HAPPY NEW YEAR FROM THE ABODE OF GODS Mount Abu

HAPPY NEW YEAR FROM MOUNT ABU

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The voice of an angel. The photography is stunning - this is something to be enjoyed and shared.

BEAUTIFUL RENDITION OF AULD LANG SYNE

To View My Mount Abu Bird Collection Click Below

MOUNT ABU BIRDS 

Full Cold Moon On the Winter solstice [ 2018 ] MT.ABU

Full Cold Moon Mount Abu

CLICK TO SEE THE FULL MOON

Full Cold Moon Snapped this Evening Abu

The Cold Moon In Winter Of Mount Abu

CHEERS N Seasons Greetings

THE GREEN MONSTER IS HERE TO STAY Mount Abu

The Green Menace has spread its tentacles in Mount Abu.

Water hyacinth Abu Streams.

Water hyacinth Abu Streams.

The Water hyacinth has permanently invaded all our streams, covering our scarce water bodies with a weed cloak. This has doomed the viability of the existing ecosystem concerning the immediate areas around the streams. The little silverfish, which used to abound and serve as a food source for the visiting birds, are no longer visible. 

Birds such as

( White Throated Kingfisher, Grey Wagtail,  Little Black Cormorant, Little Grebe, Crested Serpent Eagle, Common Kingfisher, Black-winged Stilt, Pied Kingfisher) have not been returning as the stream is choking with the hyacinth weed.

The Lantana species that was introduced to Abu should have been a loud warning signal to our administration. Because of the extensive growth of Lantana, a mat-like structure is formed, which leads to the degradation and destruction of biodiversity. The Lantana has intruded on and snuffed out the terrain of the flourishing Karonda bush and the wild rose (Roses Abuensis) bushes. As a result, to see them, one needs to go in search of them. 

The municipality sent their workforce to clean the streams earlier in the year, but just sweeping the surface has had no effect! It’s like our modern generation with plastic bags. 

In the last few years, the Forest Department and our local administration have taken steps to curtail the invasive species (Lantana)from spreading by planting native flora species.

This GREEN menace has to be taken on a war footing; our Forest Department should take up the issue and employ our locals who depend on the forest for their livelihood, not only would it contain the forest from being depleted of its precious trees, but give meaningful and productive employment and keeping this hungry monster at bay.

 Taking concrete and constructive steps will help in affecting the ecological equilibrium.

Mount Abu in for another Frosty morn.

Abu to awaken to another Frosty Morn.

Tonight's temperature

The moon sailing in waves of clouds, 

Smiling at the monkeys playing in the setting sun,

The fantail taking an icy dip in the stinking stream,

And the moon warning us in the Abode of Gods

Tomorrow watch out for my wrath wrapped in a mantle of frost.

Monkeys playing in the setting sun.

Mount Abu first Frost for this Season

MOUNT ABU FREEZES 15 DEC 2018.

WELCOME TO A CHILLY ABU

Last, Night's temperature dropped below Zero giving Abu the first frost this season.

Children huddle in the morning's warm sun, their faces aglow with joy.

WELCOME TO A CHILLY ABU

Winter light dances like poetry upon frost-kissed leaves, shimmering in the first rays of the rising sun. The vibrant purple sunbird flits through the trees, drinking from droplets of frost that glisten as they melt. Children huddle in the morning's warm sun, their toes curled against the chill, their noses running but their faces aglow with joy.

Welcome to the Abode of the Gods

Welcome to the Abode of the Gods—Mount Abu. Here, the sun’s warmth is a gentle balm, and the bite of the frosty dawn invigorates your spirit. The eternal calm of the hills and valleys invites you to surrender to their peacefulness and let your soul be carried away. Mount Abu whispers of escape in its blissful stillness—an invitation to leave behind the monotony of everyday life and step into something otherworldly.

The trees that did not shed their mantle of green

froze to death.

As the afternoon sun descends and a cool breeze grows stronger, the clear skies create ideal circumstances for frost to form later tonight. So take a tip from an old hand: set your beer bottles on the lawn tonight, and by tomorrow, you’ll have chilled beer to enjoy under the winter sun.

Cheers to our Winter Season.

The temperature at 8:43 this morning

STOP PLASTIC BE DRASTIC Mount Abu

Abuites STOP PLASTIC BE DRASTIC.

Abu From Achalgarh.

Plastic,  plastic everywhere,

The more you look, the more you despair,

Sand be hanged, the desert is already there.

Plastic deserts and plastic seas are filing our last reserves, 

 Preparing our future generations on a journey unforeseen, 

Of humanity choking and croaking like our animals and sea creatures. 

Due to our lack of no environmental planning and sustainability

We are gonna pay dearly by burying our

Earth's surface in an Eire Foam of plastic wastelands and stinking seas. 

"Everywhere around the world, the future of getting rid of plastic is uncertain; in India, even the implementation of lightweight plastic bags is uncertain." A plastic ban in India has been in effect since 2002, but an estimated 20 cows per 100 die from plastic ingestion.

Can you imagine this scenario? The government banned the use of plastic bags in this little hill station over a decade ago and today when one looks around, all one sees is heaps of rubbish and the majority of it is plastic bags. 

My ardent suggestion is let's build an enormous, Huge Plastic God that touches the sky. So every time we look at it, it opens our eyes and reminds us!

                       “STOP NO MORE PLASTIC OR I WILL BE DRASTIC”

Can India #BeatPlasticPollution With

The Current Plastic Bans In Various States?    More

Abu's Monarch of the Jungle on the PROWL.

“The Night Stalker": A Majestic Encounter in Abu Jungle

The leopard returns to his winter haunts in Abu

Leopard on the prowl

There's a rumble in the jungle,

The Night Stalker is on the prowl,

The Langurs are on the lookout,

The alpha male makes a ruckus,

Warning the others of the tribe,

Here comes the Monarch of the Jungle.

A primal presence stirs in the heart of Abu’s wilds, casting a shadow over the land, and filling the air with a palpable tension. With the return of the Night Stalker, the monarch of these forests, the jungle’s inhabitants are on edge. With their cries of warning, the Langurs, guardians of the treetops, respond to the alpha male barking orders to his troop. The predator has come.

On a fateful evening, around 9 p.m., the Langur’s alarm shattered the stillness of the night. Their sharp cries echoed through the thick forest, alerting everyone to the stealthy approach of the elusive leopard. My daughter and I rushed outside, flashlights in hand, our hearts pounding in sync with the jungle’s rhythm. The air was thick with anticipation. We stood, waiting, until the glowing eyes of the Night Stalker pierced the darkness.

 And there it was—the ruler of the forest, cloaked in rosettes, moving with grace and power. Excitement mingled with fear as we beheld this raw beauty from a safe distance. The leopard moved through the underbrush, its body a sleek shadow blending with the night. Each motion was poetry, smooth and deliberate. Watching the ace tree climber in its element, we couldn’t help but feel both mesmerized and humbled by nature’s grand design.

I shared the news of the leopard’s return with the locals the next day. As always, they took precautions, locking up their goats and dogs, a nightly ritual in this part of the world. The leopard may be magnificent, but it is still a predator, and those living on the edge of the jungle know the stakes all too well.

Three nights later, the Night Stalker returned. This time, hunger drove it closer to the village, testing the boundaries of coexistence. A mason’s dog became the target of the leopard’s hunger, and chaos erupted. With quick reactions, the dog’s owner managed to scare off the predator, but the jungle’s monarch had grown bolder, leaving behind an unsettling reminder.

Grief manifested itself the next night. The Night Stalker struck once more, taking the lives of my neighbour’s two puppies that were kept in a crudely constructed cage. The reality of living near such a powerful predator is both bitter and sweet. We lament the losses the leopard leaves behind while appreciating its untamed beauty. The villagers remain on guard, aware that the leopard is now circling their perimeter and keeping a lookout for easy food.

The Night Stalker’s return is a sign of a deeper crisis—a struggle for survival that forces it to the very fringes of human habitation. Prey is scarce, and habitat loss has driven it to adapt. Once content with wild pigs, rabbits, and the occasional Langur, the leopard now hunts street dogs, and sometimes, even eyes goats and young cattle. Each encounter drives the villagers to guard their homes and animals more fiercely than ever.

Yet, despite the mounting tension, one fact brings a measure of comfort: the leopard, for all its strength and cunning, has never attacked a human in these parts. Its solitary nature and preference for the shadows seem to keep it from crossing that line. It’s a delicate balance, one of respect and restraint, between the predator and the people of Abu.

As the villagers learn more about their elusive neighbour, they marvel at the leopard’s unique abilities. Its agility, unmatched in the animal kingdom, allows it to scale trees and store its prey high above the ground, far from scavengers. Its rosette-covered coat, each marking as individual as a fingerprint, speaks to a lineage that commands awe and respect. Solitary and secretive, the leopard embodies both grace and danger.

“Wagera” is the name given to the leopard in Rajasthan, and it holds a special place in the local lore. Revered for its power and beauty, the Night Stalker continues to inspire a blend of fear and admiration among the people of Mount Abu. Even as they take steps to protect their homes and livestock, they cannot help but feel a sense of awe for this majestic creature. The Monarch of the Jungle remains a symbol of the untamed wild—a reminder that, in the dance between man and nature, it is the leopard that leads.

The pugmarks on our Boundary wall Photograph per kind favour my neighbour Govind.

Want to see Leopards in the wild click below 

THE LEOPARDS OF BERA.

Deepawali season Mount Abu 2018

Experience Diwali in the Hills: Mount Abu Diwali HOTSPOT.

Parked cars Polo-ground Mount Abu ( snapper kind favour Raj Kumar WhatsApp)

Diwali in Mount Abu is a spectacle unlike any other. The hill station, nestled in Rajasthan’s Aravalli Range, transforms into a vibrant getaway for tourists, especially from the neighbouring state of Gujarat. For many Gujjus, Mount Abu is the ultimate weekend retreat, and during Diwali, it becomes a shining beacon, drawing thousands like moths to a flame.

The combination of fresh mountain air, stunning landscapes, and the freedom to relax without the usual constraints makes Mount Abu an irresistible destination for wine lovers. But with the festive rush comes the inevitable chaos. Traffic jams stretched for hours, leaving tourists stranded and making parking a logistical nightmare. Accommodations were scarce during the peak season. The well-heeled may have splurged on luxury stays without a second thought, but budget travellers faced a distinct reality—many saw their holiday spirits dampened by the skyrocketing prices.

Despite these hiccups, the charm of Diwali in the hills is undeniable. The twinkling lights, the fragrance of incense, and the joyful bursts of laughter echoed through the town. One unexpected event even added to the magic this year—a power outage that left the lake and town areas in darkness for over an hour. But rather than dampen the mood, it seemed like a blessing in disguise. In the soft glow of countless diyas, the festive spirit flickered brighter. Couples strolled hand-in-hand, and families gathered to take in the beauty of a Diwali night illuminated by tradition.

It wasn’t just the tourists who benefited from this influx. The Mount Abu Municipality experienced a surge in local businesses and a remarkable increase in entry fee revenue, generating an impressive Rs. 20 lakhs within a few days. The local economy enjoyed a much-needed boost as restaurants, shops, and street vendors catered to the throng of visitors.

This year’s Diwali, falling in mid-November, brought a novel experience. The change in weather surprised many visitors as the balmy conditions turned cooler. But that, too, became part of the tale—the memorable stories that tourists would carry home. Diwali in the hills became not just a celebration but an adventure, with everyone wrapping themselves in blankets and scarves, and sharing stories over hot tea as the festive lights danced around them.

 So, to be in Abu during Diwali is to embrace both the magic and the madness. It’s a festival of lights that illuminates new beginnings and leaves everyone with stories to cherish for years to come.

Mount Abu groaning under load beyond its capacity, situation catastrophic. [10 Nov 2018]

Mind-boggling traffic jams In Mount Abu as DEEPAWALI holidaymakers crowd this hill station.

Mind-boggling traffic climbing the hill

Mount Abu Traffic jam 10 Nov 2018

Visiting MOUNT ABU during peak Deepawali season may result in either not finding a decent hotel room or paying extremely high rates that will exceed your budget. Water shortage and parking woes are also immense problems facing those who land up here.

Today, Abu has recorded the longest traffic jam ever for this hill station. Imagine a 45-minute max 1-hour climb up or down the winding roads today took some tourists and locals over THREE to FOUR hours to make the journey.

Today, the enormous rush of Deepawali travellers brought traffic jams to this Abode of the Gods. Tourists left their cars and walked because of the chaotic traffic, leading to angry exchanges. Instead. of the usual "Welcome to Mount Abu", the roads leading up sported a new slogan - "Wapas Jao," Abu Houseful.

The internet also goes on a JAM during these peak rush days so tourists are prepared for a slow snail internet speed while here 

"HAPPY NEW YEAR TO ONE AND ALL FROM THE ABODE OF GODS"

Full moon Pournima in [ October 2018] Mount Abu

Kojagiri Purnima: The Hunter’s Moon Illuminates Mount Abu

Kojagiri Purnima also Hunter's moon

October has been a month of celebrations, and tonight marks a special occasion—the Full Moon, also known as the “Hunter’s Moon”. This luminous moon has many names across cultures. In India, it’s called “Kojagiri Purnima”, while others know it as the “Travel Moon’ or the “Dying Grass Moon”, signalling the end of the monsoon season and the onset of autumn.

However, it’s not just the moon, it’s “Luna” shining her mystical light across the landscapes. There’s something magical about how the Hunter’s Moon rises in the Abode of the Gods, Mount Abu. Embrace the cool October breeze and tap into the moon's energy by stepping outside at this perfect time. Who knows, it might even spark a brief romance in the air!

In India, people set aside this special day for prayers, meditation, fasting, and bathing in holy rivers and ponds, as they believe it brings prosperity and blessings. But why not take it a step further? Go hunting—not with weapons, but with your cameras"! Capture the Hunter’s Moon as it lights up the rugged hills and sacred lakes of Mount Abu, painting the world in a mystical silver hue.

Witness the glorious Hunter’s Moon in Mount Abu through my lens—it’s captivating. Let us express gratitude and joy as the moon illuminates this divine sanctuary, celebrating the beauty of nature and the end of the rainy season.

Let’s raise a glass to the moon’s magic and the captivating beauty of Mount Abu beneath its glow!

The Hunter's moon

A Hunter’s Moon holds an integral place in traditional folklore

One of the most dramatic sights in the night sky for lovers and madmen 

Time for a drink CheersTo Life. 

7 Things To Know About Kumara Purnima

The White-throated Kingfisher with a crab as prey

The White-throated Kingfisher of Mount Abu.

White-throated Kingfishers may be found across Asia, from Turkey through India, Southeast Asia, and as far east as the Philippines and Indonesia. They live in forests, open spaces, gardens, and marshes, making them adaptable to a wide range of habitats.

These kingfishers are largely carnivorous, eating insects, tiny vertebrates, small birds, even crabs and fish on occasion. They are adept predators who frequently sit on trees or wires to look for prey before swooping down to take it.

St.Mary's School Mount Abu.

The Schedules of events for the coming days in school

St Mary High School Annual sports

Parents, please note school next year, 2019 will begin on 11 Feb 2019. This is going to be another year in the school's history where the school will be closed for the summer because of the possibility of a shortage of water. I've attached the schedule for the sports week."16 to 23 October 2018"

Programme Sports Week.

Not so exotic plants of Mount Abu

Shrubs and Trees of Mount Abu

Datura Plant

Datura also is known as "Devil's Weed, Moonflower, Jimsonweed and a host of other names.

Datura A genus of the nightshade family, with prickly seedpods, a captivating and extraordinary trumpet flower. 

Datura Flower

It thrives, survives, and grows on roadsides, deserted and parched hillsides, and in the crevices of our larva rocks in Abu. Abuites are conscious of this plant. They used its flowers in offerings in temples to appease the deities. Most folks are AWARE of its deadly poisonous toxins.

In India, Datura also features Tantra, as a crucial ingredient for black magic rituals. 

Datura Seedpod

To read more on this DEADLY plant, click the link below 

BE BLOWN AWAY

The Essential Guide To Datura

Nicandra Plant

Nicandra Plant

The wild Gooseberry Plant.

The common names of Apple-of-Peru and Shoo-fly plants are also known as Nicandra.

I’m not sure what its local name is. I’ve asked people around here, but the only answer I’ve gotten is that it’s some kind of wild gooseberry. It was likely introduced to our region as an exotic or ornamental plant. The consensus is to leave it untouched, as people prioritize their safety over potential harm.

Purple Sunbird Oh! Wow, its nectar is YUM.

To read more click

Nicandra

Stinging Nettle /Bichchhu buti (local Name)

Stinging Nettle /Bichchhu buti (local Name)

Other common names for this herb are Devil's Leaf. Bichchhu Buti, Chinese Nettle and Stinging Nettle.

The school children and the local Abuites are fully aware of this plant, while on jungle walks this was one plant avoided by one and all. The Hindi name is Bichchhu Buti sure describes its properties. If one brushes against this plant, the stinging hairs which work as a defence system penetrate and leave the recipient with a burning sensation as stung by a scorpion. It is a belief among researchers that female plants have a higher production of stinging hair compared to males. Typical isn't it "Beware of Females and their willy ways". 

To glean more on this herb click 

Stinging Nettle /Bichchhu buti

COCKLEBUR

Cocklebur 

The Burr tree as we are all familiar with, is native to Abu. It's one of the best examples of the ultimate hitchhiking plant on the planet. If one has a hairy dog, well, you know what I'm talking about, it's almost impossible to untangle this, but better to use a pair of scissors to nip it off. 

To read more on this plant click 

BURR

Elephant ear

Elephant Ear growing wild in Mount Abu

Flower Elephant ear plant 

Elephant Ear

Argemone mexicana - Mexican Poppy or  Hindi: सत्यानाशी Satyanashi

Mexican Poppy / सत्यानाशी Satyanashi

Mexican Poppy / सत्यानाशी Satyanashi

Argemone mexicana - Mexican Poppy is a prickly, hairless, branching herb with yellow juice and showy yellow flowers. 

Common name:  Mexican poppy, Prickly Poppy •  Hindi: सत्यानाशी Satyanashi, 

The Mexican Poppy or the Satyanashi, is a small herb that grows throughout Abu, on its hillsides, on arid grazing land and even in crevices on rocks. Both animals and the human population avoid it as its leaves look deadly with its spiny tips. The plant is toxic to animals and lively stock. Its seeds are identical to those of mustard seeds. Mustard seed in India has been known to be adulterated and has had dire effects on those who consume it. 

Congress Grass 

In India, we locally know it as carrot grass, congress grass or Gajar Ghans.

To read more click

Even the Gods can’t get rid of these

Abu's indefinite bandh day 3 completed.5 Oct 2018.

Demand to Release Building By-laws suppressed by the Government.

Day 3 Total Bandh ( Reminds me of the 60's after 6 pm during the monsoon period)

Protests in Mount Abu: Citizens United for the Release of Long-Pending Building Bylaws

Introduction:

Mount Abu has taken the stage in a historic turn of events, as its citizens demand that the government disclose long-suppressed building by-laws. For the previous three days, the town, hidden in the magnificent surroundings, has been totally shut down, with hotels, stores, restaurants, and even liquor shops remaining closed. Mount Abu residents, known as Abuites, have decided to go on strike indefinitely, sending an obvious message to the government that they've had enough of being ignored for years.

Background:

The origins of this protest may be traced back to a master plan shaped in 2016, which, despite being in existence, has yet to be implemented owing to the vested interests of powerful persons. The failure to adopt appropriate by-laws has left Abuites dissatisfied, forcing them to take matters into their own hands. Citizens apologise for any difficulty caused to visitors but stress that a genuine yearning for justice motivates their activities.

The Proposal for an Indefinite Strike:

Residents of Mount Abu have reached a breaking point, with many believing that the "powers that be" have pushed them around for far too long. The proposal for an indefinite strike is intended to bring attention to the government's inactivity and to highlight citizens' fundamental rights. It is a collective cry for justice and a call for the prompt execution of long-delayed construction by-laws.

Solidarity Pledge:

As word of the Mount Abu strike spreads, inquiries from all around the world have come in, expressing both curiosity and alarm. Tourists are being asked to deal with the inconvenience created by the inhabitants' requests for understanding and patience. The primary goal is to make an explicit statement: "Enough is enough."

Conclusion:

Mount Abu's courageous stance against the suppression of construction by-laws is a great example of residents banding together to defend their fundamental rights. The town has chosen unity and an indefinite strike to send a loud and obvious message. As Abuites continue to press for justice, the obligation is now on the state administration to address their concerns and implement the required adjustments that will determine Mount Abu's future.

Wildlife Awareness Week Mount Abu.1 Oct 2018

The 64th Wildlife Week of  Mount Abu.

The 64th Wildlife Week of  Mount Abu was inaugurated on Monday at the  Forest Department.

A Green Munia /Haria plaque.

Snap above kind favour Charles Guide

 

Abuites from all walks of life, the CRPF, SDM-Nishant Jain, DFO-Balaji Kurry, school children from all the various schools, our very own  Abuites Dr AK Sharma, Narendra Kumar Choudhary, Chunnilal Rajpurohit, Bharat Singh Deora,  Principal Mohanlal Leel, Sunil Acharya, Kashyap Jani, Harnam Singh, Omvir Singh and Ravi Sindal attended this opening ceremony. A Green Munia plaque was inaugurated by the DFO Sirohi Sangram Singh Katiya on this occasion. Every year wildlife awareness week which lasts from 1 Oct to the 7 of Oct is taken very seriously by the folks of this small hill station.

Large-scale changes have occurred during the last few decades. Mount Abu jungles were once impenetrable and substantial areas were pretty impossible to explore. Tigers which roamed freely were hunted down by the elite. Their natural habitat was destroyed and their source of food dwindled resulting in their disappearing from this area. The last tiger reported in Mt.Abu was placed in the year 1970.

To read the News in Hindi click the picture

Wildlife Week Mt.Abu

Today Abu boasts of only a handful of Leopards. Sambar which was plentiful is today almost a lost cause. Very few have been strong enough to survive the onslaught of Modernisation and the degradation of their native environment. The only marked improvement in its population is the sloth bear. The presence of vegetational composition and availability of water Highly suits bears and it is one of the best sloth bear areas in the world.

I do not have the latest statistical data of the wildlife census, of  the animals found here but as soon as I get them I'll post them

Post-Monsoon Blues Mount Abu [ 1-10-18 ]

News update Mount Abu! October 2018.

Mount Abu

Attention Tourists: Important Updates for Your Mount Abu Trip This Week

If you’re planning to visit Mount Abu this week, here are some important updates you should know:

First, because of Gandhi Jayanti on October 2nd, all liquor and meat shops in Mount Abu will be closed for the day. Keep in mind that alcohol could be scarce and pricey if you were expecting to have a good time at a hillside party. It’s a good idea to either hold off until the next day or enjoy the local events with a sober point of view.

However, there’s more to consider. A local strike, or “bundh,” has been called by the Mount Abu community on October 3rd, meaning that many businesses and services will be unavailable on this day as well. So if you’re planning on making the most of Mount Abu’s vibrant atmosphere, adjust your schedule.

If you want to enjoy Mount Abu’s hospitality, we advise you to postpone any party plans until after October 3rd. In the meantime, you can still take in the natural beauty, the serene surroundings, and the cultural richness of this unique hill station.

May you find security in your journeys and joy in your discoveries! 

Clarion Call to All Abuites!

The residents of Mount Abu have gathered countless times to voice their concerns and present valid objections regarding pressing local issues. In a democracy as great as ours, why should anyone deny the people of Abu the basic right to repair their homes that require maintenance for safe living conditions?

The time has come for us to join forces and fight for our rights to create a safer and better community.

To learn more about our ongoing struggle, read: Mount Abu: “Decision-Making” — Farce or Facts?

click: Mount Abu –‘Decision-Making’ “Farce or Facts”??

Click the picture below to read Hindi news:

Mount Abu News

Mount Abu News

Post-Monsoon Blues Have Begun

The post-monsoon blues are here, and they’re hitting hard. The local newspapers have announced that drinking water will be provided only twice a week, for one hour each time. This means tough times ahead for us Abuites, with baths limited to twice a week and precious water becoming an even rarer commodity.

Come mid-summer, water tankers will be in high demand, and prices will skyrocket—no ice for the crock, indeed. It’s shaping up to be a challenging year for Mount Abu.

Are any soothsayers out there willing to gaze into their crystal balls and predict what the future holds for “The Abode of the Gods”? We’d love to hear your thoughts. Share your insights in the comment section below.

3 OCT 2018 

ABU TALE