City Palace Udaipur symbolizes the legacy of the House of Mewar, unbroken Custodianship since 734 AD

On Kartik Poornima the Maharana of Mewar Charitable Foundation organises a cultural program. This year it featured `Sarvam Brahma Mayam` The Omnipresent Reality by Ragini Chandershekhar, a senior Bharatnatyam exponent. Shriji Arvind Singh Mewar wrote, "In India celebration of festivals are integral to our way of life. Kartik Poornima celebrations are held on the night of full moon of Kartik. On this day we celebrated Lord Brahma the Creator and His Creation `The Universe`."

Entrance to City Palace is called Tripoliya. As I walked up, the gentle lights set the tone for the evening. Across the gate is Manek Chowk where the function was held. The triple arched gate was built by Rana Sangram Singh ji in 1711. Pranams to Ganesha and Parmeshwaraji Maharaj Shree Eklingnath ji, The Ruler of Udaipur, Mewar.

Tripoliya was built in 1711 by Rana Sangram Singh Ji II. Board is self-explanatory. Shriji added, "At the City Palace, we commemorate this auspicious occasion through music and dance in the resplendent incandescent light of the full moon. This is in remembrance of the creation of the Universe by Lord Brahma." Some quotes taken from booklet published by the Foundation on the occasion of Kartik Poornima.

View as I walked into `The Manek Chowk`. End of pic left is moorthi of Ganesha. In front is garden. Celebration was held at The Manek Chowk, The City Palace, Udaipur on 4th November 2017.

Noon view of The Manek Chowk. Getting ready for evening program. "Work on City Palace started in 1559 by Maharana Udai Singh & continued till the 18th century. The palace has domes, arches and towers. It is a marvelous assortment of courtyards, pavilions, terraces, corridors, palaces & hanging gardens. It is encircled by fortifications".

View of City Palace from Ambrai Ghat post sun-set. U can view sunset in 3 ways. One is take boat from Gangore Ghat or Dudh Talai and view from Pichola Lake. Two go to Ambrai Ghat. Or take rope-way to top of Karni Mata Mandir. Ambrai Ghat u are closest to the palace.

Kartik Purnima function started with refreshments in the Zenana Mahal. Two girls in traditional attire tie flowers round the hand of every lady guest. Many high profile weddings were held here. "City Palace comprises 11 wonderful palaces, which were built by different rulers still they resemble each other. With the sheer glimpse of unique paintings, antique furniture and exquisite glass mirror & ornamental tiles work of these palaces, you will get amazed."

Entrance to Zenana Mahal. Images left to right are Shreenathji, Ganesha and Shivji.

Walked into a huge courtyard with fountains and flowers. East side view. Loved it. Slight chill, moonlight and excellent company. "Manak Mahal (Ruby Palace) has figures of crystal and porcelain. However, Bhim Vilas flaunts a fabulous collection of miniature paintings depicting the real life stories of Radha-Krishna."

West side view. Everything seemed just right, not too much not too little. There is Krishna Vilas, Moti Mahal, Chandra Mahal, Kaanch ki Burj, Bada Mahal, Sheesh Mahal, Mor Chowk, Laxi Vilas Chowk

Guests enjoying in moonlight. Missed visiting the shrine of Dhuni Mata. It is considered the oldest part of the palace.

Before we start evening program pranams to Shri Ekling ji, personal deity temple of the Maharana of Mewar. The temple that you see is enroute to Delwara and about 30 minutes drive from Udaipur. Must visit. Very good vibrations.

There is a Art Gallery in City Palace where saw NARTAKI (Dancing Surasundari). This sculpture was found around Shree Enkling Ji Temple 1100-1200 CE. She carries a flower in her left hand and was probably captured in the chowka posture of Odissi classical dance.

Board gives detailed description about NARTAKI. Since the evening program was on dance, thought it would be appropriate to share this sculpture from the art gallery.

At Manek Chowk. All set to start the evening`s program.

Right to left is Shiv Niwas Palace ie roundish structure, next is Fateh Prakash Palace (Durbal Hall worth seeing) and then City Palace. Just where Shiv Niwas Hotel ends is a garden. Stood at garden corner to click this pic.

Lake Palace Udaipur surrounded by Pichola Lake. On hotel right is Leela Palace. On left is Udai Vilas. Left structure on top of hill is summer palace called Sajjangarh. U get a great view of Udaipur from there. Udaipur has 7 lakes ie Pichola, Dudh Talai, Govardhan Sagar, Kumaria Talav, Rangsagar, Swaroop Sagar and Fateh Sagar. Outside Udaipur is Udai Sagar, Jaisamand and Rajsamand lakes. Do admire the ruler`s vision in making so many lakes.

At the end of Bharatanatyam performance by Ragini Chandershekar and team, Shriji Arvind Singh Mewar felicitated the artists.

Excellent performances by Team Raginiji. Time flew, we were so engrossed with their dance. In response to huge applause Raginiji bows down in humility to the audience.

Before the lights had come on a close up of view of right to left, the Shiv Niwas Palace and the Fate Prakash Palace. Do visit the City Palace including the very nicely made Art Gallery.

Fully lit. Great experience. Loved the evening program as much as I did in seeing the different shades of the City Palace Complex. Some captions taken from this site. Click Here

Close up of artists. Super performance. Three cheers to each one of them including those who worked behind the scenes.

Sunset from Pichola Lake. Island that you see is Jag Mandir. Missed seeing sunset from Karni Mata Mandir. Must leave something worthy for the next trip. I love Udaipur and hope Ishwar sends me there again. May the Sun never set on Mewar. To visit Eternal Mewar site http://www.eternalmewar.in/index.aspx

Overview of City Palace Complex & Lakes. Lake Palace in the center of Lake Pichola. Opposite that is first hotels then City Palace. Water body that u see behind is Fateh Sagar Lake. Pic by Prashant Lohar taken from Karni Mata Mandir ie on a hill.