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utptourandtravel · 7 years

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Interesting and Lesser Known Facts About Rajasthan, India with UTPINDIA

Rajasthan- The “Land of Kings” is India’s largest state by area (10.4% of India’s total area). It is placed on the north-western side of the country, where it covers most of the vast and inhospitable Thar Desert which is also known as the “Rajasthan Desert” and “Great Indian Desert”. It shares a border with the Pakistani provinces of Punjab to the northwest and Sindh to the west, along the Sutlej-Indus river valley.

The state was formed when Rajputana (the name adopted by the British Raj for its dependencies in the region- was merged into the Dominion of India) on March 30, 1949. The largest city and its capital is Jaipur which is also known as Pink City and is located on the state’s eastern side. Some of the other important cities are Jodhpur, Udaipur, Bikaner, Kota, and Ajmer.

Some of the most interesting and lesser known facts about this “Land of Kings” are:

Historical Background

1. Gurjars In this part of the country, Gurjars ruled for many dynasties. The region was known as Gurjaratra. Almost the whole of North India acknowledged the supremacy of the Gurjars with their seat of power at Kannauj up to the tenth century.

2. Gurjara-Pratihara From the 8th to the 11th century, the Gurjar Pratihar Empire acted as an obstacle for Arab invaders. The chief accomplishment of the Gurjara Pratihara Empire lies in its successful resistance to foreign invasions from the west. Historian R. C. Majumdar said that this was openly acknowledged by the Arab writers. He further noted, Indian Historians have wondered that the progress of Muslim invaders in India is slow as compared with their rapid advance in other parts of the world. Now, there seems a little doubt that it was the power of the Gurjara Pratihara army which effectively blocked the progress of the Arabs beyond the confines of Sindh, their first conquest for nearly 300 years.

3. Historical Tribes Traditionally, the Rajputs, Jats, Meenas, Gurjars, Bhils, Rajpurohit, Charans, Yadavs, Bishnois, Sermals, PhulMali (Saini) and other tribes made a great contribution in building Rajasthan. All these tribes suffered great difficulties in preserving their culture and the land. Millions of them were killed while trying to protect their land. A number of Gurjars had been wiped out in Bhinmal and Ajmer areas while fighting with the invaders. Bhils once ruled Kota. Meenas were rulers of Bundi and the Dhundhar region.

4. Major Rulers (i) Hem Chandra Vikramaditya: The Hindu Emperor Hem Chandra Vikramaditya was born in the village of Machheri in Alwar District in 1501. He won 22 battles against Afghans, from Punjab to Bengal including states of Ajmer and Alwar in Rajasthan. In 1556 at Battle of Delhi, he also defeated the forces of Akbar twice at Agra and Delhi before acceding to the throne of Delhi and establishing the “Hindu Raj” in North India although for a short duration, from Purana Quila in Delhi. While fighting against Mughals, Hem Chandra was killed on the battlefield at Second Battle of Panipat on 5 November 1556.

(ii) Maharana Pratap: In the famous Battle of Haldighati (1576), Maharana Pratap of Mewar thwarted Akbar and later operated from hilly areas of his kingdom. Maharana’s main allies were Bhils during these wars. These attacks were mostly repulsed even though the Mughal forces outnumbered Mewar Rajputs in all the wars fought between them. The war of Haldighati was fought between 10,000 Mewaris and a 100,000-strong Mughal force (including many Rajputs like Kachwahas from Dhundhar).

(iii) Maharaja Suraj Mal: Jat king Maharaja Suraj Mal (Feb 1707 – 25 Dec 1765) or Sujan Singh was the ruler of Bharatpur in Rajasthan. A contemporary historian has described him as “the Plato of the Jat people” and by a modern writer as the “Jat Odysseus”, because of his political intelligence, steady intellect, and clear vision.

Wildlife protection Rajasthan is also known for its national parks and wildlife sanctuaries. There are four national park and wildlife sanctuaries: a) Keoladeo National Park of Bharatpur, b) Sariska Tiger Reserve of Alwar, Ranthambore c) National Park of Sawai Madhopur d) Desert National Park of Jaisalmer Arid Forest Research Institute (AFRI) is a national level institute of the ministry of forestry is situated in Jodhpur which continuously works on desert flora and their conservation.

Economy a) The economy of Rajasthan is primarily agricultural and pastoral. The state’s cash crops are Cotton and tobacco. b) Rajasthan is among the largest producers of edible oils in India and the second largest producer of oilseeds. c) Rajasthan is also the biggest wool-producing state in India and the main opium producer and consumer. d) The main industries are mineral based, agriculture based, and textile based. e) Rajasthan is the second largest producer of polyester fiber in India. f) Several prominent chemical and engineering companies are located in the city of Kota, in southern Rajasthan.

Demographics a) Rajasthan’s population is made up mainly of Hindus, who account for 87.45% of the population b) Muslims make up 10.08%, Sikhs 1.27%, and Jains 1% of the population. c) The state of Rajasthan is also populated by Sindhis, who came to Rajasthan from Sindh province (now in Pakistan) during the India-Pakistan separation in 1947.

Culture Rajasthan is culturally rich and has artistic and cultural traditions which reflect the ancient Indian way of life. There is rich and varied folk culture from villages which are often depicted and is symbolic of the state. a) Highly cultivated classical music and dance with its own distinct style is part of the cultural tradition of Rajasthan. The music has songs that depict day-to-day relationships and chores, often focused around fetching water from wells or ponds. b) Rajasthani cooking was influenced by both the war-like lifestyles of its inhabitants and the availability of ingredients in this arid region. c) Food that could last for several days and could be eaten without heating was preferred. d) The scarcities of water and fresh green vegetables have all had their effect on the cooking. e) It is known for its snacks like Bikaneri Bhujia. f) Other famous dishes include bajre ki roti (millet bread) and lashun ki chutney (hot garlic paste), mawa kachori Mirchi Bada, Pyaaj Kachori and ghevar from Jodhpur, Alwar ka Mawa (Milk Cake), malpauas from Pushkar and rassgollas from Bikaner. g) Originating from the Marwar region of the state is the concept Marwari Bhojnalaya, or vegetarian restaurants, today found in many parts of India, which offer vegetarian food of the Marwari people. h) 4 Dal-Bati-Churma is very popular in Rajasthan. i) The Ghoomar dance from Jodhpur Marwar and Kalbeliya dance of Jaisalmer have gained international recognition. j) Folk music is a large part of Rajasthani culture. Kathputli, Bhopa, Chang, Teratali, Ghindr, Kachchhighori, and Tejaji are examples of traditional Rajasthani culture. k) Folk songs are commonly ballads which relate heroic deeds and love stories; and religious or devotional songs known as bhajans and banis which are often accompanied by musical instruments like dholak, sitar, and sarangi are also sung. l) Rajasthan is known for its traditional, colorful art. The block prints, tie and dye prints, Bagaru prints, Sanganer prints, and Zari embroidery are major export products from Rajasthan. m) Handicraft items like wooden furniture and crafts, carpets, and blue pottery are commonly found here. n) The main religious festivals are Deepawali, Holi, Gangaur, Teej, Gogaji, Shri Devnarayan Jayanti, Makar Sankranti and Janmashtami, as the main religion is Hinduism. o) Rajasthan’s desert festival is held once a year during winter. p) Spirit possession has been documented in modern Rajasthan. Some of the spirits possessing Rajasthanis are seen as good and beneficial while others are seen as malevolent.

Tourism Rajasthan attracted 14 percent of total foreign visitors during 2009-2010 which is the fourth highest among Indian states. It is fourth also in Domestic tourist visitors. Many people from around the world are coming for Rajasthan Tour because of the following reasons:

a) The palaces of Jaipur and Ajmer-Pushkar, the lakes of Udaipur, the desert forts of Jodhpur, Taragarh Fort (Star Fort) in Ajmer, and Bikaner and Jaisalmer rank among the most preferred destinations in India for many tourists both Indian and foreign. b) Tourism accounts for eight percent of the state’s domestic product. Many old and neglected palaces and forts have been converted into heritage hotels. c) Rajasthan is famous for its forts, carved temples, and decorated Havelis, which were built by Rajput kings in pre-Muslim era Rajasthan. d) Rajasthan’s Jaipur Jantar Mantar, Mehrangarh Fort, and Stepwell of Jodhpur, Dilwara Temples, Chittorgarh Fort, Lake Palace, miniature paintings in Bundi, and numerous city palaces and Havelis are part of the architectural heritage of India. e) Jaipur, the Pink City, is noted for the ancient houses made of a type of sandstone dominated by a pink hue. f) In Jodhpur, maximum houses are painted blue. g) At Ajmer, there is white marble Bara-dari on the Anasagar lake.

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pratyushsaroha-blog · 5 years

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Lesser Known Facts About Ganesh Chaturthi

Ganesh Chaturthi heralds the birth of Lord Ganesh that is celebrated with much gusto as people engage in Pooja ceremonies, setting up pandals and other rituals that mark this auspicious festival. Besides the festivities which go on for ten days, the atmosphere is charged with pious devotees chanting 'Ganpati Maurya' and anticipating the final day where the idol is immersed in water. The enthusiasm is such that it is celebrated by Indians abroad. While these festivities are meant to be celebrated on a public level, for a private celebration, families exchange gifts and feast upon delicious food. However, that’s not all that there is to Ganesh Chaturthi, so for those who don’t know much about this iconic festival, these are all the lesser-known facts about Ganesh Chaturthi.

Who is Ganesh? Where does he hail from?

Ganesh is one of the most distinctive Hindu gods known for his elephant head and round belly. Believed to be the God who removes obstacles and ensures success in all your endeavors, Ganesh is the good luck charm who is prayed for bringing prosperity before the inauguration of any ceremony. Born to Shiva and Parvathi, Ganesh Chaturthi is meant to celebrate his birth. The legend declares that Parvathi fashioned Ganesh with clay and went to take a bath, who then fights bravely with Shiva’s men and gets rewarded for his bravery but when beheaded, his head gets replaced by an Elephant’s head. As people welcome Ganesh in their home in the form of little figurines or even life-sized idols that are sometimes inlaid with precious metal and stone that is worshipped by offering prayers and decorated with flowers, this festival is a big deal. On the tenth and final day, this idol is then carried with a great procession and immersed in the river to make sure that he is returned to Shiva and Parvathi. Thus, Ganesh Chaturthi is celebrated with huge gusto in the whole Deccan plateau regions as people pay tribute to Ganapati Bappa with great jubilance and exchanging eco-friendly Ganesh idol for Ganesh Chaturthi.

Names of Ganesh

Lord Ganesh is one of the most revered Hindu gods who is named for his different names which include Ganapati, Vinayaka, Vighnaharta, Ganadhipa, Ekadanta, Lambhodra, Ganajana and Pillai in parts of south India.

Popular shrines

Ganesh is not just revered in the Hindu religion, but also in Buddhism which also originated in India. Therefore, several Ganesh shrines gain a lot of attraction around Ganesh Chaturthi. These shrines include Shree Sidhivinayak Temple in Mumbai, Shrimant Dagdusheth Halwai Ganapati Temple in Pune, and Ranjangaon Ganapati Temple among many others.

Symbolism behind Ganesh’s body and weapons

In Hinduism, there is a unique symbolism to every act and person and Ganesh is no exception. Therefore, every part of Ganesh’s body is said to have a symbolic value whether it’s the broken trunk that symbolizes sacrifice or the big eyes that see everything. While the laddoo indicates that one must uncover the sweetness of the Aatma, his human body signifies the earthly existence or the Maya. Ganesh’s goad is the one that helps him remove obstacles out of the way and the mouse as his ride signifies his humble spirit and the power he wields over pests like Mice.

Ganesh’s sweet tooth

It’s impossible to dismiss Ganesh’s huge belly which is associated with his love for sweets and food. Therefore, every bhog or pandal is organized around Ganesh Chaturthi and has these sweets on the menu. Ganesh’s favorite sweet is the Modak which are dumplings filled with shredded coconuts and jaggery. Besides Modak, motichoor laddoos are the ultimate sweet that can be witnessed in every Ganesh's picture or idols. Therefore, your Ganesh Chaturthi celebrations will remain incomplete if you don’t buy and send sweets online this festive occasion.

Ganesh Mela

During Ganesh Chaturthi, Rajasthan hosts a Ganesh fair in the Ranthambore area that continues through the whole festive season. With rides, markets with other cultural events planned around the whole theme, this fair garner a lot of interests from Ganapatya's who are Ganesh’s devotees. Thus, you can’t miss out all that this fair has to offer when it comes to Ganesh Chaturthi.

#Idol #Ganesh Chaturthi #Motichoor Laddoos #Send Sweets Online

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poojagallery · 3 years

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Ganesh Chaturthi 2021: Mind-Blowing Facts

Ganesh Chaturthi also known as "Vinayaka Chaturthi" or "Vinayaka Chavitri" , it is an Hindu festival honored on appearance of Ganesha to earth from Kailash Parvat with mother goddess Parvati/Gauri. the festival celebrate lord Ganesh as the god of beginnings and the remover of obstacles as well as god of wisdom and intelligence .Bal Gangadhar Tilak was the one who started public Ganesh Chaturthi festival to integrate India to fight against British. and furthermore perception incorporates Hindu texts, for example, Vedic hymes prayers and vrata (fasting). the celebration end at the 10th day after start , varies from one and half day, 3 days, 5days, 7 days, and 11 days. the idol is carried in a public procession with music and group chanting , then submerged in nearby body of water such as river. in Mumbai alone, around 150,000 statues are submerged annually. after that idol of Ganesha disintegrates into the water and ganesha is accepted to return to Parvat Kailash to Parvati and Shiva. furthermore, it is noticed throughout India, especially in the states like Maharashtra, Karnataka, Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Andhra Pradesh, Telangna, Odisha, goa, west Bengal, Gujarat, Chhattisgarh and Tamil Naidu. and furthermore it is celebrated outside India, for example, in Nepal by Hindu diaspora somewhere else, for example, in Australia, new Zealand, Canada and so on.

Have a peek at some interesting facts about Ganesh Chaturthi

LESSER KNOWN FACTS OF GANESHA'S BIRTH ACCORDING TO MYTHOLOGIES As per folklores , ganesha was created by lord Shiva and Gauri/Parvati, as Vighnahartaa (obstacle-averter) on the request of Devaganas, so that they could diabolic forces of the Rakshasa. There is a lesser known versions of lord Ganesha's birth, according to which Parvati/Gauri fasted for a year so that she can earn lord VIshnu's blessings and so that he would permit her wish of having son. Lord Vishnu was delighted by her dedications and sacrifice, so he announced that he would regenerate himself as her son. Eventually, Parvati/Gauri had a son and his birth was celebrated with great eagerness. where all the go came to visit the and give their blessings to charming baby of lord Shiva and Parvati. Among the guest were Shani, the son of Surya, he always avoided the baby since he was cursed with gaze of demolition, but Parvati insisted to Shani that he should look at the baby, following her wish Shani looked at the baby, the unbelievable happened-the baby's head fell off from his body. Though, lord Vishnu brought back the head of an elephant , and joined it with the body of the baby. Lord Shiva's and Parvati's child was resuscitated and named as ganesha. GANESHOSTAV FESTIVAL IS A SOCIAL-CULTURAL PHENOMENON , SAYS HISTORIAN Student of history Pandurang Balkawade clarifies how Ganesh puja is a social-social occurrence with profound roots legacy, customs and legislative issues. "One of the main characters of Ganeshostav is that Ganeshostav is the only festival which is not only celebrated by Hindus. Individuals from various locale, religion and station additionally partake in it. you will see that artisan, who makes the murtis, craftsmen's, decorators, to the leaders of Ganeshostavs are regularly, Muslim's or Christians. " says history specialist Pandurang Balkawade. HOW GANESH CHATURTHI ENVOLVED OVER DECADES Ganesh Chaturthi was first noticed after the Maratha empire was concurred by Chhatrapati Shivaji in the 16th century since then, in the festival calendar of Peshwa it has been very important day. In the year 1892, one of our Indian freedom fighter, Bal Gangadhar Tilak, renew the festival to bring all the Indians together for nationalists. For 10 days of celebration and huge assembly of devotes, the streets of Mumbai and Pune turned into emplacement. within a decades , the pneuma of festival spread like backfire. Without any British beating down on them or without any interruption , people from contrasting religions had 10 days to interconnect with each other. Raut said that from that point on, autonomy and patriotism turned out to be most significant subjects during celebration days right to 1947. LORD GANESHA IS CELEBRATED OUTSIDE INDIA Ganesha is one of the most admired Gods among Hindus and different mythologists .ganesha distinctiveness lies in the fact that admiration for him spreads across all casts. he is the only one whose strong appurtenance can be also felt outside India as well, eventually the neighboring countries of India such as china, Tibet, japan, and many other in southeast Asia. Additionally, while the revering of ganesha is spread across borders, it also took forms of its own in distinct ways. As we reside in the grace of the lord of success this Ganesh Chaturthi, here is a look at how Ganapati is idolize across cultures outside India. JAPAN in japan, Ganesh is mentioned to as Kangiten and is associated with Japanese Buddhism. the first aspect of Kangiten in japan can be dated to the 8th-9th centuries. In japan it is trusted that the Hindu form of lord ganesha traveled to china and assimilated into Buddhism. Believed to be furnished with a lot of power, Kangiten is basically honored by merchants, gamblers, actors and geishas. TIBET Ganesha in Tibetans Buddhism was established by the Indian Buddhist religious leader Atisa Dipankara Srijna and Gayadhara in the 11th century AD. Atisa, who is considered as the founder of Ganpati cult in Tibet. Gayadhara who was belonged from Kashmir he popularized the cult of ganesha. On the other hand there is legend in Tibetan mythology which attributes to ganesha a role initiated an institution of Lamaism. THAILAND Ganesha is called as Phira Phikanet in Thailand. He is worshipped as the divinity of success and as the one who removes all barrier. It is common for Thai Buddhists to honors the divinity on occasion of the beginning of new business or on weddings. The Thai Buddhists celebrate the festivals of ganesha at the same time when it is celebrated in India

#ganesha #lord ganesh idol #mindblowing #facts

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lastclues · 3 years

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Must to Visit Tourist Places In India

Milestones define us. They beckon us to go beyond just the number that pops up in our brain. The travel bug has hit the Indian youth, and the exploration of one’s own country is something that beckons the young traveler just starting to get their bearings. Its all about making memories that will outlast the life you plan to lead. Listed below are some eye-popping places to visit in India.

Andaman: looking for some peace and quiet in a place where you hear nothing but your heartbeat? Deep-sea diving will give you a thrill like none other. If you’re a water lover, this place will grow on you. This place for the people who like a little quiet along with a little touch of adventure who will enjoy the pristine beaches and the seafood, and most of the entire beautiful world underwater. If this is you, Andaman will not disappoint. The star attractions are the beaches, the Cellular Jail National Museum- famous Kala Paani! For the sporty kinds, jet skiing and parasailing will give you an adrenaline rush. Goa: The official party place, where sandy beaches stretch in front of you and the languid day gives way to the eclectic mix of music and dancing all night long This is one for the bucket lists! The special captivating goa tour is the nightlife that is mostly non-existent in some parts of our country. Goa comes alive in the late evenings with plenty to offer – booze and dancing and music to all tastes. The best time to visit is November to February; however, the lesser-known fact is that Goa Monsoons are to die for. The verdant fields and the routes come alive with a character like none other. The Star attractions are the beaches and the magnificent churches are dotted all over Goa. Must visit is Fort Aguada which stands the testament of time of the Portuguese. Water sports on the beaches in Baga are also something that you must try out. For nature lovers, the boat ride into the sea to see schools of dolphins in the early morning will make your day. For the night birds, the flea markets and the bazaars with their trinkets will bring solace to the shopaholic in you. Rajasthan: the next stop is the proud warrior state of Rajasthan. Along with the desert to offer you the experience of nomadic life, Rajasthan is well known for its forts that tower over city walls and traditions that transcend time and space. The land of fables of the brave transports you into the intrigues of the royal way of life like none other. Its a slice of life that makes you partake in its opulence and glory days and become a part of the tapestry. The star attractions are the forts and the walled cities of Pink – Jaipur, Blue – Jodhpur and Yellow – Jaisalmer. The lake city- Udaipur is a one for all things romantic along with it being the Oasis of Rajasthan. The Mehrangarh Fort, The Sonar Quila and the City Palace of Jaipur alongside the Amber Fort and just some worthy mentions. Coorg: traveling up the vine of India, the next stop on the places to visit before 30 is the beautiful city of Coorg. Awake yet? Can you smell the coffee? This beautiful hill station in Karnataka is the home of coffee. It’s a place to energize your soul and body. Walking about in the coffee plantations will mesmerize you and transport you to a beautiful place.The star attractions are the Brahmagiri Peak, Iruppu Falls, and the Nagarhole National Park. If you have a bit of adventure on your mind a Microlight flight awaits you in Chelavara and also angling in the Kaveri might interest you. Binsarand Corbett: Being young helps you travel to places less explored. Sometimes those places come alive from the writings in a book. One can hardly deny the Tiger tales of the famous naturalist Jim Corbett and his hair rising adventures in hunting down the maneaters in the lap of the Himalayas. The stripes and a look beckon you to the kingdom of Jungle Lore. Corbett National Park is a nature lover’s paradise; however, a few kilometers higher is Binsar which is known for the Leopard Sanctuary. These national parks offer jeep and foot safaris where you get to witness some of the flora and fauna of the country in all its glory. Mcleodganj: looking up to the mighty Himalayas one just feels the little anxiety that courses through your veins. This is a fairy land like none other. Calling you to rejuvenate your soul and scare you enough to tread carefully. This beautiful town surrounded by the mighty Dhauladar peaks will awaken your sense of adventure and calm your frizzy nerves. The seat of the H.H. Dalai Lama is a small town that offers the trekkers a lovely walk to Triund peak where one gets to sleep under the blanket of stars. Astral timelapses anyone? Manali: Deeper into The Himalayas where the Beas makes its home is the town on Manali. Its beautiful vistas will swathe with wonder while the snow walls of the Rohtang Pass will send the chill to your bones. A few kilometers away from Manali is Bir Bilingwell known as a Paragliding paradise. So if 30 look like the new 20, these two places in Himachal are something to feed your soul with adventure in manali. It’s a different feeling to feel like a bird soaring over the mighty Himalayan Mountains, definitely a 30’s thing. Leh: Travel will be quit incomplete without a Manali Leh Manali bike tour through the winding roads of Leh. The narrow dirt tracks that are a biker’s sense of adrenaline rush is a bucket list must in India. Leh Ladakh is a must do places before turning 30. The beauty and the treachery of the mountains come alive while you get stuck in the middle of nowhere to be rescued by the friendly locals.

#tourist places #adventure in india #india tour

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indesignartsandcrafts · 4 years

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Some Lesser Known Facts about Radhika Madan:

Radhika Madan is an Indian film on-screen character, previous TV character and a previous move educator of New Delhi, India. She advanced into TV in 2014 with the romantic show Meri Aashiqui Tum Se Hi and movies in 2018 with Vishal Bhardwaj's Pataakha. She additionally included as Tarika Ghasiteram Bansal in a 2020 Bollywood film Angrezi Medium featuring Irfan Khan and Deepak Dobriyal.

Belonging to Delhi, Madan began her vocation by acting in the day by day show Meri Aashiqui Tum Se Hi that broadcast for one and a half years on Colors Tv. She additionally took an interest in the move unscripted TV drama Jhalak Dhikhla Jaa (Season 8).

Subsequent to giving her spell a shot TV, Madan likewise highlighted in the film English Medium. Madan made her element film debut with Vishal Bhardwaj's parody show Pataakha, close by Sanya Malhotra. In view of the short story Do Behnen by Charan Singh Pathik, which rotated around two sisters in Rajasthan who are consistently on strife. The story depended on the wives of Pathik's brothers. Both Madan and Malhotra met the genuine ladies for the vernacular and the character's subtleties. For the readiness, both Malhotra and Madan remained in Ronsi town close Jaipur and educated the Rajasthani tongue; they likewise got acclimated with draining wild oxen, covering rooftops, putting the dividers with compost and strolling for significant distances while adjusting matkas loaded with water on their head and one around their abdomen. They likewise needed to put on 10 kg (22 lb) of weight. Raja Sen wrote in his audit, "Radhika Madan decidedly sparkles in this bossy job, resolute in vernacular and assurance.

Madan then showed up in Vasan Bala's activity satire Mard Ko Dard Nahi Hota. It debuted in the Midnight Madness segment of the 2018 Toronto International Film Festival, where it won the People's Choice Award: Midnight Madness. The film was likewise screened at the 2018 Mami Film Festival. Madan referenced that she was trying out for Laila Majnu (2018) when she became more acquainted with Mard Ko Dard Nahi Hota and picked the last film due to its "uniqueness". She played out all the tricks herself and viewed a few exemplary activity films for quite a long time to acclimate herself with the class. She was likewise harmed while the physical preparation. Pradeep Menon of Firstspot considered her an "amuse as Supri" and noticed that Madan "figures out how to make it work by sheer will and ability" in spite of the character having a "conflicting treatment". He further said that she "shimmers in the activity groupings.

In an ongoing visit, Mard Ko Dard Nahi Hota on-screen character Radhika Madan opened up about her untold story. Look at all the insider facts that were unveiled right here. The perfect Radhika Madan has effectively made her name in media outlets on account of her difficult work in a limited capacity to focus time. She started her excursion with the hit TV show Meri Aashiqui Tum Se Hi, inverse Shakti Arora. She collected a quite gigantic fan following with her character Ishaani and her on-screen science with Shakti was additionally acclaimed. The show had a fruitful run for more than one and a half years.

A year ago, Radhika made her noteworthy Bollywood debut with Vishal Bhardwaj's satire show Pataakha, nearby Dangal distinction Sanya Malhotra and proceeded to star in the activity parody Mard Ko Dard Nahi Hota inverse Abhimanyu Dassani. The film won the People's Choice Award at the 2018 Toronto International Film Festival and got incredible surveys alongside acclaim for the lead on-screen characters. As of now, the excellence is preparing for her third Bollywood film, the much-anticipated Angrezi Medium, additionally highlighting Irrfan Khan and Kareena Kapoor Khan.

In an ongoing talk, Radhika Madan opened up about nepotism in the industry. She shared how she didn't get a get back to in light of the fact that a star kid had just gotten the job she needed. Radhika said what hurt the most is that they said she's acceptable, yet at the same time proceeded with another person. Sharing another case, she uncovered, "something very similar occurred with me. The maker revealed to me I'm offering it to someone or another little girl and I needed the venture. I said you take my tryout. Simply take my tryout I'm not requesting whatever else. He concurred, I gave the tryout and I got the job." When inquired as to whether the film is Angrezi Medium, Radhika stated. Saif Ali Khan's little girl Sara Ali Khan was going to include in Angrezi Medium, coordinated by Homi Adajania and delivered by Dinesh Vijan. Be that as it may, no affirmation was shared by the producers or the on-screen character.

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loyallogic · 5 years

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The Vishaka Guidelines: A step against Sexual Harrasment

This article is written by Arushi Chopra, from Symbiosis Law School, Noida. This article deals with the developments of the law regarding Vishaka Guidelines against Sexual Harassment of women at workplaces.

Introduction

“Any society that fails to harness the energy and creativity of its women is at a huge disadvantage in the modern world”

Women comprise almost fifty per cent of the population of India and are now seen to be working in almost all the sectors and areas. There is a presence of women in the jobs and areas which were earlier considered to be exclusively reserved for men, and women never dared to choose such areas as their profession.

This positive change in the society was followed by a series of horrifying incidents where women were raped and harassed by men. Women were treated as objects and they were subjected to a lot of physical and mental torture at their workplaces. This violated the fundamental rights of the women provided under the Constitution of India.

There was an active violation of the right to equality provided under Articles 14 of the Indian Constitution. In this sense, there was a violation of Article 15 and Article 16 which provided that there would be no discrimination on the basis of caste, religion, sex, and the equality of opportunity respectively.

It became necessary to ensure that the women are treated properly and their dignity is not harmed while they are working. The horrifying incident where Bhanwari Devi, a government employee was harassed by a group of people paved the way to the well-known Vishaka Guidelines.

Historical Background

The Bhanwari Devi case

The Bhanwari Devi case is one of the most significant cases among the cases of women’s safety as it paved the way to the Vishaka guidelines. The developments of the case are elucidated as under.

Facts of the case

Bhanwari Devi was a Dalit government employee who was engaged in spreading awareness about hygiene and education and running campaigns against dowry and child marriage.

As a part of her employment, she was helping a young girl who was forced to marry at a young age by her parents.

However, there were powerful political personalities and influential people involved and she failed to stop the child marriage from happening. She tried to resist and carried out a rally but she was not able to stop the marriage from happening. In order to take revenge for the rallies and campaigns instituted against them, a group of people attacked Bhanwari Devi when she was walking along the road with her husband. She was gang-raped by these men.

The tactics played

Bhanwari Devi filed a criminal case of rape against these men. However, she was not taken seriously by the policemen and other law officers. It took the policemen fifty-two hours to file the complaint.

Also, the Rajasthan High Court acquitted all these men of rape on various grounds that women cannot be gang-raped in front of her husband and that the village head cannot be indulging in such acts.

The Rajasthan High Court convicted the five men of assault whose degree of punishment is much lesser than the crime of rape.

The Aftermath

The judgement by the Rajasthan High Court gave rise to a series of rallies and protests by various women safety organisations and the general public. The protesters were lathi-charged by the police. However, the crowd did not stop protesting and the people were determined to force the government and the legal system to provide justice to Bhanwari Devi.

What followed was the case of Vishaka and Ors v. the State of Rajasthan which resulted in the formation of the Vishaka guidelines.

Vishaka and Ors. v. State of Rajasthan

A group of non-profit organisations who worked towards the safety of women filed a petition in the Supreme Court of India seeking justice for Bhanwari Devi and thereby, the appropriate punishment for the men involved in gang rape. They filed public interest litigation by the name of Vishaka and contended that the fundamental rights of Bhanwari Devi were violated. They also sought a new set of guidelines for the protection of women.

The NGOs also mentioned the point of safety of women at workplaces in the PIL filed owing to the fact that the employer of Bhanwari Devi did not accept any responsibility though the reason that Bhanwari Devi was raped was due to the work that she was supposed to perform as part of her employment. Hence, the PIL sought to develop a new set of guidelines for the safety of women at workplaces.

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The Judgement

The judgement was given by a 3 Judge bench which held that the fundamental rights provided under Article 14, Article 15, Article 19(1)(g) and Article 21 of the Constitution of India are violated by the act of sexual harassment.

The court brought out the Vishaka guidelines for the protection of women at their workplaces and providing a safer working environment to the women.

The Vishaka Guidelines

The Vishaka guidelines were a set of guidelines that were intended to protect women at the workplace. These were instituted by the Supreme Court of India in the year 1997. These are procedural in nature and state the method that is to be followed while dealing with cases related to the sexual harassment of women.

Objectives and need for the Vishaka guidelines

The Vishaka guidelines were instituted due to the series of cases of sexual harassment that were registered and the rallies and campaigns that were taking place on a regular basis by various social groups who were seeking protection of women in India.

After the Bhanwari Devi incident, many women groups came on streets demanding recognition of their rights as citizens of India and urging the government to take necessary actions to prevent ill-treatment of women at workplaces.

At that time, the legal system of our country did not have proper legislation that could ensure the safety of women at workplaces and provide just and fair punishment to people who indulge in the heinous crimes of rape and sexual harassment. The rules that were provided by the legal system at the time were often used by the men who were accused of Sexually Harassing the women to their advantage.

Also, there was no rule regarding the obligation of employer to provide support and assistance to his employee who is a victim of sexual harassment. The employers would throw these women victims out of the jobs to escape the liability and further consequences. This would leave the victim hopeless and unsecured.

With the growing number of crimes against women being reported, there was an urgent need for a new set of laws that punishes the wrongdoers and ensures that women are protected at their workplaces but a new set of legislation would take a lot of time to be enacted.

Thus, the Vishaka guidelines came into existence to provide a set of guidelines to prevent sexual harassment of women at workplaces and ensure that the people who indulge in the act of sexual harassment are given a justifiable punishment.

Features of the Vishaka guidelines

The main ingredients of the guidelines issued by the Hon’ble Supreme Court of India are elucidated as follows.

Definition of Sexual Harassment

The guidelines issued by the Supreme Court widens the meaning and scope of sexual harassment. It defines sexual harassment as an unwanted sexual determination which is directly or impliedly intended to cause the following:

Physical contact or advances.

A demand or request for sexual favours.

Sexually coloured remarks.

Showing pornography.

Any other unwelcome conduct whether it is physical, verbal or non-verbal.

Provide a safer working environment

It is the duty of each employer to provide a safe working environment for each and every employee working in the organisation to grow and prosper. This involves taking adequate steps towards protecting the interest of the women employees and ensuring that none of the employees indulges in the practice of sexual harassment. Appropriate disciplinary action must be taken by the employer if any case regarding sexual harassment or ill-treatment of a woman employee is found.

Duty of the employer to file a complaint

The guidelines also lay down the obligation of the employer to file a complaint if the conduct towards an employee amounts to a criminal offence which is punishable under the Indian Penal Code. The employer needs to initiate an action and ensure that the witnesses are not further victimised.

Complaint redressal committee

The guidelines make it mandatory for all organisations to set up a complaint redressal committee in order to ensure that the complaints of the employees are dealt with properly and suitable action is taken in response to such a complaint.

Employer to assist the employee if she is sexually harassed

If the employee is sexually harassed or tortured by a third party, like in the case of Bhanwari Devi, an employer should assist the employee in every possible manner. This was not the case in the Bhanwari Devi case where the employer denied all responsibilities and did not assist Bhanwari Devi in attaining justice.

The guidelines provide that the employers are required to assist the employees in terms of both preventive actions and support to these victims.

Duty of employer to spread awareness

It is also the duty of the employer to spread awareness in his organisation with regard to the matters pertaining to sexual harassment and the safety of women. This can be done by notifying the employees time as well as conducting workshops and devising other interactive ways to make the female employees aware of their rights.

Duty of government to widen the scope of these guidelines

The guidelines also urge the centre and the state government to pass the necessary legislation so as to ensure that the private sector is also bound by these guidelines. This would help in the growth and prosperity of the women as well as the nation as a whole.

The Vishaka guidelines were later on replaced by the Sexual Harassment of women at the workplace (prevention, prohibition and redressal) Act, 2013. The new act passed in 2013 broadens the definition of aggrieved women to involve women of all ages, in order to suit the modern-day conditions. It also broadens the scope of the term workplace which was earlier limited only to the traditional office set-up.

Conclusion

The Constitution of India is the supreme law of our country and must be protected and respected in every instance. The fundamental rights of equality and personal liberty should be protected and the citizens of our country should not be discriminated against on any grounds. Hence, it is legal as well as a moral duty to provide a safer work environment for women to prosper.

The Vishaka guidelines are a set of guidelines that were instituted by the Supreme Court of India to ensure the safety of women at workplaces and lays down the guidelines for dealing with the cases that are related to sexual harassment at the workplace. The Bhanwari Devi case is the most significant landmark case in the history of cases involving sexual harassment of women.

The Vishaka guidelines is a pioneering step taken to ensure the safety of women. According to the guidelines, the employers of the organisations are responsible to take preventive actions to stop sexual harassment at workplaces and to file a complaint if such Act is found to have happened with the employee.

This would ensure that the women who are sexually harassed get the required support in terms of money from their employers so that they are able to file a case in the court and be represented by competent lawyers.

Vishaka guidelines have now been superseded by the Sexual Harassment of women at the workplace (prevention, prohibition and redressal) Act, 2013. However, the Vishaka guidelines are the most significant set of guidelines which are believed to have helped in the development of the Act of 2013.

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omgsatisshroffme · 5 years

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Book Review: Satis Shroff Book Review-Kathmandu Blues: The Inheritance of Loss and Intercultural Incompetence by Satis Shroff 'My characters are purely fictional,' says Kiran Desai. In her book (The Inheritance of Loss) she has tried to do exactly that, namely to capture her own knowledge about what it means to travel between East and West, and to examine the lives of migrants who are forced to hypocrisy, angst of being nabbed, and have biographies that have gaps, and whose lives are constructed with lies, where trust and faith in someone is impossible, as in the case of Sai and Gyan. Migration is a sword with sharp blades on both sides. The feeling of loss when one leaves one's matribhumi is just as intensive and dreadful as having to leave a foreign home, due to deportation, when one doesn't have the green-card or Aufenthaltserlaubnis. Everyone copes with such situations differently. Some don't have coping solutions and it becomes a traumatic experience for the rest of one's life. Some pull up their socks, keep a stiff upper-lip and begin elsewhere. The problem of illegal migration hasn't been solved in the USA, Britain, France, Germany and other European countries. It is an open secret that the illegal migrants are used as cheap laborers according to the hire-and-fire principle, for these people belong to the underclass. In the USA it's chic to have Hispanics as baby-sitters, just as Eastern Bloc women are used by German families to do the household chores. Nepalis work under miserable conditions in India as darwans, chowkidars, cheap security personnel and the Indians have the same arrogance as the British colonialists. The judge, Lola and Noni are stereotypes, but such people do exist. It's not all fantasy. I'm sure the Gurkhas looking after photo-model Claudia Schiffer and singer Seal's house and guarding the palace of the Sultan of Brunei are well paid and contented, in comparison to other people in Nepal and the Indian sub-continent. What does a person feel and think when he or she goes from a rich western country to the East? And what happens when a poor Indian comes to the USA (land of plenty) or Germany (Schlaraffenland)? Is there always a feeling of loss? I've been living thirty years in Germany and I have met and seen and worked with migrants with biographies from Irak, Iran, Turkey, Nepal, India, Pakistan, Vietnam, Kosovo, Albania, Croatia and East Bloc countries. The worst part of it is that the Germans ignored the fact that it had already become, what they call 'ein Einwanderungsland.' They thought they'd invited only guest workers after World War II, with limited stay-permits, not realizing that they'd encouraged human beings with families and emotional ties, hopes and desires of a better future in the new Heimat with for their children and their grand-children. Kiran Desai flashes back and forth, between Kalimpong and New York, and she uses typical clich's and Indian stereotypes that have also been promoted by Bollywood. She's just as cynical and hilarious with her descriptions of fellow Indians in the diaspora, as she is when she describes the Gorkhalis in Darjeeling. Her portrait of the Nepalis in Darjeeling is rather biased, but what can one expect from a thirty-six year old Indian woman who has been pampered in India, England and the USA? Her knowledge of Kalimpong and Darjeeling sounds theoretical and her characters don't speak Nepali. She lets them speak Hindi, because she herself didn't bother to learn Nepali during her stay in Kalimpong. The depiction of a Gorkhali world might be true, as far as poverty is concerned, but she has no idea of the rich Nepali literature (Indra Bahadur Rai, Shiva Kumar Rai, Banira Giri to name a few), and folks music in the diaspora. Gyan's role was overdone, especially when Sai demands that he should feel ashamed of his and his family's poverty and so-called low descent. What is Gyan? Is he a Chettri, Bahun, Rai Tamang, or even a Newar? Describing a country, landscape is one thing, but creeping into the skins of the characters is another. The Gorkha characters remain shallow, like caricatures in Bollywood films, and she overdoes it with the dialogue between Sai and Gyan. For someone like me, who also went to school in Darjeeling, Kiran Desai's book was a pleasant journey into the past, where I still have fond memories of the Darjeeling Nepalis, their struggle for recognition and dignity among the peoples of the vast Indian subcontinent. I'm glad that peace prevails in the Darjeeling district, although I wish Subash Ghising had negotiated more funds from the central Indian government, and a university in Darjeeling. Gangtok (Sikkim) also does not have a university. The recognition of Nepali was a positive factor, but a university each for Darjeeling, Kalimpong and Kurseong would have given more Nepalis (pardon, Gorkhalis) the opportunity for higher education and better jobs, if not in the country, then abroad. To eat dal-bhat-tarkari at home and acquire MAs and PhDs within one's familiar confines would have immensely helped the Gorkhali men and women, even more than the recognition of Nepali. We can regard it as a small step towards progress. The description of Gyan's visit to Kathmandu was extremely superficial. Kathmandu is a world, a cosmos in itself, with its exquisite temples and pagodas and stupas and the culturally rich Newaris families from Lalitpur, Bhadgaon and Kathmandu. Kiran is, and remains, a supercilious brown-memsahib, like the made-over English characters of Varindra Tarzie Vittachi's fiercely satirical book 'The Brown Sahibs' in her attitude towards Gorkhalis and the downtrodden of her own country. I can imagine that the Nepali author D.B. Gurung is piqued about Desai's portrayal of the Nepalis in Kalimpong as 'crook, dupe, cheat and lesser humans' and his own emotional rejoinder regarding the Bengalis as 'the hungry jackals from the plains of Calcutta.' Since D.B. Gurung is known for his poetic vein, perhaps he can treat the long standing problems between Indians and Nepalis, or as Desai puts it, Bengis and Neps, in his lyrical verses. But please, less of the vitriol and more of tolerance, because even a poet and novelist can make or break human relations. I, for my part, am for living together, despite our differences, for variety is the spice of life in these days of globalization. Vive la difference. The story is served like a MacDonald's Big Mac for the modern reader, who has not much time, and there are multi-media distractions craving for his or her attention. As small morsels of information, like in a sit-com. I found the story-pace well timed and interesting, and she has a broad palette of problems that migrants face when they leave their homes, and when they return home. You can feel with Bijhu when he embraces his Papa in the end. A foreign-returned son, stripped of all his belongings. It was a terrific metaphor. I'm glad that there are women like Kiran Desai and Monica Ali (Brick Lane) who've traveled and experienced what it is like to be in the diaspora and try to capture the emotional and historical patterns in their lives as migrants. When you read the last page of the Desai's book you feel a bit dissatisfied because you wish that the unequal love affair between Gyan and Sai will go on and take a positive turn. There are so many Nepali-Indian couples who live happy conjugal lives with their families. I know at least three cases of Nepali women who're married to Bengalis. The Nepali women speak perfect Bengali, but their husbands don't speak Nepali, even though they live in Gorkhaland. They are proud that they can speak English instead. Nepali (Gorkhali or Khas Kura) is such a colorful and melodious language and we ought to listen to Sir Ralph Turner's when he says: 'Do not let your lovely language become the pale reflexion of a sanskritised Hindi.' Dinesh Kafle calls Desai 'schizophrenic.' Well, when you talk with an Indian he always praises the achievements of India in terms of the second Silicon Valley (Bangalore), the Agni and Prithvi missiles, the increasing nuclear arsenal, the expanding armed forces etcetera. But, Gott sei dank, there are Indians, who like Gandhi, are humble, religious, practice humility, are poor, deprived, castless, untouchables and, nevertheless, human and full of empathy, clean in their souls and hearts, and regard this world as merely a maya, an illusion, an earthly spectacle to be seen and felt---without being attached. D. B. Gurung is wrong when he assumes that Desai seems 'unable to acclimatize herself to either the western milieu or her own home.' But where is her home? She's a rootless, creative jet-set gypsy, who calls India, England and USA her home. The gypsies (Sintis and Romas) were originally from India (Rajasthan), weren't they? Even V.S.Naipaul (Half a Life, The Mimic Men), J. M. Croatzee (Youth), Isabel Allende (The Stories of Eva Luna) and Prafulla Mohanti (Through Brown Eyes) haven't gone so far in their description of a race or nation the way Desai has in her book. What is missing in her writing is the intercultural competence. Instead of taking the trouble to learn Nepali and acquiring background knowledge about the tradition, religion, norms and values, culture and living style of the Gorkhalis in Darjeeling and the Nepalese in Nepal, and comparing it with her own Indian culture, and trying to seek what is common between the two cultures and moving towards peace, tolerance, reconciliation---she just remains adamant , like her protagonist Sai. She does not make an ethnic reflection, but goes on and on, with a jaundiced view, till the bitter end. The dialogue between Neps and Bengis, between Neps and other Indians (Beharis and Marwaris and others from the plains) or between the British and Indians cannot be described as successful intercultural dialogues. The dialogues are carried out the way it should not, because there's always a fear that one is different in terms of social and ethnic status, even between her two main protagonists: Sai and Gyan. There is no attempt to reveal the facts behind an alien in a new cultural environment, no accepting of the problems of identity and no engagement for equality and against discrimination. If you're looking for frustrations-tolerance, empathy and solidarity with the Gorkhalis in the book, it's just not there. The characters necessary for intercultural interaction are joy in interaction with foreign cultures (not arrogance and egoism), consciousness of one's own culture, stress tolerance, tolerance of ambiguity, and bucketfuls of empathy. Had she shown empathy towards the Nepalis from Darjeeling and Kalimpong and made a happy-end love story between Gyan and Sai, the Nepalese would have greeted her with khadas and marigold malas. The way it is, she has only stirred a hornet's nest. Kiran just doesn't have empathy for Neps, despite the Booker Prize. Great women are judged by the way they treat the underprivileged and downtrodden. Perhaps it's time for meditation and self-searching in Rishikesh, like the Beatles. Pic of Kanchenzonga, courtesy: pixaby

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tomandharriet · 6 years

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Farewell for now, India

A night sleeping under the desert stars was always going to be a tough act to follow, so we gave the honour to another night bus and headed to Udaipur, ‘The City of Lakes’. Udaipur is a truly beautiful city, with stunning architecture, palaces, hilltop vistas and old havelis everywhere you look. We decided that it was an apt place to up our accommodation budget and treated ourselves to a stay in a haveli hotel, complete with rooftop pool. If Varanasi is the last place anybody should start their time in India, Udaipur has to be a strong candidate to be one of the first. It has a lovely cafe culture and at times almost felt European. It’s lakes offer some great cycling routes and one is even home to an observatory!

We decided to put a couple of very old bikes to the test and they just about got us to a palace at the top of a large hill on the outskirts of Udaipur. It became apparent to us on the climb that cycling up the hill isn’t the usually done thing and as more and more locals cheered us on or just looked at us in amazement, we had no option but forget about the fact our bikes were basically falling apart and push on to the summit, where a stunning view and a gaggle of monkeys awaited us.

Apart from all the food, cafes and an excellent cookery class which will of course be covered later, we spent the rest of our time wondering around the beautiful streets or chilling back at our hotel, where we (Tom) found out the hard way that the rooftop pool, which looked so inviting in the warm but deceptive winter sun, was infact unheated! We finished our time in Udaipur with a quick tour around the main city palace. On its own we’re sure it would be pretty spectacular, but off the back of all the other forts and palaces in Rajasthan, a form of fort fatigue was setting in and we didn’t give it the time it likely deserved.

Now winding our way back to Jaipur with just a few final days left in India, we bypassed Chittorgarh, famous for.. it’s fort, opting instead to visit lesser known Bundi, off the back of recommendations from Ciarán and a guy we met in Varanasi. Being an old town in Rajasthan, Bundi does of course have its own palaces and forts, but the interesting thing here was that Bundi is significantly less touristy compared to the other places we visited in Rajasthan and much of it had been neglected as a result. When entering the fort, which was long since abandoned by the last maharajah, we were offered two options, to take either a guide or a stick, as current inhabitants are monkeys and they don’t take too kindly to visitors! After a brief demonstration, we opted for the stick and set off on what turned into a 5 hour exploration of the eerily quiet palace and overgrown fort ruins. The whole experience was actually far more interesting than walking around the well maintained counterparts found in more popular parts of Rajasthan (although Jodhpur still holds the top spot in our eyes!).

Bundi has an abundance of Stepwells. A common feature in most the places we visited, but nowhere more spectacular than here. Originally used for bathing and as a source of water, many are now neglected and in Bundi’s case, dry as a result of a mini drought starting to effect the areas water levels. Our favourite stepwell really encapsulated what we saw so frequently in India, beauty and disorder combined. With a seemingly endless network of steps, the design of this stepwell in particular was stunning. But it has also fallen into disrepair and covered with what at first glance looked like lots of rubbish. We were later informed by a local that this was Pooja, or offerings to the Gods, often consisting of picture frames, flowers and candles which cannot be cleaned up or removed.

After spending the past few days in some of India’s most touristy areas, it was really nice to spend some final time back in a part of India that wasn’t set up for visitors. One of our favourite things about our time in India was the level of interest shown by locals to our visit. Always intrigued to know what we think of their town or country. In fact we (mostly Harriet and her blonde hair) caused quite a stir everywhere we walked in Bundi and frequently found children flocking around us, fascinated by our cameras and amazed to see photos of themselves.

Bundi was also home to one of our favourite accommodations of the trip, Dev Nivas Heritage Hotel, a beautiful 400 year old Haveli with lovely staff and simple but delicious food. It also had a rooftop for kite flying, something which seemingly every child in Bundi practiced in the setting sun, in preparation for their upcoming kite festival. Naturally we had to give it a go, until it shared the fate of most kites, entangled in electricity cables, a common sight at this time of year!

After one final night bus, we reached Jaipur, our last stop in India. We knew how much we would miss the food, so spent a lot of our time here stuffing our faces on walking tours and at restaurants. Although not explicitly on a food tour, our guide on the first tour soon realised we were most interested in sampling the best Jaipur had to offer and he was happy to oblige (more on that to follow!). Between food spots, we learnt about some of Jaipur’s other features, such as Makrana marble, one of Rajasthan’s proudest exports - used to build the Taj Mahal, along with many other monuments. We found time to visit some final temples, forts and palaces, the most striking being the Amber Palace. However, it wasn’t enough to topple our front runner, Jodhpur’s Mehrangarh fort, which will likely cite our blog on next years pamphlet. We are delighted to announce that Jaipur did offer us a winner for the best tuk tuk favour stop. Just as it looked like Agra’s embroidery shop would take the crown, on our last afternoon, our driver passionately pitched a nearby block printing shop. As he had been our driver for the whole day, we decided to go along with it and were pleasantly surprised! Having studied similar methods during her art foundation course, the printing was of great interest to Harriet. The quality of their work was also really nice, so we left with a table cloth and matching napkins to remember Rajasthan by.

Food

Something that was very popular in Udaipur that Harriet got to enjoy a few times for breakfast was the aloo paratha. Made fresh to order it was a roti dough stuffed with spiced potato mash, flattened, fried in ghee and served fresh and warm. The dish would normally be accompanied with a tangy plain yoghurt and lime pickle or tomato chutney. A very comforting dish, that was such a great and simple meal to start the day with.

There was a clear highlight for us when it came to the food in Udaipur (and probably even India) and that was our brilliant Indian cookery class with Shashi. The story behind her cookery business was so inspirational we couldn’t help but feel in absolute awe of her ongoing determination. Shashi tragically lost her husband 20 years ago with three young children to look after and limited to only being able to work from her home due to being a woman in her religion. Shashi’s strength was in her cooking and slowly with support of friends, family and passing travellers she built up her company and reputation from nothing. We lost count of the number of dishes we cooked in the class. Everything from curries, chutneys, sweet and savoury breads to the most delicious chai we have tasted all trip. With the help of Shashi and her son and alongside a really lovely South African family we were continuously helping, watching and tasting for over 4 hours! By the time we sat down to our banquet of food we were already pretty stuffed but wow was it delicious. We cannot wait to start cooking some of these dishes when we get home.

One of the most interesting things we learnt on the course was that for pretty much all curry dishes they use a base sauce that they call “magic sauce”. Made using chopped garlic, chillies, ginger, pulped tomato and a combination of spices you can then freeze to use when you wish. You would think everything would end up tasting the same but that really isn’t the case. Just a really great way to add instant flavour to your curry.

We spent our time in Jaipur cramming in as many Indian snacks and sweets as our stomachs could handle. This was only accentuated during our brilliant walking tour of Jaipur, which just turned into more of a food tour of the city. Our guide lead us to the back streets of the city where they made rabri on mass for local restaurants. We saw deliciously light and fluffy naans being skilfully placed and baked inside a tandoori oven, mustard oil being made from a machine that looked like it had been running none stop for the last 100 years (probably because it had), the chilli wholesaler who could barely move in his shop for all the mountains of dried chillies and tumeric being ground up covering the entire shop (and workers) in the bright yellow spice.

However, our favourite meal in Jaipur was the poha we had for our final breakfast in India. This felt appropriate given it was one of our first meals in India, eating it before climbing the Kalavantin Durg. We do talk about this in our first blog post but for those who want a little reminder it’s a breakfast dish commonly found in the North of India. Made using flat rice, dry fried with a combination of spices and served with chopped red onion, chillies, nuts, pomegranates and coriander. Sweet and spicy with all the textures, such a uniquely brilliant dish.

India ‘Outro’

And so here we are, at the end of an era. The blog has finally reached the end of India! We’re not quite sure whether this, or the moment we actually left India is more of an emotional landmark for us. But seriously, India has a firm place in both our hearts and our renowned ‘top 5’ lists. How somewhere can be so vast, yet so warm, friendly and of course, unique, is staggering. You could spend your whole life in India and still be surprised and amazed everyday, by what it has to offer. We’ll remember it for the people, the food, the chai, the smells (good and bad) and then for the food again. Leaving India brought on a feeling that neither of us had felt before. But then we’d never spent 2 months in another country before and you learn and adjust a lot in that amount of time to the customs and way of life - and there’s so much to love about the way Indians go about their lives. We’re still sorting through thousands of photos we took during our stay, but nothing we can show or tell you about India will really do it justice until you’ve been there to find out for yourselves. And we’ll definitely be going back for more.. as it turns out sooner than we thought, back to Mumbai, albeit very briefly, for a stopover on our flight home!

Travel Jukebox - ‘Blood’ by Rhye

With the amount of night buses we took during this section of India, it’s fitting that we talk about an album recommended specifically for those occasions. Rhye’s second album, Blood, was picked by Xanthe and her suggested occasion, as a night bus album, is a perfect one.

Put simply, Rhye’s music is a treat for your ears. Beautifully soothing doesn’t go far enough. As with their first album, Woman, the album is brilliantly paced, with some excellent instrumentals supporting what is Rhye’s obvious USP, the vocal. We’re not going to share the fact that Xanthe gave us when recommending the album, because we think that it’s better you listen to some of Rhye’s music first and then do a little research into them. You’ll discover the fact pretty quickly, and then when you know, you’ve got to go and listen to the album all over again. We still can’t quite believe it’s true!

TLDR; Rajasthan gave us the perfect send off from India and could be the perfect starting point for you!

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3mindsdigitalblog-blog · 5 years

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Offbeat: Moulik Jain – A tech-evangelist in search of inner peace by 3 Minds Digital

Adgully’s special feature section – ‘Offbeat’ – seeks to give a peek into the lesser known facets of our very well-known industry leaders. We present, in the industry leaders’ own words, an interesting read on areas that are not usually highlighted in regular media coverage – be it about their childhood days, secret skills that they possess, how they unwind from their hectic schedules, and much more.

Moulik Jain, Co-Founder, 3 Minds Digital, is serial a entrepreneur based in Mumbai. With an engineering degree in computer science, Jain has over 7 years of experience in digital marketing. He is a true tech-evangelist, constantly learning and visualising how new technologies can be leveraged to maximise impact for their clients. He is also the in-house TED speaker, constantly motivating and inspiring the team and also to maximise impact for their clients.

A precious childhood trait that you still possess? I was always a happy child. I used to roam around carefree without any fear. I think that is one quality I still possess, to keep smiling even in adverse situations, but inside I like to stay calm and composed, searching for solutions.

Ever wished you had superhero powers? Superheroes are the first thing that comes to mind when you talk about superpower and that for me is my dad. I am a big fan of his ability to efficiently handle work, family, and everything around him. I wish I could be half as good as him when it comes to this superb quality he possesses.

What is your biggest fear and how do you face it? I am afraid of the fact that if I ever stopped learning, what would happen? What if I stopped growing? I think I’ve reached the stage in life where I can’t afford to take a break as that would distract me from my mission and the people who are with me in this mission. We all carry a common vision and taking a step back or taking a pause will affect the lives of everyone around me. So, each day I try to learn something new, get to know about something and motivate each and every individual to do so.

A secret that you have which no one knows about? If I tell you it won’t be a secret anymore. Some things are better left untouched!

What would one find in your playlist? You will find a huge collection of soothing and relaxing music in my playlist. After all the hustle-bustle of the day, I would usually find a corner, put on my headphones and go into this whole different world where I can just close my eyes and relax with my favourite tunes.

Your go-to activity to relax? Meditation, hands down. Nothing gets me more pumped up for the day than this. I usually take out around 30 minutes from my morning schedule and meditate. This is something that I have recently adapted and it has worked wonders for me. I am more focused, calm and it helps me stay organised.

What is the greatest lesson that you have learnt from life so far? The greatest lesson for me in life is to never stop learning. Always be a student of life, take the positive out of your experiences in life and smile at them, for they make you strong. Keep working hard, hustle for the muscle and never settle.

A social cause that you are most passionate about? I come from Udaipur, Rajasthan, also known as the City of Lakes. It is a small city with a lot of natural wonders. I have always been close to nature, so I would like to contribute something to the environment. I would like to plant trees and contribute to a greener planet for all of us.

What’s the one thing you would like to change about yourself? I talk a lot, sometimes I just keep on saying things without giving a thought about them. This is certainly a work in progress for me. Recently I came across a quote from the great Dalai Lama. He said, “When you talk, you are only repeating what you already know. But if you listen, you may learn something new.” I really wish I can abide by this.

If you weren’t the co-founder of a design agency what would you have been? If I was not a co-founder, then I would definitely be an intern, the reason being the energy and enthusiasm that an intern has. They are always eager to learn new things, always trying hard to give their best, they get to experiment with a lot of new ideas and the best part is that every day they get introduced to a new aspect of the industry, which makes them a better professional than yesterday.

What are three apps on your mobile you couldn’t live without? Headspace – it helps me with my meditation activities.

Inshorts – I don’t usually get time to flip the newspaper or to switch channels on the television as I am mostly on the go and my phone is the one thing which I carry around with me, so this app helps me stay updated.

Spotify – My favourite one. I love music and this app helps me big time.

Any content/film or book you saw or read recently and why? I am a big fan of ‘Game of Thrones’, and as you might know, the 8th and final season has certainly made it quite exciting. I really like the concept of the show, the story, the plots, everything is very well executed. They sure know how to keep the audience hooked to the show.

Which two organisations outside your own do you know the most people at and why? First and foremost, woodenstreet.com, mainly because this was a stepping stone to my career. I started off as an SEO executive at Wooden Street. It is a furniture e-commerce website competing with giants like Pepperfry and Urban Ladder. It was at Wooden Street that I learnt the basics of Digital Marketing. I have made strong relations there, colleagues who have turned into amazing friends and great mentors who have shaped me into a better professional.

Second organisation that I connect with very well is Noddapp.com. Nodd is an app-based networking platform for professional, creative and academic achievers across the globe to connect and grow together. I am personally connected with Mr Arpit Bajpai, the Co-founder and Chief Product Officer of Nodd App. It is amazing how you meet and share ideas and interests with people from different corners of the industry.

Two things about this industry you don’t like or don’t understand? First things first, the industry is flooded with start-ups. I mean this is becoming a rat race in a literal sense. Hundreds of new start-ups begin every day and in just a span of a few months or a year, they vanish. The basic thing which most of them lack is a vision. You can never run a business without a proper vision. Just the idea of a start-up isn’t enough to help it transition into the next big thing in the industry. Planning for it is important.

Second thing is passion and dedication. We need individuals who have a mix of both these characteristics to be able to sustain the competition.

If you could live anywhere in the world, where would you live? Ah! You got me here. This might sound strange to you considering my professional background. But, for a person who is surrounded by all the hustle and bustle of technology, marketing and much more of sorts, I would personally like to get digitally detached and have a peaceful life in the mountains amidst mother nature. I don’t have a particular destination in mind, just a place where I can be at peace and connect with my inner self.

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danielanduranb · 6 years

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Top 20 Destination in India for Polo Players

Do you know that in India more than twenty cities have polo clubs and associations? I am assuming a ‘No’ as the answer. Well, I don’t blame you, it’s the glitz and glamour of other sports in the country that almost make Polo lesser-popular sport in India. But do you know besides being one of the most ancient and elusive games in the world, Polo in India is an indigenous game which has been played here for centuries. This blog gives an insight of all those places in India, having Polo clubs registered under the Indian Polo Association (IPA), and can indeed be your next travel destinations in India, if you’re a Polo player.

Manipur – The Place Where Polo was Born

British may have introduced the sport of Polo to the world, but it is Manipur which claims to be the motherland of this effervescent game. For the fact, the city proudly holds one of the oldest polo grounds in the world – Mapal Kangjeibung, which is located in the downtown of Imphal. Every year, during the time of Sangai Festival, the state hosts the most celebrated Manipur International Polo Tournament where teams from across the globe come to participate. Interesting isn’t it? All Manipur Polo Association and Manipur Horse Riding & Polo Association are the two associations in Manipur. However, all the associations and polo clubs in Manipur comes under All Manipur Polo Association, and hence, you can seek the permission of the association to play in any of those clubs. As a Polo player, you’ll be pleased to hear that almost every village in Manipur has a polo ground, some having been constructed under the royal patronage.

Well, in Manipur, polo is not just the only thing that can fascinate you on your perfect polo trip to India, there are places and attractions that surely can blow your mind away with just a glance. Imphal, Ukhrul, Churachandpur, Senapati, Chandel, Loktak Lake, and Keibul Lamjao National Park are just a few names in the list of places to visit in Manipur.

Also Read: Explore Ultimate Holiday Guide to Manipur

Jaipur: Play Like a Royal

In Jaipur, Polo is not just a sport but a tradition! From the ancient time, Jaipur is leading the way in this sport and is considered to be an ideal destination to play Polo in India. Evidently, the ‘Pink City’ houses one of the best polo grounds in India. To display his love for the sport, Maharaja Man Singh II built a polo ground, which is located right next to the famous Rambagh Palace. Doesn’t matter if you are a professional polo player or not, a ticket to a match also takes you into this prodigious ground.

Moreover, for polo lovers, the city has various clubs that are also the perfect locations on your India trip for that ultimate polo experience. Rajasthan Polo Club, Chinkara Polo Club, Haldighati Polo and Riding Club, and Jaipur Riding and Polo Club are some of the famed polo clubs in Jaipur.

Once done with the polo, you can also explore other attractions of the city including the Rambagh Palace, City Palace, Jal Mahal, Hawa Mahal, Amber Fort, Albert Hall Museum, Jantar Mantar, Nahargarh Fort, and more such places.

Also Read: Best Places to Visit in Jaipur

New Delhi: A Polo Experience to Have for a Lifetime

In India, playing Polo is always interesting, especially when you’re in the capital city, New Delhi. Giving you some real adventure of the game, Delhi houses some of the most popular polo clubs in India. Army Polo & Riding Club, and Aspen Riding and Polo Academy are the best places for polo players in India.

After Polo, one can also explore the other sides of Delhi, i.e., its monuments and varied cuisines. Lal Qila (Red Fort), India, Gate, Qutub Minar, and Lotus Temple are some places in Delhi worth checking out. And, Hauz Khas, Khan Market, and Connaught Place are some of the popular hangout places where you surely want to go. Don’t forget to try the palatable street food of Delhi.

Also Read: 10 Least Explored Travel Destinations in Delhi

Gurgaon: Only Polo Ground that has a Connection With Bollywood

Gurgaon is just few-hours drive away from Delhi, and hence, extending your Polo tour to there would not be a bad deal as there are some really good polo clubs and grounds. Though there are numbers of equestrian clubs in Gurgaon, Polo is played on fewer of them. One place where you can have some enthralling experience of this beautiful sport is Gurgaon Polo and Equestrian Club. Nurtured in the lap of Aravali Hills, this place is a perfect place to spend some hours in equestrian activities or in playing Polo. BTW, do you know who’s the founder of this magical place? Well, none other than, the versatile Bollywood actor Randeep Hooda.

As far as, nearby attractions are concerned, there are not many places to explore around this Polo Club in Gurgaon. However, one can visit some amazing food joints, restaurant, and malls in Gurgaon. After Polo, one can also drive back to Delhi to explore the city.

Also Read: Best 10 Weekend Getaways from Delhi to Rajasthan

Noida: Home to Two Elite Polo Clubs in India

Just like Gurgaon, Noida too is just a few miles away from the capital, and thus, you can also consider it to be your Polo destination on your visit to Delhi. Jindal Polo & Equestrian Foundation and Amity Polo Club are the two elite places for a memorable polo experience in Noida. Atta Market is one of the major attractions of Noida that one should visit while in the city. However, if racing is your thing then no place would better than the Buddh International Circuit to spend an evening in Noida.

Also Read: 20 Top Resorts Near Delhi for Perfect Weekend Holiday

Kolkata: Home to One of the Oldest Polo Clubs in India

The next in the list is the cultural city, Kolkata which presents two popular clubs; Calcutta Polo Club and Fort William Polo Club. Calling out all the professional players, these clubs bid some memorable and fun-filled polo experience that will surely make Kolkata a worth visiting place. Apart from an amazingly enrapturing polo experience, the city of Kolkata is also steeped in vibrant hues which one should explore while on a trip here. Victoria Memorial, Howrah Bridge, Indian Museum, Fort William, Marble Palace, Sundarbans, Rabindra Sarovar, Botanical Gardens, Aquatica, Nicco Park, and Dakshineswar Kali Temple are some of the famous places in Kolkata where you definitely want to spend rest of your time after a game of Polo.

Also Read: Everything You Need to Know About Kolkata – The City of Joy

Udaipur: A Place where the Polo Tradition that Has Been Running For Centuries

Polo is one of the most celebrated games of sports in Udaipur. The city is home to many royal families, and thus, Polo in Udaipur is like a tradition and the royal people here are playing it for almost a century. Though there is just one Polo club in Udaipur – Imperial Riding & Polo Club, yet, it is undoubtedly one of the best places in Rajasthan for polo players. Friendly horses, incredibly maintained grass fields, and perfect ambiance together proffers you the experience to cherish for a long.

There is no denying the fact that Udaipur abounds in beauty. Be it the royal game of Polo or the resplendent attractions, Udaipur is any tourist’s delight. The city houses some marvellously constructed palaces, azure lakes, and luxuriant hills which one should not dare to miss. City Palace, Lake Pichola, Lake Palace, Nehru Park, Doodh Talai Musical Garden, Sajjangarh Palace, Vintage Car Museum, Jag Mandir, Ambrai Ghat, Kumbhalgarh Fort, and Lake Palace are some famous tourist attractions of Udaipur.

Also Read: Explore Must Visit Tourist Attractions in Udiapur

Jodhpur: An Elite Destination to Relish a Royal Sport

A treasure trove for all the Polo players, Jodhpur is undeniably one of the prominent contributors to this sport in India. The Blue City of Jodhpur is known to proffer the best out of this enticing game. Head to Jodhpur Polo & Equestrian Institute which has two grassy polo fields with the accommodation capacity of forty horses and three paddocks. Guests can use these grounds to play. For beginner’s lessons and coaching can also be arranged. However, if you wish to witness a polo match then Jodhpur Polo Ground serves as the best place to do so.

Apart from Polo, one can also explore the other attractions of the city that include Mehrangarh, Umaid Bhawan Palace, Jaswant Thada, Mandore Garden, Kailana Lake, Rao Jodha Desert Rock Park, Clock Tower, Pali, and Masuriya Hill Garden.

Also Read: 20 Best Places to Visit in Jodhpur

Chennai: Experience an Amazing Polo Experience Like Never Before

There is one thing that connects the southern region of India to have that to the northerners, and that is the love for Polo. Thus, starting off our first South Indian city where also you take pleasure in enjoying this sport, is Chennai. Far away from its cultural site image (for which the city is recognized for), there is a rich side of Chennai for which a number of polo players and lovers visit here every year. Madras Polo & Riders Club and Officer’s Training Academy Polo Club are two prominent Polo clubs in Chennai where a professional polo player wouldn’t mind to go in order to add some amazing experiences in their resume.

Being a vibrant travel destination in India, Chennai offers a surreal tourism experience through its marvellous attractions and aromatic food. In your spare time, you can visit the places like Marina Beach, Government Museum, Covelong Beach, Kapaleeshwar Temple, Fort St. George, and Guindy National Park and Snake Park. Also, don’t forget to try the authentic cuisine of Tamil Nadu.

Also Read: Top Tourist Magnerts in Chennai, Tamil Nadu

Hyderabad: An Epitome of the Love for Polo

In South India, after Chennai, Hyderabad is the place where a polo athlete can feel more connected to. The city has three major Polo clubs which are; Andhra Pradesh Riding Club, Hyderabad Polo & Riding Club, and Hyderabad Choughan Polo Club. These clubs are the best places for any Polo player to practice (if he/she is on a vacation in Hyderabad). Apart from being spacious, all these clubs also provide great services, proper gears, and ponies in good fettle.

Once done with the polo practice, one can also head to other attractions of the city, like that of, Golconda Fort, Charminar, Shri Jagannath Temple, Ramoji Film City, Hussain Sagar Lake, Qutub Shahi Tombs, Nehru Zoology Park, and more such enthralling places.

Also Read: Top Weekend Getaways from Hyderabad

Bengaluru: A Perfect Venue for a Delightful Venue

Bengaluru or famed as “The Garden City’ is also amongst those places in South India that proudly hosts various polo grounds and clubs for the professional players and polo lovers. Agram Riding and Polo Club, ASC Polo Club, and Bangalore Amateur Riders Institute are the most popular of their kind. Evidently, these clubs are best in their offering, and thus, one can have a great experience in here.

Moreover, apart from the clubs, the city also has various alluring places where you can visit after exploring the clubs. These are Lalbagh, Cubbon Park, Bangalore Palace, Tipu Sultan’s Palace, Iskcon Temple, Ranganatha Swamy Temple, Kaigal Falls, and Venkatappa Art Gallery.

Also Read: Best Kids-Friendly Destinations in and around Bengaluru

Ajmer: Homeground of Some Finest Polo Players in India

Another city of Rajasthan where the game of Polo is considered as a tradition is Ajmer. In Ajmer, there is not a polo club but a college that has successfully continued the legacy of the game. Mayo College has produced some notable Polo players and riders from the Royal families. Today, it has 50 horses and almost 250 students that are taking coaching from this reputed place.

The Ajmer Sharif Dargah, Taragarh Fort, Adhai Din Ka Jhonpra, Abkari Fort & Museum, Anasagar Lake, and Pushkar are some of the tourism places in Ajmer where you’ll want to go after a playing session at Mayo College.

Also Read: Ajmer Travel Guide – Best Places to Visit & Things to Do

Meerut: Lesser Known, Yet An Excellent Place for Polo City

The city of Meerut is also amongst the ideal destinations in India for Polo players. RVC Polo Club in Meerut is the place where one can be a part of this fascinating game while in the northern state of Uttar Pradesh. Both, professional polo players and beginners, can be seen practising here at RVC Polo Club.

There is not much to do or explore in Meerut, soone can prefer to visit its nearby cities like Delhi, Chandigarh, Shimla, and Kurukshetra.

Also Read: Top Travel Destinations in Uttar Pradesh You Must Visit

Patiala: Home to the Best International Polo Club in India

There was a time when the sport of Polo was almost dissipated from the city of Patiala. But, in the recent years, it came back and that too with a bang. The city hosts various national and international Polo tournaments that attracts a large number of supporters. There is a Polo club in Patiala named, Patiala Polo & Riding Club which is considered to be one of the best Polo clubs in India. You can head to this club to showcase some of your skills.

Besides Polo, the city of Patiala also has many more attractions in the form of Qila Mubarak, Sheesh Mahal, Baradari Gardens, Gurudwara Dukh Niwaran Sahib, Lachman Jhoola, Qila Bahadurgarh, Darbar Hall & Museum, and Moti Bagh Palace.

Also Read: Top Tourist Attractions in Patiala to Include in Your Travel Bucket List

Dehradun: Housing the Only Polo Academy in India

The only one of its kind in Uttarakhand, Indian Military Academy Polo Club is one of those few polo clubs in the world that give players a chance to play amidst nature. The experience which a Polo player gets to relish here is uniquely enthralling as it is the only Polo academy in India which is enclosed by luxuriant greenery and mighty Garhwal Himalayas. Apart from the sport, you can spend time frolicking with your family and friends.

Dehradun is probably one of the most beautiful hill stations in India. Here, you can praise the surreal beauty of this place by exploring the various attractions like Tiger Falls, Robber’s Cave, Malsi Deer Park, Tapkeshwar Temple, and Rajaji National Park.

Also Read: Travel Guide for Hassle-free Dehradun Holiday

Mumbai: The Most Sought-After Polo City in India

Mumbai is not just the city of Bollywood, the city of dreams and the city that never sleeps! It is indeed one of the best places in India where a Polo lover can have a good time. The city boasts two polo clubs – Amateur Rider’s Club and Indian Navy Polo & Equestrian Club. Amongst the two Indian Navy is counted as one of the best Polo clubs in the country. Sitting on benches and cheering for the teams at Mahalakshmi Race Course ground in Mumbai is as much as fun in playing a match. Therefore, one can also consider doing that.

Whereas, in the places to visit the department, the city will definitely not let you down. Gateway of India, Elephanta Island, Banganga Tank, Mahalaxmi Dhobi Ghat, Haji Ali, Juhu Beach, and Aksa Beach are some popular tourist spots in Mumbai where you can head once done with the polo.

Also Read: Best Places to Visit and Things to Do in Mumbai

Nashik: A Not-to-Miss Place for Polo Lovers

Not just Mumbai, the holy city of Nashik is also a hub for various tourists visiting the western state of Maharashtra. If you are a Polo player or an ardent Polo lover, Artillery Polo Club is the place in Nashik where you can show some love for the game by playing itself. Being the only Polo club in Nashik, this one has an incredibly maintained ground, quality equipment, and friendly horses that together proffer a great polo experience.

To experience the other parts of the city, you can choose to explore its famous attractions that make Nashik a must-visit attraction in Maharashtra. These travel places include Ramkund, Muktidham Mandir, Sita Gufa, Trimbakeshwar, Someshwar Waterfalls, Pandavleni Caves, Sundarnarayan Temple, Coin Museum, Sula Vineyards, Saptashrungi Devi Temple, Anjaneri Hills, and Sinnar.

Also Read: Best Places to Visit in Nashik

Pune: A City with the Most Talked-About Polo Academy

Not just a sport but a tradition and passion for most of the Polo aficionados! For all those tourists travelling to Pune, there is just one way to enjoy their favourite sport of Polo is by heading to the National Defence Academy Polo Club. Considered to be one of the well-maintained popular Polo clubs in India, National Defence Academy is the most ideal place in Pune for any Polo player.

Apart from this, there are various places to visit in Pune that can make one’s vacation indelible when combined with an unforgettable Polo experience. Shaniwar Wada Fort, Aga Khan Palace, Chaturshringi Temple, Sinhagad Fort, Bhimashankar Temple, Rajiv Gandhi Zoological Park, Raja Dinkar Kelkar Museum, Parvati Hill, Shinde Chhatri, Bund Garden, Rajgad Fort, and Lal Mahal are just a few major names in the long list of tourist places in Pune.