Udaipur: Difference between revisions

{{about|the city in Rajasthan|other uses|Udaipur (disambiguation)}}

| name           = Udaipur

| settlement_type = [[City]]

| image_skyline   = {{Photomontage

| photo2b = Udaipur palace night.jpg

| photo2a = Pgk udaipur.jpg

| photo3a = LakePalaceEarlyMorning.jpg

| photo3b = JagMandir.jpg

| photo4a =I Love Udaipur.jpg

| photo4b = Pichola See.JPG

| photo5a = Udaipur's Landscape.jpg

| image_alt               = Udaipur City

| image_caption           = From Top to Bottom:<br/> Evening view of the city, [[Pratap Gaurav Kendra]], [[City Palace, Udaipur|City Palace complex]], [[Lake Palace]], [[Jag Mandir]], [[Pratap Park]], [[Lake Pichola]], Udaipur landscape

| nickname = "City of Lakes"

| pushpin_map             = India#India Rajasthan

| pushpin_relief         = yes

| pushpin_label_position = right

| pushpin_map_alt         = Udaipur

| pushpin_map_caption     = Location in Rajasthan, India

| coordinates             = {{coord|24.58|N|73.68|E|display=inline,title}}

| subdivision_type       = [[List of sovereign states|Country]]

| subdivision_name       = {{IND}}

| subdivision_type1       = [[States and union territories of India|State]]

| subdivision_type2       = [[List of districts of India|District]]

| subdivision_name1       = [[Rajasthan]]

| subdivision_name2       = [[Udaipur district|Udaipur]]

| established_date       = 1559 CE

| founder                 = Rana [[Udai Singh II]]

| named_for               =  

| governing_body         = [[Udaipur Municipal Corporation]]

| leader_title           = [[Mayor]]

| leader_name             =  

| unit_pref               = Metric

| area_total_km2         = 64

| area_footnotes         = <ref name="JanaaGraha_Udaipur">{{cite web|title=Udaipur Municipal Corporation - Annual Report 2015-16|url=http://janaagraha.org/files/udaipur-report-v15.pdf|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180920164155/http://janaagraha.org/files/udaipur-report-v15.pdf|publisher=[[Janaagraha]]|archive-date=September 20, 2018|access-date=September 22, 2021|url-status=live}}</ref>

| elevation_m             = 423

| population_total       = 451,100

| population_as_of       = 2011

| population_footnotes=<ref name="c2011"/>

| population_density_km2 =  

| population_metro       = 474,531

| demographics_type1     = Languages

| demographics1_title1   = Official

| demographics1_info1   = [[Hindi]]

| demographics1_title2   = {{no wrap|Additional Official}}

| demographics1_info2   = [[English language|English]]

| demographics1_title3   = Regional

| demographics1_info3   = [[Mewari language|Mewari]]

| timezone1               = [[Indian Standard Time|IST]]

| utc_offset1             = +5:30

| postal_code_type       = [[Postal Index Number|PIN]]

| postal_code             = 313001- 313024

| area_code               = +91- 294

| area_code_type         = Telephone code

| registration_plate     = RJ-27

| blank1_name_sec1       = Nearest cities

| blank1_info_sec1       = [[Jodhpur]], [[Chittorgarh]], [[Kota, Rajasthan|Kota]], [[Ahmedabad]], [[Jaipur]], [[Ajmer]], [[Indore]], [[Dungarpur]], [[Banswara]]

| blank2_name_sec1       = [[Köppen climate classification|Climate]]

| blank2_info_sec1       = [[Semi-arid climate#Hot semi-arid climates|BSh]]

| website                 = {{URL|www.udaipur.rajasthan.gov.in}}

|}}

'''Udaipur''' ({{audio|Udaipur.ogg|pronunciation}}) ([[ISO 15919]]: ''Udayapura''), is a city in the state of [[Rajasthan]], India.<ref name="Udaipur location"></ref><ref>{{cite web|first=Soumya|last=Srivastava|title=Weekend at Udaipur: Two days are all you need to fall in love with the city of lakes|url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/travel/weekend-at-udaipur-two-days-are-all-you-need-to-fall-in-love-with-the-city-of-lakes/story-YkpbTQiUrjsATzNWjoTbwL.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170730131543/https://www.hindustantimes.com/travel/weekend-at-udaipur-two-days-are-all-you-need-to-fall-in-love-with-the-city-of-lakes/story-YkpbTQiUrjsATzNWjoTbwL.html|work=[[Hindustan Times]]|date=July 30, 2017|archive-date=July 30, 2017|access-date=30 August 2017|url-status=live}}</ref> It is the historic capital of the kingdom of [[Mewar]] in the former [[Rajputana Agency]]. It was founded in 1559 by [[Udai Singh II]] of the [[Sisodia]] clan of [[Rajput]],<ref name="Udaipur history">{{cite news|url=https://udaipur.rajasthan.gov.in/content/raj/udaipur/en/about-udaipur/history.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150623235306/https://udaipur.rajasthan.gov.in/content/raj/udaipur/en/about-udaipur/history.html|title=Udaipur History|publisher=Official Website of Udaipur via [[Government of Rajasthan]]|archive-date=June 23, 2015|access-date=November 26, 2015|url-status=live}}</ref> when he shifted his capital from the city of [[Chittorgarh]] to Udaipur after Chittorgarh was besieged by [[Akbar]]. It remained as the capital city till 1818 when it became a [[British Raj|British princely state]],<ref name="Udaipur history"></ref> and thereafter the Mewar province became a part of Rajasthan when India gained [[Indian Independence Act 1947|independence]] in 1947.<ref name=udaipur.org.uk>{{cite web|title=Udaipur History|url=http://www.udaipur.org.uk/history.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071102162335/http://www.udaipur.org.uk/history.html|website=Udaipur.org.uk|access-date=31 August 2015|archive-date=2 November 2007|url-status=live}}</ref>

The city is located in the southernmost part of Rajasthan, near the [[Gujarat]] border. It is surrounded by the [[Aravali Range]], which separates it from the [[Thar Desert]]. It is around 660&nbsp;km from [[Delhi]], approximately 800&nbsp;km from [[Mumbai]] and 1720&nbsp;km from [[Bangalore]]. Placed almost in the middle of two major Indian metro cities. Besides, connectivity with [[Gujarat]] ports provide Udaipur a strategic geographical advantage.<ref>{{cite web|title=Udaipur Location|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071102162451/http://www.udaipur.org.uk/location.html|url=http://www.udaipur.org.uk/location.html|website=Udaipur.org.uk|access-date=9 September 2017|archive-date=2 November 2007|url-status=live}}</ref> Udaipur is well connected with nearby cities and states by means of road, rail and air transportation facilities. The city is served by the [[Maharana Pratap Airport]]. Common languages spoken include [[Hindi]], [[English language|English]] and [[Rajasthani language|Rajasthani]] ([[Mewari language|Mewari]]).

Dubbed "the most romantic spot on the [[Indian subcontinent|continent of India]]" by [[Company rule in India|British]] administrator [[James Tod]],<ref>{{cite web|title=Welcome to Udaipur|url=https://www.lonelyplanet.com/india/rajasthan/udaipur|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201111223907/https://www.lonelyplanet.com/india/rajasthan/udaipur|website=lonelyplanet.com|access-date=7 April 2018|archive-date=11 November 2020|url-status=live}}</ref> Udaipur is a tourist destination and is known for its history, culture, scenic locations and the Rajput-era palaces. It is popularly known as the "City of Lakes" because of its sophisticated lake system. It has seven lakes surrounding the city. [[Udaipur City's Five lakes|Five]] of the major lakes, namely [[Fateh Sagar Lake]], [[Lake Pichola]], [[Swaroop Sagar Lake]], [[Rang Sagar Lake|Rangsagar]], and [[Doodh Talai Lake]], have been included under the restoration project of the National Lake Conservation Plan (NLCP) of the [[Government of India]].<ref name="NLCP Report">{{cite web|first1=M.S.|last1=Reddy|first2=N.V.V.|last2=Char|title=Management of Lakes in India|url=http://www.worldlakes.org/uploads/Management_of_lakes_in_India_10Mar04.pdf|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20050529014441/http://www.worldlakes.org/uploads/Management_of_lakes_in_India_10Mar04.pdf|website=worldlakes.org|publisher=(NLCP) - National Lake Conservation Plan|access-date=31 August 2015|date=10 March 2004|archive-date=29 May 2005|url-status=live}}</ref> Besides lakes, Udaipur is also known for its historic forts and palaces, museums, galleries, natural locations and gardens, architectural temples, as well as traditional fairs, festivals and structures.<ref>{{cite web|title=Udaipur Tourist Attractions|url=http://www.udaipur.org.uk/tourist-attractions/index.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060210114518/http://www.udaipur.org.uk/tourist-attractions/index.html|website=Udaipur.org.uk|archive-date=10 February 2006|access-date=9 September 2017|url-status=live}}</ref> It is also known as the [[Venice]] of the east.{{citation needed|date=January 2022}} Udaipur economy is primarily driven by tourism, though minerals, marble processing, chemical manufacturing and development, electronic manufacturing and the handicraft industry are also contributors.<ref name="economy">{{Cite web|url=http://www.udaipurmc.org/Static/Pdf/Chapte4.pdf|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170909100218/http://www.udaipurmc.org/Static/Pdf/Chapte4.pdf|title=Local Economy|url-status=dead|website=Udaipurmc.org|publisher=[[Udaipur Municipal Corporation]]|archive-date=9 September 2017|access-date=9 September 2021}}</ref> Udaipur hosts several state and regional public offices, including offices of Director of Mines and Geology, Commissioner of Excise, Commissioner of Tribal Area Development, [[Hindustan Zinc|Hindustan Zinc Limited]], and [[Rajasthan State Mines and Minerals|Rajasthan State Mines and Mineral Corporation Limited]]. Besides, Udaipur is rising as educational hub as well, with 5 Universities, 14 colleges and more than 160 high schools.<ref name="economy"></ref> Udaipur is home to [[Indian Institute of Management Udaipur|IIM Udaipur]], the fifth best management institution in the country according to NIRF ranking released by the [[Ministry of Human Resource Development|MHRD]].

===Pre-Historic Era===

The [[Ahar River]] bank was inhabited in about 2000 BCE. There are footprints of two different civilizations, which provides claims about earliest inhabitants of the Ahar culture: the first ones are the [[Bhil people|Bhil]]/Bheels, the indigenous tribes originated at this place, and are still residing in the area in large numbers. The second footprints were of [[Rajput|Rajputs]], who once entered the enclosed valley, and then continued to live in this place for centuries.<ref name="Udaipurtimes">{{cite web|title=Prehistoric Era of Ayad|url=http://udaipurtimes.com/prehistoric-era-of-ayad/|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101015043216/https://udaipurtimes.com/prehistoric-era-of-ayad/|website=UdaipurTimes.com|date=12 October 2010|access-date=12 September 2017|archive-date=15 October 2010|url-status=dead}}</ref>

[[File:Statue of Maharana Pratap of Mewar, commemorating the Battle of Haldighati, City Palace, Udaipur.jpg|left|thumb|200px|Statue of [[Maharana Pratap]] of Mewar, commemorating the Battle of Haldighati.]]

Udaipur was founded in 1559,<ref name="Udaipur history"></ref> by Maharana [[Udai Singh II]] in the fertile circular Girwa Valley to the southwest of [[Nagda]], on the [[Banas River]]. The city was established as the new capital of the [[Udaipur State|Mewar kingdom]]. This area already had a thriving trading town, Ayad, which had served as the capital of Mewar in the 10th through 12th centuries.<ref name="Udaipur history"></ref> The Girwa region was thus already well known to Chittaud rulers who moved to it whenever the vulnerable tableland Chittaurgarh was threatened with enemy attacks. Rana Udai Singh II, in the wake of 16th-century emergence of artillery warfare, decided during his exile at [[Kumbhalgarh]] to move his capital to a more secure location. Ayad was flood-prone, hence he chose the ridge east of Pichola Lake to start his new capital city, where he came upon a [[hermit]] while hunting in the foothills of the [[Aravalli Range]]. The hermit blessed the king and guided him to build a palace on the spot, assuring him it would be well protected. Udai Singh II consequently established a residence on the site. In November 1567, the [[Mughal Emperor]] [[Akbar]] [[Siege of Chittorgarh (1567–1568)|conquered Chittor]]. To protect Udaipur from external attacks, Rana Udai Singh built a six-kilometre-long city wall, with seven gates,<ref>{{cite book|last1=Jain|first1=Manishika|title=GIS and Remote Sensing Techniques|publisher=Examrace.com, 2009|isbn=978-81-7906-190-9|page=36|edition=2009|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=2-ywPPUdIZUC&q=eight+gates+in+udaipur|access-date=17 May 2016|year=2009}}</ref> namely [[Surajpole (Udaipur)|Surajpole]], [[Chandpole (Udaipur)|Chandpole]], [[Udiapole]], [[Hathipole (Udaipur)|Hathipole]], Ambapole, Brahmpole, Delhi Gate, and Kishanpole. The area within these walls and gates is still known as the old city or the walled city.

In September 1576, [[Akbar]] himself arrived at Udaipur and remained there for 6 months until May 1577.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://persian.packhum.org/persian/main?url=pf%3Ffile%3D00701022%26ct%3D118|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170814022907/https://persian.packhum.org/persian/main?url=pf%3Ffile%3D00701022%26ct%3D118|title=The Akbarnama of Abu Fazl|archive-date=14 August 2017|access-date=14 August 2017|url-status=dead|work=persian.packhum.org}}</ref> In 1615, Rana Amar Singh finally accepted Mughal vassalship and Udaipur remained the capital of the state, which became a [[princely state]] of [[British India]] in 1818. Being a mountainous region and unsuitable for heavily armoured Mughal horses, Udaipur remained safe from Mughal influence despite much pressure. At present, [[Maharana]] [[Mahendra Singh Mewar]]  is the 76th custodian of the Mewar dynasty.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.indianrajputs.com/view/udaipur_rajasthan|title=Udaipur (Princely State)|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181010120521/http://www.indianrajputs.com/view/udaipur_rajasthan|last=Rathore|first=Abhinay|website=Indianrajputs.com|language=en|access-date=2018-11-23|archive-date=2018-10-10|url-status=live}}</ref>

[[File:India - Udaipur - 001 - Udaipur Palace panorama from the lake (1038245526).jpg|thumb|800px|center|<center>The [[City Palace, Udaipur|City Palace]] alongside [[Lake Pichola]].</center>]]

File:Udaipur city view.jpg|alt=Udaipur from the City Palace|A view on Udaipur as seen from the City Palace

|year record high C = 46.4

| Jan record low C = -1.2

|year record low C = -1.3

| Jan rain mm = 2.4

| Feb rain mm = 2.7

| Mar rain mm = 1.4

| Apr rain mm = 6.8

| May rain mm = 13.8

| Jun rain mm = 81.3

| Jul rain mm = 208.8

| Aug rain mm = 208.5

| Sep rain mm = 94.8

| Oct rain mm = 12.8

| Nov rain mm = 11.2

| Dec rain mm = 2.2

| year rain mm = 646.7

|source 1 = [[India Meteorological Department]]<ref name=IMDnormals>

| access-date = 20 January 2021}}</ref>

{{IndiaCensusPop|state=

|title= Population Growth of Udaipur

|2011= 474531

|footnote= source:<ref name="censusindia1">{{cite web|url=http://www.populstat.info/Asia/indiat.htm|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190331073524/http://www.populstat.info/Asia/indiat.htm|title=Historical Demographical Data of the Urban Centers|archive-date=March 31, 2019|access-date=March 31, 2019|website=populstat.info|url-status=dead}}</ref>

 

|title=Religions in Udaipur

{{bar percent|[[Hindus]]|orange|72.90}}

{{bar percent|[[Jainism|Jains]]|pink|9.86}}

{{bar percent|[[Sikhs]]|black|0.8}}

{{bar percent|[[Buddhists]]|yellow|0.02}}

[[Hinduism]] is the major religion followed in the city. 2nd most is [[Muslims]] with approx 16% of the total population. With a large Jain community, [[Jainism]] is amongst the other main religions practised. [[Jainism|Jains]] makes about 10% of the population, as compared to the [[2011 Census of India|national average]] of 0.37%.

Current MP of Udaipur is Arjunlal Meena of BJP.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.news18.com/news/politics/udaipur-election-results-2019-live-updates-winner-loser-leading-trailing-2155375.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201107232752/https://www.news18.com/news/politics/udaipur-election-results-2019-live-updates-winner-loser-leading-trailing-2155375.html|title=Udaipur Election Results 2019 Live Updates: Arjunlal Meena of BJP Wins|publisher=[[News18]]|date=23 May 2019|access-date=7 November 2020|archive-date=7 November 2020|url-status=live}}</ref>

Udaipur is well known for handicrafts such as paintings, marble articles, silver arts and terracotta. The [[Shilpgram, Udaipur|Shilpgram]] is a platform where regional handicraft and hand-loom products are developed. Craft bazaars are organised by the Shilpgram, with an aim to encourage the regional arts and crafts, the handicraft and hand-loom works.

Agriculture as in most other parts of the country, remains a leading sector in the city's economy. The Major crops of the area are Maize and Jowar in [[Kharif]] season and Wheat and Mustard in the [[Rabi crop|Rabi]] season.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://aadigyanproject.in/udaipur-agriculture/|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170515184244/http://aadigyanproject.in/udaipur-agriculture/|title=Udaipur Agriculture|archive-date=May 15, 2017|access-date=May 15, 2017|website=aadigyanproject.in|url-status=dead}}</ref> Pulses, groundnut and vegetables like brinjals are some of the major food products grown in the city.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://agricoop.nic.in/Agriculture%20contingency%20Plan/Rajasthan/RAJ22-Udaipur-9.3.2012.pdf|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130318221557/https://agricoop.nic.in/Agriculture%20contingency%20Plan/Rajasthan/RAJ22-Udaipur-9.3.2012.pdf|title=Agriculture Contingency Plan for District: Udaipur|archive-date=March 18, 2013|access-date=March 18, 2013|publisher=[[Department of Agriculture, Co-operation and Farmers' Welfare]]|url-status=dead}}</ref> The [[Maharana Pratap University of Agriculture and Technology]], along with its affiliated institutions, has been working towards identifying, designing, preparing and adapting new techniques in the field of production technology for agricultural development since its establishment.

| [[File:City Palace by lake Pichola, Udaipur.jpg|200px]]|| '''[[City Palace, Udaipur]]''' || 1559 ||Standing on the east bank of Lake Pichola is a massive series of palaces built at different times from 1559. Its main entrance is through the triple-arched gate - the Tripolia, built in 1725. This gate leads to a series of courtyards, overlapping partitions, terraces, corridors and gardens. The palace now houses a museum with many antique articles, paintings, decorative furniture and utensils from the royal era.

| [[File:LakePalaceEarlyMorning.jpg|200px]]|| '''[[Lake Palace]]''' || 1743–1746 ||Situated over an island in Lake Pichola, the Lake Palace was constructed to serve as a royal summer palace. Built of white marble, the palace is now a luxury 5 Star hotel, operating under the "[[Taj Hotels Resorts and Palaces]]" banner.

| [[File:JagMandir.jpg|200px]]|| '''[[Jag Mandir]]''' || 1551–1652 ||Jag Mandir is a palace built on an island in the Lake Pichola. Also known as the "Lake Garden Palace", it was constructed by three Maharanas of the Mewar kingdom. The construction started in 1551 and was completed by 1652. The royal family used the palace as a summer resort and pleasure palace.

|| '''[[Rishabhdeo|Kesariyaji Temple]]'''

The temple is dedicated to Lord Rishabh dev, the first Jain Tirthankara. The fifty-two pinnacles of the temple are seen from a long distance. The main idol in the temple is of Tirthankara Rishabha, carved in black stone in padmasana posture, about 3.5 feet (1.1&nbsp;m) tall.

| [[File:Jagdish Temple Udaipur.jpg|200px]]|| '''[[Jagdish Temple]]''' || 1651 ||The [[Jagdish Temple]] is a large Hindu temple in the middle of Udaipur, built by Maharana Jagat Singh I. A key tourist place in the city, this temple is an example of [[Māru-Gurjara architecture]].

| [[File:Pichola See.JPG|200px]]|| '''[[Lake Pichola]]''' || 1362 ||Lake Pichola is an artificial freshwater lake and is one of the several contiguous lakes in the city of Udaipur. The lake's surroundings and the several islands within the lake have been developed over the centuries, with palaces, marble temples, family mansions, bathing ghats ([[Gangaur Ghat]], [[Ambrai Ghat]], Hanuman Ghat) and chabutaras (a raised platform, normally within a courtyard)

|

| -

|Pratap Park is a garden situated near the bank of Pichola Lake. It has an open gymnasium and several other attractions.{{citation needed|date=August 2019}} It has gained attraction{{citation needed|date=August 2019}} due to the human-sized alphabets reading "I LOVE UDAIPUR", with a view of Lake Pichola and City Palace in the background.

Udaipur has received a rich cultural heritage from the bygone ages. The lakes, temples, huge forts, and palaces boast about the rich legacy of this city. The city has kept a balance between preserving the rituals and traditions of the past while keeping up with the modern advancements and changes in lifestyle. Like any other place in the state of Rajasthan, folk dance and music have an important place in adding to the city's cultural richness. The dynamic and vibrant dances of Bhavai, Ghoomar, Kachchhi Ghodi, Kalbeliya, and Terahtaali add a sparkle to the rich cultural heritage of Udaipur.

*[[Ghoomar]] dance is a part of the royal culture of the Mewar Region of Rajasthan. This is a community dance for women and performed on auspicious occasions where the ladies move gracefully in circles.

*Bhavai dance consists of veiled women dancers balancing up to seven or nine brass pitchers as they dance nimbly, pirouetting and then swaying with the soles of their feet perched on the top of a glass or on the edge of the sword

*[[Kachchhi Ghodi dance|Kachchhi Ghodi]] dance is performed on dummy horses where men in elaborate costumes ride the equally well decorated dummy horses. Holding naked swords, these dancers move rhythmically to the beating of drums and fifes.<ref name="Art and Culture">{{cite web|url=http://www.amazingudaipur.com/art%20and%20culture.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090106141253/http://www.amazingudaipur.com/art%20and%20culture.html|title=Udaipur Art and Culture|archive-date=January 6, 2009|access-date=January 6, 2009|website=amazingudaipur.com|url-status=dead}}</ref>

Following a lineage of age-old traditions and adhering to religious significance, the various dances complement the fairs and festivals held in the city.  The city's music consists mainly of the use of morchang, naad, tanpura, and sarangi, among many other instruments, that used to echo in the courts of the erstwhile rulers of the state.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.udaipurian.com/culture-of-udaipur/#.YVHuNbgzaM8|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200927111449/https://www.udaipurian.com/culture-of-udaipur/|title=Culture of Udaipur|website=Udaipurian.com|archive-date=September 27, 2020|access-date=September 27, 2020|url-status=live}}</ref>

Miniature paintings are amongst the most famous paintings developed under the patronage of the rulers of [[Rajasthan]]. The simplest among these are done on walls, and through folk in style, they nevertheless have some of the flavors of frescoes one sees in the old palaces. The tradition of painting the wall of houses with scenes from mythological and chivalric tales has been prevalent in Rajasthan for the past many centuries. The people of the city make use of such wall paintings for decorations during wedding celebrations. Noted amongst the miniature style of paintings are particularly the Pichvais, which are those made on cloth, and [[Phad painting|phad]], made on cloth scroll in a folk style.<ref name="Art and Culture"></ref>

The [[Bharatiya Lok Kala Mandal]] is a cultural institution based in the city. The institute with its museum is a platform that displays a collection of [[Culture of Rajasthan|Rajasthani culture]]. Offering an insight into the lifestyle of the royal era in Udaipur, the museum has a fine collection of dresses, tribal jewelry, turbans, dolls, masks, musical instruments, paintings, and puppets. With various cultural events including folk song and dance performances, theatre and puppetry, the institute highlights the different social stigmas, thereby proving to be a powerful education tool for the masses.<ref>{{cite web|first=Nivedita|last=Ganguly|url=http://www.thehindu.com/features/metroplus/puppetry-the-ancient-art-of-storytelling/article6321403.ece|title=The ancient art of storytelling|date=August 15, 2014|access-date=August 15, 2014|work=[[The Hindu]]}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.udaipur.org.uk/museums/bhartiya-lok-museum.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060210114535/http://www.udaipur.org.uk/museums/bhartiya-lok-museum.html|title=Bharatiya Lok Kala Museum|access-date=February 10, 2016|archive-date=February 10, 2006|website=Udaipur.org.uk|url-status=live}}</ref>

[[Gangaur]] is one of the most important local festivals in Rajasthan.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://udaipur.rajasthan.gov.in/content/raj/udaipur/en/about-udaipur/festivals.html#|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150621222719/http://udaipur.rajasthan.gov.in/content/raj/udaipur/en/about-udaipur/festivals.html|title=Festivals|publisher=Official Website of Udaipur via [[Government of Rajasthan]]|archive-date=June 21, 2015|access-date=June 21, 2015|url-status=live}}</ref> In some form or the other it is celebrated all over Rajasthan.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.thepalaceonwheels.org/blog/mewar-festival-in-rajasthan/|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181117104945/www.thepalaceonwheels.org/blog/mewar-festival-in-rajasthan/|title=Mewar Festival in Rajasthan 2018 – A Complete Guide|date=February 12, 2018|access-date=November 17, 2018|archive-date=November 17, 2018|website=thepalaceonwheels.org|url-status=dead}}</ref> "gan" is a synonym for Lord [[Shiva]] and "Gauri" or "gaur" stands for Goddess [[Parvati]], the heavenly consort of Lord Shiva. Gangaur celebrates the union of the two and is a symbol of conjugal and marital happiness.

This festival is celebrated especially by women, who worship clay idols of "Gan" & "Gauri" in their houses. These idols are worshiped by the girls who seek the blessings of Gan and Gauri for a good spouse, while the married women pray for the good health and long life of their husbands.

Udaipur has the privilege of having a dedicated Ghat named after Gangaur. [[Gangaur Ghat]] or Gangori Ghat is situated on the waterfront of Lake Pichola. This ghat serves as a prime location for the celebration of multiple festivals, including the Gangaur festival. The idols of Gan and Gauri are immersed in the Lake Pichola from this ghat.

A traditional procession of Gangaur commences from the City Palace which passes through various areas of the city. The procession is headed by old palanquins, chariots, bullock carts, and performance by folk artists.

In Udaipur, the third biggest [[Ratha-Yatra]]<ref>{{cite web|first=Yash|last=Sharma|url=http://www.udaipurblog.com/best-pictures-jagannath-rath-yatra-2014.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140707080617/http://www.udaipurblog.com/best-pictures-jagannath-rath-yatra-2014.html|title=[Best Pictures] Jagannath Rath Yatra 2014|date=July 1, 2014|archive-date=July 7, 2014|access-date=July 7, 2014|website=udaipurblog.com|url-status=live}}</ref> is organized on the auspicious day of [[Ashadh]] Shukla Paksha (bright fortnight) Dwitiya according to Indian [[Vikram Samvat]]. On this cultural day of summer solstice theme, June 21 of every year, the journey of the Lord Jagannath to their aunt's house is started. The presiding deities of the temple lord [[Jagannath]] ([[Krishna]]), Balabhadra ([[Balarama]]) and their sister [[Subhadra]] are taken through the streets in heavily decorated wooden chariots, which are made every year for the purpose. The Chariot of Lord Jagannath, called Nandighosha, has 16 wheels and is draped in red and yellow.

The sanctity of the festival is such that even a touch of the chariot or even the ropes with which these are pulled is considered enough to confer the results of several pious deeds or penance for ages.

According to the Hindu calendar, Gyaras, or Ekadashi is basically, the 11th day of each waxing ([[Shukla paksha]] ) and waning moon ([[Krishna paksha]]). This Ekadashi, known as Jal-Jhulni Gyaras, or Jal-Jhulni Ekadashi, like all other festivals, is celebrated with great enthusiasm in Udaipur.

Udaipur has been a location for a number of [[Bollywood]] movies. Some of them shot here include: ''[[Dhadak]]'', ''[[Guide (film)|Guide]]'', ''[[Mera Saaya]]'', ''[[Phool Bane Angaray]]'', ''[[Kachche Dhaage]]'', ''[[Mera Gaon Mera Desh]]'', ''Jalmahal'', ''[[Yaadein (2001 film)|Yaadein]]'',<ref name="shooting locations">{{cite web|url=https://udaipurtimes.com/entertainment-our-lifestyle/udaipur-heaven-for-movie-shooting-select-list-of-movies/c74416-w2859-cid130910-s10801.htm|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200617092526/https://udaipurtimes.com/entertainment-our-lifestyle/udaipur-heaven-for-movie-shooting-select-list-of-movies/c74416-w2859-cid130910-s10801.htm|title=Udaipur: Heaven for movie shooting {{!}} Select list of movies shot|date=September 29, 2016|access-date=June 17, 2020|archive-date=June 17, 2020|website=UdaipurTimes.com|url-status=live}}</ref> ''Return of the thief of the bagdad'', ''[[Eklavya: The Royal Guard]]'', ''[[Dhamaal]]'', ''Jis Desh Mei Ganga Rehta Hai'', ''[[Chalo Ishq Ladaaye]]'', ''[[Fiza]]'', ''[[Gaddaar (1995 film)|Gaddaar]]'', ''[[Hum Hain Rahi Pyar Ke]]'', ''[[Khuda Gawah]]'', ''[[Kundan (film)|Kundan]]'', ''[[Nandini]]'', ''[[Saajan Ka Ghar]]'', ''[[Yeh Jawaani Hai Deewani]]'', ''[[Pataakha]]'', ''[[Mirzya (film)|Mirzya]]'',<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/bollywood/mirzya-shot-at-untapped-locations-17km-from-indo-pak-border/story-r7TmCMxiKm1q6dDoOyQ7YL.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160926215835/https://www.hindustantimes.com/bollywood/mirzya-shot-at-untapped-locations-17km-from-indo-pak-border/story-r7TmCMxiKm1q6dDoOyQ7YL.html|title=Mirzya shot at untapped locations, 17km from Indo-Pak border|date=September 29, 2016|access-date=September 29, 2016|archive-date=September 29, 2016|work=[[Hindustan Times]]|url-status=live}}</ref> ''[[Goliyon Ki Raasleela Ram-Leela]]'',<ref name="shooting locations"></ref> ''[[Prem Ratan Dhan Payo]], ''Love Aaj Kal, Angrezi Medium. Udaipur is also the setting of various Television series like ''[[Yeh Rishta Kya Kehlata Hai]]'', ''[[Rakhi Ka Swayamwar]]'' and ''[[Bharat Ka Veer Putra – Maharana Pratap]]''.

[[Maharana Pratap Airport]],<ref>{{cite web|title=Udaipur|url=http://www.aai.aero/allAirports/udaipur_technicalinfo.jsp|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150925102645/http://www.aai.aero/allAirports/udaipur_technicalinfo.jsp|archive-date=September 25, 2015|access-date=September 25, 2015|publisher=[[Airports Authority of India]]|url-status=dead}}</ref> is a small domestic airport situated in a satellite town about 20 kilometres from Udaipur. Daily flights connect Udaipur with [[Jaipur]], [[Mumbai]],  [[Delhi]], [[Chennai]], [[Aurangabad Airport|Aurangabad]], [[Kempegowda International Airport|Bangalore]],  [[Rajiv Gandhi International Airport|Hyderabad]], [[Surat Airport|Surat]] and [[Lal Bahadur Shastri Airport|Varanasi]] . [[Air India]], [[IndiGo]] and [[Spice Jet]] are operational at present. The airport having just three boarding gates, gate 1 is on the ground floor while gates 2 & 3 are at the first floor, and only ten check-in counters can barely handle 600 passengers at a time. The airport has been renovated by the Airport Authority of India for a though remote but possible International airport status.

[[Udaipur City railway station]] and [[Rana Pratap Nagar railway station]] are two railway stations in Udaipur. Through them, Udaipur has direct train connectivity on the broad gauge network to most of the major cities in Rajasthan and the rest of India such as [[Mysuru]], [[Khajuraho]], [[Alwar]], [[Jaipur]], [[Kota, Rajasthan|Kota]], [[Chittorgarh]], [[Ajmer]], [[Delhi]], [[Mumbai]], [[Kolkata]], [[Ratlam]], [[Indore]], [[Ujjain]], [[Mumbai]], [[Surat]], [[Vadodara]], [[Gwalior]] and [[Agra]] and a broad gauge conversion is going on to [[Ahmedabad]].<ref>{{cite web|title=Departures from UDZ/Udaipur City|url=http://indiarailinfo.com/departures/udaipur-city-udz/158|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150426003354/https://indiarailinfo.com/departures/udaipur-city-udz/158|website=indiarailinfo.com|access-date=9 July 2015|archive-date= 26 April 2015|url-status=dead}}</ref>

The city lies on the intersection point of [[North-South and East-West Corridor|East West Corridor]], [[Golden Quadrilateral]], National Highway (NH) 76 and National Highway (NH) 8, midway between [[Delhi]] and [[Mumbai]], located around 700 kilometres from either city.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.udaipuronline.in/city-guide/udaipur-to-delhi-by-road|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140304080739/https://www.udaipuronline.in/city-guide/udaipur-to-delhi-by-road|title=Udaipur to Delhi by Road|archive-date=March 4, 2014|access-date=March 4, 2014|website=Udaipuronline.com|url-status=live}}</ref> The [[North-South and East-West Corridor|East West Corridor]] which starts from [[Porbandar]] and ends at [[Silchar]] is intersecting the [[Golden Quadrilateral]] and shares the common space from Udaipur to [[Chittor]]. The roads in this part of the country are paved and fit for private vehicles. One can either drive from Jaipur (around 6 hours), Ahmedabad (4.1/2 hours) or Surat (9 hours) on NH 8 or Golden Quadrilateral, from Kota (3 hours - EW Corridor or NH 76). [[Udaipur City Bus Depot]] has lines running for the majority of other destinations in Rajasthan and farther north and west towards [[Madhya Pradesh]] and [[Gujarat]]. Apart from [[Rajasthan State Road Transport Corporation]] (RSRTC), there are numerous private operators and companies providing bus services to and from the other cities.

[[File:Udaipur_City_Palace_at_Night.jpg|thumb| Night view of Udaipur city palace by lake Pichola, a view from Ambrai ghat.]]

[[Udaipur International Cricket Stadium]] is a proposed cricket stadium in Udaipur.<ref>{{cite web|first=Prateek|last=Srivastava|url=http://www.cricbuzz.com/cricket-news/68655/rca-could-have-modi-back-provided-he-does-things-lawfully-amin-pathan|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150923211200/https://www.cricbuzz.com/cricket-news/68655/rca-could-have-modi-back-provided-he-does-things-lawfully-amin-pathan|title=RCA could have Modi back, provided he does things lawfully: Amin Pathan|publisher=[[Cricbuzz]]|date=January 7, 2015|access-date=September 23, 2015|archive-date=September 23, 2015|url-status=live}}</ref> In 2013, after a dispute between [[Rajasthan State Sports Council]] and [[Rajasthan Cricket Association]] over the availability of [[Sawai Mansingh Stadium]] during the [[Indian Premier League]], the RCA decided to have plans of having their own stadium. RCA has gained land in Udaipur with 9.67 acres from the Udaipur Improvement Trust on a 99-year lease and stadium will have a capacity of 35,000.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.udaipurian.com/|title=Udaipur Tourism Guide|work=Udaipurian.com|access-date=September 28, 2021}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|first=Indranil|last=Basu|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/news/RCA-to-build-three-stadiums-in-state/articleshow/18582260.cms|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160828062004/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/news/RCA-to-build-three-stadiums-in-state/articleshow/18582260.cms|title=RCA to build three stadiums in state|work=[[The Times of India]]|date=February 20, 2013|access-date=August 28, 2016|archive-date=August 28, 2016|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://daily.bhaskar.com/article/RAJ-JPR-state-of-the-art-stadium-for-city-in-offing-2490938.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111011222236/http://daily.bhaskar.com/article/RAJ-JPR-state-of-the-art-stadium-for-city-in-offing-2490938.html|title=State-of-the-art stadium for city in offing|work=[[Daily Bhaskar]]|date=October 10, 2011|access-date=October 11, 2011|archive-date=October 10, 2011|url-status=dead}}</ref><!-- hidden dead source: <ref>{{cite web|url=http://disoverudaipur.in/|title=Udaipur City Portal|work=discoverudaipur.in}}</ref> -->

 

Udaipur has several [[Cricket Clubs|cricket clubs]] and is home to many state-level players. [[Ashok Menaria]] of Udaipur has represented India in U-19 world cup. [[Ashok Menaria]] and [[Dishant Yagnik]] of the city have played in [[Indian Premier League|IPL]] for [[Rajasthan Royals]].

[[Chess]] is a popular game in the city among both young and senior players. Udaipur has over 120 International [[FIDE]] rated chess players. Players from Udaipur have Represented Rajasthan several times in different Nationals such as Arena Grandmaster Chandrajeet Rajawat. Chandrajeet Rajawat has also won Rajasthan State Championship over seven times in different categories.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://chess-results.com/tnr162296.aspx?lan=1&art=20&wi=821&snr=36|title=35th National Team Chess Championship- 2015|website=chess-results.com|access-date=February 26, 2015}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|title=All Rajputana State Blitz Chess Tournament 2018|url=http://chess-results.com/tnr342630.aspx?lan=1&art=1&rd=8|access-date=2021-01-25|website=chess-results.com}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|title=Rajasthan State ARCA U-25 Selection Chess Championship 2017|url=http://chess-results.com/tnr286608.aspx?lan=1&art=1&rd=7|access-date=2021-01-25|website=chess-results.com}}</ref> Udaipur also has top FIDE rated players of Rajasthan recognized by [[All India Chess Federation|AICF]].<ref>{{cite web|title=3 more FIDE rated players in Udaipur|url=https://udaipurtimes.com/sports/3-more-fide-rated-players-in-udaipur/c74416-w2859-cid103540-s10704.htm|website=UdaipurTimes.com|date=1 July 2012|access-date=1 July 2012}}</ref><!-- hidden dead source: <ref>{{cite web|url=http://aicf.in/players/|archive-url=http://aicf.in/players/|title=FIDE rated players from Udaipur|url-status=dead}}</ref> --> Udaipur is also a favourite destination for chess players. With many international chess events throughout the year, bringing more than 1500 players each year from all over the world to compete.

The [[Asian Powerlifting Championships 2016]], organised by [[Indian Powerlifting Federation]], and sanctioned by Asian Powerlifting Federation and [[International Powerlifting Federation]],<ref name="invitation for 2016 power lifting">{{cite web|title=Invitation|url=http://www.indianpowerliftingfederation.com/admin/result/Invitation%20for%20Asian%202016.pdf|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160309150733/http://www.indianpowerliftingfederation.com/admin/result/Invitation%20for%20Asian%202016.pdf|publisher=[[Indian Powerlifting Federation]]|access-date=8 June 2016|archive-date=9 March 2016|url-status=dead}}</ref> was held in Udaipur from 7 June 2016 to 12 June 2016.<ref name="invitation for 2016 power lifting"></ref><ref>{{cite web|title=Asian Powerlifting Championships 2016|url=http://powerlifting-asia.com/2016/01/20/asian-powerlifting-championships-2016/|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160329010543/http://powerlifting-asia.com/2016/01/20/asian-powerlifting-championships-2016/|website=powerlifting-asia.com|date=20 January 2016|access-date=8 June 2016|archive-date=29 March 2016|url-status=dead}}</ref><!-- hidden dead source: <ref>{{cite web|title=Powerlifting Championship held in Udaipur|url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/toireporter/Asian-Powerlifting-Championship/speednewsbytopic/keyid-783103.cms|access-date=12 June 2016}}</ref> --> The city also served as the venue for the Asian Powerlifting Championships in 2012.<ref>{{cite web|first=Zaheer|last=Abbas|title=[Photos] Asian Powerlifting Championship Starts in Udaipur|url=http://udaipurtimes.com/photos-asian-powerlifting-championship-starts-in-udaipur/|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120503171947/https://udaipurtimes.com/photos-asian-powerlifting-championship-starts-in-udaipur/|date=2 May 2012|access-date=12 June 2016|archive-date=3 May 2012|website=Udaipurtimes.com|url-status=dead}}</ref>

Newspapers in Udaipur include Hindi dailies ''[[Rajasthan Patrika]]'', ''[[Dainik Bhaskar]]'', ''[[Navbharat Times]]'', ''Apranha Times'' and ''Pratahkal''. ''[[The Times of India]]'', ''[[The Economic Times]]'', ''[[The Hindustan Times]]'', ''[[The Hindu]]'' are the English language newspapers circulated in the city.<!-- hidden dead sources: <ref>{{cite web| url=http://www.advertisementindia.com/NewspapersArea.aspx| title=List of newspapers circulated in Udaipur| url-status=dead| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160520143342/http://www.advertisementindia.com/NewspapersArea.aspx| archive-date=20 May 2016| df=dmy-all}}</ref><ref>{{cite web | url=http://pratahkal.com/sample-page/| title=Hindi daily Pratahkal}}</ref> -->

The national, state-owned [[All India Radio]] is broadcast both on the medium wave and FM bands (101.9&nbsp;MHz) in the city.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://allindiaradio.gov.in/Station/UDAIPUR/Pages/default.aspx|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151007023846/http://allindiaradio.gov.in/Station/UDAIPUR/Pages/default.aspx|title=AIR Udaipur|publisher=[[All India Radio]]|access-date=October 7, 2015|archive-date=October 7, 2015|url-status=dead}}</ref> Also broadcast in the city there are four private local FM stations: Radio City FM (91.9&nbsp;MHz), [[BIG FM 92.7|Big FM (92.7&nbsp;MHz)]], My FM (94.3&nbsp;MHz) and Radio Tadka (95&nbsp;MHz).<ref>{{cite web|url=http://trace.bharatiyamobile.com/Search_FM_Stations_City_List.php?location=Udaipur|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151006202417/http://trace.bharatiyamobile.com/Search_FM_Stations_City_List.php?location=Udaipur|title=FM Radio Stations in Udaipur, Rajasthan|access-date=October 6, 2015|archive-date=October 6, 2015|website=bharatiyamobile.com|url-status=live}}</ref> The public broadcaster [[Doordarshan]] (Prasar Bharati) provides a regional channel besides the mainstay channels.

* [[Maharana pratap]]