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