Sawai Madhopur Utsav to begin from tomorrow

The Third edition of the two-day Sawai Madhour Utsav will be celebrated with verve and enthusiasm on 18 and 19 January, 2018 at Sawai Madhopur in India’s culturally rich state of Rajasthan. MLA, Sawai Madhopur, Princess Diya Kumari informed that Sawai Madhopur Utsav is the celebration of the 255^th Foundation Day of the district which is on 19 January. The Utsav is being envisioned as a festival of the rich heritage, culture, art and craft of the region.

The festival will host a melange of events ranging from ‘Sawai Alankaran’, ‘Rural Sports ’, ‘Kavi Sammelan’ and ‘Heritage Quiz’ among others. This was informed by the District Collector, Mr. K.C. Verma today in Sawai Madhopur.

The Festival will begin with traditional rural sports for men on 18 January. This will include Rassa Kassi and Turban Tying to name a few.  It will be held at the renowned Raj Bagh. Later on the day, Football and Kabaddi matches will be held at Police Lines ground.  For the lovers of“shero-shiyari , Kavi Sammelan  will be held during the evening at the Indira Maidan, Bazaria, along with other attractions like Heritage Quiz and  Sawai Alankran.

Day 2 celebrations will begin with Yoga Shivir. This will be preceded by Maha Arti at 9 am at the renowned Trinetra Ganesh Mandir. It will be followed by offering of floral tribute to the statue of Maharaja Sawai Madho Singh I at Nagar Parishad Parisar. To add a dash of color to the festival, traditional rural sports for women will also be held on the Day 2. The sports will include Kho-Kho, Rassa- Kassi and Goli Chamach. The Colorful Utasv will end with a Prize distribution and closing ceremony on 19 January.

In the two day pack of eye catching events, national and international dignitaries along with tourist are expected to participate. District collector, Sawai Madhopur, said that the Utsav is an annual feature and it’s the third edition this year. The festival will be a unique experience to cherish, he said.

Ranthambore Tigers Get Their Numbers

Once a hunting preserve of the Maharajas of Jaipur and now a Project Tiger Reserve, Ranthambore National Park or Ranthambhore is one of the largest national parks in northern India, covering an area of 392 km². It is situated in the Sawai Madhopur district of southeastern Rajasthan, about 160 km southeast of Jaipur. Ranthambore gives a unique flavor of nature, history and wildlife and houses a large number of Bengal tigers that can be easily observed hunting and taking care of their young ones during the jungle safari.

After the oldest tigress in the country – Machli celebrated its 20th birthday last week, this week the authorities have decided to assign numbers to the tigers for their easy identification. Ranthambore National Park is said to be the first park in the country to begin the tradition of assigning numbers to the tigers on the basis of photographs in the year 2009.

The first time numbers from T -1 to T – 45 were allotted in 2009 and later in 2013 from T – 46 to T -75. As some new tigers have not been spotted from a couple of days now and even the adult tigers would now be defining a particular territory to themselves, the authorities have taken a step to assign them numbers from T- 76 to T – 91 for their easy sighting and tracking.

 

 

Top 10 Weekend Getaways From Jaipur

1. ALSISAR

The entire Shekhawati region has mesmerized millions of tourists and has been aptly dubbed as the ‘Open Art Gallery’ of Rajasthan. The region, which is approximately 200 kms from Jaipur is replete with palaces, minor castles, wells and also a deer sanctuary. As the region is said to be a mini desert, we advice to you travel on a horse or a camel to enjoy the semi desert feel and watch for the well preserved wall painted havelis.

2. BHANGARH

How about hiking on a blissful and adventurous break at Bhangarh and discovers the secrets of the Haunted Ruins of Rajasthan along with heritage sceneries?
Flanked among three Aravali Mountains, 52 km. away from Jaipur, Bhangarh is situated in Alwar district of Rajasthan and is known to be India’s most haunted place.
The remains of Bhangarh Fort are informative enough to take you on a mesmerizing journey, of the reminiscence from the past. Entry to the place is closed after sunset due to paranormal activities reported inside. It’s just not the place, but the route also gives whimsical experience.

3. BUNDI

With a majority of blue houses, Bundi, loacted 219.7 km away from Jaipur via NH 12, is surrounded by the Aravali Hills. Lazy and narrow lanes, Lakes, around 60 step wells (Baories), temples and mosque dominate the town. Not many knew this fact that Jodhpur- the blue city and Bundi have a strong affinity to the color blue. Get to the top of Bundi Fort to get a glimpse of the beautiful Blue City. A picturesque Nawal Sagar man made lake in the heart of the town, add more beauty to the place, especially during sunset when it soaks the reflection of the two-storied fortified complex ‘Garh Palace’. Garh Palace is host to ‘Chitrashala’ where the walls and ceilings are embellished with miniature paintings. Bundi miniature paintings depicted on the walls are still in its original form.

4. DEEG PALACE, BHARATPUR

Relatively less explored in Eastern Rajasthan, Deeg Water Palace is an awe-inspiring visual masterpiece, 192 km from Jaipur in Rajasthan.
Built in 1772, Deeg palace was a luxurious summer resort for the rulers of Bharatpur State. It is open 9 am to 5 pm except on Fridays.
Stay the night at Bharatpur, just 32 km away from here !

5. JODHPUR

Rambling between the mighty Mehrangarh fort and Umaid Bhawan, the sun kissed city of Jodhpur is situated 337 km away from Jaipur. Founded by Rao Jodha in 1459, Jodhpur is dotted with soaring forts and palaces shimmering in sandstone while the narrow lanes lead to an alluring world of antiques and handicrafts. The blue of houses renders an alluring “Blue City” especially to be seen at sunrise and sunset. The other places to visit include Sheesh Mahal, and Osiyan Temple that are some of the most imposing architectural works of ancient times and the Osiyan sand dunes will take you away from all the hustle bustle. Jodhpur Sweets, Gatta, Chakke ki sabzi and Mirchibada are not be missed !

6. MOUNT ABU

Mount Abu is the only hill station in the dry arid lands of Rajasthan, which can be reached through a 7 hour drive from the capital city of Jaipur. This hill station provides a great tourist destination owing to its picturesque land. Some of the main attractions of the city are Nakki Lake, Dilwara Temple, Mt. Abu Wildlife Sanctuary. Capture a perfect sunset from the Sunset Point in Mt. Abu J

7. NAWALGARH

Situated 115 km from Jaipur, Nawalgarh is better known as the ‘Open Air Art Gallery’. It is a small town where the vibrant streets depict the true blend of architecture smoothly fusing the Hindu, Mughal, Persian and British facets together. As you walk down this “Open Air Art Gallery” you will be amazed to see how the painted havelis and frescoes have captured the culture,customs and royal lifestyle of the Shekhawatis. The Roop Niwas Kothi , Murarka Haveli, Bhagton Ki Choti Haveli are some architectural gems which illustrate an impeccable mélange of Rajput and European architecture.

8. PUSHKAR

Situated 14 km (8.7 mi) northwest of Ajmer, Pushkar is one of the oldest cities in India and is also one of the five pilgrimage sites for the Hindu. The town has hundreds of temples, including 14th-century Jagatpita Brahma Mandir, a temple dedicated to Lord Brahma- creator of the world. People from all over the world visit Pushkar especially for Pushkar Fair, the largest cattle fair of the country. Set on Pushkar Lake, Pushkar is a sacred Hindu site with 52 ghats (stone staircases) where pilgrims bathe. You can also drive to the Dargah in Ajmer !

9. RANTHAMBORE

Once a hunting preserve of the Maharajas of Jaipur and now a Project Tiger Reserve, Ranthambore National Park or Ranthambhore is one of the largest national parks in northern India, covering an area of 392 km². It is situated in the Sawai Madhopur district of southeastern Rajasthan, about 160 km southeast of Jaipur. Ranthambore gives a unique flavor of nature, history and wildlife and houses a large number of Bengal tigers that can be easily observed hunting and taking care of their young ones during the jungle safari.

The destination pulls the attention of myriad wildlife lovers and photographers every year. The legendary Machli or T-16, is probably the oldest and world’s most photographed Tigress alive who also has a postal stamp on her.

10. SHAHPURA

65 kms. Away from Jaipur city, Shahpura, offers a life that is unhurried, a beautiful town of friendly people un-spoilt by the creepy fingers by modernity. The real charm lies in visiting its quaint village and experiencing a feel of authentic rural Rajasthan with all its charming eccentricity. Exquisite and discreet, the 300 years old impressive Shahpura Haveli is a tribute to the glorious past.

 

 

Ranthambore National Park Is Now Open For Full Day Safari

Ranthambore – a land of tigers is situated south from Jaipur. With approximately 3 hours distance, the famous Ranthambore National Park lies in the city of Sawai Madhopur.

The National Park is all set to follow a similar path of full day safari same as that of the sanctuaries of Maharashtra and Madhya Pradesh. The officials along with the tourism department have opened full day safari into Ranthambore National Park for the visitors and tourists.

With the maximum number of 40 vehicles permitted to enter the park, the forest department have equally divided it into 20 gypsies and 20 canters keeping in mind the carrying capacity of maximum 6 people.

The authorities have also laid the price of the full day ticket for foreigners as 40,000 and that of Indians as 30,000.

All the wildlife seekers and photographers, don’t you think that you can make the most of it. So, why not opt for a full day safari the next time you visit Ranthambore 🙂

Rajasthan Goes On An Innovative Move For Wildlife Conservation

The Indian Railway Ministry actively considered World Wildlife Fund (WWF) proposal to paint the station and coaches with images of wildlife so as to conserve and promote the conservation of wildlife.

 

One such station which will be the first Indian Railway Heritage Station is that of Sawai Madhopur. The teams of local artists led by Narayan Singh and Gajanand Singh, who are the members of the Ranthambore School of Arts, are towards the end of these huge wall paintings.

 

The idea does not stay confined to the tiger town of Sawai Madhopur only, but the Chief Minister has appreciated the initiative so much that she has ordered to extend it to the second phase. She has laid down the idea of getting several stations to be painted in their geographical specialty like Bikaner taking inspiration from the floral prints of Badal Mahal, Jodhpur getting Rajasthani puppets, Udaipur in its Nathdwara art painted on the respective stations and coaches.

 

Image Credits : WWF and Dharmendra Khandal

Dastkar Ranthambhore celebrates 25 years of Empowerment

25 years ago in the village of Sawai Madhopur, a small organization with great mission of sustainable livelihood of those villagers affected by the formation of Ranthambhore National Park, started a handicraft workshop in a small room in Sherpur village near the Ranthambhore Tiger Reserve. They addressed the issues faced by the people from villages, who used to survive on tiger poaching and later affected by the formation of the National Park. With a handful of women and a dream, Dastkar Ranthambhore set forth to conquer adversity and became a self reliant enterprise in 2004.

Dastkar Ranthambhore now work in 8 villages, with around 500 artisans who create quality handicraft products like hand bags, cushions, quilts, rugs, bed sheets, toys and more that can be found in stores and homes across the world.

The group with such wonderful initiative is now in its 25^th year and invites every art and craft as well as wildlife lovers to be a part of their Journey further. Dastkar Ranthambhore is celebrating their Journey of 25 years from 21st October 2015 to 24th October 2015.

Some of the planned events during the 4 days’ celebration include
1. Workshops guided by our artisans in block printing, tie dye, pottery, Mud mirror work, recycling and painting
2. Food court that serves local cuisine.
3. Live performances by local artistes – Drama, Music and Dance,
4. Craft Bazaar from the 8 villages.
 

Event Details are a follows
Melo Ranthanbhore
Silver Jubilee Celebration of Dastkar Ranthambhore
Dates: October 21^st to 24^th 2015
Timings: 11.00 am to 06.00 pm
Venue: Dastkari Kendra, Opposite Kutalpura Village, Sawai Madhopur District, Rajasthan, India

Ganesh Chaturthi Festival Begins in Jaipur

The festival of Ganesh Chaturthi begins from today. And Rajasthan is famous for two Lord Ganesha Temples that celebrate the festival of Ganesh Chaturthi with fervor. One is the Moti Dungri Ganesh Temple and the other is Ganeshji temple in Sawai Madhopur.

In the middle of Jaipur there rises a small hill Moti Dungri meaning ‘Pearl hill’, since it looks like a drop of pearl on the top of a hill. The Moti Dungri hill is occupied by a palace and a temple. Moti Dungri temple of‪ Jaipur‬ is significant for worshipping Lord Ganesha, where many people from far away come to this sacred temple. Here the festival is celebrated on a grand scale.

If you are lucky to be in Jaipur for the following week, then don’t miss to attend the Ganesh Chaturthi festival at Moti Dungri temple.

In Sawai Madhopur, the festival is rather more special. The ancient temple dedicated to Lord Ganesha is located in the fort of Ranthambore, about 12kms from Sawai Madhopur and it is one of the most important Ganesha temples in Rajasthan. The temple celebrates three days of Ganeshotsav with great fervor where thousands of pilgrims come to pay homage to the idol. On the final day of Ganesh Chaturthi the replica of idol is taken out and finally submerged into the water pond nearby. This year’s dates for Ganeshotsav at Sawai Madhopur are 15, 16 and 17th September.

Special trains are also run by Indian Railways for the convenience of pilgrims of Ranthambhore Ganesha Temple.

This year, Ganesh Chaturthi falls on 17th September. If you are enthusiastic about visiting the sacred temple of Ganesha in Jaipur and Ranthambhore, then plan your trip now!

Ganesh Chaturthi in Ranthambhore

 

RANTHAMBHORE-Fort

Ganesh Chaturthi marks the beginning of festival season in India followed by Navratri, Dussehara, Diwali etc. Every year Ganesh Chaturthi is celebrated as the birthday of Lord Ganesha all over the country. In Sawai Madhopur, the festival is rather more special. The ancient temple dedicated to Lord Ganesha is located in the fort of Ranthambore, about 12kms from Sawai Madhopur and it is one of the most important Ganesha temples in Rajasthan.

Ganesha Temple in Ranthambhore

The visitors on this occasion get to see a cocktail of events and activities at the temple to celebrate the festival with fervor. Ganesh Chaturthi magnetizes millions of devotees to Ranthambhore every year. The idol is tinted in Orange color which is a highly sacred color, particularly in Hindu religion. Gorgeous and heavy golden ornaments as well as several wreath of marigold are utilized to festoon the Ganesha idol. A number of small but beautiful shops in the nearby market draw the attention of visitors and tourists.

Some pilgrims keep fast for three to four days in Ganesh Chaturthi to have complete control on their physical senses and to get indulged in the remembrance of Lord Ganesha only. Finally the Ganesh idols are headed for immersion with an over-enthusiastic crowd of devout dancing through the procession, which indicates the end of ceremony.

This year, Ganesh Chaturthi falls on August 29, 2014. If you are enthusiastic about visiting the sacred temple of Ganesha in Ranthambhore, then plan your trip now!

Rajasthan gets Third Tiger Reserve

Royal Rajasthan, Roaring Rajasthan!

More of the big cats will be glorifying the timeless heritage of Rajasthan. Rajasthan will home a third tiger reserve in the Mukundra Hills, as notified by the Govt. of Rajasthan.

Covering the four districts of Kota, Bundi, Chittorgarh and Jhalawar.Its reserve area will spread over 759 sq km. Nearly 417 sq km have been earmarked as the core tiger habitat, while 342.82 sq km has been notified as the buffer zone where human interference is prohibited.

The other two tiger reserves of Ranthambore and Sariska have a core area nearly thrice this size.

Mukundra Hills are also connected with the Ranthambore National Park, located in the state’s Sawai Madhopur district.

Moreover, the core area of the Mukundra reserve currently has six villages, two of which are uninhabited. Eventually all these villages will have to be relocated funded by the NTCA (National Tiger Conservation Authority). The sanctuary currently has wolves, sloth bear, chinkaras and leopards!
Officials added that at a later stage, tigers will be relocated from Ranthambore reserve so as to provide optimum space for the majestic dwellings.

The objective was to link this to Ranthambore so as to let the tigers that stray from the park come and breed here. It was the next best forest after Ranthambore for rehabilitation of tigers.

 

 

Ganesh Chaturthi September19, 2012

Ganesh Chaturthi marks the birth of Lord Ganesha and is celebrated all over the country. In Sawai Madhopur, Rajasthan the festival is rather special. The temple dedicated to Lord Ganesha is located in the fort of Ranthambhore, about 12kms from Sawai Madhopur and it is one of the most important Ganesha temples in the State.

The three days’ festival of Ganesh Chaturthi magnetize million of devotees to Ranthambore every year. The idol is tinted in Orange color which is a highly sacred color, particularly in Hindu religion. Gorgeous and heavy golden ornaments as well as several wreath of marigold are utilized to festoon the idol. A number of small but beautiful shops in the nearby market draw the attention of visitors and tourists.

Finally the idol is carefully submerged into the nearby river which indicates the end of the ceremony.

This temple is the site for Ganesh Chaturthi celebrations attracting devotees from all over to join in the singing of devotional songs.

How to reach there : you can easily get frequent Buses and trains from Jaipur.

Apart from that,  Four special trains will shuttle between Jaipur and Sawai Madhopur for three days from Monday i. e. September17, 2012 in view of Ganesh Chathurthi on Wednesday.
Departure Time from Jaipur- 9.35 am, 1.00 pm,
Departure Time from Sawai Madhopur- 1.25 pm, 8.30 pm