Visit of Dr. Shashi Tharoor to Udaipur
Author, humanitarian, peacekeeper, columnist, former UN Under-Secretary General, now Minister of State for External Affairs, Govt of India. Dr. Shashi Tharoor visited Udaipur with his wife on 23rd December for a seven day holiday. Dr. and Mrs. Tharoor visited The City Palace Museum, Crystal Gallery and The Vintage and Classic Car Collection on the 26th December. After his visit he expressed delight that so much is being done to preserve the City Palace Museum. He said “I am proud that the Mewar Foundation is doing so much to preserve this invaluable legacy. The soul of the nation lies in its traditions and it is wonderful that Udaipur's traditions have been so magnificently preserved, restored and maintained”. On the 27th December they visited Jagmandir Island Palace where they met Mr. Lakshyaraj Singh Mewar of Udaipur and Ms. Padmaja Kumari Mewar of Udaipur before seeing the Mewar Sound and Light Show.

Dr. and Mrs. Shashi Tharoor entering the City Palace Museum with Mr. Bhupendra Singh Auwa

Dr. and Mrs. Shashi Tharoor
taking a ride on a Solar Rickshow
at Vintage and Classic Car Collection, Garden Hotel

Mr. Lakshyaraj Singh Mewar of Udaipur
greeting Dr. Shashi Tharoor
at Jagmandir Island Palace

Events of the month

Shriji's birthday celebrations
On the 13th December, Shriji Arvind Singh Mewar of Udaipur, 76th custodian of the House of Mewar celebrated his 65th birthday at Shambhu Niwas Palace in the City Palace Complex, Udaipur. In keeping with time-honoured traditions this stately function was attended by a cross section of society, which included family members, as well as staff from both the corporate and philanthropic divisions of Shriji's corporate enterprises. In celebrating another milestone, Shriji released the Palace Calendar for 2010. The birthday festivities began in the morning with Shriji receiving Aska (blessings) from the shrine of Shri Eklingji as well as blessings from other respected temple Pandits within the greater Udaipur region. Shriji then received greetings and nazarana from friends and relatives. Amongst those present were the Umraos and Thakurs of Mewar, eminent personalities of Udaipur, industrialists, administrative and police officials, journalists, advocates, several club officials and employees of the palace as well as visitors and tourists. Shriji was felicitated with fragrant bouquets of flowers, assorted gifts and cards. Shiv Niwas Palace presented Shriji with a cake in the form of a Peacock. Live music from the Palace band, shehnai and nagada, lent a serene ambience to this joyful occasion. All guests to the palace were treated to traditional refreshments. In the evening, the celebrations continued at the Zenana Mahal, The City Palace Complex with a ladies nazrana followed by cocktails. The Wadali brothers, Puranchand Wadali and Pyarelal Wadali gave qawalli performance. Celebrations concluded with a dinner for family and friends, hosted by Shriji, at the Zenana Mahal, The City Palace Complex.

Shriji Arvind Singh Mewar of Udaipur
receiving blessings from a priest
from the shrine of Shree Eklingnathji