Latest news with #Rajasthani
Time of India
13 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Despite rain, Budhi Teej procession a big draw
1 2 3 4 Jaipur: Despite heavy rainfall, Jaipur witnessed the traditional Budhi Teej procession in all its cultural glory Monday. The rain only added to the charm of this age-old celebration, as locals and tourists alike turned out in large numbers, braving the weather to witness the royal spectacle. The procession began from Tripolia Gate at the City Palace, with folk artists performing. 'Gama Pehelwan' led the way atop a caparisoned elephant, proudly carrying the five-coloured flag. Behind him followed a traditional cannon cart drawn by bulls and camel-mounted armed guards, reviving the regal aura of Rajasthan's royal past. Dressed in traditional attire, women visited temples throughout the day, singing folk songs and performing rituals, their devotion unshaken by the showers. The two-day festival vividly showcased Rajasthani folk traditions, customs, and arts. Dances like Kalbeliya, Ghoomar, and Kachhi Ghodi, along with the beats of shehnai and nagada, became major attractions not just for locals but for domestic and international tourists as well. Due to rain, the Teej Mata idol was covered in plastic during the procession. Still, the crowd remained undeterred, some with umbrellas, others shielding themselves with plastic sheets.
Indian Express
14 hours ago
- Indian Express
Ex-bar dancer poses as business analyst on dating app to extort Rs 2 lakh from Bengaluru techie, arrested with 5 men
A Bengaluru software professional was allegedly defrauded out of Rs 2 lakh by an extortionist gang after he visited a woman he had met on a dating app, the police said on Monday while announcing the arrests of six people including the woman, a former bar dancer, in connection with the incident. The Yelahanka police identified the accused as Sangeeta Sahni, 36, Sharanabasappa Baliger, 50, Raju Maane, 34, Abhishek, 19, Beerabal Majjagi, 21, and Shyam Sundar Pande, 20, adding that Baliger, the prime suspect, has prior involvement in a similar case registered by the Puttenahalli police. The victim is a 41-year-old software professional employed by a prominent Mahadevapura firm. Originally from Telangana, he has lived in Bengaluru for 15 years. According to the police, it began when the man downloaded a dating application and matched with someone calling herself 'Rakhi', who claimed to be a business analyst from Bengaluru with Rajasthani roots. After establishing rapport through online conversations, she allegedly invited him to meet at a Starbucks outlet in a Yelahanka mall on July 18. Following their coffee meeting, the woman invited the techie to her residence in Ramagondanahalli village—a property allegedly rented for criminal activities. Once there, she offered him alcohol, which he accepted, according to the police. A police officer said, 'A few minutes later, four men arrived, with the woman claiming that one was her landlord. They accused the victim of drug consumption and produced sachets containing white powder—actually baking soda planted beforehand—from the woman's vanity bag as evidence.' The woman locked herself in the bathroom, crying that her life had been ruined. The four men then began negotiations to extort money from the techie, according to the police. Initially demanding Rs 15 lakh, they eventually settled for Rs 2 lakh, which he immediately transferred, the police said. After discussing the incident with friends, the techie approached the police on July 21, following which they registered a case against the accused. A police officer said the backgrounds of other suspects were being verified.
Hindustan Times
18 hours ago
- Hindustan Times
Udaipur in the monsoon: A travel guide with Club Mahindra stay
If you think Rajasthan is all desert and dry heat, think again. Udaipur in monsoon flips the script completely. Lush hills, overflowing lakes, and palaces shrouded in clouds, this is Rajasthan like you've never seen it before. And when you're soaking in all that beauty, consider staying at the Club Mahindra Resort. Udaipur in the monsoon: Lush landscapes and serenity await Udaipur in Monsoon Monsoon transforms Udaipur from a royal city into a romantic escape. Rain washes over the Aravalli hills, filling up Fateh Sagar Lake and Pichola with sparkling water. The city's many palaces and havelis take on a mystical glow. And the best part? The crowds thin out, the weather cools down, and the city takes on a more intimate charm. If your idea of paradise includes stormy skies, cool breezes, and dramatic landscapes, then July to September peak monsoon is when Udaipur truly shines. Top Places to Visit During the Monsoon Lake Pichola : Take a boat ride just before sunset. The rains turn the lake into a mirror reflecting the City Palace and Jag Mandir. : Take a boat ride just before sunset. The rains turn the lake into a mirror reflecting the City Palace and Jag Mandir. Sajjangarh Monsoon Palace : Perched on a hill, it offers panoramic views of Udaipur drenched in rain. : Perched on a hill, it offers panoramic views of Udaipur drenched in rain. Fateh Sagar Lake : A favourite among locals, this lake comes alive in the monsoon with food stalls, camel rides, and the occasional rainbow. : A favourite among locals, this lake comes alive in the monsoon with food stalls, camel rides, and the occasional rainbow. Saheliyon Ki Bari: A beautifully maintained garden that becomes even more vibrant during the rains. Why Stay at the Club Mahindra Resort There are many resorts in Udaipur, but Club Mahindra Udaipur stands out for its balance of luxury, location, and experience. Nestled away from the bustle yet close enough to the city's main attractions, the resort offers a tranquil stay with breathtaking views. Club Mahindra Review The Udaipur Club Mahindra Resort is designed like a heritage haveli, complete with jharokhas, courtyards, and traditional Rajasthani decor. But it's not just about looks. Here's what makes it stand out: Spacious Rooms : Big windows open to views of rain-washed gardens or distant hills. : Big windows open to views of rain-washed gardens or distant hills. Cultural Activities : Puppet shows, Rajasthani folk music, and cooking classes keep the vibe immersive. : Puppet shows, Rajasthani folk music, and cooking classes keep the vibe immersive. Wellness Options : Monsoon and spa go hand-in-hand. The in-house spa offers Ayurvedic treatments that are perfect for the season. : Monsoon and spa go hand-in-hand. The in-house spa offers Ayurvedic treatments that are perfect for the season. Family Friendly: Tons of activities for kids, making it a great pick for families. Club Mahindra Membership If you and your family love to travel, then a Club Mahindra membership">Club Mahindra membership can unlock a lot of value. With access to over 140 resorts across India and abroad, including top resorts in Rajasthan, the membership makes planning family vacations easier and more economical in the long run. It's a bit of an investment, but if you use it consistently, especially in peak seasons when hotel prices soar, it pays for itself within a few vacations. Travel Tips for Udaipur in Monsoon Pack Smart : Umbrellas, waterproof shoes, and light jackets are musts. : Umbrellas, waterproof shoes, and light jackets are musts. Plan for Flexibility : Rains can be unpredictable. Keep your schedule open for spontaneous adventures. : Rains can be unpredictable. Keep your schedule open for spontaneous adventures. Local Food : Try hot kachoris, masala chai, and dal baati churma when the weather gets chilly. : Try hot kachoris, masala chai, and dal baati churma when the weather gets chilly. Photo Ops: Carry a good camera. The city's rain-drenched architecture is ridiculously photogenic. Final Thoughts Udaipur in monsoon isn't just a trip, it's an experience. The city slows down, the air smells of wet earth and spices, and the entire landscape feels cinematic. Whether you're a couple chasing romance, a family looking for quality time, or a solo traveller seeking peace, this city in the rain offers something rare: serenity without silence, beauty without effort. So, pack your bags and get ready to fall in love with a side of Rajasthan most people miss. Trust us, you'll never look at monsoon the same way again. Note to the Reader: This article is part of Hindustan Times' promotional consumer connect initiative and is independently created by the brand. Hindustan Times assumes no editorial responsibility for the content.
Deccan Herald
a day ago
- Deccan Herald
July 28, 2025: Best photos from around the world
A Rajasthani folk artist during a traditional procession on the occasion of 'Teej' festival, in Jaipur Credit: PTI Photo Narmada river after authorities released water from the Bargi dam following monsoon rains, in Jabalpur district, Madhya Pradesh Credit: PTI Photo People participate in a bull race at a paddy field, in South 24 Parganas, West Bengal Credit: PTI Photo A Red-collared lorikeet sits on the finger of a visitor during the All Breeds Open Dog Show, in Thiruvananthapuram Credit: PTI Photo A drone view shows the Cathedral of Brasilia, designed by Brazilian architect Oscar Niemeyer, illuminated at night, in Brasilia, Brazil Credit: Reuters Photo
NDTV
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- NDTV
Ever Tried Garlic In A Dessert? Here's How To Make Rajasthani-Style Garlic Halwa
As a foodie, is there any ingredient that, as far as you can remember, you have always felt drawn to? Not a dish, but an element or flavour that you find yourself craving, find yourself adding to food - sometimes inexplicably, sometimes obsessively? For me, it has always been garlic. I have fond memories as a kid of sitting by my mother as she peeled garlic bulbs and sneaking a few cloves to eat raw. Relatives would joke that the habit gave me super-immunity. I grew up to become a garlic bread fanatic as a teen, and an unapologetic aglio e olio admirer as an adult. Strong, undeniable, versatile... it is the flavour of garlic that has perfumed many of my foodie memories over the years - including a recent one that has inspired this article. A few weeks ago, I attended a culinary showcase titled 'Laapi Chokha' at Maya, Trident Bandra Kurla, Mumbai. Helmed by Chefs Sangeeta Dhar and Vimal Dhar, it spotlighted traditional delicacies from Mewar and Marwar. I had the opportunity to discover a range of lesser-known Rajasthani dishes, which delighted me with their aromatic intricacies. The one that surprised me the most arrived at the end. It was garlic in a form I had never encountered before - as a key part of a dessert. Staunch garlic lover that I am, I admit to being rather dubious when I first heard that we were going to be served a "garlic halwa." But all it took was two small spoons to win me over. I have been singing praises of this Rajasthani-style lehsun (garlic) ka halwa ever since. I was curious to know more about this unique dessert, and the passionate chefs obligingly shared some insights into its origins and preparation: History Of Garlic Halwa According to Chef Sangeeta Dhar, the Nawabs of Arcot from the Tamil Nadu region were the first to make and popularise a halwa made with garlic. This was during the 18th century. The chef explained, "This sweet treat came to be known as 'Nawabi Halwa' and was traditionally prepared during festivals and special celebrations. Over time, it became a beloved dessert across southern India and gradually spread to other parts of the country, often taking on regional variations. Eventually, it was also adopted into the royal kitchens of Rajasthan and other princely states, becoming part of their refined culinary traditions." What Makes Garlic Halwa Unique? Savoury desserts are no longer a novel concept for most of us. You may already be familiar with Indian treats like mirchi ka halwa and international examples like olive oil cakes. But garlic halwa seems to me to be a class apart. It has a flavour that is sharp yet sweet, subtle yet undeniable. This dessert takes something famously pungent and turns it into the star ingredient of a traditional pudding. The transformation seems fascinating. The ingenuity of it lies in the technique. Read the recipe below to understand it better. How To Make Garlic Halwa | Recipe For Rajasthani-Style Lehsun Ka Halwa (Recipe courtesy: Dr. Chef Sangeeta Dhar) Boil water in a deep pan. Add peeled garlic cloves along with 1/2 teaspoon of alum powder. Boil together for around 4-5 minutes. Drain the water and thoroughly rinse the garlic cloves and the pan. Repeat this boiling and rinsing process 6-8 times. Continue doing so until the strong, pungent aroma of garlic is significantly reduced or completely neutralised. After the final rinse, let the garlic cloves cool slightly. Grind them into a smooth paste while adding milk gradually. Set aside for later use. To start making the halwa, heat ghee in a heavy-bottomed kadhai. Add the garlic paste made earlier to the hot ghee. Cook it on a low flame. Stir the paste continuously until it turns golden brown and aromatic. Gradually add the milk to the kadhai and continue stirring frequently. Once the mixture begins to thicken, add fresh khoya (mawa). Keep cooking until the mixture deepens in colour to a rich, dark brown. Stir in the sugar and continue cooking for another 6-8 minutes, or until the mixture begins to leave the sides of the pan and the ghee starts to separate. Add cardamom powder along with almond and pistachio flakes. Mix well to combine. Enjoy the garlic halwa hot. For the exact ingredient quantities and complete recipe for Rajasthani lehsun halwa, click here. How Long Can You Store Garlic Halwa Made At Home? The lehsun ka halwa needs to be stored in an airtight container in the fridge. Chef Sangeeta advises against storage beyond a week. She points out, "The strong aroma and natural oils in garlic tend to intensify over time, which affects both flavour and texture. For the best taste and nutritional benefits, it is recommended to consume garlic halwa fresh or within a few days of preparation." If you're a garlic lover like me or simply someone who wants to taste a unique type of dessert, this garlic halwa recipe is a must-try. Make it soon and let us know what you think of it!
