Events of the month

Saturday 9th October,
HRH Group of hotels supports The American India Foundation at a fund raising event in San Francisco.

The American India Foundation held its Annual Bay Area Gala at The Palace Hotel, San Francisco. Organisers acknowledged the support provided by The HRH Group of Hotels for sponsoring 2 nights stay at both the Shiv Niwas Palace, Udaipur and Gajner Palace, Gajner at a live auction. Mr. Yashwant Sinh Jadeja, General Manager, Sales, USA represented HRH Group of Hotels at the event.

Headed by former President Bill Clinton, the AIF plays an ever-important role in bringing together Americans and Indians as active contributors to India's development. It aims to accelerate both social and economic progress in India by helping to improve education standards and the livelihood and public health in marginalized India. It has already invested in over 115 Indian non-governmental organizations since its inception in 2001.

Saturday 16th October,
Ashwa Poojan is celebrated at The Manek Chowk
The Ashwa Poojan ceremony was held at The Manek Chowk in The City Palace Complex, Udaipur. The highlight this year included a regal procession with Shriji Arvind Singh Mewar of Udaipur, 76th Custodian of the House of Mewar, arriving in a 1905 vintage 'English Royal Landau Six-in-Hand'. This royal carriage was purchased during the sovereignty of Maharana Fateh Singh ji (1884-1930) from Dykes & Co., Calcutta.

Shriji Arvind Singh Mewar of Udaipur
saluting the guard of honour

The horses, which took part in this year's ceremony, belong to the indigenous though internationally recognised 'Marwari' breed. The salient characteristics of this breed are that they are extremely sure footed on hard rocky terrain and equally at ease in the sands of the desert. Beside these versatile features, the Rajput warrior could go into battle day after day, mounted on their horses because of their extraordinary ability to rejuvenate themselves by an overnight rest and a simple sand bath. The horses which participated in this ceremony were selected and bred following the guidelines provided in the ancient text on horse breeding, the Salotar. A Salotar is an encyclopaedia, which encompasses all aspects relating to a horse including breeding, training, grooming, shoeing, veterinary cover.

The Navratri festival is celebrated over nine nights and culminates with Dussehra, an important festival for the Rajput warrior as he worships his horse and all his weapons on Dussehra. On the day before Dussehra, the Rajput celebrates his devoted and valiant steed, his most powerful symbol.