Palace of the Moon

Photographed at City Palace, Jaipur.

Chandra Mahal (Palace of the Moon) is the most commanding building in the City Palace. It is a seven-storeyed building and each floor has been given a specific name such as the Sukh-Niwas (House of pleasure), Ranga-Mandir (Temple of Color), Sobha-Niwas (House of beauty), Chabi-Niwas(mirror palace), Shri-Niwas and Mukut-Niwas (House of the Crown). There is beautiful peacock gate at the entry to the Mahal. At the top of the Chandra Mahal is the flag of the royal family, which is seen unfurled when the Maharaja is in the palace.

Happy Deepavali

Wish You All A Very Happy & Prosperous Deepavali.

Deepavali, also known as Diwali(Festival of Lights) is an Ancient Hindu Festival celebrated in autumn every year. Diwali is derived from the Sanskrit fusion word Dīpāvali, formed from dīpa (light or lamp) and āvalī(series or row). The festival spiritually signifies the victory of light over darkness, knowledge over ignorance, good over evil, and hope over despair. Basically Diwali is 5 days Festival, Dhanteras starts off the five day festival. Starting days before and through Dhanteras, houses and business premises are cleaned and decorated. Women and children decorate entrances with Rangoli – creative colorful floor designs both inside and in the walkways of their homes or offices. Boys and men get busy with external lighting arrangements and completing all prayer work in progress. Dhanteras is also a major shopping day, gold or silver are purchased on this day. RoopChaudas is the second day of festivities, and is also called Choti Diwali. The third day is the main festive day. People wear new clothes as the evening approaches. Then diyas(lamps) are lit, pujas are offered to Lakshmi, and to one or more additional deities depending on the region of India; typically Ganesha and Saraswati, Lakshmi symbolizes wealth and prosperity, and her blessings are invoked for a good year ahead. Forth Day is RamaShyama, People visit their relieves, close friend's houses, greet each other with gifts,sweets, etc. The last day of festival is called Bhai dooj. It celebrates the sister-brother loving relationship.

The Majestic city of Jodhpur

Photographed from a hill opposite Mehrangarh Fort. 

Portrays Royal Mehrangarh Fort and the epitome of architecture Jaswant Thada. The Jodhpur state was founded in the 13th century by Rao Jodha, a Rajput chief of the Rathore Clan, He was one of Ranmal's 24 sons who became the fifteenth Rathore ruler. One year after his accession to the throne, Jodha decided to move his capital to the safer location of Jodhpur, from the one thousand years old Mandore, With the trusted aid of Rao Nara, the Mewar forces were subdued at Mandore, with that Rao Jodha gave Rao Nara the title of Diwan, with the help of Rao Nara, the foundation of the Mihirgarh fort was laid on May 12, 1459. Later, according to Rajasthani language pronunciation conventions,'Mihirgarh' has changed to 'Mehrangarh'. which is one of the largest forts in India today. To the left of the Mehrangarh Fort in 19th-century royal cenotaph Jaswant Thada was built in commemoration of Maharaja Jaswant by his son Maharaja Sardar Singh, in the memory of his father. Famous Jaswant Thada in Jodhpur is an beautiful example of architectural brilliance in India.

The Red Carpet

Delineate a street with the shade of Gulmohar tree.

Photographed at a random street of a housing society in Valsad city of Gujarat. Gulmohar (Delonix regia) is a species of flowering plant. It is a useful shade tree in tropical conditions, because it usually grows to modest height but spreads widely, and its dense foliage provides full shade. Flowers appear in corymbs along and at the end of its branches. The flowers in this tree follows a variety of colors including vivid red, vermilion, orange, yellow flowers, etc and the bright foliage make it exceptionally striking sight.

Rosy Pelican

Photographed at Jaipur Zoo. 

Rosy Pelican is other name given to the Great White Pelican (Pelecanus onocrotalus). The great white pelican is a huge bird, The total length of the great white pelican can range from 140 to 180 cm (55 to 71 in). Primaries of their body are black with white shafts, secondaries are black but with much white on the outer webs, remaining plumage white, the whole head, neck and long crest suffused with rosy-pink, which extends to the back and scapulars and breast, at the base of the fore-neck the long lanceolate feathers are yellow-ochre or tan-yellow. These birds are confined to Lakes and Ponds and takes Fishes in the Diet.