Mount Abu - "Paris in Abu"

Whose idea was it to put up the mini (I presume it’s the replica of the) Eiffel tower. What significant role does it play regarding Abu? The tower was built by Eiffel to celebrate the Centennial of the Revolution of 1789. France has always been the leading nation for revolution, new ideas the Renaissance of the western world. Yea it sure symbolizes France and is a huge tourist attraction there, but here?? Well I’m sure it would appease the French tourists visiting here or would it? Believe me they are real sticklers for perfection, I know I was there, open your mouth and speak to them in English in their own country they’ll ignore you like the plague. I’m sure the authorities could have come up with more innovative and brilliant ideas to represent this unique place of ours. Any way what can we Abuites say! The denoting party probably had a lot of spare material lying around and hence the birth and construction of the mini Eiffel tower came into effect. I’ve just taken a few snaps of the Paris that is being constructed on the main gateway to the Abu town. Will keep you posted as developments progress.
Today Abu is gearing up for the finals of the polo match being played on the Trevor’s Oval. The Two finalists playing today are the team from Umaid Bhavan palace and Mayo College boys. The closing ceremony will be graced by the chief minister Vasundhara Raje Scindia.

Mount Abu Second Day's Excitement Trevo's Oval Polo

Second Day's Excitement Trevo's Oval Polo Mount Abu

Second Day's Excitement Trevo's Oval Polo

Today, the team from Mayo College Ajmer played against the Abu team for the coveted Maharao Sirohi Polo Trophy. I watched the match till the time both teams had scored a goal Tourists and the public were all there to witness the match. The area around polo Grounds was humming with clusters of people from all walks of life. The periphery around the ground was crowded; throngs of tourists and residents were all over the place. They did not spare even trees and rooftops. The army band “The Sikh Regiment” with their special Bagpiper squad in their colourful attire was there to support the polo players.

My hats off to the organizing committee. They have done a superb job of pulling off this third anniversary for the revival of polo in Abu.

Second Day's Excitement Trevo's Oval Polo

Second Day's Excitement Trevo's Oval Polo

Second Day's Excitement Trevo's Oval Polo

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.