Mount Abu "Garasias" Our Tribal People

The Full Flower Moon. Abu’s hill sides are in full bloom. Out here in India it’s called “Buddha Purnima”. The full moon this year has fallen on May 2, 2007; it commemorates the birth anniversary of Lord Buddha. It’s an auspicious day and folks in India throng to Religious sites to pray, and seek the blessings of the gods, what really interest me is the invasion of my home town by thousands of ‘‘Garasias”.

These Garasias throng to Abu by the hundreds and that to on foot, they hoof it all the way up from Villages all over Rajasthan. They come in huge groups singing and dancing in their local dialect till they amass around the famous Nakki Lake at Abu, their final destination.

For the Garasias this “Buddha Purmina” is a day of special significance, because on this day, marriages are either premeditated or spontaneous. After the elopement, a bride “price” is paid to the bride’s father. Should this agreement not work out the girl returns home with her father who receives some money for the inconvenience caused.

The Garasias, legend has it are descendants of the Rajput tribe of the Chauhans. Apparently the Chauhans after being defeated in a battle eons ago fled and mingled with the local Bhil tribal to form a distinctive group. The tribal population of Garasias is concentrated around the hills of Abu and the Kotra region of Udaipur.

It is not surprising that the Garasias have a semblance of Bhil culture where bows and arrows attribute significantly, towards hunting and personal protection. I Still fail to understand how they have a higher status than the native Bhils, perhaps there is some truth in the legend of the Garasias origin (the fallen Rajputs)

I spent some time amongst these happy go lucky folks, I was carried away with their gaiety, and their colourful attire, their zest for life sure left an impression on me. I’m posting a few snaps taken of these fun loving folks, happy viewing.

 Sickle Cell Anemia in Garasia Tribals of Rajasthan

http://medind.nic.in/ibv/t09/i3/ibvt09i3p239.pdf

Mount Abu’s New Tourist Attraction Helium Balloon

Mount Abu’s New Tourist Attraction, floated by Mars Enterprise, “The Tethered Helium Balloon” was inaugurated at the beginning of this month..

The place where the balloon is parked right now is the same spot that was made into a musical park years before for the entertainment of the tourists. It was a lovely spot, but somehow it seems to be jinxed and the musical park with all its lovely lights and sounds faded away like the mist that visits this lake regularly. I really wonder how long this present project will last, guess as long as it ropes in enough dinero and is feasible.

 The tariff for an 8 min spin to a height of about 350 feet is Rs300/- almost a buck per foot, pretty steep and for a child its goanna be Rs 200/-. Tourists be aware, you are to buy your ticket in advance and you can only mount the podium after 20 individuals have bought tickets, your waiting period would amount to the ratio and volume of visitors on a particular day. Take you time read the rules and regulations carefully.                          

Fair and Festival of Mount Abu

Fair and Festival of Mount Abu

Summer Festival
Mount Abu in Rajasthan is touched by a festive mood on the eve of the Summer Festival that is held every year in the month of June. Mount Abu is bestowed with steep rocks, tranquil lakes, picturesque backdrop and the favorable climate which make it a perfect spot for the festival. Summer festival in Mount Abu, a three-day festival is basically a feast of folk and classical music and it gives a vivid knowledge about the tribal life and culture of Rajasthan.

The summer festival, Mt.Abu is held every year during Buddha Poornima. The festival celebrates the warmth and cheerfulness of the people of hill station, their colorful life and vivacious nature. The hospitality of the people, their lively culture and exotic location make this festival a memorable experience during your tours to Rajasthan. This festival is one of the most popular fairs and festivals of Rajasthan.

Mount Abu Summer festival commences with the singing of a ballad which is followed by folk dances which mesmerize the spectators. Exciting boat race is organized on the Nakki Lake add variety to the festival.

The summer festival in Mt.Abu proceed with a ceremonial procession, which starts from the RTDC Hotel Shikhar and gather at the Nakki Lake Chowk where folk performances of Rajasthan & Gujarat states are mainly organized. The grand finale of the Festival displays glittering fire works. Mt Abu Summer Festival is organized by the Rajasthan Tourism, Municipal Board, Mt.Abu & District Administration.

The second and third day of the festival is more attractive as various competitions are organized for the whole day. Skating Race, skater’s Show, CRPF Band Show, Boat Race, Horse Race, Tug of War, Panihari Matka Race and Deepdan add more enthusiasm to the festival.

The Sham-e-Qawwali is a well- known musical extravaganza, as famous qawwals or singers from all over the country can be heard entertaining the audience. The grand finale of the summer festival in Mount.Abu is a display of dazzling fireworks which catches the fancy of every tourist.

Mount Abu Declared as Eco Sensitive Zone!!!

Jaipur:Boating in Nakki Lake or enjoying the sunset point at Mount Abu is set to become more fun with the Union environment ministry declaring
the hill station an eco-sensitive zone which will ensure that now curbs are in place to retain its pristine charm.

TOI had first reported this in its July 17 edition last year. But the locals had been vehemently opposing the move. However, in June 25, the ministry passed the notifications which will now limit traffic and ban the use of plastic bags among other things. The decision has come as per the recommendations of the Mohan Ram Committee set up by the Supreme Court. The committee had found Mount Abu to be an eco-fragile area and had asked the government to take immediate measures.

Although the ministry has taken the decision in the right earnest, locals are still not convinced and will oppose it. “The move will create more procedural complications and may also lead to corruption as the public will fall victim to babus’ highhandedness,” said Jalam Giri, chairman, Mount Abu Municipal Corporation. He said the move was on for quite some time and they had met chief minister Ashok Gehlot and other leaders apprising them about the problems of the local people. “The chief minister had assured that the tag will be subject to locals’ consent but it has happened unilaterally without taking their views into account,” he added.