Experience the Pavilion's Glorious Heritage:
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| The Pavilion as depicted on an ancient postcard |
Step back in time through the lens of an old postcard, and you will discover the timeless splendour of Mount Abu’s historic Pavilion—once known as Trevor’s Oval. This hallowed ground stood as a proud tribute to the grandeur of polo, echoing the elegance and prestige of the colonial era.
These storied fields bore witness to a golden age—where magnificent horses thundered across the turf, and the finest players, from princely Maharajas to the British elite, displayed skill, courage, and unmatched horsemanship. Polo here was not a sport; it was a spectacle of power, grace, and tradition.
Yet, as history would have it, the echoes of hooves and cheers faded into silence. By 1932, the fierce and noble game of polo came to an abrupt halt, leaving behind an air of mystery—an unfinished chapter in Mount Abu’s sporting legacy
Memories of a Bygone Era
My own memories of the early 1960s bring this ground to life. As a young observer, I stood in awe during the passing-out parade of Indian Police Service cadets. The precision of their mounted drills, the elegance of their formations, and the sheer command over their steeds were nothing short of mesmerising.
The performers executed the art of peg-sticking—a thrilling test of speed, skill, and accuracy—with breathtaking finesse. It was a display of horsemanship at its very best. Existing distinguished dignitaries, including Presidents and Vice Presidents as Chief Guests, added further prestige to this already revered arena.
Decline and Transformation
With the eventual relocation of the training academy, the once immaculate grounds lost their former glory. Nature reclaimed what man had once perfected. Rainwater turned sections into marshy patches, and the maintained field gave way to an overgrown and neglected expanse.
To revitalise the area, the Summer Festival utilised the repurposed grounds. Tents sprang up across the field, housing stalls, entertainment zones, and makeshift amusement parks. Later still, the Indian Air Force began using the site as a helicopter landing ground—a striking transformation from its aristocratic polo heritage.
The Return of a Legacy
But history, as it often does, circled back.
On April 10, 2008, the revival of the Maharao Sirohi Polo Cup marked a moment of pride and celebration for the people of Mount Abu. It signalled not just the return of a sport, but the rekindling of a legacy rooted in the town’s cultural and sporting identity.
For the residents of Abu, this revival was more than an event—it was a homecoming.
A Living Heritage
Today, the Pavilion stands as a silent yet powerful witness to the passage of time. Its grounds carry the echoes of history—of galloping hooves, cheering crowds, disciplined cadets, and festive gatherings.
It remains a symbol of Mount Abu’s rich heritage—where the past and present intertwine, and where the spirit of polo, the King of Games, once again finds its rightful place.
As Abuites, we extend a warm welcome to all who visit—come, witness the revival, and be part of a legacy that refuses to fade.
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