Mount Abu Renaming Controversy: A Brewing Debate

  Mount Abu Renaming Controversy: What’s at Stake?

Mount Abu City and Nakki Lake

Nestled in the Aravalli Range, Mount Abu—Rajasthan’s one and only hill station—is the focus of intense dispute. The state government’s proposal to rename it “Abu Raj Tirth,” coupled with discussions of banning alcohol and non-vegetarian food, has sparked protests among those in the tourism sector. Critics raise concerns about the political agenda driving the move, emphasising its economic and social ramifications.

Historically known as Arbuda or Arbudaranya, Mount Abu is steeped in legend and spirituality. The new name emphasises its religious identity, referencing ancient temples and pilgrimage significance. However, locals fear the shift could alienate the region’s diverse tourist base.

Tourism drives Mount Abu’s economy, supporting 15,000 livelihoods and drawing 5,000–6,000 visitors daily. Renaming, along with lifestyle restrictions, could deter leisure tourists, risking a sharp economic downturn for the community.

This controversy underscores the delicate balance between preserving cultural heritage and sustaining livelihoods in a tourism-reliant region.

Timing the proposal, with elections on the horizon, suggests political motivations aimed at appealing to specific voter bases. A name change may enhance cultural identity, however, it risks transforming Mount Abu from a well-loved hill station to a religious site only, potentially damaging its tourism-dependent economy.

The government faces a critical decision: balance political goals with the livelihood and cultural identity of Mount Abu. 

Winter Festival Sharad Mahotsav 2024 in Mount Abu:

 Mount Abu’s Cultural Extravaganza: Winter Festival.

Invitation Winter Festival Mount Abu

Per Kind favour Saurabh Gangadia

Mount Abu panoramic view 

Mount Abu  snapped from Gurushikar 

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        PLEASE NOTE:

Winter Festival Sharad Mahotsav 2024 in Mount Abu HAS BEEN CALLED OFF! AS OF TODAY!

Join us for a cultural winter celebration.

Looking for the perfect way to celebrate the holiday season? Experience the charm of Mount Abu, Rajasthan’s hill station, at the Sharad Mahotsav 2024 Winter Festival; a captivating blend of culture, nature, and festive spirit. 

**Mount Abu: Your ideal winter destination. Here’s why.** 

Nestled in the heart of Rajasthan, Mount Abu offers an idyllic retreat from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. With crisp, frosty weather, this lone hill station in the desert makes for a magical end-of-year winter wonderland holiday. Forecasts for this season predict a cold week in the lead-up to New Year, making it perfect for cosy celebrations set against a backdrop of serene lakes and abundant greenery. 

**The Winter Festival: A Spectacle of Culture and Joy** 

Mark your calendar—**December 29, 2024,** marks starting the much-anticipated Winter Festival in Mount Abu. Get ready for a grand celebration showcasing the diverse cultures of Rajasthan and beyond, including:

 **Mesmerizing Performances**: Talented musicians and dancers nationwide will take centre stage, clad in stunning traditional attire and accessories. Picture the soulful strains of the shehnai welcoming you as you immerse yourself in the rhythm of folk dances and melodies. 

 **A Feast for the Senses**: Indulge in the rich flavours of Rajasthani cuisine and explore stalls featuring local handicrafts, offering the perfect mementoes to take home. 

The festival boasts family-friendly fun, with cultural displays and engaging activities for all ages. 

**Mount Abu: More Than a Festival**

Beyond the festival, Mount Abu itself is a treasure trove of natural beauty and cultural heritage. Visit: 

**Guru Shikhar**, the highest point in Rajasthan, offers panoramic views of the Aravalli range. 

 ** The tranquil **Nakki Lake**, perfect for a leisurely boat ride. 

The awe-inspiring **Dilwara Temples**, a testament to exquisite marble craftsmanship. 

**A Chilly Welcome to the New Year** 

Whether you’re dancing to folk tunes under the stars, savouring warm delicacies, or soaking in the serene winter atmosphere, Mount Abu’s Winter Festival is the perfect way to end 2024 and welcome 2025. 

Don’t miss this opportunity to create magical memories—head to Mount Abu and let the Winter Festival Sharad Mahotsav be your gateway to the holiday season. 

Daily Events from 29 to 31 Dec 2024

Winter Festival Programme

Per Kind favour Saurabh Gangadia

The organizers will host the main events of the Winter Festival at the.

POLO GROUND

Polo Grounds snapped via Google Earth.

Before I wind off my post I wish all my viewers Compliments of the season and Cheers to the New Year.

HAPPY NEW YEAR FOLKS 
WISH YOU A STRESS-FREE AND HEALTHY YEAR,.

The Neglected Lake of Mount Abu: A Cry for Help

Exploring the Enchanting Nakki Lake: A Jewel of Mount Abu.

Nakki Lake Mount Abu.
Photo per kind favour Harry(Harnam)

Nakki Lake when neglected 

Oh, the lake of Mount Abu, once pristine and blue, now murky and green, is a sad sight to be seen. Tourists flock to its shore, but do they see it anymore? Dumping their trash without a care, they cannot spare the lake's beauty. Oh, the lake of Mount Abu, once a jewel in the view, is now a victim of neglect. It is the fate we must resurrect. Let us join hands and make a vow to save this lake, starting now, by cleaning up after ourselves, and taking care of its waters and shelves. Oh, the lake of Mount Abu, may it shine again anew, a place of peace and beauty, for all to enjoy.

Mount Abu, a tranquil hill station in Rajasthan, India, is well-known for its natural beauty and serene settings. Over the past ten years, the town has turned into a thriving tourist hub, with diverse hotels, guesthouses, and cafes appearing to accommodate the influx of visitors. Unfortunately, the town's most famous feature, Nakki Lake, has suffered because of the inflow of tourists.

The Gracia tribe considers Nakki Lake in Mount Abu sacred. They gather there during their festival in April or May to honour their ancestors. The lake also holds a particular place in the hearts of the Abuites, who have grown up visiting it, feeding the ducks and admiring the scenery. Unfortunately, the lake has fallen into neglect, and its condition is poor.

The once beautiful lake, which drew poets, hikers, and lovelorn couples, now reflects neglect. Rubbish and filth surround the lake, and the water is dark and sluggish. The lake's suffering has had little influence on the local Abuites or local officials, who appear to have turned a blind eye to its misery.

Mount Abu's water supply is exclusively dependent on the smaller Khodra dam, while the upper Khodra dam is nearly inoperable. Mount Abu relies on the water from Nakki Lake throughout the summer and during times of scarcity. Even after passing through the filter house, this polluted water remains a serious source of worry.

They must save as soon this gorgeous lake as possible. They must provide permanent remedies, as well as heavy penalties for anybody who pollutes the environment of this location. Building little parks and beautifying the lake will not alleviate the problem of lake water quality. To maintain the lake clean, strict laws must be established for both visitors and residents.

Aside from that, it is important to educate local inhabitants on the significance of protecting the lake's environment. We must educate residents on the need to protect water quality and the negative consequences of contaminating the lake. They can accomplish this through education and awareness efforts.

To summarise, the Mount Abu water crisis is a severe issue that demands an immediate response from all parties. Both Abuites and tourists need to conserve the lake's surroundings and preserve its natural riches. If we work together and take proactive steps to protect the environment and conserve water, we can ensure a prosperous and sustainable future for Mount Abu.

Selfie point I love Mount Photo per kind favour Harry(Harnam)

Boating on the Nakki Lake Photo per kind favour Harry(Harnam)

Garbage in the lake Photo per kind favour Harry(Harnam)

Nakki Lake at sunset
Photo per kind favour Harry(Harnam)

Monsoons in Mount Abu [ 3/08/2022 ]

Monsoons in the Abode of Gods 

Orange sky at night tourist  delight

In the land of the Rajputs, water is one of the biggest problems. Mount Abu, which is known as the oasis of Rajasthan and the abode of gods, also depends on the monsoon season. During June, we received a few welcome showers. These showers were a blessing to the parched forest that had seen forest fires. Suddenly, the arid forest appeared as if it were a garden of Aden after these showers. The forest fires would now be put on hold until next summer. I, for one, breathed a sigh of relief.

Our monsoon started on July 1st of 2022, so it blessed Abu with rain every day throughout July. This heralded the start of our monsoon 10 to 15 days in advance. The fog fell like it was from the sixties, lowering clouds kissing the canopy of the now green forest, gurgling streams, waterfalls, misty showers, and sometimes even pelting rain. The mountain heaves a sigh of relief this year. 

According to the information below, Abu has been given its annual quota of water. The bodies of water in Abu are full, reassuring us that there is enough water to last until the monsoon season.

Gauge Report Mount Abu

Dated 2-8-2022 Tuesday

☔️Rainfall= 22 mm

🌧Total Rainfall = 42 inches

Lower Kodra Dam=  58'/59'

(1153.53/1188ML)

Lower khodra Dam an inch to overflow 3 Aug 2022
per kind favour Crescentia teacher St Mary's school 

Upper kodra Dam=28'/33'

(302.4/414ML)

NAKKI LAKE=12.25/12.25Mtr

(1215/1215ML)

They have predicted that August will receive a higher-than-average amount of rainfall this year. Monsoon is one month when Gujaratis flock to their favourite watering holes in droves. With occasional downpours to heavy showers, the monsoon is enticing. Mountainous greenery, overflowing streams, and gushing waterfalls are all major attractions of the year. It is the season of joy in our abode during the monsoon, as tourists from all over India flock here.

I advise those travelling this way to make their reservations well in advance, as Abu will be flooded by 15 August 2022 with tourists scrambling for hotels and rooms.

Abuites are praying for a respite from this gloomy spell of non-sunny days so that they can once again enjoy the sunshine.

Mount Abu city roads in Shambles. [ 15/03/2022 ]

 The pathetic state of Mount Abu roads.

Mount Abu city roads are in Shambles
Photographs per kind favour Jennifer

When RUIDP was given the task of constructing the sewage system in Mount Abu, the condition of the city's road network, which had been declining for some time, became much worse. The incompetence of the government and the commercial telecom sector, which has resulted in haphazard road excavations that seriously jeopardise Abu's fragile ecology, has made the problem worse. The condition of their roadways, which seem to be in a continual state of chaos, appalled residents of Abu, despite ambitions to turn the city into a classy one.

The excavation of all the city's roads has left behind big holes, craters, and loose gravel that is especially dangerous for two-wheelers. the constant rock blasting interrupts everyday life and frequently results in traffic congestion, particularly on weekends when the city draws a sizable number of tourists.

When worried locals voice their displeasure about the frequent digging of their streets, they are told that it's a necessary component of a smart city initiative. A lot of locals doubtfully wonder if a new village is being built, which calls into question the effectiveness of the smart city project.

Potholes and patches abound on the roadways, making daily living difficult for locals like traversing a battlefield. Even if the Abu government is committed to creating a "SMART CITY," the roads are in poor shape because of the influence of state and private contractors, which changes less likely. There are still questions regarding these projects' viability and profitability, and locals worry that they could end up being ghost projects. The previously bright silver line in the distance now seems blemished, casting doubt on the durability and significance of the city's development projects.

Nakki Lake as of today
Photographs per kind favour of Harnam.

MOUNT ABU RAODS 25 March 2022 
Per kind favour Jennifer 

Tourist thronging in Hills Spark Fears of 3rd Wave Mount Abu [ 08/07/2021 [

 Following relaxations by the Rajasthan Govt, tourists make a beeline to Mount Abu.

Welcome to the Abode of Gods

.

MOUNT ABU GOOGLE WORLD

Scenic points to visit

Mount Abu is a popular weekend spot for tourists from Gujarat. With a drop in the number of cases, and the unlock put into effect last month, the tourist rush to this oasis has gone through the roof! Throughout the week, hordes of tourists drove up to visit Abu, with an estimate of over 65000 people visiting on an average weekend getaway. 

The road leading up to Mount Abu sees impatient traffic jams because of the overwhelming number of vehicles. They also made it victim to mass litter with empty beer bottles, plastic water bottles, empty snack packaging, and other grim litter associated with irresponsible tourism. With the growing waste attributed to the tourism industry, they have not left Mount Abu undefiled. All this adds to the strain on wildlife and the environment. 

What about the principal scientific advisor to the prime minister, who clearly stated that a third wave is inevitable and that the exact time of its advent cannot be FORECAST? Although the Government has called on the population, at large, to follow the pandemic protocol strictly, there is such a universal indifference to laws and regulations in that regard. 

The thousands of tourists in Mount Abu flout all mandatory safety precautions daily. It mostly comes across as unruly children let loose in the wild. The lessons learnt from the devastating second wave, only a short while ago, which caused untold panic throughout the country, seem to have faded away, leaving an ideal ground for the virus to raise its head once again.

Can we prevent the #ThirdWave with such insolence?

Will our vaccinations be effective against new variant strains?

Like all other hill stations that depend on tourism, will Abu survive another onslaught of lockdowns?

We require tourism, but while the industry creates the problems, it also needs to provide solutions. There is an immediate need to preserve what we have in this gracious oasis of ours. We cannot let tourism thrive at the cost of disturbing the fragile ecological balance. There has to be a way of bringing a collective consciousness into play. 

A campaign in July 2019, Clean up Nakki Lake (under Ravindra Goswami, the sub-divisional magistrate), yielded over 10 to 12 tons of garbage. Can one believe that guests visiting this beautiful lake would be so uncaring for the environment that they would make it the graveyard of beer bottles? They also hoisted four trolleys of discarded beer bottles out from the lake. I’m making this point only because the other day I visited Mini Nikki Lane and the Lower Khodra dam and witnessed this menace first-hand. There were beer bottles thrown all around; many even pitched into the water. I would also like to mention a recent video that circulated, which showed the deplorable condition of the Polo Grounds. In the video, I saw large numbers of vehicles parked, and tourists were thoughtlessly littering the ground with beer bottles and other trash items. I have linked the same at the end of this blog. 

There is a constant threat of automobile pollution, jammed roads, not designed to accommodate such vehicle inflow, rampant littering of non-biodegradable material, and plastic waste too. With these looming problems, there is an impending threat in terms of local resources too, especially water. Regular monitoring of the few water bodies we have here is necessary, and the Administration should contemplate imposing penalties for polluting them. To stop the dumping of beer bottles in our town and its environment, we need strict laws.

If we address these concerns one at a time, perhaps in the coming years we will still have something for these visitors to see and appreciate.

Mount Abu Polo Grounds is a pathetic state 

Personal Memories of Polo Grounds

Mount Abu Datda Sea World

Datda Sea World hyped up the largest aquarium in India

Opposite Lake Palace Nakki Lake

Datda Sea World

The aquarium 

Angle fish

Angle fish

Cluster fish

      

Exotic Fish

Redcap Lionshead,

Piranha

Sea Shells from around the world

A junior staff member

Incomparable Beauties

Water snails

Datda Sea World owned by Jalam Singh Rathore, accompanied me around the museum when I went to visit it last Saturday. It extremely disappointed me to see it set up as it’s still in its infancy. To make it publically viable, he should have first completed the said project and only then opened it to the tourists. I’m sure people’s expectations of this hyped-up largest aquarium in India did not meet the approval of many a visitor.

Mr Rathore was very enthusiastic about the project. He said a lot had to be done but because of public pressure; he had to open the place prematurely. Mr Rathore plans to have exotic varieties of all kinds of fish that would enthral the tourists. He boasts of the largest collection of seashells, around 10,000 from all parts of the world. The Seashell Museum is impressive, but a lot of effort still has to go into making it presentable. I’m sure Mr Rathore will have his work cut out, as running a successful aquarium as large as this one would require a team of experts and dedicated people. Already they have suffered a loss of around Rs 3 lakhs, with fish not being able to survive the change in environment.

They imported the bulk of their fish from Singapore. The fish are first sent to Calcutta and from there immediately to Udaipur, where they are housed and treated for a few days to recover from their jet lag. From Udaipur, it transported them to Abu. The aquarium will have both varieties of fish, freshwater and seawater fish on display. In the Datda Sea World, visitors will get to see different varieties of fish and other underwater creatures. If merely looking at them does not satisfy a visitor’s curiosity, they could try scuba diving in an 80-foot aquarium being specially built for this purpose. A small auditorium is being prepared next to the aquarium where visitors can view short documentary films on marine life, and discuss the various aspects of fish life in different parts of the world.å

I’m sure on its completion it will be a big thrill for tourists visiting this abode of the gods.

Monsoons in the Abode of Gods.[ 07/09/2020 ]

 Monsoons Mount Abu in the year of the Pandemic 2020.

Paddy Bridge

This year, we had a few showers in lengthy intervals during July. They recorded only 6 inches of rain. August, the rainfall was erratic, and we had most of our rainfall at the fag end of the month. We observe an increase in climate change every year. Rainfall has become more variable, extreme, and catastrophic. We are now into the first week of September and yesterday the rain gods took it upon themselves to rain down cats and dogs. The torrential downpour for an hour and 30 minutes flooded not only our streams but the roads and all our water bodies, our two dams Lower Khodra and Upper Khodra dam the Nakki Lake overflowed, sending cascades of water down the hillsides. 

The met report now states our retreating monsoons are in play. Guess we will see a few thunderstorms before it finally peters out.

The tourists who were descending and those climbing the hill were in awe of the spectacle they witnessed. I’m posting a few pictures sent to me via WhatsApp about the events of yesterday.

Paddy Bridge

Tourists



Below are videos sent to me per kind favour Ms Trina.

Trina on the dam 

Per kind favour Ms Trina 

Mount Abu 6 Sept 2020

Received vis WhatsApp

Oh to be in Abu when the Frost is here.[ 17/12/2019 ]

WELCOME TO A COLD AND FROSTY MT ABU

Mount Abu Temperature at 6.45 am

 Embracing Mount Abu’s Chilly Charm

A cold spell, with the temperature at a brisk 1°C, had descended upon Mount Abu’s picturesque landscape by 6:45 a.m. A breathtaking sight greeted Abuites this morning—fields frosted over, a sparkling sign that winter has arrived. It’s the scene that draws winter lovers from near and far, offering a magical atmosphere that’s hard to resist.

The temperature dip has already attracted visitors from Gujarat, eager to experience the hill station’s signature chill. Mount Abu is bracing for a tourist boom as the holiday season, encompassing Christmas and New Year’s, approaches. Expect increased competition for lodging as visitors converge on this charming spot to embrace the winter atmosphere.

Adding to the festive charm, Nakki Lake has introduced a new “I LOVE MT ABU” selfie spot, a fun and vibrant addition to the area’s attractions this year. The upcoming Mount Abu Winter Celebrations, set to kick off on December 29th, promise to light up the hill station with performances from artists all over the country. As part of the celebrations, organizers will turn the streets of Abu into a sparkling wonderland, creating a cheerful ambiance for all to enjoy.

In my next post, I’ll share a detailed guide to the Winter Celebrations, so you won’t miss out on this exciting event!

For now, I’m off to bask in the winter sun and capture some moments of my feathered friends. Stay tuned for more updates, and let’s continue to explore the frosty beauty of Mount Abu together!

Monsoon update 9 August 2019 Mount Abu

Mount Abu is glad the rain gods have smiled down on the Abode.

First Monsoon for Macy watching the rising water

Water gushing down our main valley (snap via WhatsApp)

The video received per kind favour Raman 

Yesterday all evening, there was a buildup of heavy clouds. Late at night, it began raining and by early morning it poured. Streams of Abu began gushing, and the waterfall was a delight to see. The much-awaited nectar of life brought relief to the Abuites, and the trees swayed, beckoning the falling rain. 

Gauge Report Mount Abu 09.08.19, Friday.

🌧 Rain Fall = 5.4 inches.

🌧 Total Rain Fall = 37.7 inches

Just received some snaps via per favour, Ms Trina from the school.

Level Lower Kodra Dam 42 feet 

The dam picture was sent by Ms Trina.

Update water levels 11 August 2019. Abu

Per favour Raman 

Gauge Report Mount Abu 11.08.19, Sunday.

Rainfall = 3 inches

Total Rainfall = 42.2 inches

LK Dam = 44'6"/ 59'

UK Dam = 19'/ 33

Nakki Lake =10.50/12.25M

14 AUGUST 2019

14 AUGUST 2019
Gauge Report Mount Abu 15.08.19, Thursday
Rain Fall= 1.1 inch.
Total Rain Fall=45.1 inch
Upper KodraDam=21'5"/33'
Lower Kodra Dam=47'/59'
Nakki Lake=10.72/12.25M


15 Aug 2019

Gauge Report Mount Abu 16.08.19, Friday.
Rain Fall= 4.7 inches.
Total Rain Fall=49.8 inch
Shaileshabu