought here and they get miraculously healed. Such is the power of divinity.

3) A Blessing for Paralytic Patients: Butati Dham Temple (Nagore): Butati is a small village on the Ajmer highway and here a
400 year old yogi name ‘Chatur Das Maharaj’ used to cure paralysis in people with his
penance. Many paralytic patients visit and take a ‘Parikrama’ of his mausoleum and get
miraculously cured of this life defining disease. This land is called ‘Dev Land’ i.e. ‘Land of
God’.

4) Mehandipur Balaji Temple (Dausa), Fights Negative Energies: It’s a popular temple of India where Lord Hanuman is addressed as Balaji, his childhood name. It is famous for exorcism and ritualistic healing to
fight evil spirits and black magic. The people suffering from such paranormal things are
called Sankatwalas here, and by holy they are given relief by holy practices of Darkhst, Arji
and Sawamani. For successfully performing those, the priests of this temple follow a strict
vegetarian diet. You will find many Sankatewalas in less than alert states so don’t be scared.

5) Maa Bhuwal Kali Mata Temple (Nagore) where Devotees Offer Liquor: Located in Merta Tehsil here Kali Mata and Brahmani Mata are worshipped in twin form. Most interesting thing about this ancient temple
is that the Goddess is offered 2.5 cups of Alcohol/Liquor. The Goddess is not found of fruits
and sweets but is bold in her choice of alcohol! According to the stone inscription in the
temple premises it was built in 1380 Vikarm Samvat. There is a secret chamber on top of the
temple called the ‘Cave’.

Top 10 Colourful Festivals of Rajasthan

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January 7, 2021, 10:47 AM

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Rich royal culture, fabulous architecture, mesmerising palaces and temples, beautiful desert terrain, bright coloured clothes, aromatic cuisines and playful local festivals? Got the clue what I am speaking of? Yes, it’s colourful Rajasthan which never fail to mesmerise a visitor with its traditional thumping music, folk dancers dancing clad in vibrant embroidered attires, mouth-watering food and colorful festivities. They are sure to engulf your senses and take you on a fascinating ride in to the world of kings and queens where their palatial forts still stand live to present the picture perfect of the erstwhile royal era.

Rajasthan boasts of many colorful festivals but these 10 are just not to be missed if you want to feel the air of this incredible culture…

1) Teej: This big colourful monsoon festival is celebrated in grandeur style by the native women for marital bliss. Women dress in their traditional attires and finest jewellery, apply henna on their hands and fast for the long life of their husbands. A musical procession of Goddess Parvati’s statue with women dancing around it floods the streets and is a must watch.

Top 10 Colourful Festivals of Rajasthan — Teej celebration at City Palace in Jaipur

2) Desert Festival (Jaisalmer): This festival makes the sand dunes come live with exciting camel races, moustache and turban tying competitions. Also there are stunts shows, and energetic performances of Kalbelia and Ghomar dancers, bright clothes clad locals, handicraft shops and lip smacking food.

Organized by Rajasthan Government in February, this festival is a colourful depiction of traditions and achievements of Rajasthan.

3) Rajasthan International Folk Festival (RIFF Jodhpur): Presented as ‘People’s Platform for

creativity and Sustainable Development’, this musical festival is patronised by Sir Mick Jagger

and Maharaja of Jodhpur. It’s held at Meharangarh Fort where 200 artists from world over fill

the air with their soulful music.

4) Pushkar Fair: The cattle fair of Pushkar is a sight to behold! On the banks of the serene Pushkar

Lake, thousands of farmers trade their decorated camels, bulls and other livestock. For four days, the cultural carnival includes folk dance and music performances, puppet shows, hot-air balloon rides, camel races, tasty food stalls and handicraft shops.

5) Jaipur Literature Festival: A heaven for book lovers! Organized in the charming Diggi Palace this festival is world’s largest free literature festival. A great platform where many writers and

famous personalities launch their book and held live sessions. Enjoy books, Rajasthani decoration, local and international food, bazaars of handicrafts, clothes, etc.

6) Magnetic Fields Alsisar: The magnificent 17 th century Alsisar Palace holds this fantastic music festival for 3 days. Acclaimed international DJs, underground music artists, local folk and electronic artists keep you spell bound 24×7. There are food and handicraft shops and even tents to stay.

7) Braj Holi: Holi, the most fun-filled and loved festival of India, is celebrated in Bharatpur in pomp and style. People dress in colorful clothes and indulge in full-on color play and the spirit of the city comes alive. The love story of Lord Krishna and Radha is showcased in the form of dance.

8) International Kite Festival: The desert sky of Jodhpur and Jaipur turn vibrant by colorful and charming kites of all colors, shapes and patterns. ‘Makar-Sakaranti’ is celebrated by this extravagant kite flying completion. Jal Mahal in Jaipur presents a picture perfect by playing a host to thousands of guests, both foreign and domestic, who visit here to give a try to their kite flying skills.

9) Summer and Winter Festivals at Mount Abu: Held in May and December, these festivals celebrate the cultural richness of the only hill station of Rajasthan. Folk dances, music, extravagant fireworks, boat racing, horse racing and camping will entertain you for 3 days.

10) Mewar Festival (Udaipur): The coming of spring is celebrated in colorful fashion. The city dazzles with decoration and you can see processions of locals dancing in their traditional dress.

Exhibitions and food stalls make it more interesting.

Ruma Devi (Popular Traditional Handicraft Artisan) out creates jobs for 22,000 women in Rajasthan

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January 7, 2021, 10:12 AM

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Can you believe a school dropout who is class VIII pass out has created jobs for 22,000 rural women in Rajasthan that too right in their house to ensure they don’t have to go out leaving their house and family?

This might sound unbelievable but is true and the woman scripting this success story is Ruma Devi, a resident of Barmer who has earned laurels for being a fashionista with world renowned designers being her clients.

Ruma takes all efforts of visiting her employees’ houses to drop raw materials at their place. These women then produce the best of the designs in terms of artistry which are being sold to International designers.

Doesn’t this make an inspiring story?

It definitely does with the story accommodating many other interesting angles.

Ruma has seen the harshest challenges in her life and despite that she managed to smash all set traditions; she has set live examples of women empowerment and has created jobs for thousands of women.

Her strong client list includes renowned names such as Anita Dongre, Abrahim Thakore, Bibi Russell and many from US too.

Ruma Devi (Popular Traditional Handicraft Artisan) out creates jobs for 22,000 women in Rajasthan

Ruma suffered all odds, she was born in a financially weak family, her mother passed away when she was just five, her father re-married and then started Ruma’s real struggle—her name was dropped from school when she reached class VIII.

Each day, she was asked to travel around 10 km to fetch water and engage in household chores. At 17, her family got her married to other family where poverty was her companion.

Fed up of financial crisis, she stood out for herself and created a group of 10 women and collected Rs 100 each from them to buy raw material to design hand embroidered bags.

“The bags were really beautiful and hence were sold like hot cakes when we went to market to sell them. Then we formed further groups and started selling our bags in nearby villages too. Much to our surprise, the result was fabulous,” she says adding that with this initiative, “I was trying to set new traditions by using the art (embroidery) my grandmother taught me years back when I was a kid.”

Her fame spread soon in and around and then Grameen Vikaas and Chetna Sansthan in Barmer made her its member in 2008. In 2010, she was appointed as the president of this organisation.

“Again we started to break the traditions. Hence we started participating in exhibitions where we started showcasing our work which created more demand for our products.

“Presently, around 22,000 women are working with us who belong to different age groups from 17 to 70. The young girls working with us have dreams sparkling in their eyes to do something different, although in a veiled world as earlier they had no scope here except to marry and depend on husband and in-laws for all their needs.”

In fact, I had also started working with a ghoonghat. We used to travel miles in veil, face hidden under our chunri. However, complaints started coming in as mistakes happened when we used to put a delicate stitch. At this point of time, my family permitted me to come out of ghoonghat and put a little veil on head. When I was permitted, my girls followed me and now ghoonghat is a bygone era from our lives.

Ruma Devi and her team members work hard—even under scorching sun with 50 degree of temperature. The earnest designs with delicate and beautiful stitch bespeaks how we have put our heart and soul in it. Also we trudge several kilometres to fetch water and do our household chores. Besides, we walk many kilometres to supply raw materials to the house of our women teams. The houses are quite far in Barmer separated with many sand dunes. So life is not easy for us, she says smilingly as if to show it’s just a minute challenge for us as we have bigger goals.

At times, we lack sufficient place for dyeing process as well, she adds.

Now, Ruma, the woman of substance, has yet bigger plans to launch her own brand.

Ruma was recently awarded in TFI and was awarded with a Paris trip so that she can learn the best from the world”s most fashion-friendly city. However, this designer presently wants to get the best from rural rustic lanes of her home town which has brought her to this level.

“They are interested in sending me to Paris, however, there is much in my list to do; so shall go a little later,” she says.

Due to her grit persistence and dedication for women empowerment, Ruma was also awarded with the biggest award for women, ‘Nari Shakti Award’ by President Ram Govind in 2018. This award has been bestowed on only 41 women of the nation till date.

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

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January 7, 2021, 7:26 AM

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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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January 6, 2021, 2:27 PM

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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.

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 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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January 6, 2021, 6:42 AM

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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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January 4, 2021, 5:10 PM

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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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January 2, 2021, 11:10 PM

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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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January 2, 2021, 8:48 AM

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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!