A update on Mount Abu (4 June 2015)

An unfortunate accident by a drunken driver.

A car from Gujarat a GJ 30 9620 at around 2:45 pm shot off the road and flew into the gutter near the Neel Kant temple. Apparently, the driver and a co-passenger were two sheets in the wind. Fortunately for all the passengers in the car, no one received major injuries. A crowd of Abuites were on the scene within minutes and were of great assistance. The crowd of Abuites immediately pulled the passengers out of the car and provided them with first aid. The locals gathered there and helped put the vehicle, which had turned turtle, back on its wheels. Here are a few snaps of the mishap that took place today.

A tourist car overshot and landed in the stream

The tourist car which overshot landed in the stream below

A cop overseeing the accident spot

A few of the injured tourists pulled out of the car

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.

World Sparrow Day Tomorrow 20 March 2018.

World Sparrow Day in Mount Abu: A Success Story of Conservation

In the serene hills of Mount Abu, the community has taken remarkable steps to ensure the survival and growth of the house sparrow. Abuites, the locals of Mount Abu, make extraordinary efforts to promote the population of these charming little birds. Daily, they scatter bajra and other bird seeds in spots accessible to the sparrows, providing a consistent food source. Additionally, they create safe havens for these birds to nest and thrive by carefully placing birdhouses outside buildings.

A few decades ago, the house sparrow population faced a steep decline, raising concerns among bird lovers and conservationists. However, thanks to the dedicated efforts of the people of Mount Abu, their numbers have increased. Today, it’s not uncommon to hear excited exclamations from tourists, those from Gujarat, when they spot a house sparrow. Phrases like, “Juoo Juoo Chakli che... photo leg, photo ley ane gear mokal WhatsApp pur!” (Look, look, it’s a sparrow... take a photo and send it home on WhatsApp!) echo through the hills as these visitors marvel at the sight of a bird that has become a rarity in their own cities.

During a recent month-long stay in Ahmedabad, I felt a personal connection to the house sparrow. As I recorded a variety of bird species during my visit, I couldn’t help but notice the absence of sparrows—a stark contrast to the bustling avian life I was used to in Mount Abu. Imagine my joy when, about two weeks into my stay, I spotted and photographed a single sparrow. It was a moment of triumph, but also a reminder of the challenges these birds face in urban environments.

The efforts in Mount Abu are a testament to what communities can achieve when they come together for a common cause. On World Sparrow Day, let’s celebrate not just the house sparrows of Mount Abu but also the spirit of conservation that has allowed these birds to flourish once again.

 

The single House sparrow I saw while in Ahmedabad.

The population of Yellow-throated sparrows in Mount Abu has tripled in the past 5 years. Local folks call them the jungle sparrow.

 To know more about SPARROWS click World Sparrow Day