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 the temperature dropped below Zero giving Abu the first frost this Season.

Smiling Faces it's not cold 

The light of winter is the poetry of frost glistening in the morning rising sun.

The purple Sunbird bathes in the melting frosty globes on the leaves of the trees.

Children sit in the sun with curled-up toes, noses running but face beaming in the warmth of the sun.

Welcome to the Abode of the Gods

Where the sun is pleasant and there's Joy in your quest to feel the bite of the chilly dawn.

Welcome to Mount Abu in its everlasting bliss of valley and hills,

It will plague your soul, to join the Gods to fly away from this world

Away from your drab and weary life. 

The trees that did not shed their mantle of green

froze to death.

Falling afternoon temperatures accompanied by clear skies and a cool breeze are an indication of

Conditions for frost. So take a subtle hint from an ole geezer and place your beer bottles out on the lawn so the next day have chilled beer in the afternoon 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 strange presence lurks in the heart of the Abu bush, sending shivers down the spines of its people. The Night Stalker, the Jungle’s Monarch, has drawn attention once more, and the Langurs are on high alert. The tribe braces itself for encountering the intriguing leopard as the alpha male shouts the alert.

The male Langur’s warning cries echoed through the forest at 9 p.m. on a fateful night, announcing the elusive predator. My daughter and I quickly stepped outside with our flashlights when we heard the alarm, hoping to see the familiar glowing eyes.

The sight of the ruler of the forest, dressed in magnificent rosettes, makes us both excited and wary. We are awestruck by the raw beauty before us as we observe the leopard from a safe distance. The ace tree climber glides behind the rich flora with beautiful motions, leaving us both enthralled and terrified.

Recognising the risk presented by the prowling leopard, I informed the locals of the leopard’s presence in our region the following day. They took precautions as they secure their goats and dogs at night, hoping to keep the Night Stalker away from their cherished animals.

The leopard returns three nights later, its hunger driving it closer to human habitation. The owner saves a mason's dog from a sneaky predator, causing a commotion that makes the leopard let go.

They reveal once again the heartbreaking truth of the wild when the Night Stalker strikes once more, leaving behind the terrible taste of loss. This time, two of my neighbour’s puppies confined in a homemade cage fall victim to the merciless predator. The locals are aware of the leopard's tendency to patrol the area, posing a threat to pets and stray cats, so they stay alert.

The leopard’s survival instinct propels it onto the edges of town due to diminishing prey and habitat destruction. The Night Stalker, which used to feed on wild rabbits, wild pigs, and langurs, has now evolved to prey on the local street dog population. A search for goats and young cattle occasionally adds to its routine, making the local Abuites more wary than ever.

Despite the existence of this fearsome predator, the fact that the leopard has never harmed humans in their hill outpost provides some relief. Because of its lonely nature and choice for a life in the shadows, the villagers have avoided becoming targets of its persistent hunger.

The villagers discover more about the leopard’s special features as they unravel the secrets of the Night Stalker. We know this animal for being the most agile and stealthy due to its superior tree-climbing and prey-storing skills. The rosettes on this species make it fascinating, and its solitary lifestyle makes it respected in the wild.

"Wagera" is the name given to leopards in Rajasthan, where they are highly revered by the residents. While coexisting with the Night Stalker; the people stay in awe of the wild beauty that surrounds them, balancing fear and adoration for the Monarch of the Jungle.

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

Mount Abu Diwali HOTSPOT.

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

The lure of the Hill Station and wine without restriction entices thousands of tourists from our neighbouring state of Gujarat. Mount Abu for the Gujjus is a weekend holiday HOTSPOT. And, Diwali is just like the flame on the hilltop drawing the moths to the flame. Thousands of tourists from Gujarat have made Mount Abu their weekend holiday hotspot, and during Diwali, it becomes a flame on the hilltop, drawing the moths towards it. Traffic jams, stranded tourists for hours on end, and parking spaces became a nightmare for many. Getting accommodation posed a tremendous problem for many a soul. 

For the rich and well-to-do who could afford the high season rates posed no problem, but for the budget travellers, it kind of put a damper on their holiday mood. Celebrate Diwali in the Abode of the Gods with wine, and fun, and leave your worries behind. Besides, these minor burps, tourists this year in the lake and town area were without light for almost over an hour. It's a blessing in disguise, as it is Diwali. Twinkling diyas enhanced the Diwali mood of young lovers and old alike. The local Abuites and the Abu Corporation have profited from this massive influx of tourists. I believe in a few days Mount Abu Municipality collected a hefty fee of almost Rs 20 lakhs from the entry fee alone.

Diwali, the most celebrated festival in all tourist destinations, is a chancy affair. It normally falls in October and the weather is normally dandy in most hill stations. This year Diwali was in the second week of November probably posed a cold Diwali for those who did not bring something warm. 

I guess most of the tourists have tales to tell when they are home. 

Oh, to be in Abu, in Diwali and end up with a New beginning for the New Year.

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 Pournima, also Hunter's moon, snapped Mount Abu

Kojagiri Pournima also Hunter's moon

October has been a month of celebrations. Today is the full moon. We know the moon this month as Hunter's moon. Other names for this full moon are travel moon and dying grass moon here in India. It's known as Kojagiri Purnima. This full moon also marks the end of the monsoon season.

Hey, man, it's the FULL MOON. Luna, at its brightest, feels its mystic power, gets the hell out and gives impetus to your romantic relationship. In India, people reserve this auspicious day for prayers, meditation, fasting, and dips in holy ponds and rivers. Go out hunting but with your cameras. See the Hunter moon rising through my lens. The Hunter moon in the Abode of the Gods. 

Let's celebrate Cheers Mates.

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 and survives and grows on roadsides, deserted and parched hillsides, and also grows in 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 do not know its local name. I've asked around and only to be told it's some sort of wild gooseberry. It's probably made its way to our part of the world introduced as an exotic or ornamental plant. Folks out here have conflicting views on whether this plant and its berries are edible or poisonous. The conclusion is left alone. Better to be safe than sorry.

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 should brush against this plant the stinging hairs which work as a defence system penetrate and leaves the recipient with a burning sensation as stung by a scorpion. It is believed female plants produce more stinging hair than 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, 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 consumed 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

Tourists who are heading for Mount Abu this week be warned Tomorrow is Gandhi Jayanti All "Booze" shops and "Maas" shops will be closed. Those coming up to a party will probably have to pay a premium for a bottle of booze. Beer prices will also skyrocket so for the 2 October it would be best to abstain and gate crash on the 3 of October. Oh shucks! My bad, Mount Abu will also be closed on the 3 of October as a bundh has been called by the Abuites. 

Clarion Call to All Abuites!

The people of Abu have called umpteen meetings to present their views and their objections with a valid cause. Why should we the people of Abu living in the greatest democracy, be denied our basic amenity of repairing our homes that are in a deplorable condition and need immediate repairs for safer living conditions? To read more on our issues 

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

Click the picture below to read Hindi news:

Mount Abu News

Mount Abu News

Our post-monsoon blues have only just begun. Today, all local newspapers have declared that drinking water will be supplied twice a week for only one hour per day.  Gosh, it's gonna be a bleak year for us Abuites, it's gonna be baths twice a week. Water tankers mid-summer will be a premium as prices will rock with no ice for the crock. Any soothsayer out there cares to gaze into his crystal ball and predict what will be in store for "The Abode of the Gods"! Look forward to your comments in the comment section below. 

3 OCT 2018 

ABU TALE

Myths and Theories About the Moon Full moon Mt Abu [ Sept 2018 ]

Purnima SHRADDHA In India, also known as the HARVEST MOON.

Weird things happen when the moon is full, folklore, mythology, faith and fascinating. Different cultures and storytellers portray tales of the full moon's power. Stories vary from country to country. I won't elaborate, but let you visualize your concept through the links posted below. I'm posting some links that are extremely fascinating about the Myths and theories about the moon.

In Vedic astrology, they link the moon to the mind and emotions. I believe it influences the emotional, romantic, and mental karma of individuals.

They celebrated all major Indian festivals on full moon days. It is the common belief of Hindus that the moon is a worshipping deity. Purnima in Vedic Astrology. Full moon days are special for Abuites because many tourists come to the town after visiting temples in Ambaji and elsewhere.

Purnima SHRADDHA In India, also known as the HARVEST MOON

Click the Moon to be Enlightened.

Fake News! Sai Baba’s Face on the Moon 

Purnima SHRADDHA 

 24 SEP 2018, MONDAY

5 myths about the moon

History Stories



Moon Mysteries and Myths Quiz