Shriji's birthday celebrations

On the 13th December, Shriji Arvind Singh Mewar, 76th custodian of the House of Mewar celebrated his 63rd birthday at Shambhu Niwas Palace in the City Palace Complex, Udaipur. In keeping with time-honoured traditions this stately function was attended by a cross section of society, which included family members, as well as staff members from both the corporate and philanthropic divisions of Shriji's corporate enterprises, HRH Group of Hotels and The Maharana of Mewar Charitable Foundation (MMCF). In order to celebrate another milestone, Shriji released the Palace Calendar for the year 2008 and the yearly calendar of the World Wildlife Fund for Nature.
The birthday festivities began in the morning with Shriji receiving Aska (blessings) from the shrine of Shri Eklingji as well as blessings from other respected temples Pandits within the greater Udaipur region. Shriji then received greetings and nazarana from friends and relatives. Amongst those present were the Thakurs and Raos of Mewar, eminent personalities of Udaipur industrialists, administrative and police officials, journalists, advocates, several club officials and employees of the palace as well as people from various walks of life including tourists of both Indian and foreign origin. Shriji was felicitated with fragrant bouquets of flowers, assorted gifts and cards from his well wishers. Shiv Niwas Palace presented Shriji with a cake in the form of a tree depicting Eternal Mewar. The Lake Palace also presented him with an original and attractive cake in the shape of Dolphins. Live music from the Palace band, shehnai and nagada, lent a serene ambience to this joyful occasion. All guests to the palace were treated to traditional refreshments.
In the evening, the celebrations continued at the Palace Island of Jagmandir with a ladies nazrana at Kunwarpada Chowk, followed by cocktails at Kunwarpada Lawns. Mr. Ramli Ibrahim from Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia directed a special Odissi dance performed by the Sutra Dance Theatre at The Courtyard. Celebrations concluded with a dinner for family and friends, hosted by Shriji, at the gardens on the island palace of Jagmandir.

Shriji Arvind Singh Mewar of Udaipur receiving
blessings from a Pandit from the shrine of Shri Eklingji

Shriji Arvind Singh Mewar of Udaipur receiving birthday greetings

Shriji Arvind Singh Mewar of Udaipur with
Ms. Rekha Ganeshan at Jagmandir

A dance performance by Sutra Dance Theater at Jagmandir