THE SPRING SEASON IN ABU – Spring is here in the Abode of the Gods.(19/02/2016)

Embracing the Beauty of an Early Spring in Abu - A Renewal Paradise

Spring arrives in most areas of the world in March, bringing new vitality to nature and symbolising a new beginning. However, if you are fortunate enough to find yourself at the lovely Abode of the Gods this year, you may be in for a pleasant surprise. I've noticed that spring has come early to this beautiful place, giving us a delightful sneak peek.

Just yesterday, I felt a warmth in this wonderful house that hinted at the impending approach of spring. I couldn't help but notice the small hints of spring when I stepped outside. The graceful Daman, a rat snake, appeared as an excellent sign in local legend. A mongoose hid nearby, watching the Daman as it moved into the warmth of the sun. As fresh shoots sprang, it painted the landscape with bright colours of green, a monument to nature's tenacity. A profusion of blossoming trees about to explode in a blaze of colour accompanied these comforting views. It felt as if the air itself was pulsating with anticipation of the approach of spring.

It overjoyed the occupants of the Abode of the Gods as the recent temperature increase leaves little doubt—spring is in the air. They slated it for the official celebration of this wonderful season on March 20th, which is a Sunday. By 10 a.m., local Abuites would have gathered to celebrate this momentous event with tremendous zeal and fervour, creating a spectacle you won't want to miss.

St. Mary's High School, an institution profoundly knit into the fabric of our town, chose to deviate from tradition in 2016 by opening its doors on February 14th. It has become a treasured ancient spring festival for the students, particularly the boarders and staff, a time of regeneration and togetherness.

A springtime visit to Abu is an opportunity not to be missed by those looking to renew their spirits and revitalise their beings. The location remains peaceful and enjoyable, unaffected by the overwhelming tourist crowds often found at popular attractions. Accommodations in nearby hotels are widely available, so you can fully immerse yourself in the calm serenity of this magnificent region.

Abu welcomes you with open arms this early spring, inviting you to experience the season of regeneration, indulge in its captivating natural beauty, and engage in the local festivals that define the Abode of the Gods. It's a piece of heaven on Earth, and it's waiting for you to discover and enjoy its own appeal. So, gather your belongings and let the spirit of spring take you to this wonderful spot!

The fresh shoots of spring

Daman or the Rat Snake

The Mongoose was eyeing the Daman for some time

Well, it's spring catch up with you later!

The Daman is on the move

Going for a spring walk

Red-wattled Lapwing announcing spring

White-eyed Buzzard a token for spring

The small video I took of the Daman

Happy New Year From The Abode Of Gods Mt.Abu

Happy New Year from the Abode of Gods: Mount Abu

As we bid farewell to 2016, it’s time to reflect on an eventful year for Mount Abu—our beloved hill station, often called the “Abode of Gods.”

The year saw its fair share of trials. Summer was a booming success, drawing in countless tourists eager to escape the heat and bask in the tranquil beauty of our mountains. The Abuites, as always, put together a vibrant Summer Festival, celebrating local culture and bringing the community closer 

However, the year was not without its challenges. Midway through, we experienced one of the worst storms in recent memory, which left its mark by felling a significant number of our majestic trees—a sight that was heartbreaking for those of us who cherish Abu’s natural beauty. The monsoon, while brief, was fierce, and though it was short-lived, it was a reminder of nature’s unpredictable power.

On a more sombre note, two gruesome murders shocked the local community, and the disappearance an ex-Marian, Shuel Braganza, remains a mystery. As the year closes, Shuel is still missing, and the search for him continues, leaving many in the community feeling unsettled. I received a clip from my friend Charles, which sheds some light on Shuel’s last known whereabouts. Below is a screenshot from the clip, which keeps the mystery alive.

Despite the turbulence, Mount Abu also had a successful winter season. The cool breezes, mist-covered hills, and festive spirit brought in tourists to close the year on a positive note. 2016 was a year of highs and lows, but it reminded us of the strength of our community and the resilience of our town.

Here’s hoping 2017 brings brighter days, more growth, and answers to the questions that linger. Happy New Year from the heart of Mount Abu!

I have copied and pasted the English version of the paper.

Tourist’s Purse Found After One and a Half Months in Mount Abu Jungle

A mystery deepens in Mount Abu as authorities recently discovered the purse of a tourist missing since October 20, 2015, in a jungle area. The tourist, who disappeared nearly two months ago, was last seen at the house of Shuel Beaganza, a resident of Pune, during his visit to Mount Abu.

Following his disappearance, local authorities, along with the police, CRPF, and a dog squad, searched the area extensively, but their efforts failed to locate the tourist. On Wednesday, December 25, 2015, a group of woodcutters stumbled upon the missing tourist’s purse while gathering wood in the forest near a hotel in the Aarna village area, on the Abu Road to Mount Abu route. The woodcutters promptly handed the purse over to the police.

Mount Abu Police Station CI Sajjan Singh confirmed that the purse was indeed found in the forest, but there is still no trace of the tourist. The discovery of the purse in a location opposite to where the tourist was originally reported missing—near Plummy—only adds to the mystery of his disappearance. Investigations are ongoing, and authorities hope to uncover more information in the coming days.

As I reflect on this strange turn of events, I can’t help but wonder where Shuel might be. I sincerely hope they find him soon and solve this puzzle for the sake of his loved ones and the Mount Abu community.