Jaipurites, we all have seen the City Palace from outside but has it intrigued you how would a walk around the home of the royals be like? Well, we decided to explore the sections of the charming palace and share it with you!

Jaipur narrates its history as a breathing capital of Rajasthan embraced by the illustrious patronage, culture, architecture, performing arts and craft. Founded in 1727 by Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh II, the new capital of Jaipur was unique for its urban planning & vision. With a perfect embodiment of the bygone era beautifully balancing with modern developments; magnificent palaces, special pink facades, vibrant markets, exquisite handicrafts, and colorful festivals, Jaipur continues to celebrate the splendor of its majestic past.

Poised in the middle of Jaipur, the world famous City Palace complex is an integral part of the walled city. Built by the Kachhwaha ruler of Amer – Jaipur, Sawai Jai Singh II, the 18th century Palace glorifies the magnificence of Jaipur’s heritage with its courtyards, gateways, temples and gardens. Characterized by a series of dedicated galleries and museums that offer a grand view of Jaipur’s flamboyant heritage, the City Palace Complex reflects the magnitude of its historical importance and monarchy. A site of living tradition, the City Palace continues to be the home and pride of Jaipur’s Royal Family. 

Take a walk around the opulent sections of the City Place with us!

1. The Mubarak Mahal is one of the last princely additions to the City Palace, and was completed in 1900. The magnificent double-storeyed building was used to welcome special guests to the royal palace. Islamic, Rajput and European elements of architecture and ornamentation have been assimilated in this building. Today it houses a splendid textile gallery, and some offices of the Museum.

2. The Sileh Khana building covers the story of the arms and armoury of the kingdom of Dhoondhar. Now a gallery, you can see a range of exquisite but deadly weapons, including swords, daggers, guns, and more on display here.
3. The Sabha Niwas, also known as the Diwan-e-Aam, is a Public Hall of Audience that has been used by successive Maharajas. The Durbar and important official ceremonies would take place here. This was also where His Highness Maharaja Sawai Mansingh II took oath as the first Raj Pramukh of the newly constituted State of Rajasthan in 1949.

4. The Sarvato Bhadra, an airy pavilion, open on all four sides, except for small rooms at each corner, is a Rajput architectural innovation. Several rituals and celebrations, including the Dussehra Pooja, and Makar Sankranti festival, happen in this courtyard. On display in the Sarvato Bhadra structure are the world’s largest silver urns, the Ganga-jalis. Maharaja Sawai Madho Singh the second took the Ganga-jalis with him to England in 1902, as a way to maintain his ritual purity, when he travelled across the seas to attend the coronation of King-Emperor Edward the seventh of Great Britain.

5. Pritam Niwas Chowk is the inner courtyard of the City Palace. It has four smaller gates, each themed around the four seasons and dedicated to a particular Hindu God.

Peacock Gate: The northeastern peacock gate represents autumn and has a small idol of Lord Vishnu on its lintel.

Lotus Gate: The southwestern gate is adorned with dramatic lotus petals and flower patterns. It represents summer and Lord Shiva.

Rose Gate: The winter season is showcased by this gate. Filled with repeating rose patterns, it is dedicated to Goddess Devi.

Leheriya Gate: The Leheriya (waves) gate is on the northwest side of the courtyard. It is green in color, indicating spring and dedicated to Lord Ganesha.

While exploring these landmarks, you will notice that many of their doorways are singular in character; be it the imposing gateways with intricate frescoes at the entrance or the smaller, nondescript doors inside the palaces. Each gate has a role to play and a story to tell. In City Palace, they reflect the influence of Mughal, European and Indian Shilpa Shastra styles.

6. Govind Dev Ji Temple is an epitome of pure devotion and exquisiteness. Surrounded by manicured gardens, spectacular chhatris and fountains, the marvelously textured temple is situated in the City Palace Complex.
Built-in 1735 by Maharaja Sawai Pratap Singh II, the temple is amongst the seven temples of Vrindavan Thakur, who is one of Lord Krishna’s forms, Govind Dev ji. Swarmed by a great number of devotees and tourists each day, the calming temple of Govind Dev Ji allows the visitors to witness its tranquil surroundings and experience its powerful aura.

Hope you enjoyed this royal walk around the City Palace Jaipur!

PS- Jaipur Beat is thankful to MSMS II Museum Trust for giving us the access and permission to photograph and also for each and every detail shared in this blog.

Grand venues, splendid gardens, rituals with a backdrop of a palace or fort, hundreds of dishes in numerous cuisines, and eye-popping trousseaus! Weddings in India are always known for putting up an extravagant show!

Unfortunately, it’s been almost 8 months that the coronavirus has turned our lives around in an unimagined way; social distancing is the new normal and the smashing royal weddings are now embracing intimate celebrations. But, rather than being gloomy about what it used to be in the past, read further as Jaipur Beat has discovered a royal wedding destination – Alsisar Mahal in the storybook town of Shekhawati. Located at a 4.5 hours drive from Jaipur,  Alsisar Mahal may put a rest to the quest of the couples who are chasing a silver lining for their wedding, in the current situation.

The 17^th Century Palace Hotel is like a thrust with imperial heritage, grandeur, and magnificence in Royal Rajasthan.

We, absolutely, understand that the couples are facing restrictions on the guest list, but this is also an opportunity to tie the knot in an intimate ceremony in the presence of your family and close relatives, without compromising on the grandness of the destination and wedding ceremonies.

With Alsisar Mahal’s special palatial wedding package you can make your dream destination wedding come true.

At Alsisar Mahal, weddings are very special with imperial ambiance and a variety of beautiful venues to offer within the 17th-century palace. They are offering marvelous décor and royal services for a cherished union.

With various magnificent venues for a gathering of a hundred guests, the splendid palace is the best destination to consummate a memorable wedding.

Their opulent and well-maintained rooms ensure that each guest experiences the royalty of Rajasthan.

The couple and their guests can feel the versatility in wedding events with mehandi and brunches at the garden area and complete their nuptials and host Reception in the grand hall.

The late-night dance party can be hosted at their soundproof Dungeon Lounge, which is an eccentric dungeon themed venue of Alsisar Mahal.

Alsisar Mahal’s dining area with a spectacular interior fulfills an indoor dining requirement with grandeur and class. The illustrious wedding arrangements at Alsisar Mahal leave an everlasting impression of the wedding on your guests.

Have this intimate royal affair with 100 guests for two nights starting from INR 10 Lakhs + taxes! The palatial package includes a Royal Rajasthani welcome, 43 luxurious rooms with bed and breakfast, magnificent wedding venues, opulent spaces, a wedding hall, soundproof DJ at Dungeon Lounge for late-night entertainment.

Already started to fancy a royal wedding at erstwhile noble’s home?
For reservations and queries write to alsisar@alsisar.com or contact on +91 76650 08154

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/alsisarmahal/

Website: www.alsisarmahal.com

With the second wave of COVID-19, everyone is puzzled about their Diwali plans. No gatherings, no card parties, no fun of shopping & hopping from one shop to the other. But life goes on and so does the celebrations of life. 

Where there is celebration, there have to be sweets that are healthy and delightful in every sense. Indian sweets come in a variety of colours, shapes and flavours. You name it, and you get it!

So let’s go find out some home chefs and outlets in the city who are making all the efforts to serve us the best during this festive time. From opulent and hatke sweet options to traditional Indian mithais, we have covered Jaipur’s delicious sweet options.

Cauldron Sisters

Ratika & Richa from Cauldron Sisters are making ‘not a mithai box’. They are making all cookies which look exactly like Mithai and serve it in mithai flavours like Kesar Peda, Rasmalai Cookie, Coconut Laddoo Macaroon & Gulab Jamun Brookie. 

The best part is that these are homemade in their kitchen & most of the ingredients that they use in preparations are dry that allows a long shelf life. And for health-conscious souls, these are also little low in calories as compared to usual sweets taken in the festivals.  

https://www.instagram.com/cauldron_sisters/?hl=en

Scrumptious Slice

Doorva Sharma is making delectable desserts in town and they’re worth every single bite. If you are someone for whom no festivity is complete without indulging in the fragrance of freshly baked items, then you can enjoy it from the Scrumptious Slice. Homemade cakes, cupcakes and many other savouries are baked to perfection all by hand and lots of love.

https://www.instagram.com/the_scrumptious_slice/

Chatokri 

Founded by Rekha Khaitan, Chatokri is a culmination of her passion for food. Their USP is that they curate and handpick from selected partners across the country. We hope you enjoy their collection as much as we enjoyed putting it here. 

https://www.instagram.com/chatokri/

Govindjee

Savour mouth melting sweets and a wide variety of Namkeen from the very old & trusted brand of Jaipur, Govindjee, originally Vijay Store at Choti Chaupar since 1954. They are offering all types of Gajak, dry fruits, cereals, & also they are the largest Indian Manufacturer of Traditional HAND ROASTED Namkeen. Their Malai Gajak, made of til (sesame seeds) and gud (jaggery) is highly recommended for all the Gajak Lovers. We bet, you can’t stop by having just one!

https://www.instagram.com/govindjeejeeyo/

Kalptaru Jain Store

This is a newly opened store at Rajapark that offers a whole lot of variety of sweets, dry fruits in premium quality to choose from. Freshly made sweet boxes like Chidawa ka Peda, Kaju Katli and many more will be the best if you want to gift. You may also get special festive packings such as special boxes for gifting on special occasions. 

https://www.instagram.com/kalptaru_jain_store/

LMB

How can we miss without talking about the legendary LMB. Situated in the walled city and also in Vaishali Nagar, LMB is going an extra mile to deliver to your home in all parts of the country. From Rasgulla to Gulab Jamun, Rasmalai to Halwa, & Kaju Katli they are famous for the range of delicious sweets that they make and on Diwali they have specially curated a Festive Gift Collection as well. 

https://www.instagram.com/laxmimisthanbhandar/

So, what are you waiting for, lets’ sweeten the festive spirit with Diwali sweets. Happy Festivities

November 18 is marked as the Jaipur Foundation Day, and today we are celebrating Jaipur’s 293rd birthday. On this auspicious occasion, Jaipur Beat is sharing some interesting facts about the capital of Rajasthan.

1. The city was founded in 1727 by Jai Singh II, the Raja of Amber who ruled from 1699 to 1743.

2. Jaipur gets its name from its founder Maharaja Jai Singh II, the great warrior and astronomer. 

3. Vastu Shastra has guided the building of Jaipur.

4. Hawa Mahal is in the shape of a crown of Lord Krishna with 953 jharokhas or windows.

5.  It was one of the earliest planned cities of India, designed by Vidyadhar Bhattacharya. 

6. The pink colour denotes the colour of hospitality, as it was used to welcome the Prince of Wales, later Edward VII, in 1876.

7.  Jantar Mantar also features the world’s largest stone sundial, and is a UNESCO World Heritage site.

8. Constructed in the year 1876, Albert Hall Museum is the oldest museum of Jaipur.

9. Known for its architectural marvels and vibrant culture, Jaipur made its entry into the UNESCO World Heritage Site list.

10. Jaipur houses 22 stepwells, out of which some are the largest and deepest in the world.

You can take Jaipurites out of Jaipur, but not Jaipur out of the Jaipurites. Isn’t it?

Happy 293rd Birthday to Jaipur!

If you are quarantined and unable to cook or your entire family is quarantined, the first thought which will come to your mind will definitely be how to take care of your meals? That too, eating a healthy balanced diet is essential for your health especially when your immune system needs to fight back.

There are a few food outlets, and even home chefs in the city taking this as an opportunity to help the people & families suffering in these stressful times and in turn delivering quarantine meals. Helping others in their times of need is the best gift of humanity and there is no bigger lesson than this that 2020 has given us!

So, Jaipur Beat is here to share some quarantine meal services in Jaipur to help you and your loved ones amid this pandemic.

1. Spiced Up

Based in Bais Gowdown, Tiffin Tales by Spiced Up delivers home food, packed safely to your doorstep in these difficult times. From home style meals, to indulgent meals to international cuisines to snacks, they have it all for your home isolation. They offer breakfast lunch, snacks and dinner starting from Rs 99.

Contact: +91 7760587681

https://www.instagram.com/spicedup.in/

2. Saas Bahu Ki Rasoi

Serving thali for corona suffering families, Veena & Rajeshwari operate from a home kitchen. The duo have turned their cooking passion in this lockdown into a “Saas Bahu Ki Rasoi” and they cook comfort food that tastes just like home without compromising on the ingredients and products used for it.

You can add more to this thali of daal, roti & sabjee as per your choice or even customize your order.

Rajeshwari: +91 9982128866

Veena: +91 9829075457

https://www.facebook.com/pages/category/Food-Delivery-Service/Saas-Bahu-Ki-Rasoi-114993783664561/

3. Mr. Rajat Jain & Mrs. Tanvi

Offering Sattvik food, the couple with the thought of helping those in need started to deliver food to quarantined people. You can book your breakfast by 10am and evening meal by 3 PM, as they deliver from 1 PM to 7 PM. Sattvic diet is considered very nutritious, and they provide a Rs.100 Tiffin with 2 sabjee & 2 roti.

Mr. Rajat Jain: +91 9875011998

Mrs. Tanvi: +91 8290660119

4. Arya Niwas Hospitality (Chitra Cafeteria & Amaltas by Om Niwas)

For those wanting Indian & International vegetarian cuisine, the restaurant customizes and prepares as per your taste. They analyzed that food is the major problem facing for quarantined families & individuals, especially for the elders who are skeptical about outside food. Hence already known for their homemade like taste, they initiated with this service.

Take a look at their menu!

Contact: +91 9829367879

https://www.instagram.com/arya_niwas_hospitality_/

Delivering as per your area are these 3 dedicated individuals:

5. Siddharth Jain

Always on his toes to help individuals & families in self isolation or home quarantine.

LOCATION: Mahavir Nagar, Gayatri Nagar, Gopalpura, Jai Jawan, Lal Bahadur, Income Tax, Durgapura, Shreeji Nagar, Malviya Nagar, Surya Nagar, Siddharth Nagar

Contact: +91 9414063303

6. Manish Jain

Along with his family, Manish Jain started with meal packages 2 months ago to help those under home quarantine.

LOCATION: Mansarovar, Patrkar, Muhana Mandi Road, Gujar Ki Thadi, Sanganer, Pratap Nagar

Contact: +91 9351428421

7. Shefali Jain

2 months ago, Shefali Jain started this quarantine food service along with her husband and family. Professionally, a doctor & lecturer in Subodh College, Shefali aims to help the isolated people in these difficult times.

LOCATION: Nirman Nagar, Shyam Nagar, Vaishali Nagar, Ajmer Road

Contact: +91 9829455868

Bookmark this blog and share it with people around in the city, as you never know who might be in need of this!

Jaipur, the city of jewels made history by organising India’s first virtual jewellery award show, Jewellery Eminence Awards in conjunction with the largest jewellery shows in Asia, JAS (Jewellers Association Show) on 4th December 2020. With the theme “Colours of Royalty- Emerald and Ruby” and 22 categories, JEA scintillated screens with jewellery that was recognized by industry experts. The cherry on the cake was the talented & gorgeous Dangal Girl, Fatima Sana Shaikh and the versatile actor & Mirzapur’s Golu Shweta Tripathi Sharma announcing the winners!

Here are the winners under the 22 categories of JEA:

1. Best Diamond Ring of The Year- Birdhichand Ghanshyamdas, Jaipur

2. Best Emerald Ring of The Year- Sanskriti Jewels, Mumbai

3. Best Ruby Ring of The Year- Canarys Jewellery, Jaipur

4. Best Polki Ring of The Year- Sparsh Jewellers, Mumbai

5. Best Accessory Jewellery of the Year- Enshine, Surat

6. Best Diamond Bangle/Bracelet of The Year-

• OPH Jeweller, Delhi
• Awesome Sparklers, Surat
• Canarys Jewellery, Jaipur

7. Best Emerald Bangle / Bracelet of The Year- Sanskriti Jewels, Mumbai

8. Best Ruby Bangle/Bracelet of The Year-

• MRK Jewels Pvt. Ltd., Jaipur
• Canarys Jewellery, Jaipur

9. Best Polki Bangle/Bracelet of The Year- Motisons Jewellers, Jaipur

10. Best Diamond Earrings of The Year-

• Birdhichand Ghanshyamdas, Jaipur
• Canarys Jewellery, Jaipur

11. Best Emerald Earrings of The Year-

• Angel Gems, Jaipur
• Jewel Saga, Jaipur

12. Best Ruby Earrings of The Year- Angel Gems, Jaipur

13. Best Polki Earrings of The Year- Charu Jewels, Surat

14. Best Gold Necklace of The Year-

• Heeralaxmi Jewellers, Mumbai 
• C. Krishniah Chetty & Sons Pvt. Ltd., Bengaluru

15. Best Diamond Necklace of The Year (Below Rs. 5,00,000)– Motisons Jewellers, Jaipur

16. Best Diamond Necklace of The Year (Above Rs. 5,00,000)- Charu Jewels, Surat

17. Best Emerald Necklace of The Year (Below Rs. 5,00,000)- Jewel Palace, Jaipur

18. Best Emerald Necklace of The Year (Above Rs. 5,00,000)- Umrao Jewels, Jaipur

19. Best Ruby Necklace of The Year (Below Rs. 5,00,000)- Raniwala 1881, Jaipur

20. Best Ruby Necklace of The Year (Above Rs. 5,00,000)- Tara Fine Jewels, Mumbai

21. Best Polki Necklace of The Year (Below Rs. 5,00,000)- Umrao Jewels, Jaipur

22. Best Polki Necklace of The Year (Above Rs. 5,00,000)- Birdhichand Ghanshyamdas, Jaipur

ISN’T IT STUNNING?! The conceptualization and making of the film was done by Pathfynder.

If you have missed the gala event, you can watch it here!

Rajasthan, known as the Land of Kings is famous for its architectural marvel, either its forts, palaces or the magnificent temples which reflect the rich Indian history and culture. So, if you are planning a trip to Rajasthan, consider going to Pushkar, one of the oldest cities in India. It is also one of the five pilgrimage sites for the Hindu in a small town near Ajmer.

It has many religious sites and picturesque gems hidden for both, the devotees and tourists. One such place is the Savitri Mata Temple which attracts millions of tourists every year. The temple is one of the gems of Pushkar city located at a high altitude on a hillock amidst expansive greenery. Located near the popular Brahma Temple, only one in India, it is said a trip to Pushkar is incomplete without a visit to both the Brahma temple as well as Savitri Mata temple, not only for religious reasons but also for the majestic views. The view from the Savitri Temple is literally the best viewpoint in Pushkar!

Now imagine you can take the ropeway to the Savitri Temple too which is constructed at such a great height and offers unparalleled views.

It gives a bird’s eye view of the entire town of Pushkar. The ropeway has been making the holy journey to the temple convenient and memorable with its aerial passenger ropeway system erected on difficult terrain. The Aerial Ropeway constructed at a height of 202 metres, covers a distance of 720 meters in just 6 minutes, easing the strenuous climb for all age-groups of devotees and letting them be close to the divine. Ropeway has been built and continues to be operated and maintained by Damodar Ropeway & Infra Limited.

So, are you ready to rope your way to Savitri Mata Temple to witness the panoramic and scenic view of Pushkar?

Described as the ‘greatest literary show on Earth’, the Jaipur Literature Festival is taking a virtual avatar this year due to the pandemic. This is the 14th edition of JLF and we will definitely miss the vibrancy of the physical event in the city.
Despite this, it makes us proud to tell that the Jaipur poet, Jagdeep Singh, will be featured at this virtual edition in February. A video of his reading some of his poems from the first collection ‘My Epitaph’, will be shown in the category of ‘New Writers Short Series’.

The anthology, published by Writers Workshop in Kolkata, comprises of poems, which are about a variety of topics like vagaries of life, the inevitability of death, the pangs of love, and even on the struggle of writing poetry. One special feature of the poems is that some of them are on well-known personas like Hemingway, Hamlet, Sylvia Plath, and even the protagonist of the well-known novel, Catch-22, ‘Yossarian’.

Dr. Ananda Lal, the man behind the Writers Workshop, Kolkata, which is fastidious about the Indo-English poetry they publish said for his poems: “Apart from their originality and sensitivity, they have the rare quality in an Indian poet of irony and readiness to laugh at oneself or about otherwise serious themes.”

The anthology will be officially launched at physical book events at the end of February both in Jaipur and New Delhi.

Despite the pandemic, let’s celebrate the joy of knowledge in a digital avatar at JLF 2021!

If you are active on social media, it’s impossible you have missed the memes of a viral picture of Bernie Sanders taken at the Joe Biden-Kamala Harris inauguration. Sitting cross-legged on a chair with his warm winter coat and knitted mittens on, Bernie Sanders became an internet sensation in seconds.
Here is Jaipur Beat’s take on Bernie Sanders!

So how did you like Bernie’s trip to Jaipur?

Haters will say it’s photoshopped!!

It’s National Tourism Day and when we talk about tourism, how can we miss talking about our beloved Jaipur City?

The city, that welcomes visitors from all over the world. The city, that has a good number of heritage sites in the country and has a rich saga of folklore and tales to tell. The city, that has exquisite culture and legacy that has attracted generations after generations. The city, that wins the hearts of travellers from across the globe for its old-world charm including heritage, culture, landscape, cuisines, and a lot more. 

The Pink City has all the things/experiences to offer for travellers of all kinds making it one of the “Best Destination”. So let’s have a look at what’s in store for you depending on the kind of traveller you are.

Let’s enjoy the beauteous Pink City through Jaipur Beat’s blog.

1. The History Lover

For its arcade and royal architecture, Jaipur has always been on the heritage list and a top destination for history lovers. It’s wondrous architecture, be it the Wall City, Bazaars, Hawa Mahal, City Palace, UNESCO sites Amer Fort & Jantar Mantar, and many more places which attract locals as well as travellers. Also, the Havelis and heritage hotels of Jaipur illustrate the rich architecture and grandiosity of the royal era of Rajputana. These heritage sites are worth seeing and experiencing. 

2. The Culture Enthusiasts

You simply could not have found a better place to travel than Jaipur if you want to experience culturally rich cities. Jaipur will give you a chance to explore and experience its culture from close quarters. Taking a simple walk to Jaipur’s bazaars, the Rastas will offer you to witness the glorious traditions that are surviving and now thriving in the beautiful heritage city. Plus there is always the typical Rajasthani way of living where men & women in their traditional attire can be seen. So all in all, the Pink City represents a cultural feast. Some of the most popular places to visit like City markets, Johri Bazaar, Bapu Bazaar, Tripoliya Bazaar, etc. will help you dig deep into the cultural heritage. The colourful city becomes even livelier and lovely with the festivals celebrated here in a flamboyant way. The city observes different fairs and festivals at different times of the year like Gangaur festival, Teej festival & Kite festival.

3. The Nature Lover

Jaipur is a storehouse of exotic flora and fauna, green spaces, surrounding lakes & unique wildlife, set to be discovered by any nature lover. One of the best ways to see and enjoy the abundant nature in Jaipur is to visit places like Man Sagar Lake, Chandlai Lake, Barkheda, Maota in Amer. The avian beauties will capture your attention and you won’t be able to resist photographing them.

For such are the treats in store here that it’s hard to think of a place that is more rewarding to the nature seeker. 

4. The Food Lover

Did someone just say “Food”?

If you think of yourself as a food lover, there will be something to keep your palate occupied throughout your stay in Jaipur. The best way to enjoy Jaipur’s culture is through its food. Jaipur is well known for its royal hospitality and its mouth-watering delicacies including chats and kachoris which are also every local’s favourite. Not to miss the royal thali of Rajasthan, which is hot, spicy, and tempting all at the same time. The national and international tourists always make sure to try the authentic Rajasthani flavours – Dal, Baati, Churma and an authentic non-veg specialty – ‘Lal Maas’ – the best dish to savour amongst the other Rajasthani cuisines. And how can we miss Jaipur’s special sweet delicacy Ghewar?!

5. The Religious Kind

The landscape of Jaipur is dotted with various temples and pilgrims. The temples here have a royal touch & splendour and are highly praised for their architectural beauty & faith by the tourists. Whether it is the visit to the Govind Devji or Moti Dungri Ganesh Ji, or Galta Ji or Khole Ke Hanuman Ji, Jaipur is the land of spiritual incarnation. Each year, several thousand pilgrims descend to the royal land to offer their prayers and seek blessings. It is said that a prayer offered at these holy temples does not go unanswered!

6. The Adventurous One

Jaipur has some ultimate wildlife and adventure kind of stuff for adrenaline junkies. One can get up close with leopards and venture deep into the dense Jhalana Forest or Nahargarh Biological Park for a lion safari. The zone of the lion safari lies in the Aravali foothills with hillocks that offer a panoramic landscape. One of the most popular tourist attractions to enjoy in Jaipur is the elephant safari. For jeep safari, there is the famous Ranthambore National Park, which is a 3-hour drive from Jaipur. It is home to tigers and also Sariska National Park which is just 2 hours away. Those looking for adventure can cycle and trek to the Nahargarh hills, or play golf at the Golf or Polo club.

7. The Shopaholic 

Jaipur’s markets, Johri Bazaar and Bapu Bazaar are world-renowned for their authentic gold and silver jewellery as well as for textile, leather craft, and other traditional handicrafts. People from all over the world love to shop here. Shopping for Jaipur’s exquisite crafts is one of the most satisfying experiences one can have especially if you are a shopaholic. From a wide range of handicrafts – blue pottery, block print, carpets, jewellery, gemstones, juttis, clothes to puppets, and a lot more. Some of the most authentic shopping experiences can be provided by the city’s old Bazaars/ Markets, an experience that is amongst the most authentic of all things to do in Jaipur.

So, when are you planning a trip to Jaipur?

Happy National Tourism Day!

For the art connoisseurs of Jaipur, the newest bespoke furniture & interior store ‘Jaipur Furniture’ by Yojna Jaisingh is the latest foray into the world of furniture, décor & interior spaces. Dealing in the international and national market for past 14 years as a manufacturer and exporter of furniture, Jaipur Furniture has opened the gate to a retail business in the Pink City this weekend.
The 2000 sq. ft boutique store is endowed with an impeccable sense of aesthetics and unbridled craftsmanship. Along with creating finest art, the brand makes bespoke furniture along with house art and décor items by some of the most talented artisans across the country.

Drawing historic inspiration from India, the brand not only crafts furniture, it bequests tradition, comfort, and timeless designs for different spaces. It curates the finest interior and luxury living spaces to match the taste of the modern lifestyle yet rooted with traditional aesthetics. From crafting superior hospitality furniture for hotels, resorts, restaurants, cafes, bars, and lobbies, executive cabins, common spaces for corporate world to creating interior and décor for homes, Jaipur Furniture embellishes your space like its own.

The store exhibits a wide mixture of furniture and décor where the entire product range is enthused with traditional Indian crafts. The collection is admired for its bold use of colors, one-of-a-kind designs, extraordinary accuracy and craftsmanship.

India with its rich history behind its textiles and crafts and each region’s indigenous products, with their own very unique identity- be it Rajasthan’s peacock, Jodhpur’s blue, Jaisalmer’s bright golden yellow, or nature & wildlife inspired rustic style, Victorian influence from Kolkata, the tribal prints from Assam holds so much essence that connects us with our roots. To create a global reach for Indian traditional crafts, Jaipur Furniture works as an umbrella where artisans and craftsmen hailing from different parts of the country are contributing with their unique products to the store’s collection, today.

ABOUT THE DESIGNER:
A bachelor of fine arts and a doctorate in temple architecture, Yojna Jaisingh with her passion for transforming creativity into an art piece is a successful furniture maker and an entrepreneur who caters to the global market. Weaving interesting stories with a plethora of colors and designs, Yojna has carved a chronicle of luxury in the Land of Kings. She has unleashed her creative genius with such marvellous intricate designs, that each piece echoes a tale of unparalleled style and sophistication. While conceptualizing the furniture & decor for her boutique store, she endeavoured to find the right balance between the traditional Indian infusions with earthy & rustic feel into the modern & trendy designs.

Yojna believes that bringing the furniture to your home is one thing but bringing art is something extraordinary. Her signature design style is a seamless blend of Indian traditions, color, craftsmanship with an infusion of western ethnicities, thereby marrying the East & West in one piece of art. According to her, traditional Indian crafts and art never go out of style, in fact, they are much celebrated in today’s living. Their imprint can be found in various masterpieces around. And it is our responsibility to carry forward this legacy. Yojna continues to design and create intriguing new concepts that define her unconventional yet rooted style of thought. She affirms that design is an emotion that connects us with our customs, thus she adds soul to the exquisite pieces by upholding such time-honoured traditions.
Embracing perfection in designing, Yojna makes sure each product is put together with creativity, attention to detail, expertise, and thus superior quality. Masterful craftsmanship is visible in the intricate cuts, rich colors, quality material, and detailed finishing.

CONTACT:

Facebook- https://www.facebook.com/jaipurfurniture12
Instagram- https://www.instagram.com/jaipur_furniture/
LinkedIn- https://www.linkedin.com/company/71656830/admin/

Address: E-85, SL Marg, Lal Bahadur Nagar, Durgapura, Jaipur
Contact: +91 9829392062

March is here and so are the physical events that we have missed more than ever! After the year of pandemic, we are hoping the event industry bounces back with a bang. Though virtual events ruled the year 2020 successfully, but we definitely missed dressing up and networking face-to-face.
Let’s welcome the month of celebrations which includes festivals like Holi, Gangaur, Rajasthan Day, Women’s Day and whatnot!!
Here are 11 events in March that you will probably love to attend.

P.S. Don’t forget to mask up and sanitize your hands.

1. Bougainvillea Fair
Date: 19th to 21st March 2021
Venue: Vanashraya by Living Stone

For more details please contact: +91 9829011136

LIFESTYLE EXHIBITIONS

2. Dahleez Exhibition
2nd-3rd March at Fort, Lal Bahudur Nagar, JLN Marg
5th-6th March at Birla Auditorium, C Scheme

3. Jhalak- Spring & Summer Edition
Date: 11 & 12th March
Venue: Hotel Holiday Inn, Jaipur

4. Lagan Mandap Exhibition
Date: 17th-18th March 2021
Time: 9:00 UTC+05:30
Venue: Holiday Inn Jaipur City Centre

ENTERTAINMENT

5. Punchliners Standup Comedy Show ft Rajat Chauhan
Date: 6th March
Time: 7 pm
Venue: Aisle Clarks Stage, Hotel Clarks Amer

6. Punchliners Comedy Show ft Pratyush Chaubey
Date: 14th March
Time: 7 pm
Venue: Aisle Clarks Stage, Hotel Clarks Amer

7. Punchliners Factory Reset ft Vikramjit Singh
Date: 21st March
Time: 7 pm
Venue: Aisle Clarks Stage, Hotel Clarks Amer

8. Akcent Live at Stardust
Date: 20th March
Time: 8 pm
Venue: Stardust, Lal Kothi

FAIRS & FESTIVALS

9. Gulal 4 (Celebration of Women’s Day & Holi)
Date: 7th March
Time: 11 am – 2 pm
Venue: Indiana Hotels, Jaipur

10. 7th Rajasthan International Film Festival – RIFF 2021
Date: 20th March (Opening Ceremony)
Venue: Entertainment Paradise (EP) – Miraj Cinemas, Jaipur

11. Dineout SteppinOut Food Festival | Jaipur
Date: 21st March
Time: 12pm – 10pm
Venue: Grand Uniara Heritage Hotel, Jaipur

Pink City is all ready to pawwrty! Are you in?

Amid the rising cases of COVID in the state and the city, we Jaipurites must understand the importance of getting vaccinated and should participate in India’s vaccination drive. Getting vaccinated means reduced risk of getting the illness and protecting people around you.

Known as the world’s largest vaccination programme, India’s COVID immunisation drive began on January 16, where the healthcare and frontline workers got vaccinated first. The vaccination programme was then extended to people over 60 years of age. Now starting from 1 April, those aged 45 and with comorbidities (simultaneous presence of two or more diseases) will be able to take vaccines against coronavirus.

The vaccines can be taken free of cost in government hospitals or by paying Rs. 250 per dose in private facilities. The government has also approved expanding the dosage interval for Covishield from 28 days to 4-8 weeks based on scientific advice as it is more effective.

If you are wondering how to register, we are here to help you out. The schedule and appointment can be booked on or after April 1. You can register and book an appointment through the dedicated CoWIN portal or the Arogya Setu app.

Both the platforms allow a user to register at least four family members, including the user, for the coronavirus vaccine.

Aarogya Setu
• On Aarogya Setu, go to the CoWIN tab, tap on the “Vaccination” tab and then select the “Register Now” option.
• Register via your mobile number and enter the OTP.
• Select the type of photo ID proof you wish to upload and fill in the details.
• On the following page, you will need to submit proof of eligibility. If above 45, you will have to upload a doctor’s certificate as proof of comorbidity.
• Now, choose your nearest vaccination centre and time slot to book the appointment.
• Once registered successfully, you will receive an SMS with the appointment details.

CoWIN
• On CoWIN, register via your mobile number and enter the OTP.
• After verification, the ‘Registration for Vaccination’ page will open. Enter your details, such as photo ID proof.
• The page will ask you if you have any comorbidities, which can be answered by simply clicking on ‘yes’ or ‘no’. If 45+, upload doctor’s certificate as comorbidity proof.
• Once you enter the details for registration, click the ‘Register’ button.
• If you get registered successfully, a confirmation message will be sent to your registered mobile number.
• Once registered, you will be shown the “Account Details” page, where you can schedule your appointment.
• Click on the “Schedule Appointment” tab and set your appointment as per your wish.

Upon vaccination, you must insist on receiving a hard copy or a digital copy/link of your Vaccination Certificate. If the hospital does not provide a certificate, the beneficiary may lodge a complaint at toll-free number 1075. (Source: Ministry of Health)

Some of the vaccination centres of Jaipur are: Sawai Man Singh Hospital, Jaipur Hospital, Monilek Hospital, Metro Mas Hospital, Fortis Escorts Hospital, Eternal Hospital, C K Birla Hospital, Manipal Hospital, Mahatma Gandhi Hospital.

You will find your nearest COVID vaccination centre after registering on CoWIN or Aarogya Setu.

DISCLAIMER: The content written above is true to the best of our knowledge, but there may be omissions.

The universe has been kind to all of us and given us two long weekends back-to-back. Yes, we are talking about the Holi long weekend (Sat, Sun, Mon-27th, 28th & 29th March) and the Good Friday long (2nd, 3rd, & 4th April) weekend. And in case your bosses are generous and cool enough to grant you 31st & 1st April days of extra leaves then you just have the whole week off!

It doesn’t get better than this right?
Well, it does if you plan a getaway for these long weekends to none other than Jaipur aka Pink City. And just to substantiate our above hypothesis, allow us to give you some mind-blowing reasons for you to plan your getaway to our favorite city, Jaipur.

The magnificent and spectacular forts and palaces

The city is filled with forts and places that draw the attention of tourists from all over the world. The forts are well known over the globe for their royal architecture, culture, age-old charm, and grandeur. Forts that we would recommend you to visit and experience the royalty of Rajasthan are:

 • Amber Palace – The famous Amer Fort is one of the most visited forts in Rajasthan and is also registered as a UNESCO World Heritage site. Overlooking the Maota lake, Amber Fort is known for its aesthetical style elements. Also, for all the history buffs out there – do you know that Amer was the capital of the state before Jaipur?

• Nahargarh Fort – What comes to your mind when it comes to enjoying an eagle’s eye view of Jaipur’s jaw-dropping skyline?
Definitely, it is Nahargarh! One of the favourite spots for Jaipurites.
Situated in the Aravalli mountains, Nahargarh which means “adobe of tigers” is a majestic and spectacular fort. You can enjoy cycling and trekking at this fort and can also visit the Nahargarh biological park. Built in 1734 during the reign of Sawai Jai Singh (1698-1740), the extensive water systems of Nahargarh are one of the most significant features of the fort. So get your walking shoe on and one can take a walk through Water Heritage to uncover history to architecture, and see the history come alive.

• Hawa Mahal – This five-storey building continues to be the major attraction of all those travelling to the Pink City. The unique attraction is its 953 windows which were actually constructed to give a cool breeze to the royal ladies that watched processions from the inside of the Wind Palace.

If this architectural wonder intrigues you more, check this out: https://jaipurbeat.com/2018/12/11/things-no-one-tells-you-hawa-mahal-jaipur/

• Jal Mahal – Located in the middle of Man Sagar Lake, this 5 storied building continues to stand still in Man Sagar Lake with 4 floors immersed in water.
Back then it was used for royal duck shooting parties. With tranquil waters by the side and birds sitting on top of the chattris makes for a picturesque view. One can enjoy camel or horse safari and also shop for the local handicrafts from the temporary bazaars set near this place.

• City Palace – The City Palace, Jaipur is one of the most admired and finest attractions among the places to visit in the Pink City. With an organized layout of large courtyards, perfectly manicured gardens, and magnificent mahals, the palace is still home to the royal family of Jaipur. Apart from its magical architecture, the palace is also known for its beautiful gates.
While planning a trip to Jaipur, make sure you reserve a day to visit the corridors of the City Palace and live a day like the royals!

• Jawahar Circle – The newest edition in the list is the ninth gate of Jaipur, known as ‘Patrika Gate’. It not only keeps heritage value but also the aesthetic value due to its modern architecture mingled with traditional style. The poly-chromatic patterns and vibrant surroundings make this gate one of a kind. The vibrant colours and mesmerizing architecture are always admired and make this an Instagram-worthy place as no one can leave without capturing its beauty.

If you want to know more about this circle of colors, culture, food & life, check this blog! https://jaipurbeat.com/2017/06/17/a-circle-of-colors-culture-food-life-jawahar-circle/

Shopping

• Jaipur is a paradise for shopping lovers. Be it street shopping, wedding shopping, or handicrafts shopping, Jaipur has it all. The list and names of markets and the dedicated ‘Rastas’ for each market make the city a favourite destination for those who love to indulge in shopping. The markets like Johari Bazaar, Tripolia Bazaar, Bapu Bazaar, etc are the soul of our city.

Shopping Guide To Jaipur’s Bazaars

• Johari Bazaar (paradise for jewelry lovers) – Visit for Gem, Jewelry, Handicrafts, Furniture and Art, Chandpole Bazaar – If you love marble artifacts, handicrafts, furniture this is the perfect place for you.

Maniharon ka Rasta – The Lane of Jaipur Where Bangles Clink & Crockery Cackles

• But if you someone who prefers shopping in a mall, our suggestion is to visit World Trade Park which is the grandest mall of all times.

A 360 Degree Guided Tour of World Trade Park Jaipur !!

Food

You think of Jaipur and you automatically think of some mouth-watering food. You will completely agree with us once you hog on these scrumptious dishes at some of the finest places of Jaipur. Be it spicy Pyaj ki Kachori or sweet Mawa Kachori, or Pandit ki Pav Bhaji, Samrat ke Samose, Lassi at Lassiwala, Lal Maans or LMB ki chaat the list of Jaipur’s special delights goes on and on. You can either walk from place to place or gather at Masala Chowk for the tempting street food.

For the finest gourmet experiences don’t miss out on The Forresta Kitchen & Bar.
How can we miss mentioning Rajasthani Laal Maans or Jaisalmeri Junglee Maans and the place to have that is Handi Restaurant in Jaipur which you must try!

Luxury hotels and restaurants

If you are the one who would love to experience Jaipur in luxury and live & eat like the royals, Jaipur has got your back for this as well. Jaipur has some of the luxurious and heritage hotels in India. Rambagh Palace, Samode Haveli, Alsisar Haveli, Leela Palace, Fairmount are the ones we truly recommend.

Here is our quick list- https://jaipurbeat.com/2018/12/02/experience-the-unique-stay-at-heritage-hotels-in-jaipur/

If you think that’s all sorry we still have a lot- Sisodia Rani ka Bagh, Vidhyadhar ka Bagh, Jawahar Kala Kendra, Panna Mian Ka kund, Galta Ji temple, Gaitore ki Chhatriyan, and the list can go on forever.

Convinced enough to visit Jaipur for a weekend getaway?
From food to shopping to sight-seeing and luxury stays, the Pink City has a lot to offer. Words don’t do justice to the immense and exhaustive cultural diversity and heritage of Jaipur.
Pack your bags now to experience the love of Jaipur. Padharo Mhare Des! Jaipur awaits you all!!

Imagine exquisite products and clothes reflecting Rajasthan, its culture, and heritage crafts! Imagine all this made by the hands of local craftswomen! Imagine all this available to you in a click!

Seems surreal, right? But Princess Diya Kumari Foundation Society (PDKF), a non-government organization founded by Princess Diya Kumari of Jaipur is making this for real.

Princess Diya Kumari Foundation (PDKF) has launched the ‘The PDKF Store’ online via its website. Shoppers can now purchase their products on the website http://www.thepdkfstore.com. The PDKF Store is a contemporary adaptation of Rajasthani crafts. It aims to showcase the work of the talented women artisans trained by the Princess Diya Kumari Foundation to a global audience. Creating trendy with traditional, the store’s collection is a contemporary adaptation of long-established Rajasthani patterns. It has been designed by the daughter of Princess Diya Kumari, Princess Gauravi Kumari, and French designer, Claire Deroo. The PDKF Store outlet will open soon at City Palace, Jaipur.

On the occasion, Princess Gauravi Kumari said that the PDKF Store through its work aims to give talented women artisans, the resources, skills, and knowledge to help them pave their way to economic and overall empowerment. The PDKF store will not only enhance the brand of PDKF but also engage and help more women in Rajasthan as well as the women across the country by expanding the reach of the Foundation. The collection of the store ranges from garments to accessories to homeware. It features a beautiful amalgamation of the old techniques with modern designs.

The collection uses ancient techniques handed down from artisan to artisan over the centuries to create modern designs. Gotapatti embroidery and fine needlework, along with Rajasthan’s famous block printing, are all taught to the foundation’s women artisans at its centres. The store has available products for men, women as well as kids. It also has homeware and accessories. Women can buy a wide variety of products like – block-printed and embellished dresses, embroidered t-shirts as well as block-printed tops, skirts, kaftan, gowns, shorts, and shirts. For kids, there are pajama sets, bloomers, kurtas as well as Gota Patti toys available. In accessories, one can choose from bucket hats, scrunchies, hair bows, headbands, and hand-embellished basket bags. Similarly, men can choose from block-printed shirts and embroidered t-shirts. Apart from this in Homeware, one can find table mats, coasters, and cushion covers.

About PDKF

Princess Diya Kumari Foundation has been working for over 7 years for the empowerment of disadvantaged women and girls in the rural areas of Rajasthan. PDKF works in 5 centres across Rajasthan and the core program areas are skill building & livelihoods, girls’ education, financial & digital literacy, and health & hygiene.

The objective of the PDKF Store is to promote and enhance the skills of the women artisans at PDKF. This initiative will provide their competence with an international platform and pave ways for their economic and overall empowerment.

It is rather a difficult and testing time for our Country. We understand how overwhelming it gets to hear about increasing cases, deaths and other negative news from the time we wake up in the morning till the night, especially when there is a lockdown going on.

But a positive mindset is the only key to pass through these unnerving times. You all must be thinking that how does anyone keep a positive mindset amidst these catastrophic situations? Well, it’s not easy but following a proper and disciplined routine is a major factor that helps us in having a positive outlook throughout the day.

Here are some tips on how to start and end your day during the lockdown –

• Wake up with a smile and try to avoid using your phone for an hour (especially the news apps). Instead, take a 5-10 minutes’ walk in your balcony or terrace and try connecting with the mother nature; it will definitely make you feel peaceful and rejuvenated. Meditation and gardening work like therapies too.
• Try doing yoga, aerobics or any other indoor exercise that you love. It helps you in keeping fit and helps to start your day with energy, focus and optimism. Doing breathing exercises are a necessity these days to keep your lungs healthy. Don’t forget to plug in your speakers/earphones for listen to some music while doing these exercises. Listening to music always makes the worries go away even if for a while.

• Make your own breakfast. Cooking food is definitely therapeutic and what’s better than cooking the most important meal of the day by yourself. Don’t forget to have romance with your chai or coffee.
• Take bath, finish your daily chores and get to work. If you are a working professional its always beneficial to start your working hours as early as possible so that you can complete your tasks before the new tasks or team’s tasks starts to come in. If you are not working anywhere, it’s best to read some positive books for a while and then do whatever you love. Some books that we suggest are – Ikigai, chasing your life dreams, Man’s search for meaning among others.

• Have your lunch on time and don’t forget to have a nutritious lunch. Post lunch relax for a while, tune into Netflix, take a power nap or utilize this time to help and support others in whatever way you can. You can also educate your maids, drivers and other support systems by sharing with them more knowledge about Covid and giving them well-being tips. A small helping hand definitely goes a long way. After chilling for a while, its best to get back to work and try to end your working day by 6 P.M.
• Once your working hours are over, it’s the best idea to give your family and friends some time (virtually and not physically please). Call your friends and talk with them. Sharing a few laughs never harmed anyone. Spend time with your parents, kids, spouses and try to do a group activity together. Maybe play an indoor game (our favorite is scrabble or ludo) or just cook dinner together. You can also do group exercises to build a fitter body. Don’t forget to connect with friends or family who are directly affected. Call them to know about their well being and try to pass on positive and hopeful vibes to them.

• Eat dinner together and try talking only positive things on the dinner table. A small 10 minutes’ post dinner walk on your terrace will definitely help you get a goodnight sleep.
• Take steam, listen to some soothing music and dream away!

And finally, DON’T LOOSE HOPE AND STAY POSITIVE AND HAPPY.

We really hope these tips help you in getting through these difficult times with positivity, wisdom and good health. Let’s pray collectively for the world to heal as soon as possible.

As India is battling with the second wave of COVID-19, it is heartwarming to see how people have stood in solidarity to help each other. One of them is by providing basic necessity, food. Either it’s home chefs, tiffin centres, or restaurants, numerous people are coming to the aid of those impacted by the pandemic to ensure that they get their daily intake of nutritious meals.

Jaipur Beat has verified and listed food services in the city that might help you or your loved ones.

1. Initiative by Anju Devi Memorial Trust a CSR Unit of Seven Skyes Caterers

Offering lunch and dinner packets for free in the city except in the outskirts, Seven Skyes Caterers are helping selflessly the needy people.

Contact: +91 9024972800, +91 8955405893

https://www.instagram.com/sevenskyescaterers/

2. Aaika Homemade

Providing nutritious home-cooked meals at nominal rates for COVID impacted families, Aaika Homemade takes care of your daily requirement of nutrients. They provide breakfast, lunch, and dinner, along with free delivery up to 5kms from Swarn Path, Mansarovar.

Contact:

Aastha Jain: +91 9680800505

Akshay Jain: +91 7023311112

https://www.instagram.com/aaika_homemade1807/

4. Tiffin Tales by Spiced Up

Tiffin Tales by Spiced Up delivers home food, packed safely to your doorstep in these difficult times. Along with customization, they offer home-style meals for breakfast, lunch, and dinner.

Contact: +91 9929993005, +91 7760587681

https://www.instagram.com/spicedup.in/

5. Relish by Simran

Relish by Simran is providing healthy & hygienic food for those living alone, quarantined, or isolated. They are accepting orders placed a day prior. Their meals are specially designed & nominally priced for those who are COVID positive.

Contact: +91 7490042296

https://www.instagram.com/relishbysimran/

6. Chef’s Boutique

Run by a professional chef, Chefs Boutique provides homemade meal boxes for COVID patients, prepared and packed using safety protocols. They deliver within an 8km radius from their base in Sodala. For lunch, you can order by 10 am and for dinner, order by 3 pm.

Contact: +91 7737763999

https://www.instagram.com/chefs.boutique/

7. Yum Tum Refreshments

Founded by a daughter-mother duo, Yum Tum Refreshments delivers lunch and dinner in the city to those affected by COVID-19. These can be customized as per requirements and the order should be placed 2 hours before.

Contact: +91 7073999346, +91 7073999348

https://www.instagram.com/yumtum.refreshments/

8. Fingerlicious by Kirti

Started by Kirti Agarwal, Fingerlicious by Kirti provides home-cooked meals on prior order across Jaipur. They also have special thalis for those who live alone or don’t know how to cook.

Contact: +91 7737793798

https://www.instagram.com/Fingerlicious_by_Kirti/

9. Food experiences with Seema

A home chef, Seema Sethi is providing meals at no cost to senior citizens and those who have a financial crisis. She thought of this as she has seen her near ones suffering through this crisis. However, for those who can afford and are affected by the pandemic, Seema also provides chargeable meals.

Contact: +91 9829942225

https://www.instagram.com/foodexperienceswithseema/

Jaspreet offers home-cooked meals to anyone suffering from COVID or quarantined at home, with full safety across the Pink City.

Contact: +91 7487038700

11. Kitchen By Paridhi

A home kitchen run by Paridhi Rajgarhia is providing healthy and nutritious meals to those suffering from COVID-19 and their families. Paridhi believes that serving people in help is the need of the hour. She also makes sure that the food is prepared with fresh ingredients for the health of her customers.

Contact: 9660004111

https://www.instagram.com/kitchenbyparidhi/

12. Meals on Wheels

A food joint in Raja Park is offering vegetarian and non-vegetarian food at nominal rates for those affected by COVID-19. They deliver in Raja Park and nearby places within a radius of 2-3kms.

Contact: +91 9828859509

https://www.instagram.com/mealsonwheelsjaipur/

13. Nehal Arora

Providing food without any charge, Nehal Arora has encouraged people to come together and do whatever they can to support COVID patients/families and frontline workers. She delivers in Durgapura but is expanding slowly with the help of third-party delivery services.

Contact: Whatsapp on +91 9314130033

https://www.instagram.com/nehalarora21/

14. Abhyutthanam Society

A non-government organisation is serving wholesome food in various parts of the city. For lunch, you can order before 9:30 am and for dinner by 5 pm.

https://www.instagram.com/abhyutthanam/

15. CoAid, an initiative by Princess Diya Kumari Foundation

CoAid, the women of PDKF aim to help and support those in need during these difficult times, starting with the distribution of free meal boxes to the family members and attendants of COVID-19 patients admitted for treatment at the RUHS hospital in Pratap Nagar, Jaipur.

https://www.instagram.com/princessdiyakumarifoundation/

16. Chubby Cheese

A restaurant in C-Scheme is providing free meals (lunch & dinner) to those who cannot afford them within a radius of 8kms. They also offer special Covid meals at reasonable rates. You have to order at least 2 hours in advance.­

Contact: +91 8369427380

https://www.instagram.com/chubbycheese_jaipur/

17. Ruchies Kitchen

Ruchies Kitchen is providing home cooked meals to COVID patients and their families in Jagatpura & nearby areas for only Rs 100.

Contact: +91 9460070424

https://www.instagram.com/ruchieskitchen/

Together, we can fight COVID. Stay in, stay safe and help people around you. Also, DM us on @jaipurbeat with any more food services around Jaipur you know, so we can help it reach more people.

As we watch events around the outbreak of Coronavirus unfold, it is not unnatural to feel increasing stress and panic. Facing nonstop news, updated health statistics, and endless social media posts might feel overwhelming.

To help you all, Jaipur Beat spoke to the Director & Consultant Psychiatrist, Dr. Raghav Shah, to look at ways of managing stress in this chaos and keeping ourselves positive. We have also added Dr. Raghav’s contact at the end of this blog. Here are some tips to help you manage stress:

1. Keep fixed worry times– Don’t let in COVID news all day. Get the facts and consume only the essential news or information. Don’t get addicted to news reports.

2. Be optimistic– Find the positive side of everything and believe that this too shall pass.

3. Learn acceptance– Do your best but gracefully accept if things go wrong and make them your learning experience.

4. Sharing– Spend time with your loved ones and share your feelings with each other. Talking to people you trust can always help.

5. Don’t let stress affect your routine– Regular sleep, exercise, hygiene & a healthy diet is a must, as it’s said ‘health is wealth’.

6. Time management– Plan your next day today. Make a to-do list and fight procrastination.

7. Work & leisure balance– Balance work with hobbies, passions, and your side interests.

8. Limited use of screens & the internet– Resist the urge to click on attention-grabbing headlines or social media platforms. Set a time limit for the usage of screens.

9. Reach out for help– Don’t hesitate in seeking professional help especially if you are feeling sad, hopeless, and feeling like harming yourself.

It is normal to feel sad, stressed, or scared during a crisis. We are together in this. Take a pause, breathe, and be kind to yourself & others.

Contact: +91 982926629
Instagram: @raghavshah18
Email: raghavshah18@gmail.com

If your family or friend is suffering from chronic stress and anxiety, it’s advisable to take professional help.

While India is grappling with imminent danger that the virus poses to the humanity, there are few key measures that people should take to fight this pandemic. While it is crucial to mention certain necessary things like washing your hands frequently, using alcohol sanitizer and wearing a mask; Improving your immunity is also extremely important at this juncture.

Complications of COVID aggravates with age because the general immunity reduces as you get older especially for individuals with co-morbid illnesses. Thus, it is important for both younger and older generations to build up their immunity.

Below are a few foods that help in improving your immunity. We are also jotting down some interesting and scrumptious recipes that you can make using these foods/ingredients.

1. Yogurt: Yogurt is a natural probiotic and aids in the formation of good bacteria in our body. It is high in protein, calcium, vitamins and enhances the gut microbiota.

Recipe of Greek Yogurt Coleslaw

Ingredients – I shredded cabbage, 1 cup shredded carrots, ½ cup thinly sliced green onions, 2/3 cups plain yogurt, 1 tablespoon lemon juice, 2 tablespoons vinegar, 2 tablespoons warm honey, ¼ tsp salt and freshly-cracked black pepper.

Instructions – Combine the cabbage, carrot and green onions in a large bowl and toss. Then in a separate bowl, whisk together yogurt, lemon juice, vinegar, honey, salt and pepper. Taste and season with extra salt and peer if needed. Finally pour the Greek yogurt mixture into the cabbage mixture and toss until evenly combine. Voila, it’s ready to be served immediately.

2. Turmeric: The golden spice Turmeric is known for its anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Curcumin, the compound present in turmeric is a very potent agent and aids in healing of wounds and infections. This is the reason; it is often suggested to have turmeric milk.

Recipe of Turmeric Smoothie Bowl

Ingredients – 2 tsp ground turmeric or 3 fresh turmeric, 3 tbsp coconut milk yogurt, 50gms oats, 1 tbsp cashew butter (or a handful of cashews), 2 bananas (peeled and roughly chopped), ½ tsp ground cinnamon, 1 tbsp chia seeds or chopped nuts.

Instructions – Peel the turmeric root if using fresh turmeric or else use 2 tsp ground turmeric. Put all the ingredients in a blender with 600 ML water and blend until smooth. Serve in a bowl with chia seeds and add some chopped nuts sprinkled over.

3. Spinach: It contains several vitamins and minerals, including potassium, magnesium, and vitamins B6, B9, and E. It is an extremely nutrient-rich vegetable. 

Recipe of Creamed Spinach

Ingredients – 600 grams of baby spinach, 2tbsp butter, ½ medium onion finely chopped, 2 cloves minced garlic, ½ cup milk, ¼ cup heavy cream, 100 grams cream cheese, salt, pepper, ¼ cup freshly grated parmesan cheese.

Instructions – Cook spinach for 10 minutes in a large pot of boiling water. Drain and place in a bowl of ice water. When cool enough to handle drain out as much excess water as possible. In a large skillet over medium heat, melt butter and add onion and cook until soft. Add garlic and cook until fragrant. Add milk, heavy cram and cream cheese to it and simmer until melted. Season with salt and pepper and finally add spinach and parmesan and stir to combine.

4. Citrus Fruits: Citrus fruits are high in vitamin C, a nutrient known to help give your immune system a boost. It encourages your immune system to produce white blood cells, which are necessary to fight infections. Some citrus fruits are oranges, key limes, grapefruit, lemons etc.

Recipe of Cardamom Citrus Fruit Salad

Ingredients – 1 large grapefruit, 3 oranges or combination of mandarin oranges or tangerines, ¼ cup honey, 2tbsp fresh lime or lemon juice, ¼ teaspoon ground cardamom.

Instructions – Peel and cut the fruits. Drain off any excess juice from the fruits into a small saucepan. Add the lime juice, honey and cardamom to the sauce pan. Bring it to a boil and reduce heat to low. Simmer for 10 minutes and then remove from heat and let it cool. Pour over fruit mixture and gently fold in so that all the fruit is coated. Let stand for 15 minutes or chill until ready to serve.

5. Chicken: Chicken has long been considered a healthy alternative to red meat. And it is indeed low in saturated fat, contains higher amounts of omega-6 fatty acids than other animal meats, and is high in protein and essential vitamins and minerals such as B6, B12, iron, zinc, and copper.

Recipe for mouth-watering chicken salad

Ingredients –1pound boneless chicken breasts (cut into chunks), 2 stalks chopped celery, ½ seeded and chopped red bell pepper, 4-6 pitted and minced green olives, ¼ cup chopped red onion, ½-1 chopped apple, 1/3 sliced and chopped lettuce or iceberg, 5 tablespoons mayonnaise, 1 tablespoon honey, 2 teaspoons lemon juice, salt and pepper.

Instructions – Bring a pot with 5 cups of well salted water to boil. Add chicken breast and return the water to a simmer. Turn off the heat and let the chicken sit for 15 minutes. Meanwhile, prepare the chicken salad dressing in a large bowl by mixing mayonnaise, honey and lemon juice. The salad dressing should not be too sweet or too sour. Add salt and pepper. Mixed in the chopped celery, bell pepper, olives, red onion and apple. Dice the chicken and mix it with the dressing and vegetables. When ready to serve, fold in the slice and chopped iceberg lettuce.

We hope you will enjoy cooking these easy and delectable recipes. These ingredients/foods will definitely boost up your immune system and help you in fighting with the deadly virus.

Bon Appetite and Stay Safe!

To the power of a Never Give Up spirit of a Mother

It all began last year in 2020 when the world began to crumble around us with new unprecedented challenges. The person who was most affected by the drastic changes in routine and yet remained calm is – a mother. 

How is it so that many mothers could stand strong and continued to move forward without complaining and played all their roles like a pro? The answer to this question could never be more visible to us – all that she is concerned about or, we must say, she has been and is continuing to be focused on is her family’s well-being. Guess no one’s surprised as this is a part of a mother’s DNA! She’d never let you see the struggle and her emotional wreck through her smiling face.  

There are Mothers who run businesses. There are Mothers who are frontline workers. There are Mothers who are housewives. There are so many types of Mothers. But you know what was all common in them during the pandemic?
There was no breather for them!

It has been a roller coaster journey for them balancing their family in the uncertainties of the world. From dealing with the hassles of online school classes to keeping their kids’ spirits as strong as possible, taking care of the family’s health to teaching kids about hygiene, mothers haven’t stopped ever.

She has been dealing with the child’s stress & fears, as the pandemic changed their life. Establishing a healthy routine, she reinforces the importance of hygiene. She has been monitoring her child’s screen usage and ensuring new activities to keep them entertained. She has been cooking their favourite meals yet trying to maintain a healthy diet.
Undeniably, the COVID-19 pandemic has increased the burden of mothers, mentally and physically. We salute the spirit of motherhood and thank all the mothers for being a constant source of hope and compassion.

We’d like all of you, reading this, to give your moms a warm hug and tell them how blessed you are to have her in your life. Tell her that this time will pass and trust that everything will be okay, but her care, her concern and all the efforts to keep you safe, healthy, and happy will always remain in your heart.
Right from today, if you haven’t done so far, express your love and gratitude towards her and promise to make this journey easier for her by simple acts of support, physically and emotionally.
More power to a mother’s irrepressible spirit and strength. Happy Mother’s Day, every day!