Lakshyaraj Singh Mewar of Udaipur, Rajasthan India ties the knot

Spectacular wedding ceremonies conducted at Bhubaneswar; historic coming together of two of India’s most respected families to celebrate the House of Mewar and Patna Balangir union

It was in the wee hours of the morning when the Pheras and Panigrahan Sanskars or the wedding rituals of Mr Lakshyaraj Singh Mewar of Udaipur and Ms Nivritti Kumari Singh Deo of Patna Balangir were concluded at the Janta Maidan, amidst the chants of prayers, music and drum-beats, marking the beginning of their life as a newly-wedded couple. At the mandap area, the parents – Mr Kanak Vardhan Singh Deo and Ms Sangeeta Devi Singh Deo – along with the priests of the House of Patna Balangir blessed the couple, resplendent in their wedding attire of red and yellow and aglitter with the traditional jewellery they wore. It was an incredible spectacle at the Janta Maidan where the entire Patna Balangir palace facade had been recreated, complete with its domes and chhatris, walls, screens and ramparts.

Earlier, the guests witnessed the arrival of Mr Lakshyaraj Singh Mewar of Udaipur at the venue in a Rolls Royce. Looking dazzling in yellow poshak or robes, with rose-garlands across his chest, the groom was accompanied by his father, Shriji Arvind Singh Mewar and Mr Jyotiraditya Scindia, the scion of the Scindia family, who were attired in their traditional ceremonial robes and jewels to mark the historic occasion. The baraat party comprised almost all the important former royal houses of Rajasthan, Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, Chhatisgarh, Bihar and Maharashtra; dressed in their ceremonial attire, carrying the family swords in hand, wearing their colourful safas and pugrees, it was a sight to behold. Every robe, sherwani or achhkan, necklace or bejewelled bracelet narrated a royal story of which the person wearing was immensely proud of. Probably never in recent history have so many former royal family members gathered together to celebrate the wedding ceremonies; the House of Mewar and Patna Balangir wedding ceremonies began in May 2013 and what a colourful and dignified climax it is now reaching in January 2014.

Under the night sky, as a waning moon rose up, the groom and baraat party were greeted with hundreds of musicians and drum-beaters whose never-ending crescendos led the way. This was the Baranugaman, marking the entry of the wedding guests or baraat party into the venue. Mr Lakshyaraj Singh Mewar of Udaipur, after alighting from the Rolls Royce, was seated atop the elephant in the silver howdah with the House of Mewar crest. The groom, atop the elephant, with the entire wedding or baraat party walking solemnly in front, seemed as if a traditional painting from the Court of Mewar had come to life! While Mr Kanak Vardhan Singh Deo did the honours of greeting Shriji Arvind Singh Mewar and the esteemed wedding guests, at every step of the Maidan’s pathway, the groom’s alighting from the elephant was also memorable as he was escorted by his wedding entourage and seated along with his father on the specially-decorated stage to be seated in the time-honoured Singhasan Arohan. The lawajma or the ceremonial signage of Mewar accompanied the groom and provided a befitting backdrop to the stage where the Patna Balangir priests began their rituals at the muharat or auspicious hour assigned.

For the wedding guests, it was now time to raise a toast to this matrimonial union of the House of Mewar with the House of Patna Balangir; at an exquisitely designed section of the Maidan, cocktails and dinner were served with music and dance matching the mood of festivities.

Udaipur, Rajasthan India wore a festive look for the Mewar Wedding

Mr. Lakshyaraj Singh Mewar of Udaipur will tie the knot next week with Ms. Nivritti Kumari Singh Deo of Patna Balangir, with traditional ceremonies that reflect ‘Living Heritage’ of Udaipur and Odisha

 It has become a fashion for wealthy Indians and even foreigners to have Indian royal themed weddings. Just keying in “Royal Indian Weddings” on Google would throw up a host of wedding service providers who would provide grand Indian royal weddings for a price. But in this era of ‘bling culture’, the genteel elegance of what actually constitutes royalty is lost.

Shriji Arvind Singh Mewar, the 76^th custodian of the Mewar dynasty in Udaipur, is a great believer and committed follower of the concept of ‘Living Heritage’, which is why the forthcoming wedding celebrations of his son are centered on this concept. The ceremonies will take place the same way they used to centuries ago; traditions and customs will be followed just like it was in the days gone by and the entire atmosphere of festivities will bask in the glorious heritage that only a dynasty like the Mewars can be proud of.

While preparations for the wedding of Mr Lakshyaraj Singh Mewar with Ms Nivritti Kumari Singh Deo have been underway for a long time now, the major ceremonies will began on January 20 with the Tel Baan Utarna ceremony followed by theVarnikasi ceremony, which signifies the departure of the barat (wedding guests from the groom’s side). In keeping with true Mewari tradition the ladies from the groom’s side will not join the barat and will stay back in Udaipur. The wedding ceremony in Odisha will be an amalgamation of royal customs as the couple is declared man and wife.

The couple will return to Udaipur on January 23 and will be welcomed in ceremonial style during the Vadhupravesh (welcoming the bride) ceremony. This will be followed by a series of rituals. However, the event that the City of Lakes is gearing up for is the Shaadi Ri Goth or wedding reception which will be held on January 24 at Shikarbadi, Udaipur. It is expected that a huge number of guests including visitors from abroad and important dignitaries from all over India will land in the city to wish the bride and groom.

The wedding ceremonies will draw to a close on January 28 with the Bidai (farewell) or ceremonial farewell given to the pundits (priests), after which the ceremonies are officially declared as having been completed as per the ancient Vedic traditions adhered to by the House of Mewar and its 76^th Custodian, Shriji Arvind Singh Mewar of Udaipur.

 About Eternal Mewar 

The House of Mewar acknowledged as the world’s oldest-serving dynasty, has faced challenges, which have tested the maintenance of the Custodianship form of governance and the Custodian’s commitment to carry on serving as The Diwan of Shree Eklingnath ji.

In 1947 with India’s Independence and again in 1971, with the abolition of Princely Privileges, the office of the Custodian necessitated reinventions. In 1984 the mantle of 76th Custodian devolved upon Shriji Arvind Singh Mewar of Udaipur. The original status of Custodian, as provided in the Constitution of India, ceased to exist. The challenge, therefore, for Shriji Arvind Singh Mewar of Udaipur was to bring the different identities of inheritance under one umbrella.

Eternal Mewar is conceptualized to provide the vision for the 21st century; it expresses, embodies and encompasses the core values, principles and the legacy of the House of Mewar. Eternal Mewar covers all the activities of the House of Mewar.

Eternal Mewar has also emerged as a unique heritage brand exemplifying hospitality, cultural preservation, philanthropy, education, sports & spirituality for global audiences.

On the Tiger’s Turf

Valmik Thapar, who has spent decades trying to save tigers in the wild, reminisces about the first time he saw tigers.

Thapar has authored a book – TIGER FIRE – 500 years of the Tigers in India by Valmik Thapar, Aleph, 597 pages, Rs. 2995/-.

Must possess if you are a tiger enthusiast…

Conceieved & Edited by Valmik Thapar, an authority on Tigers in the sub-continent, the book contains stories, art, photographs and peotry about the Indian Tiger from 500 years back till now. The book has pieces and photographs from Thapar and other naturalists, writers and tiger enthusiasts, including Mughal Emperor Babur, Naturlaist Jim Corbett, Conservationist Fateh Singh Rathore and Wild Life photographer and tourism Professional Anjali Singh.

In the chapter, “The secret life of Tiger”, Thapar talks about the time he arrived in Sawai Madhopur near Ranthambore, Rajasthan India, at the age of 22 and saw the first tiger in action…present here the excerpts:

In those first weeks that I spent in Ranthmabore, I relished my privacy and complete anonymity in the forests. On the twentieth day of this first trip, I was ready to do anything to get a glimpse of what was then the really elusive tiger. I had seen its pugmarks on forest paths, heard the alarm calls of animals as it passed by once, far in the distance, I even heard its roar, but it always evaded vision. Strange it may seem, it was on the last night that I had encounter I always longed for. After dinner that night I slipped into the Jeep with two trackers…the night was pitch black with a brilliant array of stars. Our first job was to check two live baits that had been put out to attract the tiger……I watched my first tiger for two minutes in hushed silence, and it was a sight I have never forgotten.

 

Info courtesy: Live Mint

 

Memorable & Enchanting Mandvi in Kutch Gujarat

After enchanting trip to white Rann of Kutch, we moved to another exotic destination – Mandvi.

Not knowing in detail what Mandvi has to offer, we set out towards Mandvi with no expectations but it turned out to be mind blowing experience. The cool breeze of Mandvi beach soothed the soul and chilly winds on the beach reminded us of Niagra falls’s wind chill. We returned to our destination H & V Beach Resort, which offered a pleasant stay which really made the stay memorable. After some rest and hot water shower, we moved to the beach once again to enjoy the cool breeze at the beach and very enjoyable camel ride. Our daughter Tanyaa loved the camel ride so much that she took four rounds. Our beach resort was located on the beach and easy access to beach right from morning to evening was quite enchanting….

So first thing when most people should think of when they visit Mandvi is visiting the seashore. Mandvi Beach is the closest to the town centre, across the bridge to the east side of the river, then down the road past a place called Salaya, accessed from just near the Kashi-Vishvanath Temple (sometimes the beach is called Kashi-Vishvanath Beach.) Wind Farm Beach is 7 km west of town, named for the windmills that line it to generate electricity for the area. You can get fresh coconuts and other snacks, swim in very pleasant water, and enjoy a nice view of the coastline. Wind mills on the beach provided unique sight…we loved the wind mills all over.

Mandvi is a port city located at 22°49′N 69°22′E22.81°N 69.36°E where the Rukmavati River meets the Gulf of Kachchh. It is about 56 km south of the regional capital, Bhuj. It is approximately 446 km from the major Gujarati city of Ahmedabad. Because Mandvi has no rail transport, the nearest public airport and train station is Bhuj.

Our family had an amazing time at Mandvi, smaller version of Marina beach. One of India’s best-kept secrets, the deluxe camp at Mandvi Beach is part of the private beach estate of the Maharaos (rulers of Kutch) which is completely safe, secured from outside visitors and privately-owned. While the sun-kissed sands and warm tropical waters make Mandvi Beach a great holiday destination, Mandvi’s Palace is one of the grandest in Gujarat state and has a museum of princely heirlooms. The palace estate has been the location for filming many Bollywood Blockbusters.

Mandvi offers you the opportunity to enjoy the beach, the palaces of Mandvi, the handicrafts and monuments of the rest of Kutch district, and bird watching along the northern coast of the Gulf of Kutch including the flamingo-rich Mandvi creek.

The resort’s owner Mr. Jadeja offered great hospitality; he was a great companion and told us about Mandvi as a place and his restaurant offered great multi-cuisine. He encouraged us to Vijay Vilas Palace which was a very royal experience. More updates on Vijay Vilas palace later…

You too can plan a visit to Mandvi if you are in Kutch and plan your stay at: H & V Beach Resort and for bookings call: +91 9879984444

Visit Florida : Shop ‘til you drop in Florida

Florida offers some exciting shopping destinations, besides offering some very exciting tourist destination. If you are planning to visit Florida, don’t miss to Shop till you drop at the exciting shopping destinations listed below:

Northwest Florida

Destin:
o Silver Sands Premium Outlets offers discounted prices in premium brands such as Banana Republic, Gap, Brooks Brothers and more. Group tours are available.

Panama City Beach:
o Pier Park is located along the beaches of Panama City and near the ever-popular 30A, and includes many dining and entertainment options as well as an IMAX movie theatre.

Northeast Florida:
Jacksonville:

o St. John’s Town Center is an outdoor shopping mall with 150-plus stores and restaurants. The mall includes high-end luxury stores like Louis Vuitton and Tiffany & Co. Amenities include an outdoor park area with a turtle pond, life-size chess board and a dog park, which makes it family- and pet-friendly. Multilingual services are available.
o The Jacksonville Farmer’s Market is Florida’s oldest farmers market. It features ethnic specialties and is open every day of the year, including holidays. Items for purchase include fresh produce, exotic produce and unique local gift items.

Central Florida:

Orlando:

o Mall at Millenia offers a currency exchange office for international visitors, as well as a multilingual staff. The mall offers a selection of international stores as well as the most in-demand US stores like Coach and Apple.

o Orlando Premium Outlets has two locations: International Drive and Vineland Avenue.

Tampa:

o Look for great buys in Hyde Park Village, an open-air shopping center located within the heart of one of Tampa’s older neighborhoods. Go global at International Plaza. Shop and then drop into great restaurants at Westshore Plaza, ride a carousel in Westfield, search for bargains at Ellenton or find original art and handmade crafts at area farmers markets.

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South Florida:

Palm Beach:

o Dubbed the “Rodeo Drive of the East Coast,” Worth Avenue is the preeminent designer shopping destination in Florida. Delray Beach is a great place to discover quaint shops and boutiques, while downtown Boca Raton’s Mizner Park offers upscale shopping. CityPlace is an open-air shopping and entertainment district inspired by the pedestrian-friendly piazzas of Italy. If antiquing is your passion, the six blocks of shopping along Antique Row in West Palm Beach offers a trove of collectibles, timeless furnishings and special home and garden accessories. For those on a serious retail mission, Town Center at Boca Raton will impress every shopper.

Fort Lauderdale:

o The Galleria at Fort Lauderdale continues to expand its mix of more than 100 specialty retailers with the recent opening of the first Michael Kors and new locations from American Eagle Outfitters and LOFT coming soon. Sawgrass Mills adds to its coveted collection of world-renowned luxury brands with the first, and only, Jimmy Choo outlet in Florida, which opened at the Colonnade Outlets this fall.

Miami:

o Miami has it all, from malls to outlets, boutiques to antiques, and so much more. Mix shopping and sunshine at one of Miami’s outdoor marketplaces: Bayside, Mary Brickell Village or CocoWalk. Check out one of the many shopping malls in the area, which include everything from money-saving bargains like those found at the Dolphin Mall to the luxury and sophistication of Bal Harbour Shops

Explore the shopping districts of Miami on Lincoln Road, Espanola Way, Collins Avenue or head over to the Design District for art galleries and antique dealers.

About Visit Florida: As the Sunshine State’s No. 1 industry, tourism was responsible for welcoming 91.5 million visitors in 2012 who spent $71.8 billion, generating 23 percent of the state’s sales tax revenue and employing more than one million Floridians. For every $1 spent on tourism marketing, VISIT FLORIDA – the state’s official tourism marketing corporation – generates more than $258 in tourism spending and $15 in new sales tax collections, paid by visitors, not residents. VISIT FLORIDA promotes tourism to Florida through sales, advertising, promotions, public relations and visitor services programs. As a public/private partnership, VISIT FLORIDA serves nearly 12,000 tourism industry businesses, including 2,700 invested Partners, 9,200 web affiliates and major strategic alliance partnerships with Disney Destinations, Dollar Rent A Car, The Hertz Corporation, SeaWorld Parks & Entertainment and Universal Orlando. To learn more about VISIT FLORIDA, please go to http://www.VISITFLORIDA.org or follow our corporate blog at http://www.SunshineMatters.org