Mount Abu  Sandstorm, Hailstones & freezing rain

The sandstorm caught all Abuites off guard; it originated from the West at around 2:30 p.m. It reminded me of the setting of some horror movie. The powerful wind and the flying debris of leaves and litter heralded in the sandstorm on Friday, the 4th of April. The sky took on an orange hue and one could see the colossal dust cloud approaching; within minutes, the place gradually darkened. It looked like the end of the world was near. I ran out with my camera and with my back to the sandstorm took a small video of the eastern horizon, as can be seen from the video, the light filtering in between the valley soon got gradually extinguished as the dust engulfed everything in its path.
At the peak of the storm it began to thunder, there was lightning and then the heavens opened up and showered the place with hailstones. This was followed by freezing rain and a drastic fall in the temperature. Abu does have its share of sandstorms once in a way but this was exceptional. I wonder if this is the harbinger of global warming.

Mount Abu The King of Games Polo

Experience the Pavilion's Glorious Heritage: Uncovering the Legend Behind the Hallowed Ground

The Pavilion as depicted on an ancient postcard

Travel back in time with an old postcard that reveals the Pavilion's everlasting splendour. This historical gem, once known as Trevor's Oval, was a tribute to polo's grandeur, mirroring the history of colonial days. The grounds, filled with history, saw the best horses and showcased the talents of past Maharajas and the British elite.

The ghosts of the past persisted until 1932, when the fierce game of polo came to an abrupt halt, leaving an unexplained hole that history has yet to fill. My own memories from the early 1960s, on the other hand, provide a vivid image. As a young observer, I was awestruck by the passing out March parade of Indian Police Service cadets. The flawless horse manoeuvres and incredible horse-riding prowess never failed to fascinate those in attendance.

The horsemen's peg-sticking prowess was nothing short of incredible, displaying an unrivalled mix of agility and precision. The distinguished presence of Presidents and Vice Presidents as respected Chief Guests enhanced the ambience of this sacred land.

However, with the move of the Training Academy, the previously immaculately maintained grounds began to deteriorate. Rainwater caused areas of soggy soil, changing the once-holy ground into an overgrown, dismal expanse.

They repurposed the site for the summer festival in an effort to revitalise its role. Tents dotted the immaculate field, housing stores and makeshift amusement parks. The Air Force, as if mirroring the winds of change, now uses the site for helicopter landings, a dramatic shift from its polo-filled past.

However, a ray of optimism appears on the horizon. With the start of the "Maharao Sirohi Polo Cup" on April 10, 2008, there was a wave of thankfulness among Abu residents. This event commemorates the return of polo, paying homage to the Polo Oval's past and legacy. As Abuites, we extend a warm welcome to all guests, encouraging them to join us in the delightful spectacle of the upcoming matches.

With its rich history and renewed energy, the Pavilion serves as a tribute to the enduring heritage of the past and the optimistic resuscitation of a beloved athletic institution.

Mount Abu" The Doggy Show That Went Down"

Abu gearing up for a dog show 

Anticipating the Abu Dog Show: A Bittersweet Twist

I was over the moon when a dear friend told me about an upcoming dog show in early May. His Highness of Sirohi was sponsoring the event, and my good friend, Thakur Devi Singh of Bera, was to be one of the chief judges. It promised to be an exciting gathering of dog enthusiasts, and I was eager to see it unfold.

 But imagine my disappointment when Mr Singh called me today with unfortunate news—the show had been called off because of a lack of entries. I couldn’t resist a joke, suggesting he should have invited my brother-in-law, a man whose love for dogs is legendary here in Abu. With five pedigree dogs indoors and eleven mongrels roaming his compound, he once had over seventeen dogs, nevertheless, the numbers have dwindled as some fell prey to Abu’s stealthiest predator, the panther.

 For the few of us dog lovers in Mount Abu, this event was something we had been looking forward to. It would have not solely been a delightful experience but also a great opportunity to put Abu on the map for something more than its natural beauty. It’s such a perfect setting for a dog show, with its cool, crisp air and scenic views.

 My own Basset Hound is reluctant to get into vehicles, and waits every morning for our routine walk to St. Mary’s High School and back—a jaunt she never tyres of. So, despite the show being postponed, I am still holding on to hope. After all, who knows? October could be the ideal time to reschedule, with tourists flocking to Abu and the weather turning even more agreeable. It might just be the perfect setting for a new beginning.

Mount Abu " Drinking Water Quality and Health"

" Drinking Water Quality and Health"

An adequate supply of safe drinking water is one of the major prerequisites for a healthy life.The importance of clean water and the link between putrid water is seen by the number of patients flocking to doctors. Abu was once a proud health resort,where the weary came to recoup. Today it's reeking!!!Contaminated water is recognized by its foetid smell and unpleasant taste. The quality of water over the last few weeks has been so bad that the one cannot even muster the courage to bring a glass of water to one's parched lips. The stench from the water is like that of some decayed animals remains.

"Access to safe water is a fundamental human need and, therefore, a basic human right. Contaminated water jeopardizes both the physical and social health of all people. It is an affront to human dignity"
Kofi Annan, United Nations Secretary-General
We the people of Mount Abu strongly urge the honorable members of the Abu Municipality and the councilors of all wards,to take immediate action to resolve the drinking water crisis of Mount Abu before a major epidemic breaks out because of lax attitude by the very people at the helm.
Another issue that needs immediate attention is the lifeline of Abu the Nakki Lake. The smell from Nakki Lake hits you even before it comes in sight. A floating carpet of green algae and a dense matting of weeds, chemicals covers the inflow into the lake behind the mosque.the squatters probably caused this settled behind the mosque of the fresh-water lake whose beauty has inspired generations of poets.
Nowhere is the abject failure of Abu Municipality environmental policies more visible than in Nakki lake the lifeline of the people of Abu .There are virtually no clean-up operations done on the Lake. If any grants have been passed for the cleansing of the lake, there is nothing to show for it. The lake is dirtier than ever.
"In the past three years the condition of the lake has gone from bad to worse. I strongly urge the Authorities to go down to the lake and see for themselves the condition of the lake. Here is a photograph taken by me while strolling around the lake

The appalling state of the lake water

Greetings from Mount Abu!

“Maharao Sirohi Polo Cup”.Mt Abu.

Greetings from Mount Abu!

Visitors planning to visit Abu in April around the second week of April would get to see the third edition of the revival of Polo at Mount Abu.
From the 10th of April, the games will commence for the “Maharao Sirohi Polo Cup”. Tourists interested in further details could contact the Hon. Secretary Dr.Sharma for any additional information.
E-mail: aksamip@dil.in