Hindu Nav Varsh

The Hindu New Year 2071 or Vikram Nav Varsh Samvant in the traditional lunar Hindu calendars followed in North India – especially in Uttar Pradesh, Himachal Pradesh, Haryana, Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, Uttarakhand, Bihar and Chhattisgarh is celebrated on Chaitra Shukala Pratipada (March – April). In 2014, the Nav Samvat begins on March 31. The New Year is first day after the Amavasi (No moon) in the month of Chaitra. The current year is known as Plavang Samvatsar

According to the traditional Hindu calendar followed in North India this is year Vikram Samvat 2071. This calculation of Hindu New Year is based on the Luni-Solar calendar. A month in the calendar is calculated from full moon to full moon (Purnima to Purnima). This is known as Purnimanta system.

The calendars followed mainly in North India are based on the Amanta and Purnimanta system. Amanta calendar is calculated from New moon to New moon. Purnimanta is calculated from Full moon to Full moon. Amanta is used in some places for calculating festivals and other auspicious days.

The Amanta Lunar calendar starts with Chaitra month. Amanta is used fix all the major Hindu festivals in North India. Even those communities that prefer the Purnimata calendar use Amanta calendar for fixing festivals.

It must be noted here that Gujarat follows a different calendar system and there the New Year falls on the day after Diwali – the calendar is popularly known as Vikram Samvat – the current year in Gujarati calendar is Vikram Samvat 2071 (from October 24, 2014).

Similarly, the official Government of India calendar, the Saka Calendar, has its New Year in Chaitra month but it falls on March 21st or March 22nd.

Vindhyavasini Devi

Vindhyachal 70 km. (one and a half hour drive) from Varanasi, is a renowned religious city dedicated to Goddess Vindhyavasini. Mythologically goddess Vindhyavasini is believed to be the instant bestower of bendiction. Vindhyavasini Devi Temple is situated 8 km from Mirzapur, on the banks of the holy river Ganges. It is one of the most revered Shaktipeeths of the presiding deity, Vindhyavasini Devi. The temple is visited by large number of people daily. Big congregations are held during Navratras in Chaitra (April) and Ashwin (October) months. Kajali competitions are held in the month of Jyestha (June). The temple is situated just 2 km from the Kali Khoh.

Sharad Navaratri

Navratra is a nine day festival and comes five times in a year. However, Sharad Navratri is the most anticipated event amongst all for the belief that it is highly influenced by the Devi. Navaratri is celebrated all over India in various forms and with different believes. The word 'Navratri' is basically a Sanskrit term which was developed after combining two words 'Nava' meaning 'nine' and 'Ratri' meaning 'night'. Navratra is dedicated to Shakti Ma or Goddess Durga for her nine day visit on Earth. Indians believe that the Shakti or Devi Ma has nine incarnations and each visits a day on Earth.

Following are the five forms of Navaratri festival:

Vasanta Navaratri (March-April)

Gupta Navaratri (June-July)

Sharada Navaratri (September-October)

Paush Navaratri (December-January)

Magh Navaratri (January-February)

The exact dates of all these Navratri days are always decided as per the lunar calendar. However, in the beginning of spring and autumn, the time is considered auspicious for the best climatic and solar influence. Hence, Vasanta and Sharad Navratra are considered as the time of Goddess's strongest influence. Most people are unaware of other Navratras and they celebrate these two only. If we talk about the time of strongest influence amongst all, then it comes in Sharad Navratri. It is the only Navratri season celebrated by all and ends on the tenth day called 'Vijayadashmi'.

Chaitra Navratri

Chaitra Navratri, also popular as Chait Navratras, is the nine-day  festival observed  in the month of Chaitra. This year Navratri dates, during Chaitra month are – from March 31 to April 8. Chaitra Navratras starts on the first day in Chaitra month and ends on Ram Navami, the ninth day of the month. As per the legends mentioned in the Puranas and other Hindu scriptures, Chaitra Navratri is the actual Navratri during which Goddess Durga was worshipped. But during the time of Ramayan war, Lord Ram worshipped Durga at the time of Ashwin month. Since then, Ashwin Navratri has become the main festive season to worship goddess Durga.

Importance Of Chaitra Navratri 

Chaitra Navratri is one of the most important festival of Hindus.  Devotees worship Maa Shakti, Goddess of cosmic power, during this time and wish to be bestowed by divine benediction from Goddess. Fasting and praying mark the Navratri celebrations. Goddess Shakti manifests herself in three different dimensions as Goddess Laxmi, Saraswati and Durga. Navratri is divided into sets of three days to adore three different aspects of the supreme goddess or goddesses.

On the first three days Durga or Goddess of Energy is worshipped.The next three days are devoted to Lakshmi or Goddess of Wealth and the last three days for Saraswati or Goddess of Knowledge.  On the eighth and ninth day, Yagna (sacrifice offered to the fire) is performed to honor Durga Mata and bid her farewell. On these days Kanya Puja is performed. Nine young girls (those who have not reached at the puberty stage) representing the nine forms of Goddess Durga are worshiped. In some regions a young boy also accompanies them who symbolizes Bhairav, who is considered as protector against all evils. Those who worship Goddess without any expectation or desire being fulfilled receive her blessings as ultimate freedom from all bondage's.

Navratri

Navratri, literally interpreted as 'nine nights' is the most celebrated Hindu festival devoted to Goddess Durga symbolizing purity and power or 'shakti'. Navratri festival combines ritualistic puja and fasting and is accompanied by resplendent celebrations for nine consecutive days and nights. Navratri in India follows the lunar calendar and is celebrated in March/April as Chaitra Navratri and in September/October as Sharad Navratri.

During Navratri, people from villages and cities gather to perform 'puja' on small shrines representing different aspects of Goddess Durga, including Goddess Lakshmi and Goddess Saraswati. Chanting of mantras and renditions of bhajans and folk songs usually accompany the puja rituals for nine consecutive days of Navratri.

Navratri Celebrations

Defining both the religious and cultural themes, Navratri celebrations are seeped in traditional music and dance. Gujarat is the focus of Navratri celebrations with all night-long dance and festivities. 'Garba' is a devotional dance form that derives from the folklore of Lord Krishna singing and dancing with the gopis using 'dandiya' or slim wooden sticks. 'Raas Garba' has also evolved to include steps like 'Dodhiyu', 'Trikoniya', 'Lehree' and several others. What's more, with time, Navratri festival has seen changes in celebrations with well-choreographed dance performances, high-end acoustics and people dressed in made-to-order, bright costumes. Tourists flock to Vadodara in Gujarat to enjoy a mix of high-energy band music performances, singing and dancing.

Navratri in India witnesses myriad forms of devotion across the country while retaining the common underlying theme of good over evil. In Jammu, the Vaishno Devi shrine sees a huge rise in the number of devotees making their way to the pilgrimage during Navratri. In Himachal Pradesh, the Navratri Mela marks the auspicious occasion of Navratri. In West Bengal, men and women celebrate 'Durga Puja' with great devotion and reverence and worship Goddess Durga destroying the demon 'Mahishasura'. 'Ramlila', wherein people enact scenes from Ramayana is performed in big grounds. 'Dussehra' which coincides with the tenth day of Ashwin (Sharad) Navratri sees nation-wide celebration.

In South India, during Navratri, people arrange idols in a step pattern and invoke the name of God. In Mysore, the nine-day Navratri festival coincides with 'Dasara' Festival involving folk music renditions and dance performances, wrestling tournaments and tableau participation. The procession of tableaux along with embellished elephants, camels and horses starting from the brightly-lit Mysore Palace is a famous one. 'Vijayadashami' is also an auspicious day in South India for performing puja for one's vehicle.

Vishalakshi Gauri

Vishalakshi Gauri Temple is Located at Mir Ghat near Dasaswamedh Vishwanath Gali or Bansphatak Vishwanath Gali.

Kachari Crossing Fountain

The spiral fountain will be the major attraction of the Kachari Crossing.The foundation stone of the renovation work of the park was laid by District Administration last month. Some very innovative and new ideas will be used to make the Kachari Crossing attractive as well as educative for the kids.

Legislative Assembly Constituencies (Vidhan Sabha)

The district constists Three tehsils: Varanasi , Pindra & Rajatalab. The district comprises eight Vidhan Sabha (Legislative Assembly) constituencies: 

1) Pindra

2) Ajagara

3) Shivpur

4) Rohaniya

5) Varanasi North

6) Varanasi South

7) Varanasi Cantonment 

8) Sevapuri.

Lok Sabha Constituency

Varanasi Lok Sabha constituency is one of the 80 Lok Sabha (parliamentary) constituencies in Uttar Pradesh state in northern India.

Members of Parliament

1952: Raghunath Singh, Indian National Congress

1957: Raghunath Singh, Indian National Congress

1962: Raghunath Singh, Indian National Congress

1967: Satya Narain Singh, Communist Party of India

1971: Rajaram Shastri, Indian National Congress

1977: Chandra Shekhar, Janata Party

1980: Kamalapati Tripathi, Indian National Congress (Indira)

1984: Shyamlal Yadav, Indian National Congress

1989: Anil Kumar Shastri, Janata Dal

1991: Shrish Chandra Dikshit, Bharatiya Janata Party

1996: Shankar Prasad Jaiswal, Bharatiya Janata Party

1998: Shankar Prasad Jaiswal, Bharatiya Janata Party

1999: Shankar Prasad Jaiswal, Bharatiya Janata Party

2004: Dr. Rajesh Kumar Mishra, Indian National Congress

2009: Dr. Murli Manohar Joshi, Bharatiya Janata Party

Hanuman Chalisa

॥दोहा॥

श्रीगुरु चरन सरोज रज निज मनु मुकुरु सुधारि ।

बरनउँ रघुबर बिमल जसु जो दायकु फल चारि ॥

बुद्धिहीन तनु जानिके सुमिरौं पवन-कुमार ।

बल बुधि बिद्या देहु मोहिं हरहु कलेस बिकार ॥

॥चौपाई॥

जय हनुमान ज्ञान गुन सागर ।

जय कपीस तिहुँ लोक उजागर ॥१॥

राम दूत अतुलित बल धामा ।

अञ्जनि-पुत्र पवनसुत नामा ॥२॥

महाबीर बिक्रम बजरङ्गी ।

कुमति निवार सुमति के सङ्गी ॥३॥

कञ्चन बरन बिराज सुबेसा ।

कानन कुण्डल कुञ्चित केसा ॥४॥

हाथ बज्र औ ध्वजा बिराजै ।

काँधे मूँज जनेउ साजै ॥५॥

सङ्कर सुवन केसरीनन्दन ।

तेज प्रताप महा जग बन्दन ॥६॥

बिद्यावान गुनी अति चातुर ।

राम काज करिबे को आतुर ॥७॥

प्रभु चरित्र सुनिबे को रसिया ।

राम लखन सीता मन बसिया ॥८॥

सूक्ष्म रूप धरि सियहिं दिखावा ।

बिकट रूप धरि लङ्क जरावा ॥९॥

भीम रूप धरि असुर सँहारे ।

रामचन्द्र के काज सँवारे ॥१०॥

लाय सञ्जीवन लखन जियाये ।

श्रीरघुबीर हरषि उर लाये ॥११॥

रघुपति कीह्नी बहुत बड़ाई ।

तुम मम प्रिय भरतहि सम भाई ॥१२॥

सहस बदन तुह्मारो जस गावैं ।

अस कहि श्रीपति कण्ठ लगावैं ॥१३॥

सनकादिक ब्रह्मादि मुनीसा ।

नारद सारद सहित अहीसा ॥१४॥

जम कुबेर दिगपाल जहाँ ते ।

कबि कोबिद कहि सके कहाँ ते ॥१५॥

तुम उपकार सुग्रीवहिं कीह्ना ।

राम मिलाय राज पद दीह्ना ॥१६॥

तुह्मरो मन्त्र बिभीषन माना ।

लङ्केस्वर भए सब जग जाना ॥१७॥

जुग सहस्र जोजन पर भानु ।

लील्यो ताहि मधुर फल जानू ॥१८॥

प्रभु मुद्रिका मेलि मुख माहीं ।

जलधि लाँघि गये अचरज नाहीं ॥१९॥

दुर्गम काज जगत के जेते ।

सुगम अनुग्रह तुह्मरे तेते ॥२०॥

राम दुआरे तुम रखवारे ।

होत न आज्ञा बिनु पैसारे ॥२१॥

सब सुख लहै तुह्मारी सरना ।

तुम रच्छक काहू को डर ना ॥२२॥

आपन तेज सह्मारो आपै ।

तीनों लोक हाँक तें काँपै ॥२३॥

भूत पिसाच निकट नहिं आवै ।

महाबीर जब नाम सुनावै ॥२४॥

नासै रोग हरै सब पीरा ।

जपत निरन्तर हनुमत बीरा ॥२५॥

सङ्कट तें हनुमान छुड़ावै ।

मन क्रम बचन ध्यान जो लावै ॥२६॥

सब पर राम तपस्वी राजा ।

तिन के काज सकल तुम साजा ॥२७॥

और मनोरथ जो कोई लावै ।

सोई अमित जीवन फल पावै ॥२८॥

चारों जुग परताप तुह्मारा ।

है परसिद्ध जगत उजियारा ॥२९॥

साधु सन्त के तुम रखवारे ।

असुर निकन्दन राम दुलारे ॥३०॥

अष्टसिद्धि नौ निधि के दाता ।

अस बर दीन जानकी माता ॥३१॥

राम रसायन तुह्मरे पासा ।

सदा रहो रघुपति के दासा ॥३२॥

तुह्मरे भजन राम को पावै ।

जनम जनम के दुख बिसरावै ॥३३॥

अन्त काल रघुबर पुर जाई ।

जहाँ जन्म हरिभक्त कहाई ॥३४॥

और देवता चित्त न धरई ।

हनुमत सेइ सर्ब सुख करई ॥३५॥

सङ्कट कटै मिटै सब पीरा ।

जो सुमिरै हनुमत बलबीरा ॥३६॥

जय जय जय हनुमान गोसाईं ।

कृपा करहु गुरुदेव की नाईं ॥३७॥

जो सत बार पाठ कर कोई ।

छूटहि बन्दि महा सुख होई ॥३८॥

जो यह पढ़ै हनुमान चालीसा ।

होय सिद्धि साखी गौरीसा ॥३९॥

तुलसीदास सदा हरि चेरा ।

कीजै नाथ हृदय महँ डेरा ॥४०॥

॥दोहा॥

पवनतनय सङ्कट हरन मङ्गल मूरति रूप ।

राम लखन सीता सहित हृदय बसहु सुर भूप ॥

Budhwa Mangal

Budhwa Mangal is dedicated to Hanuman and is observed on Tuesday in Mangalwar certain months or as per Hindu calendar followed in North India Traditional. It is Celebrated on the Last Tuesday of the lunar month Chaitra or Bhadrapad. Only the first is known as Bada Mangal Tuesday and is known as the Last Tuesday Budhwa Mangal. Mangal is Budhwa This Year on March 25, 2,014th. This is Budhawa Mangal in Chaitra Month. The day is also known as Bada Mangal.

Generally, in North India Mangalvar or Tuesday in a week is dedicated to the worship of Hanuman.

Special pujas and rituals are observed on the Budhwa Mangal day with thousands of people visiting Hanuman Temples. People also chant the Hanuman Chalisa on the day.

This particular Budhwa Mangal is the one observed on the Tuesday falling after Holi festival.

Rangbhari Ekadashi

Rangbhari Ekadashi 2014 will fall on 12th march. Phalgun Shukla Ekadashi is known as Rangbhari Ekadashi at Kashi, Varanasi. This is the day when Lord Shiva went to Kashi for the first time with Goddess Parvati. This day marks the beginning of the Holi festival at Kashi.

It is also known as Amalaki Ekadashi and worship Amla tree on this day is considered highly auspicious.

On this day, the idol of Lord Kashiwishwanth is dressed beautifully. Every year, this Shringar is done only on special occasions such as Ranghari Ekadashi, Diwali, Annakoot and Maha Shivratri.

On this occasion, the idols of Shiv Parivaar are taken out from the temple. And, then Lord Kashiwsihwanath along with his family & with the sounds of instruments, take a tour of Kashi Nagri. During the yatra, Shiv devotees dance, celebrates and pour colors of Holi on each other. There is a mood of festivity and celebration among everyone. After that, Shri Vishweshwar Bhagwan is brought to the temple. Then the offerings of Abir, gulal, colors, chandan etc are made to the deity. From this day, the festival of Holi begins at the city of Varanasi, which lasts for 6 more days.

Holi

As the brief spring warms the landscape, northern India cuts loose for a day of hi jinx and general hilarity. 

The festival of Holi is celebrated on the day after the full moon in early March every year. 

Originally a festival to celebrate good harvests and fertility of the land, Holi is now a symbolic commemoration of a legend from Hindu Mythology. The story centers around an arrogant king who resents his son Prahlada worshiping Lord Vishnu. He attempts to kill his son but fails each time. Finally, the king's sister Holika who is said to be immune to burning, sits with the boy in a huge fire. However, the prince Prahlada emerges unscathed, while his aunt burns to death. Holi commemorates this event from mythology, and huge bonfires are burnt on the eve of Holi as its symbolic representation. 

This exuberant festival is also associated with the immortal love of Krishna and Radha, and hence, Holi is spread over 16 days in Vrindavan as well as Mathura - the two cities with which Lord Krishna shared a deep affiliation. Apart from the usual fun with coloured powder and water, Holi is marked by vibrant processions which are accompanied by folk songs, dances and a general sense of abandoned vitality.

Today Holi is an excuse for Indians to shed inhibitions and caste differences for a day of spring fever and Big Fun. Teenagers spend the day flirting and misbehaving in the streets, adults extend the hand of peace, and everyone chases everyone else around, throwing brightly colored powder (gulal) and water over each other.

The festival's preamble begins on the night of the full moon. Bonfires are lit on street corners to cleanse the air of evil spirits and bad vibes, and to symbolize the destruction of the wicked Holika, for whom the festival was named. The following morning, the streets fill with people running, shouting, giggling and splashing. Marijuana-based bhang and thandai add to the uninhibited atmosphere. 

Promptly at noon, the craziness comes to an end and everyone heads to either the river or the bathtub, then inside to relax the day away and partake of candies. In the afternoon an exhausted and contented silence falls over India. Although Holi is observed all over the north, it's celebrated with special joy and zest at Mathura, Vrindavan, Nandgaon, and Barsnar. These towns once housed the divine Krishna. 

Holika Dahan

Holi is celebrated throughout the length and breadth of India with immense joy and enthusiasm. It is celebrated as the festival of the divine love of Krishna and Radha. Holi is also related with the story of Prahlad, Holika, and Hrinyakashyapa. The festival is celebrated in the Hindu month of Falgun, which falls at the end of winter season and welcome of spring and commemorates with the Mid-February to Mid- March period of the Gregorian calendar. On the occasion of Holi, Hindu community all over the world celebrates this festival with immense joy and fervor. Apart from color playing, community gathering, feast, exchange of gifts and good wishes are vital elements of Holi celebrations.

The date of Holi is decided according to the Hindu calendar. It is celebrated on the date which commemorates with the Falgun Purnima day of the Hindu calendar. The celebration begins from the eve of Holi with the ritual of Holika Dahan. Holika Dahan, or burning of demon Holika, is the vital ritual during Holi festival. On a night before Holi, people collect wooden logs and waste materials like broken furniture, clothes, etc from their home and gather it together to burn Holika. This bonfire epitomizes the victory of good over evil. It is also even termed as the cleansing ceremony before the actual Holi festival. 

Holika Story 

Legends say it that it that there was a time when lived a brutal King named Hiranyakashyapa. This demon king Hiranyakashyapa was very cruel and thus forcefully suppressed all this subjects and make them his devotees. He tried to eliminate the existence of God from the earth and establish his own supremacy everywhere. All the citizens of his kingdom were forced to pray to Hiranyakashyapa and not to Vishnu. However his own son, Prahalad, the little never abided by his Kingdoms rule. He tried every way to stop Prahalad from worshipping Vishnu but the little devotee never stopped praying his almighty.

Out of frustration and anger, the demon king then decided to kill his son. Despite all his efforts, Prahalad remained safe by the blessings of Lord Vishnu. Finally, the Hiranyakashyapa decided to take help of his cruel sister Holika. Holika was blessed with a drape which protected her from burning into fire. As per the plan made by the brother and sister, the demon princess Holika sat with young Prahalad in a huge bowl of fire wearing the drape over her body. But this time, due to heavy wind the drape came over young Prahalada, saving him from burning and as a result Holika was burnt in fire and thus died on the spot. This incident thus reestablished the faith of people in the ultimate divine power and is thus celebrated as the day of eternal love, devotion, blessings and the victory of Good over evil.

Naugarh Dam

The Dam, built on Karmnasa river, at a distance of 78 km from Varanasi, 12 km off the main road, which connects Chakia to Naugarh and can only be accessed easily by one's own transport. The fall of the reservoir is called Arvatand waterfall. A natural dari (waterfall), 1 km down the stream, is also there. The dam & its surrounding area should be visited during rainy season but due to Naxalite problem it does not attract many tourists.

Tanda Fall

Tanda Falls is among the major picnic spots, which features a beautiful water stream. Besides, there is a beautiful reservoir opposite to the falls, known as Tanda Dam. The 86 years old dam is the chief source of water supplies in this area. Situated at a distance of 14 km from Mirzapur, the spot is frequented by tourists round the year.Tanda fall is situated at a distance of about 90 km from Varanasi.

Windom Fall

Windom fall is situated at a distance of about 80 km from Varanasi.

Sirsi Fall

Sirsi waterfall is situated at a distance of about 1 km from Sirsi Dam, which is 45 km from Mirzapur near Sirsi, in Mirzapur district of U.P., India. After traversing some distance from the Dam, the water falls down from a greater height, thus forming a waterfall named Sirsi Waterfall. Accessed by road from Mirzapur, Bus service is not very frequent so taxi is advisable.

Chuna Dari

Located in the south of Ahraura town (about 44 km. from Varanasi) on way to Robertsganj from Varanasi/Ahraura, 24 km from Chunar, 59 km from Mirzapur, 7 km from Ahraura & 2.5 km from Lakhania Dari, in Chandauli District of U.P., India.  Chuna Dari, located near Lakhania Dari, is approached by a very rough road. The height of this beautiful waterfall is about 165 feet. Lakhania Dari gets its water from Chuna Dari. The exact depth of the kund at the base of waterfall could not be ascertained yet. Natural beauty of the fall can be best appreciated from a big stone at the base of the waterfall. However, watching it from this stone is quite risky.

Lakhaniya Dari

Located at a distance of about 36 km from Robertsganj varanasi, 22 km from Chunar, 57 km from Mirzapur near Ahraura town, 6 km from Ahraura, in Sukrit Area of Mirzapur district of Eastern U.P., India. On the right side of the road leading to Robertsganj, after Ahraura, a waterfall is nestled amongst the hills. Rock Paintings of pre-historic age on the other side of the waterfall, are worth watching and is really a unique experience. This place is also famous for its caves, medicinal plants & herbs. Rock Paintings of Lakhania Dari area are better known as 'Kohbar'. Palanquins and horses are the prominent figures of Kohbar Paintings.

Siddhanath Dari

Siddhanath Ki Dari is about 20 km from Chunar, 55 km from Mirzapur on Rajgarh road, near Sakteshgarh in Mirzapur district of U.P., India

This waterfall is one of the most beautiful waterfalls of Vindhyachal range, spread over a wide area. The fall gets its name from Siddhanath Baba, who used to live & meditate here. Across the waterfall is the Samadhi of Saint Siddhanath. Abundant rock paintings of pre-historic period can be seen on the surrounding rocks of this area.

Deo Dari

Deo Dari is about 500 mts. down the stream below Raj Dari waterfall.

Raj Dari

Raj Dari is the greatest waterfall of this area as its height is more than 65 meters and the amount of water is huge that falls. Best time to visit is from September to March. Winter and Spring is best. Its in the midst of the Chandraprabha wild life reserve. There is a dam some 1 Km before it on the river and thus a water reservoir is formed which feeds the waterfall. Name of the dam is also Chandraprabha Dam and the Forest is also called Chandraprabha.

Chandra Prabha Wildlife Sanctuary

Chandra Prabha Wildlife Sanctuary is located in Chandauli District, in the south eastern part of U.P., between Chakia & Naugarh

Chandra Prabha Wildlife Sanctuary can be accessed by bus/taxi from Varanasi, which is 70 km via Varanasi-Mughalsarai-Chakia-Naugarh road and 70 km via Varanasi-Pandav-Ramnagar-Mughalsarai-Chakia-Naugarh road.

Chandra Prabha Wild Life Sanctuary, once a habitat of Asiatic Lions, has all the natural ingredients to become a beautiful tourist/picnic spot. It has been endowed with beautiful picnic spots, dense forest, and scenic waterfalls like Raj Dari & Dev Dari & a dam nearby called Chandra Prabha Dam. The Sanctuary was established in 1957 and sprawls over an area of 9,600 hect. The core area of the Sanctuary covers over 2,686 hect., while the buffer area covers 66000 hect., which also includes Kashi Wildlife Division. It was the habitat of Asiatic Lion from 1957-1970 but after that lions disappeared from here. In the past when naxal problem was not there people used to flock around here & enjoy the wildlife, forest & natural beauty in winter season, and also during rainy season when waterfalls add greater attraction to the lush green environment of the sanctuary. It serves as a natural & ideal habitat with its grasslands, many caves in Vindhyan area & waterfalls for a host of animals & plants (medicinal also) and has a great potential to develop Jungle Tourism in the sanctuary where people can enjoy natural beauty & bio-diversity. Animals like Leopard, Black Buck, Chital, Sambhar, Nilgai (blue bull), Wild Boar, Porcupine, Indian Gazelle, Rabbit, Monkey, Chinkara, Chausingha, Hyena, Wild Cat, Jackal, Wild Fox & others. Beside this, there is wide variety of colourful birds & creeping animals (poisonous & non poisonous) in the sanctuary. Chandra Prabha & Karmnasha rivers, flowing through the sanctuary have a variety of fish. A remarkable growth in the population of some beasts like Leopards & Boars was seen in the past 3-4 years.