Himachal

WE HAVE A NEW LOCATION NOW!

2006-04-23T15:51:00.000-04:00

NEW LOCATION ADDRESS : http://himachal.us

We have a new Blog now, better and easy navigation with new photo gallery and lot of fresh new articles. All old articles exist over there also and you can syndicate us by different ways now.

We expect kind patronage of all our visitors so please visit us on new location and you would definitely love HIMACHAL more than ever and would be excited to read new articles about various positive changes happening in HIMACHAL PRADESH.

http://himachal.us

Kinkri Devi gets help from USA

2006-02-23T20:16:00.000-05:00

Kinkri Devi gets help from USA Vishal Gulati Tribune News Service

Chandigarh, February 23 Following the publication of a report on the plight of Kinkri Devi, who waged a long-drawn battle against the limestone quarrying mafia in a remote village of Himachal Pradesh, help has started pouring in for her.

A US-based organisation has announced to help her after The Tribune carried the report, “Fight, a byword for Kinkri Devi”, on February 23.

The organisation, My Himachal Group, in an e-mail to the newspaper, said it was moving to read about Kinkri Devi.

Dr Bhugol Chandel, president of the group, said: “It is surprising how a person of her status can be in such a pathetic condition?”

The group, a non-profitable organisation of professionals in India and abroad from Himachal Pradesh, has come forward to help the crusader by giving support of Rs 30,000 through the Chief Minister's fund.

“More help in cash and kind will be provided to support and rehabilitate her in the future,” said Mr Avnish Katoch, secretary of the group.

This year, the organisation has established and announced the “Himachal Rattan” scholarship for science student, who tops in Class XII examination of the Himachal School Education Board.

Fight, a byword for Kinkri Devi

2006-02-22T19:04:00.000-05:00

Kinkri Devi holds the photo in which the Jhansi Ki Rani Lakshmi Bai Stree Shakti Puraskar - 1999 was conferred on her by the then Prime Minister, Mr Atal Bihari Vajpayee, in 2001. — Photo by Vishal Gulati

http://www.tribuneindia.com/2006/20060223/himachal.htm#4

Sangrah (Nahan), February 22

After waging a long-drawn battle against the limestone quarrying mafia in a remote village of Himachal Pradesh, she is now struggling to make both ends meet. Saddled with the responsibility of maintaining herself and her family, wizened Kinkri Devi, 65, today feels exhausted and dejected.When this correspondent met her at her house in Sangrah tehsil, 60 km from Nahan, the environmental activist elaborated on her crusade against the mining mafia to protect flora and fauna, the ordeal she faced from them and, now, the disillusionment with the state government.

“I have been going to various government offices and organisations with the hope of getting the old-age or widow pension. Forget pension, the government has failed to provide me even a free bus pass,” rues Stree Shakti awardee Kinkri Devi, who was widowed when she was just 22.

She hogged the limelight when she took up cudgels against mindless mining in the area. She filed a public interest litigation (PIL) in the Himachal Pradesh High Court in 1987 seeking a ban on illegal quarrying in the Sangrah area.“Initially, we started agitations at the local level. When the government paid no heed, we decided to move the High Court. Backed by a local voluntary group, People’s Action for People in Need, we filed a PIL,” recalls Kinkri Devi.

“I stayed in Shimla for 19 days for filing the petition. After two days, when the money got exhausted, I worked as a maid there. I even started a fast in front of the High Court to highlight the issue,” she adds.

She faced threats from the mafia. Her poverty and illiteracy could never dampen her spirit to protect the area from degradation. In 1991, the court directed the government to close all the active mines in the area.

The mining lobby moved the Supreme Court against the order. Kinkri Devi won the case in the apex court too.

The feeble voice raised by this frail, short-statured woman of substance was heard when the Ministry of Human Resource Development felicitated her with the award of Jhansi Ki Rani Lakshmi Bai Stree Shakti Puraskar — 1999 for her valuable service. The award was given by the then Prime Minister, Mr Atal Bihari Vajpayee, in 2001. She was also honoured by various organisations for her service.

In 1995, she was invited to attend the international women’s conference in Beijing. She was invited by Hillary Clinton, wife of former US President Bill Clinton, to light up the lamp at the inaugural function.

Even today Kinkri Devi is determined to create awareness among the people about soil conservation, forest protection and water preservation. But poor health, coupled with poor financial condition, is now letting down this ageing widow. Her voice chokes when she asks: “Is this the way the government treats its heroes?”

Travel Tales from India: Travelling to Bhamour, Hadsar and Half Way to Mani Mahesh in Himanchal Pradesh, India

2006-02-21T14:29:00.000-05:00

Travel Tales from India: Travelling to Bhamour, Hadsar and Half Way to Mani Mahesh in Himanchal Pradesh, India

Gaddis-The Nomads of Himachal

2006-02-20T11:50:00.000-05:00

Images by Dr B C Khanna http://www.123himachal.com/himachal/gaddis.htm A nice article on 123Himachal about Gaddis. Pease do read...

himachal.us

2006-02-18T23:07:00.000-05:00

http://himachal.us

2006-02-18T13:25:00.000-05:00

New Blog

Nicholas Roerich

2006-02-17T10:36:00.000-05:00

Temple of Naggar. From “Kulu” series. 1929

A lot is going on in Kullu valley, most of it for the new world as negative publicity due to the declining of setting up of ski village there. But Kullu valley has a lot of history, its the most beautiful valley in Himachal with breath taking views of Himalayan ranges, snow covered mountains and sprwaling gardens of Apples, beautiful ladies and of course the ever fresh water rivers, whether you take devdar trees or the untouched parts of the valley, there is something devine in Kullu valley.

Left to right: W.N. Koelz, Esther Lichtmann, Nicholas Roerich. January, 1931. Naggar, India

Kullu attracts any one who visits it once, most of the tourists visit it again and again from different parts of the world, most of the Indian movies, whether Bollywood or south Indian, they are shooted here and arist, poets every one finds the devine solace in the valley.

You visit Kullu and you will be mesmerised with the beauty it offersm there is something in the air!

Since my college days I visited Kullu many times, even last time I visited India, I found time to go and touch Kullu for a single day, there is something which attracts me there.

I respect valley as in our Hindu vedas this is the valley where most of our saints worshipped, Pandvas passed their exile here and even new age social gurus are visiting the valley.

One good example is Nicholas Roerich.

Left to right: George Roerich, Nicholas Roerich, Svetoslav Roerich. 1932–33. Naggar, India NRM ref. No 401203

Any one who has a little interest in Arts would be knowing about Nicholas Roerich. I would encourage people to read more about him and see first hand his paintings on http://www.roerich.org/

A small excerpt from this article by Nanjunda Rao

Nicholas Roerich. 1931–32. Kulu–Lahul, India NRM ref. No 401172 In 1923, Prof. Nicholas, his wife Madam Helena Roerich, their sons, Svetoslav, a painter in the class of his father and George, a scientist and archaeologist, came to India. At first they lived near Darjeeling, but later they established the Urusvati Research Institute in the Kulu Valley, where the family still has its residence. Both in the East and West Himalayas, Prof. Roerich has painted a large gallery of pictures that not only reflects the magnificent vision of the hills, but also embodies something of the spiritual history and legend with which they are associated.

Beautiful Spiti photo gallery

2006-02-17T10:18:00.000-05:00

I found these beautiful snaps on Mountain Club of South Africa website. They did trekking in Spiti in 2000, please pay a visit for more snaps: mcsa.org.za

Torino 2006

2006-02-14T12:42:00.001-05:00

Neha Ahuja is in Alpine Skiing, Ladies' Giant Slalom. Bahadur Gupta is in Cross-Country Skiing, Men's Sprint. Shiva Keshavan is in Luge, Men's Singles Competition. Check all of them at: TORINO 2006

Here is small definition of Luge from wiki:

Luge is small one- or two-person sled on which one sleighs supine and feet-first. Steering is done by flexing the sled's runners or pulling straps attached to the sled's runners. Luge is also the name of the sport which involves racing with such sleds. Read more here: Mo re about LUGE

India at Winter Olympics

2006-02-14T12:42:00.000-05:00

The best part is that Hiral Lal from Manali is taking part in Alpine Skiing, Men's Giant Slalom Cross-Country Skiing. Neha Ahuja is in Alpine Skiing, Ladies' Giant Slalom. Bahadur Gupta is in Cross-Country Skiing, Men's Sprint. Shiva Keshavan is in Luge, Men's Singles Competition.

Torino 2006

2006-02-14T12:38:00.000-05:00

Kullu Dusshera

2006-02-12T08:53:00.000-05:00

Dusshera is a unique fair held every year in October. It is a beautiful amalgam of history, rich culture and customs. Unlike other regions of India here effigies of Ravana, Meghnath and Kumbhakarana are not burnt. This is how victory of good over evil is depicted. Kullu Dusshera starts usually on the day it ends in the rest of the country. sunshineadventure

It all started back in 1637 A. D. when Raja Jagat Singh was the ruler of the Valley. One day he came to know that a peasant Durga Dutt of village Tipri owned beautiful pearls, which the Raja wanted to obtain. Durga Dutt tried to convince the Raja by all means that the information was wrong and that he owned no pearls, but all his pleas were in vain. sunshineadventure

The Raja gave him a last chance. Durga Dutt got so scared that he burnt down his own family and house and cursed the Raja for his cruelty. His curse resulted in Raja's leprosy and as he realized the fact he felt guilty.

Kishan Das known as Fuhari Baba advised him to install the famous idol of Lord Raghunathji to get rid of the curse of the peasant. He sent Damodar Dass to steal the idol from Tret Nath Temple of Ayodhya who finally brought it from there in July 1651 A. D. After installing the idol he drank Charnamrit of the idol for several days and was in due course cured. He devoted his kingdom and life for the lord and from then onwards Dusshera started being celebrated with great splendor. Thus on the first fortnight of Ashwin month (mid September to mid October), the Raja invites all the 365 Gods and Goddesses of the Valley to Dhalpur to perform a Yagna in Raghunathji's honor.

On the first day of Dusshera Goddess Hadimba of Manali comes down to Kullu. She is the Goddess of the royal family of Kullu. At the entrance of Kullu the Royal Stick welcomes her and escorts her to the Palace where the royal family awaits her at the entrance of the Palace. Thereafter they enter the Palace only when goddess Hadimba calls them inside. After blessing the royal family she comes to Dhalpur.

The idol of Raghunathji is saddled around Hadimba and placed in a Ratha (chariot) adorned beautifully. Then they wait for the signal from Mata Bhekhli, which is given from top of the hill. Next the Ratha is pulled with the help of ropes from its original place to another spot where it stays for the next six days. The male members of the royal family leave the palace and stay in the Dusshera ground.

More than one hundred gods and goddesses mounted on colorful palanquins participate in this procession. The ceremony feels as if the doors of heaven have been opened and the gods have come down to the earth to rejoice.sunshineadventure

India at Winter Olympics

2006-02-10T22:19:00.000-05:00

Share Video at DropShots.com

Himachali music

2006-02-08T15:31:00.000-05:00

This is some rare though incomplete information about folk music in Himachal listed at WebIndia Also check out some Himachali music audio files at Beat of India

The Himachal folk music is the greatest solace to the poor people living in the remote areas. The Junju Sukrat Bhunkh and Roopshu songs of the Chamba valley, the Mohna of Bilaspur, the Jhoori or Sirmaur, the Laman of Kulu are all rooted in the daily life and rich folk tradition of the area and each has notable features of its own.

Most of the songs require no instrumental accompaniment. The themes are usually common ones like human love and separation of lovers. Some songs are about rituals. Chhinj, Laman, Jhoori, Gangi, Mohana and Tappe are love songs. Dholru is a seasonal song. Bare-Haren are ballads about warriors, Soohadiyan are songs sung at Childbirth. Losi and Pakkahad and Suhaag songs are all family songs, Karak are songs of praise in honour of the deities and Alhaini is a song of mourning. All these songs follow a specific style of singing and the geographical facts have a deep effect on these.

The songs are sung in unison and the singer decides how and which way the notes and syllables are to be pronounced. They make changes in lines and substitute or replace words.

Jhoori

The word means a lover or a beloved and is said to be connected with Jhoomar. Jhoomar is a female dance form. Both men and women sing and dance to Jhoori. It is a dance performed in the open and describes extra-marital love. It is very popular in Sirmaur and Mahasu areas and has a special rhythm of its own. Each piece has four lines and the last syllable in the first line is pronounced in a drawn-out fashion. The Jhoori songs place a great importance on the rhyming pattern within the song.

Laman

Laman singing is popular in the Kulu valley. These songs sing of the romantic love between men and women. The first line is only for rhyming with the second and it is the second line which furthers the theme. Syllables like Oa, Aa form the 'Tek' or the note which is prolonged at the end of the line. These syllables help the singers establish a certain resonance and a definite rhythmic pattern.

The Samskara songs (sung at family festivals and other such occasions) are based upon classical Ragas. These songs are sung by women from the higher castes in the morning and at night time. Some of the morning songs have traces of Raga Asa in them. The songs sung at wedding are set in old Ragas like Durga, Malkauns and Bhoopali.

The Jhanjhotis are based on Ragas like Bindrabani Sarang, Durga, Tilang and Des. The martial songs have combined traces of Asa and Durga. The Gidda songs are in Raga Durga. The songs sung by professional singers have very attractive classical overtones.

The famous love-lyrics in Himachal areas are Phulmu-Ranjhu, Kunju-Chanchalo and Raja-Gaddan. the Phulmu-Ranjhu lyric tells of a tragic episode. In Kunju-Chanchalo the song takes the form of a conversation between the lover and his sweetheart. The Raja-Gadden song records the wooing of gaddan Nokhu by Raja Sansar Chand of Kangra.

There are also songs which recall some important historical events like the sacrifice of Rani Suhi for a public cause, like bringing drinking water to Chamba town. The song called Sukrat is soulfully rendered and depicts the great story of the sacrifice of the Rani, famous for her feeling of love for the people and her deep human sympathy for them. Another tragic story telling the love of a brother who takes upon himself the blame for the murder his brother committed and thereby goes to the gallows in Bilaspur is depicted in one of the saddest song called Mohana.

Ceremonial lyrics such as Bhayi, Suhag, Suhagare and Vidayi are sung on special occasions like birth, betrothal and marriage. Seasonal song like Chhinj are sung only in Chaitra (March).

Ainchaliyan

Ainchali is a religious ballad. The customs of singing Ainchali in the house of the bride is common among the farming communities. In this the men-folk go to the houses of the married couples and sing these romantic Ainchali songs to the beat of drums or platters of pictures. The women sing these songs in the house of the unmarried girl. In these songs, incidents from the marriage of gods like Shiva and Rama are sung with great gusto.

In the Chamba-Pangi areas, the professional singers go from village to village with a khanjari (tambourine) and play on these as they sing. They also use string puppets. They sing traditional songs from Ramayana and Mahabharata. In the month of Chaitra, the Doms and Domanis go from house to house and sing Dholaru songs to the people.

MUSICAL INSTRUMENTS A variety of drums are used in the Himachal area. Drums like Dhol, Dholku, Dolki, Nagara, Dammama, Damanght, Nagarth, Gajju, Doru, Hudak and Dhaunsa are some of them. In the Kinnaur, Lahaul, Pangi, Sirmaur and Kulu areas, drums of different shapes and sizes are played at different festivals. These are stored with great care in holy spots like temples, Gompas and Madhis. Before they are played, flowers, turmeric paste and rice is offered unto them and prayers are chanted. In the plains large drums known as 'Tamaka' are played at fairs. People belonging to the Bharai community perform the ritual playing of this drum at the fair site and then all the young ones sing and dance together to the beat of these drums. Playing upon these, signals the beginning of a fair or a festival.

Among the Gaddis small round drums known as Dafale are played at weddings. These are slung round the necks of the players and rhythms like Dhamal and Lahauli are played upon these.

These drums are made with locally available material. Their shapes and the methods of playing upon them reflects local traditions. The Dhol of Kulu, the Damangtu and Nagartu of Sirmaur are all played differently in the tribal areas. As soon as the drums sound the entire community gathers together and loses itself in lusty singing and dancing. Earlier the Baren (martial ballads) of Ram Singh Pathania were sung to the accompaniment of Dafale by singers known as Adavale. These songs are sung in the Sirmaur area. The largest of the drums is Dhaunsa which is played standing. Tung Yung is a similar instrument.

Rana Singha, Karnal, Turhi and Flute or Bishudi, Algoja (twin flutes), Shehnai or Peepni are popular wind instruments. The flute is favourite of shepherds and weary travelers. Rana Singha, Shehnai and Been are usually played at wedding and on auspicious occasions. At the time of the ritual puja at the temples, Rana Singha, Karnal, Conch shells and Shehnai are played. These instruments accompany the processions of gods at festivals. In the Lahaul-Spiti areas in Granyang and Jumang and Mahasu some ancient musical instruments like Kindari can be heard.

Percussion instruments like Jhanjh (large cymbals), Manjira (small cymbals), Chimta (tongs). Ghanta (gongs), Ghariyal (large gong), Thali (platter), Ghunghru (bells), Kokatha Murchang (a stringed instrument played with a bow with bells) are quite popular in folk dramas like Jagarata, Bhagat and Kariyala etc. During the singing of Ainchali or Jagaratas a pitcher is placed upon a platter and played with an iron bangle. On such occasions, wooden castanets (Khadtal) and bells are also used.

Ektara, Kindari Davatra, Gramyang or Rabab, Sarnagi, Jumang and Ruman are some stringed instruments, commonly used by professional singers.

The folk singers of the Chamba valley known as Ghurai sing to the accompaniment of cymbals. Gramyang, Rumals, Jumang are tribal instruments of the Lahaul and Kinnar areas.

Prashar Lake

2006-02-02T16:09:00.000-05:00

Prashar lake in Jan. 2006.

VALLEY OF GODS

2006-02-02T15:00:00.000-05:00

Recently while browsing Indira Gandhi National Centre for the Arts website I came accross an exhibition "Valley of gods" by Virendra Bangroo and Krzysztof Stronski. This link provides a detailed information about the local village Gods as well as few snaps. You can order fine prints also from here. Small excerpt form the site:

Kullu

Kullu is also known as the "Valley of Gods" despite the facts that gods are worshipped all over Himachal Pradesh. This is because the tradition of worshipping gods is very ancient in the valley and the number of gods is quite large - over 300. Each village has a god, in some villages there may be two or more gods. The form of worship of gods is different and unique here. Here the gods act as moving beings rather than being statues fixed within the temple. Each god has his own temple but they are generally devoid of any statue.

Gods are represented by ratahas (palanquins), studded with metallic mohras (faces), adorned with variegated cloth lengths and flowers, and lifted on the shoulders by two men. Women have hardly any role to play in the affairs of the gods. The rathas are accompanied by band of deity's musicians, attendants, followers and carriers of symbols of royal or divine artifacts etc. The rathas often become animated or possessed of spirits and show various human moods and behavior like anger through rushing frantically, or happiness by dancing in a leisurely manner, meeting with friends, etc. besides actually speaking through the medium of gurr (priest) an answering to various queries of the devotees.

The gods of Kullu can be classified into three classes. The first are the ancient rikhis and pious women of epic character .The second type belonging to the Naga (serpent) class and the third must be tribal chiefs and heroes.

The gods in the form of holy spirits have had their presence in the valley since times immemorial. They not only control their areas of influence but also the daily routine of the inhabitants. The spirits maintain their influence by entering the physical body of chosen men called gurr whom the people consult regarding their ailments, their perplexities and otherwise. On festive occasions people become ecstatic as they join in the singing and dancing along with the holy spirits. This scene is captivating in the extreme.

Grace Cottage

2006-01-27T12:56:00.000-05:00

Grace heritage hotel is a 200 year old country manor house of Late Mehr Chand Mahajan who was the frist chief justice of india. He was also the prime minister of Kashmir during the reign of Maharaja Hari Singh and played a key role in the accession of Kashmir to India. The Manor house is built in the traditional hill style achitecture to the turn of the century.

The present owner is his son Yogeshwar Mahajan who has restored the ancestral home into the heritage hotel.

Manali Ice skiing

2006-01-26T17:38:00.000-05:00

Jeff Salz's Trek to GHNP

2006-01-19T13:44:00.000-05:00

Dr. Jeff Salz is leading an invitation only 12 people trek to Himachal's Great Himalayan National Park in beautiful Kullu valley in Sept.,2006. Here is more from him website, if you want to join in:

A Way of Adventure Exclusive

You are personally invited for a 'once in a lifetime' opportunity! Join me on an 'Invitation Only' Trek.

Be a 'Special Guest' in the Great Himalayan National Park.

Help preserve the Earth's wildest mountain ecosystem and support Himalayan villagers.

I gave up guiding in the Himalayas ten years ago, but when the people of Kullu asked me to help them by bringing some friends over next year.... these people, these mountains.were simply too beautiful for me to say no. By participating in this expedition you will be supporting the efforts of the locals to sustain both the pristine national park and their way of life. And in doing so, create a model for cultural and wilderness preservation in Third World countries world wide.

Read on ...

No commercial trekking company offers trips to this region ... and you cannot go on your own.

What: A unique 'benefit trek' organized at the invitation of local villagers and the Director of the Great Himalayan National Park.

Where: The least-visited, most unspoiled mountain wilderness in the western Himalayas ... arguably the world!

Who: 12 people like you - like-minded 'adventurers' supported by a team of experienced guides, cooks and porters.

When: Early September 2006, right after monsoon when the meadows are most vibrant with grass and flowers. The entire trip will be 2 weeks from start to finish (you may want to extend this time frame to experience either the Tibetan plateau and monasteries or the Taj Majal).

Why: A chance to climb, photograph, paint, write or just explore, while supporting local villagers. You will take a pilgrimage trek up the holy Tirthan River, sacred to the locals, to our high base camp in alpine meadows (13,500'). You will experience Blue sheep and purple flowers (the sheep aren't really 'blue' but that is their name) - crystalline rivers and snowy summits.

How much? A very reasonable $2,500 - All Inclusive!!

INCLUDED: 5 star hotel in New Delhi ... flights and ground transportation within India ... all meals, guides, porters, equipment, etc.

NOT INCLUDED: Airfare from North America, personal expenses and tips.

***Non-stop air travel Chicago-New Delhi now available on American Airlines!

What do YOU need to do? Just click here and tell me that you are interested - space is extremely limited so you'll want to connect with me asap.

Adventure On! Jeff

Yeshe Peak

Named by Jeff Aug 20/05

Location

Sardar Shoba Singh

2006-01-11T15:57:00.000-05:00

Sardar Shoba Singh lived in Andretta, a small village almost 10 miles from Palampur town.His beautiful cottage still is there with a display of his paintings. Andretta is now artist's village. While visiting my maternal home I always was thrilled as soon as the bus reached Andretta, once, for it was home to Sardar Shoba Singh and such a beautiful town and other, because the bus would start the most difficult yet thrilling drive to my maternal home.

Here are few paintings in which Sardar Shoba Singh captured the Himachali beauty!

Ananda Project

2006-01-11T14:03:00.000-05:00

Through SEHYOG Website I came to know about the Ananda Project. What a wonderful name, Ananda in Hindi means, happiness, I am sure this project is bringing happiness accross Kullu Valley, in people as well as in environment.

Below is a small profile about ANANDA PROJECT from their website.

Also I would like to mention three wonderful persons, who are running Ananda:

Veena

Veena is secretary of Ananda Society, yoga teacher, therapist and in charge of organising women's savings and credit groups.

Manju, sister of Veena and Pappu, is teacher in the computer education centre and runs the environmental work-exchange programme.

Pappu

Pappu, President of the Ananda Society, also pujari (priest) at the Krishna Temple, looks after the nurseries and runs the ecotourism side of the project.

The Ananda project, based at the Krishna Temple above Naggar, aims to help local communities regain their self-reliance and return to a sustainable way of life. Working with local villagers, Ananda is developing a number of different projects aimed at restoring the environment, raising awareness of ecological issues, encouraging co-operation and providing sustainable sources of income in the local community (see the projects).

The Ananda project is also an ecotourism project and offers various voluntary work opportunities to help with the projects we are working on. This may include planting trees, collecting seeds, helping to maintain the nurseries and cultivating medicinal plants.

Guests staying at the Krishna Temple also have the opportunity to learn Yoga, hand-loom weaving, indian classical singing, vegetarian cooking or go trekking in the surrounding mountains. It is even possible to arrange a yoga-trek, or a yoga-eco-trek! This may include collection of medicinal plant seeds or cuttings, documenting plant species or collecting samples for research.

Please Visit their website and do visit HIMACHAL and stay at Ananda's guesthouse, I am sure the divine natural beauty of the hills would bring ANANDA in your life!

Jagson Airlines

2006-01-05T16:18:00.000-05:00

Recently I came across Jagson Airlines website.

Jagson flies to Shimla, Dharamshala(Guggal Airport of kangra) and Kullu Manali.

Actually Jagson is main flier in HP.

Here is their website and more info:

Delhi Jagson Airlines ltd.
3rd Floor,Vandana Building,
11-Tolstoy Marg, New Delhi-110001
23721593, 23721594, 23328579,23328580,
23323949,23730685

Delhi airport Jagson Airlines ltd.
191 Airport,Terminal - 1B, Palam Airport,
ph.# 55469925,55515132

Fare and time schedule is also published on the website.

Rahul Bose

2006-01-05T13:13:00.000-05:00

It was nice to know the appriciative words of Rahul Bose about the hills, yet another person who loves the Hills. In this interview he did with Rediff I came to know he grew up in Kasauli.

Rahul's Rediff i/v about Bhutan experience!

Little more about Rahul's family's connection to Kasauli. Rahul's maternal Grandfather Lt. General Thorat was one of the first to settle in Kasauli and his parents still stays there.

Action plan to save Rewalsar wetlands

2006-01-03T16:35:00.000-05:00

A view of the Rewalsar wetlands in Mandi district. — Tribune photo by Karam Singh

Arpana in Himachal

2006-01-03T14:33:00.000-05:00

Arpana Trust is a registered spiritual cum charitable organisation dedicated to the service of Society.

Arpana’s innovative experiment, built around the dynamic personality of Param Pujya Ma, proves that ordinary people from different walks of life, faiths, professions and backgrounds can live together in harmony and peace, contributing to the well-being of society through selfless service, as they imbibe and practice the eternal values contained in the Scriptures of all religions.

Arpana trust is doing some wonderful work in HP, visit their website so as to learn about the great projects they have back in HP. http://www.arpana.org/service/himachal.asp

HIMACHAL GROUP

2005-12-27T09:31:00.000-05:00

http://www.tribuneindia.com/2005/20051227/nation.htm#5

Non-resident Himachalis to promote hill state

Tribune News Service

New Delhi, December 26

The government may be bringing together pravasi Indians, but the people of different regions are themselves taking the initiative to strengthen their cultural and social bonding, as the country gets enmeshed into the global village.

A step in this direction has been the formation of “My Himachal” group, which is the first such organisation, formed by Himachalis living across the globe. They have probably taken the idea from their next door neighbours in Punjab, who have well established international organisations.

The international forum would aim to preserve, protect and promote the culture, customs, traditions, cuisine, and dialect of Himachal. The forum would also take initiatives for the development of the state by promoting the hill state in business and tourism summits.

The group members include non- resident himachalis settled in USA, Germany, Japan, Canada, Australia and Gulf countries.

The need to form the group evolved during an international teleconference held by non-resident Himachalis, where they discussed several issues affecting the state.

They members of the group resolved to mobilise resources, manpower and latest technology to support various ongoing projects in the state and create a conducive atmosphere to promote foreign direct investment in the state in key sectors like tourism, energy, health.

America-based renowned physician Dr Bhugol Chandel was elected first International President of ‘MY HIMACHAL’.

The first international conference of worldwide Himachalis will be held in 2006, said Mr Chandel. We will explore avenues for co-operation at all levels with the people of Himachal and enhance its prestige and glory at the international level, he said.

The idea to start such an organisation was conceived by a young US-based software engineer Avnish Katoch, who started the ‘Himachal Google Group’, two years ago and invited energetic, educated Himachali youths to send their ideas on various issues concerning the state.

It became a big success and took the form of a campaign in which people started sending in their comments and group activities increased manifold.

In Jagran news paper!

SHUNYA

2005-12-22T19:39:00.000-05:00

Laxmi Narayan Temple, Chamba.

Dalhousie With kind courtesy of Namit Arora! Please visit his website for wonderful images from around the world!

Mission Himalaya-Conservation International

2005-11-26T22:21:00.000-05:00

Conservation International's (CI) Rapid Assessment Program (RAP) and Disney's Animal Kingdom deployed the first of two scientific research teams to explore and document the many wonders of this special place. Discovery Networks will accompany CI and Disney to document the expedition’s journey, and share the unique story with millions of viewers.

Visit Conservation International.

Environment Information System -Himachal Pardesh

2005-11-26T22:16:00.000-05:00

Evironment Information System (ENVIS), Himachal Pradesh, is a programme of the Ministry of Environment and Forests , Government of India on" POLLUTION & ENVIRONMENT". Envis is a decentralized system using the distributed network of databases to ensure integration of national efforts in Environment Informational Compilation , Storage , Retrieval and dissemination to all concerned including policy planners , decision makers , research workers and the public.

Visit Environment Information System

Buddhas Land

2005-11-26T20:05:00.000-05:00

A balanced way of tourism and kudos to the people who think this totally unique way of promoting tourism yet maintaining the right balance of environment preservation.

The description of the sites reads :

“ The doctor of the future will give no medicine, but will interest people in the care of the human frame in diet & in the cause and prevention of disease."

While you are on holiday you can do something for your health and well being. We offer inexpensive Alternative treatments, trekking, sightseeing and other activities like learning music, meditation, archery, yoga, dance...Create your own holiday package according to your needs.”

Thanks to Martin to allow me to use the picture from his website and I was so happy to see the monastery at Bir, which is next to my home town, Baijnath. I have mentioned on earlier article about Tibetans in Himachal and specifically in Bir/Bhattu area. Please visit Budhhas land and experience first hand what Himachal has to offer.

Gaddan

2005-11-24T08:19:00.000-05:00

Gaddi is Himachal's nomad caste, a male is called Gaddi(spelled Gh–dh–ii) whereas female a Gaddan (spelled Gh-dh-n). Gaddis carry a rich culture of Himachal with their own traditional clothing which is mainly made of sheep wool, as they live usually in higher altitude areas and lot of silver jewelry.

Male Gaddis wear a coat made of pure wool and tie a black rope made of wool around waist. Himachali cap sits atop head always.

Gaddan wears a traditional gown again made of pure wool and lot of jewelry usually made of silver, there is a myth that Gaddis put iron on sheep’s foot and when they travel to higher altitudes with the sheeps it turns out to silver, so thats why gaddans usually has a lot of silver.

HIMCRAFTS

2005-11-24T08:15:00.000-05:00

Visit Himcrafts to buy Himachal products

Fruits Of The Himalaya

2005-11-23T19:07:00.000-05:00

Fruits Of The Himalaya Fruits of the Himalaya is a new Fair Trade business based in the Indian Himalaya. Fair Trade is an ethical system of trading intended to protect the rights of small producers by ensuring they receive a fair share of the profits from the entire product chain.

Sonia Kundu runs this organization and in her own words:

Just a few things; it is important to let people know that this is not an NGO. It is not a charity. It will (hopefully!) be a self sustaining business. The idea is to help people who are able to work by teaching them better business practices and giving them better access to markets as well as paying them premium prices in return for providing a grade A quality product (I give the training on how to achieve this).

Whilst charity has a very real place in society for orphans or victims of abuse or of natural disasters, in other cases it can have a negative effect. Where people are able to work, offering them a step up through business gives them a better sense of diginity and does not take away their pride.

In the initial set up phase, however, I have hit some problems. Mainly that there was a massive flood in July - a cloudburst over the source of the Palachan river which has carried so much debris down the river bed that it has practically buried the river!

This has meant that much of the drying technology will have to be redesigned. There is no electricity in that region and I had been planning to povide all of the processing unit's electrical needs with a pico hydro unit. But with very little water now, that may not be possible. Electricity is required because the products I am working with all come during the monsoon which is obviously very humid. Simple solar drying technologies will not be adequate.

I am trying to design a CHEAP (and therefore replicable at village level) technology for drying in extremely humid conditions without electricity.

This also has to be incorporated into requirements for organic and HACCP certification which is necessary for the export markets in which I have orders. The drying unit is constructed as a polyhouse with seperate sections for grading and drying. It must be like this so that the inside can be completely washed down twice a day.

SEHYOG - KULLU VALLEY

2005-11-22T18:00:00.000-05:00

Recently on our internet group of People for Himachal and its Causes", Payson Stevens, who is also a great friend of Himachal as well as Friend of GHNP, introduced Ben Heron to all of us.

Ben works for SEHYOG. Here is a small intoduction of SEHYOG from their website:

The Two Branches of Sehyog's Work: The work of Sehyog Research Group can be split into two different areas; 'research and demonstration' in Deushar, and 'extension' work with other local projects and organisations:

1. The foundation of the project is to apply and increase our own knowledge of sustainable agriculture, medicinal plants and appropriate technology through research and demonstration at the Sehyog headquarters in Deushar. By implementing locally applicable sustainable practices ourselves, we aim to create an environment in which we can learn from our own practical experience as well as provide an example that others can follow and learn from.

2. Extension and Wider Implementation with other NGOs: The second branch of the project is to work together with other local NGOs and ethical businesses to encourage the adoption of appropriate, ecologically sustainable living and livelihood practices on a wider scale. Our role is to organise training, disseminate information and facilitate the implementation of sustainable practices and income-generating activities that relate to the above mentioned areas of work. This process is already underway and is being carried out through the informal 'Sehyog Extension Group'.

On Sehyog's website I found many other NGO links also who are working in the smaller areas and making a change. I am listing all of them one by one with smaller intrductions from their websites, I wish all of you visit their websites and contribute in every possible way.

Please visit SEHYOG

Medical Tourism

2005-11-19T23:40:00.000-05:00

From Camilla to King Khan, he prescribes a healing cocktail, Dr Mosarraf Ali combines yoga, reiki & ayurveda to bring medical tourism

Taragarh Palace Hotel, owned by Former ruler of Kashmir, Maharaja Dr. Karan Singh and managed by his elder son Vikramaditya Singh. Taragarh palace hotel was first a retreat for Maharani Tara Devi, mother of Dr. Karan Singh. Dogra kings have a glorious past and were one of the greatest warriors. A complete history about Dogra Kings is on Karan Singh's website. When Maharaja Hari Singh married Tara Devi Katoch of JaisinghPur area (Bija Pur), Maharani moved to Jammu but when she came back to visit her native place and wanted to spend more time back here so Maharaja bought this estate.

Taragarh is nestled in between Dhauladhar valley, surrounded by beautiful tea gardens, if you stand in middle of the town the pure air itself rejuvenates the body. Dhauladhars are mostly snow covered all year along, and complete valley has an aura of freshness. No matter which weather you travel this place always carries its own charisma of Raj period as well as beauty of hills.

Recently I read an article on Indian Express about Medical tourism in Taragarh, link for which is also on Taragarh website, it came to my mind that Himachal is so well suited for medical tourism, the complete hill state is full of freshness and virgin mountains. So many midicinal herbs are grown all over HP, almost all the spirtual Hindu saints travelled and stayed in the state and still do so, people from plains come over during summers so as to rejuvenate their spirit.

I am adding few excerpts from Indian express article by VRINDA GOPINATH . " Speaking from Taragarh, a summer palace resort of the Kashmir royals in the Kangra Valley, Dr Ali, a former medical student of Delhi and Moscow, is wistful. ''Today, everyone in India talks of reiki, ayurveda massages, pranic healing, but when I was practicing integrated medicine in the '80s in Delhi, no one quite understood it.'' Hailed and derided in the same breath—skeptics question his unconventional approach—Dr Ali remains a pioneer in medical tourism in India. His A-list patients from his clinic in London, near Harley Street,to the magical, restorative Himalayan foothills in the last one decade, has had people pleading for more.

Dr Ali's Himalayan retreat sees small groups of 16-20 people twice a year for a week's camp, to treat ailments from chronic fatigue and stress to bereavement to alcoholism/drug addiction.

His A-listers, however, get a more personal trip with just the doctor. Charles' wife, Camilla, a convert for years, has been to Taragarh twice, and has given up yeast, white wine and coffee to ease her chest and sinus problems. Supermodel Kate Moss checked into Dr Ali's Himalayan retreat six years ago allegedly to kick her cocaine habit long before she went to Arizona rehab centre last month. He has cured former Spice Girl Geri Halliwel of bulimia; helped Bollywood's Shahrukh Khan recuperate after his back surgery; gave consultations to Karan Johar, Ramola Bachchan; flown to meet Presidents K R Narayanan and Venkataraman, former PM Atal Behari Vajpayee, minister Arjun Singh, Virgin's Richard Branson, playwright Sir Andrew Lloyd Webber, actor Micheal Caine, Arab princes and kings, Euro aristos and the simply rich. "

Here is the link for another article about Dr. Ali on Uk telegraph newspaper I think this article boost the capability Himachal offers, however careful planning from Government is a must because nature looses its strengths if it is exploited to the limit. I wish any one reading this article would visit HP and see the beauty of the state first hand.

Project Dharamshala

2005-11-15T20:04:00.000-05:00

Project Dharamsala is a University of Denver International Service Learning program that combines service work with academic study in Northern India during Winter Interterm. The program is based in Dharamsala (where students spend about three weeks volunteering), but the group also tours Delhi, Agra, and other points of interest in Northern India.

Students interact with Tibetan and Indian people and are engaged by speakers from organizations based in Dharamsala. The goal of the program is for students to study the history and culture of India and of Tibet in Exile, with special insights gained through service work in the community.

Himachali Products

2005-11-05T20:09:00.000-05:00

You can buy Himachali products now: http://www.dollsofindia.com/

Diwali

2005-11-02T18:45:00.000-05:00

Shimla glitters on Divali night.—PTI

Mani Mahesh Trek

2005-10-25T19:48:00.000-04:00

The spectacular view of the Manimahesh lake and temple in Chamba district of Himachal Pradesh situated 13000 feet above sea-level.—PTI

By Balkrishan Prashar

Manimahesh — the holy Kailash — is located at an altitude of 5656 m. Down the foothills at an altitude of 4170 m nestles the scintillating Manimahesh lake. Mount Kailash, believed to be the abode of Lord Shiva, falls in the Bharmour tribal valley of Chamba district. This pilgrimage centre gains importance on two religious occasions, one on the Janamashtami and the other on Radhashtami. Only saints and sages grace the former while people from all walks of life undertake the latter.

Beginning on September 15, the Chhari Yatra in which the holy mace of Lord Shiva is carried to Manimahesh from the 1000-year-old Lakshmi Narayan temple in Chamba town marks the inauguration of this sacred occasion. The devotees reaches Manimahesh lake on September 22 to take the holy dip.

Apart from the religious fervour, the steep hills and pointed crags glowing with crimson light, rippling springs and splashing cascades arrest the sensual consciousness of the travellers.

The Manimahesh yatra becomes more delightful and enjoyable when the devotees sweep into the sprawling Bharmour tribal valley. Located at an altitude of 2195 m, the valley has a cluster of 84 hoary temples popularly known as ‘Bharmour Chourasi’.

These temples were built as a sequel to the visit of 84 sidhas from Kurukshetra to Manimahesh. While en route to Manimahesh, they were warmly welcomed by the King of the erstwhile Chamba state at its capital Brahmapur (now Bharmour).

The sidhas were pleased with the King’s courtesy and blessed him (as desired by the childless King) with an heir. The blessings worked and the King built these temples in their honour.

The idols in each shrine are dedicated to different deities. However, the Manimahesh temple among them is truly eye-catching.

The oval-shaped Manimahesh lake is 14 km from Hadsar. The distance of 13 km is marked with steep ascent, which has to be inevitably trekked. Here is the tough ordeal for the devotees. With two enchanting deep vales the Baandar Ghatti and Bhairon Ghatti, nature offers the pilgrims a plethora of experiences.

Gauri Kund and Shiv Karotary are two different places, where as the legend has it, the Lord Shiva’s consort, Parvati, and Lord Shiva bathed, respectively, on the Radhastami day. The pilgrims follow the tradition.

On the eve of the holy dip the precincts of Manimahesh lake seething with a large number of devotees, presents a colourful spectacle. On the Radhasthami day, pilgrims take the holy dip amid the chanting of mantras. Thereafter, pilgrims offer prayers to Mount Kailash and make floral offerings at the image of Lord Shiva established on one side of the lake.

View of Chamba from Chamunda Temple

2005-10-24T19:57:00.000-04:00

The Great Himalayan National Park

2005-10-18T17:59:00.000-04:00

While browsing for nature parks of Himachal I came across The great Himalayan national park website, which is a group of nature adventurers working for the conservation of the this vast park which is spread almost all over in Himachal.

Himachal has more than 50% green area and is major source of herbal medicines and is famous for various nature treks thousands of people criss cross all of the Himachal on foot, whether it is ManiMahesh annual trek or you take Parvathi valley trek famous with foreigners, almost all of Himachal carries huge forests.

However with ever growing population, forests are in grave danger, I think the efforts of volunteers come here, people need to be made aware that their own existence depends upon nature.

I think it is a great effort by this group and we need to be a part of it.

Here is little information about the park from http://www.greathimalayannationalpark.com:

GHNP is a major source of water for the rural and urban centers of the region with four major rivers of the area originating from the glaciers in the Park. It is also a source of sustenance and livelihood for the local community living close to GHNP. In addition to lumber, the forest environment provides local people with Non- Timber Forest Produce (NTFP) such as honey, fruit nuts, bark of birch and yew, flowers and fuel wood.

Globally, as well as locally, the Great Himalayan National Park has a very high public profile. The international community regards at it as a pilot site where the community based Biodiversity Conservation approach is being tested. The local people in the Ecozone (or Buffer Zone adjacent to the park) of GHNP recognize the fact that they have overexploited the medicinal herbs and NTFPs, and their sheep and goats have overgrazed the pastures.

In 1980, the Himachal Wildlife Project (HWP) surveyed the upper Beas region to help establish the boundaries of the park. An area comprising the watersheds of Jiwa, Sainj, and Tirthan rivers became the Great Himalayan National Park in 1984. Starting from an altitude of 1,700 metres above mean sea level, the highest peak within the Park approaches almost 5,800 metres. The area of the National Park at the moment is 754.4 sq kms and it is naturally protected on the northern, eastern and southern boundaries by permanent snow or steep ridges. To facilitate conservation a 5 km wide buffer area, extending from the western periphery of the Park, has been classified as theEcodevelopment Project Area (EPA) or Ecozone.

The EPA has an area of 326.6 sq km (including 61 sq kms of Tirthan wildlife sanctuary) with about 120 small villages, comprising 1600 households with a population of about 16,000. Since, the Indian Wildlife Protection Act 1972 does not permit any habitation in the National Park, an area of 90 sq. kms. in Sainj valley encompassing the two villages of Shakti and Marore has been classified as Sainj Wildlife Sanctuary (WLS). These two villages although technically "outside" the National Park, are physically located between two parts of GHNP. Thus the total area under the National Park administration is 1,171 sq km.

Kullu Dussehra

2005-10-12T19:11:00.000-04:00

Tribune article

http://www.kullu.net/

The annual mela or festival takes place in the Kullu Valley - also known as the Valley of the Living Gods, in North India. The festival celebrates the triumph of the God Ram over evil. The Rath Yatra of the idol of Lord Ragunath is led by the Kullu Raja and village deities, and is known as the running of the Gods. The procession starts a week of religious ceremonies, cultural activities, socializing and shopping at the huge bazaar, or market, that comprises most of the mela ground.

Dussehra at Kullu commences on the tenth day of the rising moon, i.e. on 'Vijay Dashmi' day itself and continues in seven days. The birth of Dussehra in Kullu lay in royal fads and it nourished on religious, social and economic factors and ultimately came to be well established, because of the inborn love of the hill-men for fun, frolic, displayed in community singing and dancing. Numerous stalls offer a verity of local wares. This is also the time when the International Folk Festival is celebrated.

Himachal to prepare blueprint of tracks

2005-10-09T00:08:00.000-04:00

Tribune article

Bid to attract global tourists

Tribune News Service

Shimla, October 8

The Forest department will prepare a blueprint of all the tracks connecting religious shrines, forts and other places of historical and cultural importance in the state, information of which will be available at the click of a mouse on the official website.

It is with the objective of promoting eco-tourism and providing avenues of employment for the villagers that the tracks are being identified. With more and more tourists preferring to go in for adventure activities like trekking, the government hopes to attract a large number of visitors from all over the world.

Since the information regarding the tracks, places of interest along the route, lodging facility and the nearest road or rail head would be available on the website, a person sitting in America can decide his destination and get bookings done.

“To begin with we have identified two tracks, one form Nainadevi shrine to Bhadrapur and the other in the Kutlehar area adjoining the Gobindsagar water body,” informed Forest Minister Ram Lal Thakur.

Apart from identifying the interesting tracks, the department is also planning to create infrastructure for tourists near the Pin Valley and Great Himalayan National Park, as part of eco-tourism promotion. Similar facilities like tent accommodation and camping sites would be made available at other wildlife sanctuaries.

The Forest Department has already started the task of creating infrastructure along these tracks for the convenience of the visitors. To begin with some of the forest rest houses located in the most idyllic locations are being repaired and refurbished. The Forest Department has over 140 rest houses all over the state, which will be thrown open to the visitors.

“We have got very good response from the scheme to hand over the rest houses of the Forest Department to the Forest Corporation for providing accommodation to tourists,” said Mr Thakur. Within the last three years, an income of Rs 3.50 lacs has come from the three rest houses, which have been thrown open for tourists in the first phase.

Interestingly, it is not just the Forest Department and the tourism department, which stand to benefit by developing these tracks as there will be special emphasis on involvement of locals. “The locals will be involved in the scheme as they can work as guides and even offer their houses for stay of the visitors, who wish to have a feel of the rural life and hill culture,” said Mr Thakur.

Keeping in mind the fact that no scheme can be a success without community participation, the mahila mandals, youth clubs and local panchayats will be involved.

On the behalf of the department, the concerned Range Officers will ensure that all facilities and information is extended to the visitors.

KUNGRI GOMPA

2005-10-05T10:06:00.000-04:00

KUNGRI GOMPA

Spiti's second oldest monastery is located in the Pin valley. The Kungri gompa built around 1330 AD. Kungri provides unmistakable evidence of tantric cult as practised in Buddhism. Kungri gompa is the main centre of the Nyingma-pa sect in Spiti. The gompa consists of three detatched rectangular blocks facing east.

The curious looking buzhens perform a sword dance and are perhaps the only branch of Buddhism in which use of weapons is practised. Some of the buzhens live in Mud village on the right bank of the Pin river. It is a chance encounter with buzhens as these lamas are wandering friars. Most of the Pin valley has been demarcated as the Pin Valley National Park which is the natural habitat of the snow leopard and Himalayan ibex.

There is a PWD rest house at Sagnam. Some more accommodation is also being added. Must carry own tents and camping gear. Tracks from this valley lead to Kullu over Pin Parbati pass and Kinnaur over Bhaba pass.

Tibetans in Himachal

2005-09-30T14:30:00.000-04:00

Since our childhoods we all from Himachal have seen various Tibetan monasteries growing that it always fascinated me. Once I came to US and saw many of Richard Gere and Steven Seagal movies and when I came to know that not only Gere and Seagal are working for Tibetans but also for India, they are so true and dear friends of India. Gere is so much involved in AIDS activities. Well my point is that not only these two personalities or Goldie Hawn's love for Tibetans as well as for our dear state and then the spirituality of Dalai Lama and his teachings as well seeing their system of preserving the ages old culture which is one of us, which in fact came from Hinduism, it has made me more and more attracted to Buddhism.

So many times I think that they have all the major institutes near to my town and Dalai Lama also stays near by, why we Himachalis don't go study and find out about their culture and system.

There is so much to learn from Tibetans, that's why I thought for future reference as and when I get time why not to compile a library sort of their various places in Himachal. That's why all this listing of their contact details.

Sherbling moastry---

Very near to my place, a small village called Bhattu, where this major Buddhist university has come up. Very small beautiful place nestled in between hills, full of our nomad people. Most of whom are out almost all the year grazing their sheep's. Our own Nomad, Gaddis have a very strong local village God system, which is still functional.Their lives almost virtually are run by Village Gods. New generation is going away from being nomad but I think their respect wont change for the system.

But then Buddhism is one of us, they believe in the spiritual powers, so do we, their mysticism runs their lives so does our. On this path I want to explore all the similarities we may have. I hope God would give me some time in my life to venture into this direction some day.

Sherab Ling,

P.O. Bhattu,

Baijnath,

Distt. Kangra,

Himachal Pradesh,

176125,

India.

Phone:

0091-1894-63013

0091-1894-63758

Fax:

0091-1894-62234

Two HP places on TIME magazine BEST OF ASIA

2005-09-29T16:08:00.000-04:00

Two places from Himachal made this year to TIME magazine's "BEST OF ASIA" destinations.

for Literary Excursion-KASAULI

MANALI YAK SKIING

Para gliding-world cup selection tour 2005

2005-09-29T11:01:00.000-04:00

FAI

Indian Open

2005 Himalayan Open Cup Event classification: Second Category Event

Place: Bir-Billing, Kangra (India)

Dates: 14/10/2005 - 20/10/2005

Disciplines / Task Styles : Cross Country

Event Organiser :

Organiser : Himachal Pradesh Aero Sports Association

Contact Person : Dr S.P.Katyal

Address : H.P. Aero Sports Association dep. of Tourism & Civil Aviation, SDA Complex Kasumpti, Shimla 171009 India

Email : hpaero@rediffmail.com or hpaero@yahoo.com

Telephone : +91 177 262 3959 or mob. +91 94181 53052

Fax : +91 177 262 39 59

FAI Member in the country :

Organisation : AERO CLUB OF INDIA

Address : Safdarjung Airport Aurobindo Marg NEW DELHI 110 003 India

Email : aeroclubofindia@rediffmail.com or aeroclubofindia@hotmail.com

Website : http://www.aeroclubofindia.org

Telephone : +91 (11) 2462 13 41 / +91 (11) 2462 01 91

Fax : +91 11 246 28 727

Mountain biking in Himachal

2005-09-29T10:24:00.000-04:00

The first ever mountain biking event is being organized in Himachal. This is a 8 days event with total distance of 680 kms.(around 500 miles) with 10,000 meters of climbing. For so many years so many people have cruised Himachal on their bikes and this is first time where they can prove officially.

The event runs between October 6th and 12th and all the details are available on their website.

Times of India article!

SHIMLA: Top mountain bikers will pedal their way through the steep and winding hill roads of Himachal Pradesh when they take part in the state's first international biking rally starting on Thursday. "The first Hercules MTB mountain biking rally will be flagged off from Shimla early on Thursday and, after covering a distance of nearly 500 km, will end eight days later in the resort town of Manali", said Mohit Sood, president of the Himalayan Adventure Sports & Tourism Promotion Association (HASTPA). Hercules MTB Himachal 2005 is being organised by HASTPA in association with the state department of tourism and civil aviation. Chennai based cycle manufacturer Hercules Cycles is sponsoring the meet. Besides Indian participants, several bikers from Europe, North America and other Asian countries are also taking part... ..."Sixty bikers have confirmed their participation, including 28 foreigners. Warren Lewis of Belgium and Carla Coolberg of the US are some of the best known names in mountain biking in the world, who are taking part', Sood said. Organisers say ‘Transworld Sports’ will telecast the rally in 140 countries. The organisers, who plan to make the rally an annual event, say the rally will put Himachal on the world map of mountain biking, a well-known adventure sport in Europe and North America. "Himachal has taken a lead in this sport as it has done in the promotion of other adventure sports like paragliding, river rafting, heli-skiing and motor rallying, Sood added.

Naggar-Kullu

2005-09-28T13:57:00.000-04:00

Heritage train!

2005-09-27T22:14:00.000-04:00

Enjoy nature in the toy train between Kalka and Shimla before the chartered luxury train on the Kalka- Shimla rail section is introduced.—A Tribune photograph

Potters Hill resort

2005-09-21T13:46:00.000-04:00

Located at an altitude of 2050 mtrs, about 5 Kms west of Shimla, Camp Potters Hill covers 100 Hectares of prime Western Himalayan Forest. The Hill once used by Potters to obtain clay has now been developed into a Luxury Camping Resort that is one of its kind in the Country. Surroundings of Camp Potters Hill is abound with beautiful flora and fauna, offering ample opportunities to Naturalists, Trekkers, Painters and Bird watchers to try out their favourite adventure activity over here. All Season Retreat… Camp Potters Hill is a twelve-month destination. In springs, the place blossoms with Rhododendrons, while summers still have bonfire at night. In autumn, nature prepares for the cold & the site turns honey yellow, while in winters, you can see and touch snow. Camp Potters Hill Van Vihar, Summer Hill, Shimla - 171005. Phone: (0177) 5536501, 5536196 Hand Phone: 094180 65001 Fax: (0177) 2654774 E-mail: vibha@pottershill.com , ajit@camppottershill.com

Temple websites of Himachal

2005-09-09T16:12:00.000-04:00

http://www.kangrapilgrimage.com/index.html

Hanogi Mata Temple

2005-09-09T15:20:00.000-04:00

http://www.hanogimatatrust.org Also they have a detailed description about all the sacred places in Himachal. http://www.hanogimatatrust.org/Other_Temples.php

Baba Balak Nath temple website!

2005-09-09T13:17:00.000-04:00

www.jaibabedi.com

Maa Naina Devi Temple

2005-09-09T05:41:00.000-04:00

www.nainadevi.com/

Himalayan Ski Village

2005-09-08T15:29:00.000-04:00

Himalayan Ski Village will offer a major tourism destination that showcases the incredible Indian Himalayan experience. The beauty and mystic of these mountains are unequalled in the world and the state of Himachal Pradesh is blessed with one of the most peaceful and safe social climates in South Asia. By providing a fully designed mountain resort village, of international standards, Himalayan Ski Village opens these heavenly mountains to the skiing and winter sports enthusiasts for the first time. Not only summer and winter sports facilities, but world class hotels, villas, restaurants and shops will satisfy the needs of the guests, at every level. The village area will cover 200 acres, along with ski slopes and lifts systems covering more than 5,000 acres. The slopes will reach as high as 13,500 and descend to the Ski Village at 8,500 above sea level. The slopes in this area have been popular with the helisking crowd for a decade and was listed as one of the top 20 best ski areas in the world by British Airways High Life magazine. Beside ski facilities, all manner of winter sports and summer adventure will be offered, including cross country trails, ice skating, sledding, yak sleigh rides, entertainment and cultural programs. Although visitors will be substantially drawn from the upper and middle economic class of the cities in northern India, international visitors from Europe, Japan, and the rest of Southeast Asia will also be a significant factor. The flavor of the Himalayan Ski Village will be clearly Himalayan architecture, while having the infrastructures and luxuries expected by this affluent clientel. Several international hotel chains will be offering star facilities, while quality guesthouses offering more affordable pricing, will also be available, in order to satisfy all market tiers. Villas will be offered for both fractional and full ownership, as well. Development will commence in summer of 2005 and the first guest will be welcomed in the winter of 2008-9. http://www.indianexpress.com/full_story.php?content_id=76674

Hidimba Devi temple in Manali

2005-09-07T15:25:00.000-04:00

Melting glaciers may spell doom

2005-09-06T16:04:00.000-04:00

Tino glacier that has receded by 2 km from the Bhaga river in the Lahaul valley. A very genuine threat to Himachal environment which would eventually completely turn a doomsday for Northern India. When my parents built their home back in 80s, we hardly use to run our ceiling fan during summers. Nowadays they have a cooler which runs even all night long. The local Binwa river use to be totally full during peak summers then and I remember sneaking out from school/home with my pals for an afternoon swim during summers and there use to be so many deep places for nice swimming and last time I visited there I just saw more rocks/stones in the river as compare to water. Weather is unpredictable and most of the lakes are drying every year. Beas river has many smaller rivers flowing to it from different parts of Himachal, one from my paternal Aunt's home, Haroti river, we use to swim during summers in that river nowadays I shot a video of just rocks left in the river, a lady was washing her clothes in little left water. If you ask any Himachali they would reciprocate my words. Temperature has changed and more and more natural disasters are happening. Reason is of course global warming, too many pucca houses, many with tin roofs, population growth, vehicle growth and of course every kind of pollution growth. Back in Himachal we have huge power generation capabilities, but if you see the tribune article you would notice the glaciers feeding various rivers are receding. I wonder our local government gives any thought to it or even Central government cares about it. But why blame the state when we the people dont care for our future I think it is time that we start doing something.

Gallery of Himachal from www.TREKEARTH.com

2005-08-29T15:08:00.000-04:00

Photo by Amol Herlekar If there is a single doubt in anyone's mind in the beauty of my dear Himachal Pradesh then I dare them to visit this website: http://www.trekearth.com/gallery/Asia/India/North/Himachal_Pradesh/ and have a look at the photographs posted by various trekkers/photographers. You would be amazed to see the first hand account of my place/people and its beauty. As they say "a picture is more than thousand words", each and every single picture is breath taking and is just like you are visiting the place itself. And those who belongs to this beautiful land and live far away, I am sure would have tons of thoughts and would think a lot....for what they are missing! I don't want to be a philosopher so lets come to the point, It would be waste of your and my time if I would say more and more so better visit the website and have a look yourself.

http://www.neoncarrot.co.uk

2005-08-22T12:17:00.000-04:00

http://www.neoncarrot.co.uk/ A beautiful blog of Kirsten and Woody of UK. They travelled in India vastly and stayed for long time in Himachal. It shows the life from various walks of Himachali people and carries beautiful snaps of people and valley. Please pay a visit to their blog and you would also be mesmerized.

2005-08-15T21:46:00.000-04:00

Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Virbhadra Singh takes the salute at the Independence Day function in Mandi on Monday.�A Tribune photograph

Directorate of Mountaineering and Allied Sports

2005-08-15T16:09:00.000-04:00

Directorate of Mountaineering and Allied Sports conducts adventure activities for Indian participants and Foreign participants separately. In addition to following courses, the DMAS also conducts special activities mentioned below. Mountaineering Expeditions Mountaineering Courses White Water Rafting Expeditions Summer Skiing Courses/ Camps High Altitude Treks - Crossing of Prominent High Passes Director, Directorate of Mountaineering and Allied Sports, Manali, HP - 175131 ( INDIA ) Phone: 01902-250377, 252342, 252206 Fax: 252137 Email: info@whmi.net Dmas_Manali@yahoo.com

Karate in Mountaineering institute in Manali

2005-08-10T17:15:00.000-04:00

A karate demonstration on at the mountaineering institute in Manali on Tuesday. — Photo Mahesh Chander Sharma

Himachal Tourism

2005-08-10T15:47:00.000-04:00

Baijnath Shiva Temple! Village God Yatra! Himachal tourism has few beautiful snaps from different walks of Himachal life! http://himachaltourism.nic.in/photo.htm

Lahaul & Spiti snaps

2005-08-03T21:13:00.000-04:00

I found some stunning images of Himachal Hills on IIT Kanpur students' expedition website. http://students.iitk.ac.in/adventureclub/cycling_spiti.htm

2005-07-31T17:33:00.000-04:00

Procession taken out to mark the conclusion of Minjar Fair in Chamba on Sunday.�A Tribune photograph

Prasher Lake new tourist hot spot

2005-07-19T15:46:00.000-04:00

Prashar lake during summers! Prasher Lake new tourist hot spot Rakesh Lohumi Tribune News Service Shimla: Standing majestically amidst alpine pastures at a height of 9600 ft in the hills of Mandi, the Prasher Lake is emerging as a new tourist destination. The place has immense potential for tourism but it remained in oblivion all these years. It was only recently that the government took interest to develop the scenic place and set up a development authority for the purpose. The authority has taken up several works to make travel and stay of tourists and pilgrims more comfortable. The road between Baggi and Prasher, which had been in a state of neglect, is being widened. An amount of Rs 45 lakh has been earmarked for the repair of the road. The entire stretch of 20 km between Baggi and Prasher is likely to be completed by March 31, 2006 after which a bus service will be introduced. The forest department has also taken up various activities to give a facelift to the area. The road between Kandlu and Tilli, and the bridal path from Bieun to Prasher are also being improved. The serais in the Rishi Prasher temple complex were being renovated. A proposal has also been mooted to provide a road link via Jwalapur and Thata to Prasher. The journey beyond Baggi can be undertaken on foot through existing village paths and trails. There is another trekking route from Panarsa and the trekkers can even explore the possibility of reaching Prasher from Pandoh. This trekking route is also being improved and widened. The lake has also immense religious sanctity because of the temple of Rishi Prasher built by Raja Baan Sen of the Mandi state during the 14th century. The small round-shaped floating island in the lake is one of the prime attractions for the pilgrims and tourists. The route between Kataula and Prasher is replete with forests of Baan, Mohru, Deodar, beautiful oaks, towering fur and spruce. The area also abounds in fauna, particularly pheasants.

2005-07-17T09:50:00.000-04:00

After flood in the Beas, residents of Mandi are now worried over the increasing water level in Suketi Khud. They are blaming the BBMB as it is reportedly throwing silt into the Suketi Khud.�Mahesh Chander Sharma

2005-06-30T06:52:00.000-04:00

Congress President Sonia Gandhi is accompanied by Chief Minister Virbhadra Singh during a brief halt at Rekong Peo, Kinnaur district, during her visit to the flood-ravaged areas on Wednesday.�Tribune photo by Manoj Mahajan

2005-06-28T19:02:00.000-04:00

High water levels in Sutlej river due to the excessive water from Perchu lake of China.

2005-06-20T19:38:00.000-04:00

With the hot weather shooting up in the plains, the Gaddis return to the tribal area in Himachal Pradesh with their flock of sheep. The Gaddis migrate to the plains as the pastures get covered under snow in winter months. This photo was taken at Khara Mukh, about 45 km from Chamba, by Mahesh Chander Sharma, Sundernagar.

2005-06-19T21:18:00.000-04:00

Constructions on the banks of the Rewalsar wetlands in Mandi district block natural water channels, resulting in the shrinkage of the water body.�Tribune photo by Karam Singh.

2005-06-19T08:09:00.000-04:00

Tourists have fun at Khajjiyar, Chamba, on Friday.�Photo by Mahesh Chander Sharma

Divya Himachal award to Anupam Kher

2005-06-02T17:39:00.000-04:00

Divya Himachal award!

2005-06-01T22:18:00.001-04:00

Prime Minister of India Manmohan Singh in Kalpa.

2005-06-01T22:18:00.000-04:00

Former Prime Minister of India AB Vajpayee during his his stay in PRINI in May 2005.

2005-06-01T22:14:00.000-04:00

Local artistes perform Himachali folk dance at Ridge Maidan, Shimla, on Wednesday. � A Tribune photograph

Beautiful pics of HP!

2005-05-17T08:29:00.000-04:00

I saw some of the best snaps of himachal, have a look! http://www.revatisurya.com/photogallery.index.html

Nilesh's blog

2005-05-16T14:46:00.000-04:00

For some breathtaking views of HP, please visit Nilesh's blog: http://shutterbug.nu/2004/11/palampur.html

Solang from Nilesh's eye!

2005-05-16T14:43:00.000-04:00

http://nilesh.org/weblog/ Nilesh Chaudhari's blog has some breathtaking pics of Himachal! Have a look!

2005-05-10T18:26:00.000-04:00

A girl performs Kinnauri dance at the ABVP's cultural function on the Himachal Pradesh University campus in Shimla on Tuesday. Photo by Anil Dayal

2005-05-09T18:44:00.000-04:00

Repair work under way on the Manali-Leh highway. Tribune photo by Pradeep Tewari

2005-04-20T16:43:00.000-04:00

Water lake at Barot

Barot, district Mandi, Himachal Pradesh

2005-04-20T11:33:00.000-04:00

Rest house- All wooden

View of the UHL river, sorrounded by thick forests!

Barot

(1,830 m) Just 40 km by road from Joginder Nagar and 12 km by the haulage trolley, Barot packs an enormous range of outdoor activities. The reservoir of the Joginder Nagar Hydel Power Project is located here. A trout breeding centre, makes it a wonderful place for angling. Across the River Uhl is the Nargu Wildlife Sanctuary - home to the ghoral, Himalayan black bear and a variety of pheasants. A trek route through thick forests links Barot to Kullu. There are rest houses at Thaltukhod and Silbadhwani in the Nargu Wildlife Sanctuary.

Day tours can be arranged from Palampur, which is around 36 km from Barot. Taragarh palace hotel which I have mentioned below on a different post with complete information is best for overnight stay. Hotel UHL which is state tourism department hotel, offers excellent food and stay back in Joginder Nagar.

Jhatingiri and Luharidi are totally unspoiled by new world and are worth seeing. People are mostly nomads and their source of income is farming, livestock and jungles.

Barot is surrounded by thick Deodar trees and summers are again the best times to travel. As of now Barot does not have any hotels or motels but there are 3 government rest houses which can be booked for overnight stay. However locals also offer guest houses and are pretty nice people and they do take care of all the needs. Recently the new concept of living in people's home is picking a lot in Himachal and Barot people do offer over night stays in their homes for a very nominal price with utmost care. They do offer all the amenities!

The water reservoirs for Joginder Nagar power station which is known as Bassi Power Station are in Barot and are built by British. The large hydro-electric project in Jogindernagar is a living tribute to man he has harnessed and tamed the wild and roaring river for his betterment.Here an electric trolley takes the visitor up the steep,rocky face of 2,500 metres-high(8,202 ft) mountain and drops sharply on the other side to Barot,where the reservoir is located.

The water rushing down from the reservoir at Barot in the Uhl river through penstock pipes going down nearly a thousand metres(3,280 ft). For tourists who go up to Barot by the trolley there is a comfortable rest house of the Electricity department. The roads extend beyond to Mandi and passes the Largi gorge to the Kullu valley.The railway line goes up to the power station, which is connected from Pathankot. Express service runs on this track and it is narrow gauge line.

2005-03-28T10:58:00.001-05:00

The 100-year-old steam engine, specially hired by a group of 22 British tourists to ride the 25-km stretch between Shimla and Kathlighat, arrives at Tara Devi railway station on Sunday. The fare for hiring the steam engine has been slashed from Rs 1.8 lakh($2500.00) to about Rs 58,000($1350.00) per trip following a notification by the Railways. PTI
http://www.tribuneindia.com/2005/20050418/haryana.htm#3'
Kalka, April 17 The popularity of Kalka- Shimla heritage rail section among rail enthusiasts from all over the world for taking the journey in the clouds, is bringing windfall for Northern Railway (Ambala division).

With UK-based tour operators, especially those dealing with rail journeys in different countries, advertising the trip on this heritage section as one of the greatest rail journeys in the world, there is a renewed interest among foreign tourists. The fact that Indian Railways Tourism Corporation (IRTC), too, is advertising the journey through lofty pines and misty mountains on this heritage section on the Net, is also adding on to the popularity.

Railway officials inform that for the past couple of months, at least 10 foreign tourists have been taking the rail trip each day. Other than this, the Deluxe Rail Motor cars have been chartered 12 times during the past two months by foreign tourists alone.

“Though we get tourists from all over the world, a large number of these tourists are from the United Kingdom. Most of the people take this trip not just for the sheer engineering feat in laying the rail, but also because of sentimental reasons. Many of the tourists were here during the days of the British Raj, or their parents of grandparents were associated with laying down the rail line,” informs Station Superintendent, Kalka , Mr R. K. Datta.

As is the case of Rosemarie Hall, who has come down from the UK and boarded the rail motor car for Shimla from here today. “I was born in Karachi, then a part of India. A few months back, I discovered that my birth certificate was registered at Shimla. I decided to visit Shimla, and since I knew that the rail track was laid by the British and had heard people talk about the breathtaking view of the Himalayas offered on the rail journey, I decided to have a go” she says.

They were among 29 tourists from the UK brought here by the UK-Based Great Rail Journeys, who chartered two rail motor cars for Shimla from here today. Mr Andrew Summerhayes from Great Rail Journeys, informed TNS that after a documentary on the Himalayas was aired by the BBC in London, they started advertising the Kalka- Shimla rail journey as one of the best rail journeys in the world, along with rail routes in North America, Europe, Japan and Africa." We offered a trip on this rail section in September last year, and within 10 days we were all booked for the entire year 2005,” he says.

The Railways on its part is also offering all possible help to make the journey a pleasure for these foreign tourists. The chartered rail motor car is allowed to halt at any place enroute Shimla, in order to allow the tourists for taking pictures, or having a small lunch - either at Dharampur or Barog.

The chartered rail motor car journey is available for Rs 10, 283 from Kalka- Shimla and back. For the high end foreign tourist, the steam engine service on the Kalka - Shimla section is available from Shimla to Katleeghat and back (a distance of 18 km one way). Though the journey was earlier available for over Rs 1 lakh, the Railway Board notified the new rates from April 1, and the same distance will now cost Rs 58,808. The single way journey from Shimla to Katleeghat will cost Rs 27, 848. For a chartered service with a diesel engine, the one way journey on the entire stretch of this 100 year old rail section costs Rs 34,580 and both ways the journey would cost Rs 73,998.

Mr R. K. Datta, Station Superintendent at Kalka, says that even the domestic tourists have been taking a lot of interest in the rail journey. “There is an unusual rush of tourists and all trains on this route are running to packed capacity. Almost 800 persons are taking the rail trip daily. From April 17-20, we are running two holiday special trains,” he informs.

GULER STYLE

2005-03-23T12:52:00.000-05:00

The origins of the Kangra School which held sway over the entire Punjab Hills can be traced to Guler, which stands at the entrance to the valley bordering on the plains. Guler was a small state. Nadir Shah's invasion and the conquest of Delhi in 1739 were instrumental in the founding of the Kangra School of painting. The Guler was then ruled by Dalip Singh (1694-1744). It was during the period 1739-40 that Hindu artists trained in Mughal style migrated to the Punjab Hills possibly from Lahore or Delhi. It is quite likely that they returned to their homes in Guler only to escape the uncertainties of life in the plains.

The source of inspiration of Kangra painting was the Vaishnav cult of Hinduism, the love of Radha and Krishna. In this style arms of lovers are about each other's necks, eye meets eye, the whispering Sakhis (friends) speak of nothing else but the course of Krishna's courtship, the very animals are spellbound by the sound of Krishna's flute and the elements stand still to hear the ragas and raginis. This art is only concerned with the realities of life. Above all with passionate love service, conceived as the symbol of all union. This is the spirit which parameters a number of paintings in the Kangra style which had its origin in Guler.

www.artoflegendindia.com

The Divine Pair!

Harassed by the demon sent by Kansa, Nanda and his cowherd Kinsmen decided to move from Gokul to Vrindavana across the river. Their children enjoyed swimming in the river during the heat of the summer, while the cows sat in groups chewing the cud contentedly. Krishna, his brother Balarama, the cowherds and the gopis roamed the woods of Vridavana with their graceful trees covered with blossoms. Here Krishna and his companion played “hide –and –seek “ or sang and danced to music.

Collection - Chandigarh Museum

Krishna playing Holi

The onset of spring, occasion for much revelry and celebration, does not go unnoticed in the context of Krishna and his companions, the cowherds and the gopis, for it provides yet another occasion for the poet and the painter to establish these relationships at a different level. Wile everyone else celebrates the festival, as it is done even today in India—by throwing colored powder, soaking one another with colored water from syringes, and singing—between Krishna and Radha, the play of Holi takes on another significance. Suddenly, amid so much noise and activity, their eyes become locked, as the poet say, and they get drenched in each other’s love as much as they do in the water that is being squirted around.
A great many paintings on the theme of Holi being celebrated in Vraja (in the land around Mathura it is still a remarkably spirited festival) were painted, and this is among the finest. The wonderful air of festivity, the grouping of figures that leaves space in the center for Radha and Krishna to be places in relief, the range of stances and gestures, the little dramatic vignettes involving so much animation, are all handled with singular ability. But the work goes beyond these effects, and the eye is led, through the tender, encouraging eyes of the companions of Radha, to the two lovers who stand transfixed. That is where passionate attachment is seen at its most affecting, and suddenly some of the women musicians stop short, much more intent on what is happening there than on playing their instruments.

Sassi Bewailing of her lover, Punnun

Sassi a beautiful girl was born to a Brahman King. At her birth it was prophesied that she was destined to fall in love with a Muslim and would die of grief of separation while searching for her lover in a lonely desert. In order to save the honor of the family and the girl from her tragic fate she was shut in a box and floated down the Indus River. The box attracted the attention of a childless washer man, who brought her up as his own daughter at Bhambhore.
Sassi grew up into a girl of dazzling beauty and attracted attention of all the young men of the neighborhood, but she spurned their advances. On a visit to garden of a rich merchant she saw a portrait of Punnun, the son of the King of Kecham in Baluchistan and fell in love with him.

1750 AD, National Museum

Raja Govardhan Chand listening to music

Govardhan chand listening to music, which was in the collection of Raja Baldev singh and is now in Chandigarh Museum. The Raja is seated on a terrace listening to the music of drums and pipes. The Raja is listening to music, and the air of gentle reverie is well expressed. The pose of the individual figures and the balance of the whole are admirable. In this respect it respect it resembles the finest of the Mogul paintings, but it has a delicacy and a spirituality of feeling to which the Mogul art never attains. The coloring of Kangra pictures of this period is extraordinarily delicate. The Kangra artist had the colors of the dawn and the rainbow on his palette.

Portrait of maharaja Sansar Chandra

In 1809, Raja Sansar Chand employed a European adventurer, O’ Brien, who established a factory of small arms and raised disciplined force of 1400 men for him. In this painting, we can see O’Brien waving a fly –whish over sansar chand. It is a very fine portrait by one of the Guler artists who had migrated to Tira- sujanpur. The green background with dashes of red in the horizon is typical of the work of these artists. The character of sansar chand, proud and sensitive, is well brought out in this painting.

Collection - Chandigarh Museum

Raja Ajmat Dev smoking huqqa

The king sitting in pavilion. He wears a black jama and turban on his head. He is smoking huqqa with one hand and in other hand a rosary. A sword is kept near him.

Balauri Rani of Raja Prakesh Chand with her Son Bhup Singh
1780 AD, Chandigarh Museum

In this beautiful painting Balauri Rani from Basohli is shown seated in a pavilion talking to her son Bhup Singh. One of the maidservants is offering him a wooden toy. On the roof of the pavilion is peacock and in the foreground is a pool with a fountain. A monkey is drinking water from the pool totally unafraid. Women musicians are singing and playing on musical instruments. A servant girl is feeding a parrot.

Sheltering in the Rain

Radha and Krishna are shown sitting on the top of a mountain, sheltering from rain under one umbrella. A storm bends the branches of the trees, lightning shines in the dark clouds and rain pours from above. The peacock cries with joy, and Radha clasps Krishna, afraid of the rumbling thunder.

Himachal Miniature painting series!

2005-03-20T16:03:00.000-05:00

And for those of you who thought we are just NOMADS, a large series of different Himachali style miniature paintings is coming! I assure you, the wait will be worth it!

Hidden Himachal!

2005-03-18T14:11:00.000-05:00

This is our Himachal, of course! All images can be enlarged so please have look on every single one by clicking and see the beauty of our Hills! I have taken these snaps from the website of TAKEO KAMIYA and you can EMAIL TAKEO KAMIYA here! I apologize for any wrong reference and your comments would help!

A small temple of Square Tower type, Gazta

Adi Brahma temple of four tiered tower, Khokan

Ambika Devi temple of Pent Roof type, Nirmand

Chamunda Devi Temple at Mindal village

Gautam Rishi Temple at the end of Goshal village, Naga shrine on the right hand

temple on the back of the mountains of the hights of 4,000m, Sangla

Inside of Adi-Purka Temple on the top of a mountain at Tihri

Looking down at Bhandar from the entrance balcony of the Temple tower at Chaini Kothi

Maheshwara Temple at Chergaon (Chagaon), photo by Shin-ya Takagi

Maheshwara Temple at Sungra, photo July 1993

Newly reconstructed temple, Pujarli

Old temple of Square tower type in Narain

Parashar Rishi temple by the side of Parashal lake, wooden detail

Parvati Temple, Killal ( photo by Shin-ya Takagi )

Piri Naga Temple, Sapni

Reconstructed Narayan Dewta Temple in Narain village

Temple Tower and the village of Chaini, 17- 18th century

Temple Tower and Village of Chaini, top two stories lost in

the Kangra earthquake of 1905

Upper part of Baoindara Devta Temple

Village of Devidar and Square Tower type Temple

Granaries constructed thoroughly by wood at Chitkul village

temple on the back of the mountains of the hights of 4,000m

Kii Gompa (monastery) on the mountain recalling gompas

at Tikse or Chemre in Ladakh

Kothkai Fort sorrounded by deep river on three sides

Himachali Kids

Outside Stairs of Yogini Temple, Chaini

Maheshwara Temple with roof covered by wood, Sungra

Baoindara Devta Temple of oblong tower type under repair, Bachhonch

Durga Temple, c.17th century, Pangna

Parashar Rishi temple by the side of Parashal lake

Kii Monastry

A girl gives the proportional scale of the stairway of Jogini Temple

Chapslee Palace hotel Shimla

2005-03-16T10:27:00.000-05:00

Evocative of a bygone era, Chapslee, formerly the summer residence of the late Hon'ble Raja Charanjit Singh of Kapurthala, is now a small, exclusive Hotel. The Hon'ble Raja Charanjit Singh of Kapurthala was a member of the erstwhile Council of States and had the distinction and privilege of being an invitee to the coronations of both King George V and King Edward VIII. He was a host and gourmet extraordinaire and his table was considered to be one of the finest in northern India. Built in 1835, Chapslee was acquired by Lord Auckland, then Governor General of the East India Company. The declaration of the first war against Afghanistan known as 'The Afghan Manifesto', was signed at Chapslee on the first of October, 1838. Sir Edward Buck writes in his famous book, Simla Past and Present, "In the opinion of many good judges, Chapslee is surpassed by no other Simla residence in arrangement and general advantages". The Drawing Room " If Simla is the queen of the hills, then Chapslee is its crown..." Lady Penelope Betjeman. " One of the oldest manor houses in Simla with extensive grounds, good views and period furniture ..." India companion by Louise Nicholson. " It is worth going to Simla simply to stay at Chapslee..." Hill stations of India by Gillian Wright. " Chapslee reveals India's exotic past along with the rich variety of the present ...." Indian style by Suzanne Slesin & Stafford Cliff. CHAPSLEE SHIMLA - 171 001 (H.P) INDIA PHONE : 91- 177 - 2802542 FAX : 91- 177 – 2658663 e-mail : chapslee@vsnl.com, chapslee@bol.net.in,chapslee@sancharnet.in www.chapslee.com

Chail Palace Hotel

2005-03-15T10:46:00.000-05:00

A quick getaway that you're looking for in north India, then there are quite a few places in Himachal Pradesh which can make for a good, affordable holiday for the entire family. One such place is Chail - the summer retreat of the Maharaja of Patiala. About 7 hours drive away from the sweltering summer heat of Delhi, lies the winding stretch to Chail. Cushioned between the rolling hills of the Shivalik range, the entire length of road has thick forests of Deodar and Pine trees. While tourist season is in summer, a holiday in this area during winter would be quite another experience, considering it snows in these parts. PALACE HOTEL At Chail the place to stay in is the famous Chail Royal Palace built on Rajgarh hill. It was converted into a hotel by Himachal Pradesh tourism sometime in the seventies. The original palace built in 1891 was devastated in a fire, and the palace was shifted to this somewhat plain grey stone structure in 1951. Since the time that the palace was converted into a hotel, it has undergone a lot of renovation despite which, the interiors retain their grandeur. The palace still retains an unusual feel of a bygone era, probably because of the long, dark corridors, lit by large, ornate chandeliers. I decided to take a see what the royal chambers look like! The rooms within the palace have been understandably named as Maharaja, Maharani, Prince, and Princess suites. While some of the upholstery and linen could do with a little more finesse, the high ceilings and innumerable pieces of antique furniture, decorating the rooms, offset the strong colour scheme and choice of fabric. Palace Hotel, Chail (H.P.)-173217. Tel: (01792) 48141,48143. Fax: (01792)48142.

Nalagarh Fort Hotel

2005-03-14T10:13:00.000-05:00

Nalagarh is the gateway to Himachal Pradesh in North India. The Fort is located on a hillock at the foothills of the mighty Himalayas affording a panoramic view of the Shivalik Hills beyond the Sirsa river. The Garh rises above a 20 acre estate of forest and orchard and is built on five levels, three of which have well manicured lawns. Fort Nalagarh was built during the reign of Raja Bikram Chand in 1421. It was ruled by the Chandela Rajputs who originated from Chanderi in the Bundelkhand region of central India. The Fort is located on a hillock at the foothills of the mighty Himalayas surrounded by acres of greenery. The impressive Diwan-E-Khas at the Fort (now the Conference/Banquet Hall) was built by Raja Sansar Chand in 1618. Nalagarh was the capital of the kingdom of Hindur founded by Raja Ajai Chand in 1100 A.D. It was ruled by the Chandela Rajputs. The Chandela kings were great patrons of art and architecture. Raja Ram Chander, another illustrious ruler of the same dynasty, was also a great builder who constructed the Ramgarh Fort and the town of Ramshere. Raja Surendra Singh was the last ruler of Nalagarh and his son, Raja Vijayendra is the present ceremonial ruler of Nalagarh The Nalagarh Fort has a series of structures that are mostly built in the Mughal style of architecture. These have been exhaustively renovated and are now a quality heritage resort with panoramic view of Shivalik Hills. Nalagarh Fort District - Solan Himachal Pradesh (01795) 23179, 23009 (011) 4634139 (01795) 23021 resort@nalagarh.com fortresort@satyam.net.in

Woodville Palace Hotel

2005-03-11T10:04:00.000-05:00

A respite in the comforts of Woodville is a beautiful memory which a visitor will not easily forget. Woodville Palace has a history dating back to 1866 when Sir William Mansfield, Commander-in-Chief of the imperial army became the first resident of the charming estate. The palace was reconstructed in 1938 by the Rana of Jubbal when hundreds of expert artisans were brought from far and wide to ensure the highest quality of craftsmanship. Kanwar Udai Singh opened a part of the mansion as a guest house in 1977 and today, the palace is one of the finest places to stay in Shimla. In 1926, His Highness Maharaja Sir Bhagvat Singh of Gondal State in Western Indian purchased the property for his daughter, Princess Leila. In 1938, the old Victorian building was demolished by her husband, Raja Rana Sir Bhagat Chand, the ruler of Jubbal State. In its place the present magnificient summer palace was constructed at a cost of Rupees Five Hundred Thousand. The Jubbal royal family belong to the Rathore clan of Chandravanshi Rajputs who were renowned for their chivalry and bravery and can trace their origins upto 300 years. Raja Bhagat Chand was one of the most enlightened rulers amongst the Shimla Hill States, and represented the Shimla Hill States in the Council of Princes from 1921-1924. He was made a C.S.I. (Companion of the Star of India) in 1928 and a K.C.S.I. (Knight Commander of the Star of India) in 1936 for meritorious services. His youngest son, late Lt. Col. Raj Kumar Birender Singh, was one of the earliest commissioned officers of the British Indian Army who fought for his country overseas during the World War II. It was his son, Kanwar Uday Singh, who coverted Woodville Palace into a heritage hotel in 1977. At present, the first floor of the hotel is occupied by his family while the rest of the building is open to visitors. Woodville Palace Hotel Raj Bhawan Road Shimla Himachal Pradesh 0177) 223919 / 224038 (0177) 223098 uday@nda.vsnl.net.in

Judge's Court

2005-03-10T09:50:00.000-05:00

Reflecting the ambience of the Anglo-Indian traditions, this splendid country manor was built by Justice Sir Jai Lal at the turn of the century. Spread over 100 acres of orchards, the hotel offers a magnificent view of snow-capped mountain peaks. Located near the ornamental village tank, and approached by a cobbled street, this courtyard haven captures the mood of its original bygone era. Pragpur is also the first and only notified heritage village in India. The Kangra Valley, where Heritage Village Pragpur is located is panoramic and replete with history. It is the home of the famous Kangra school of painting and probably the world's - most certainly India's - oldest ruling lineage comes from here. The area of Pragpur was part of the Principality of Jaswan whose chief, in the late 16th or early 17th Century charged a band of learned men, led by a Kuthiala Sood, to find a suitable place to commemorate Princess 'Prag' of his royal lineage. The Soods are a special community laying claim to being Agnivanshis - born of a sacred fire - with references to them in ancient Hindu texts like the Rig Veda. At the time when Simla was the summer capital of the British Raj the Soods from around Pragpur owned more than half of it, and still continues to be the dominant community. The site chosen for Pragpur lies in the shade of the Dhauladhar mountains - the white ranges - and is said to be so located as to receive the astral benefic influence of prayers that have been offered for thousands of years at three nearby ancient SHAKTI (Primordial Energy) Temples of Bajreswari (Kangra), Jwalamukhi and Chintpurni. Founded about 3 centuries ago Pragpur has held onto the essence of an earlier era - unchanged shops, cobbled streets, ornamental village tank, mud plastered and slate roofed houses. By a notification dated 9thDecember 1997 the State Government has classified Pragpur as a "Heritage Zone." Village Tourism Heritage Village Pragpur is ideal for Village land nature Tourism and is being promoted as an example of communityinvolvement in tourism. The Indian National Trust for art and cultural Heritage jointly with the government of Himachal Pradesh is developing and preserving Heritage Village Pragpur. Jai Bhawan Pragpur District: Kangra Himachal Pradesh (01970) 45035, 45335 (011) 4674135, 4102223 (011) 6885970 eries@vsnl.com info@judgescourt.com www.judgescourt.com

Taragarh Palace Hotel

2005-03-09T09:40:00.000-05:00

Taragarh Palace Hotel is managed by the Royal family of Jammu and Kashmir. This palace hotel is in the name of Maharaja Karn Singh's mother, Tara Devi. Tara Devi was from Kangra valley, she came from a very poor Katoch family of Jaisingh Pur region in Kangra. Taragarh Palace is situated on a 15 forested estate surrounded by tea gardens of the Kangra valley, one of the most scenic and unexplored areas of Himachal Pradesh. Located at an altitude of 3,400 feet above sea level, Taragarh Palace is at the foot of the Dhauladhar mountains with a splendid view of the surrounding snow-capped peaks. Formerly known as Alhilal (land of the crescent moon),the palace, was built in the early 1930s as a summer resorts. It was bought by the royal family of Jammu & Kashmir in 1951 for the dowager Maharani who lived there for several years. It is now run as a hotel by the present royal family, Vikramaditya Singh, who is eldest son of Dr. Karn Singh runs this place. In 1931, the 27 year old Nawab of Bahawalpur built large European-style summer residence for himself up in the cool Himalayan jungle of Kangra district . He laid out lush gardens, built a glass pleasure pavilion and a mosque and christened his country palace Al Hilal ( The Crescent Moon ). The ravishingly beautiful land of Kashmir saw many a golden age- of Ashoka, of Zain Al Abidin, of Mughal emperors Akbar, Jehangir and Shah Jahan. After the decline of Mughal authority in the 18th century, Kashmir passed into the hands of Afghan kings. In 1819, the city of Srinagar and parts of Kashmir were conquered by the Sikh armies of Maharaja Ranjit Singh. The successful military expedition was led by his Dogra general, Raja Gulab Singh of Jammu and went on to create the state of Jammu and Kashmir. Taragarh Palace Post Office - Taragarh District - Kangra Valley Himachal Pradesh (01894) 242 034 , 243077 (011) 469 2317 / 464 3046 / 4545246 (01894) 242 034 ,243077 reservations@taragarh.com taragarh@hotmail.com, info@taragarh.com www.taragarh.com

Heritage Hotels of Himachal

2005-03-09T09:22:00.000-05:00

Summers are coming and I am putting up a series of Heritage hotels, their website address and few nice photographs, any one who is interested visiting HP this season may find them useful. Also for adventure tourism there are endless opportunities in HP.Relief Riders are arranging a horse back tour from Spiti Valley to Leh/Ladhakh region on Spitian horses. River Parvati offers tremendous white water river rafting possibilities and those who are Kayak lovers would find it very challenging to navigate the tough waters of Parvati river. Trekking is of course a major part of tourism back in Himachal and from Pin Parvati Trek to Spitian trek and Kullu, Manali offers tremendous opportunities. Manikaran trek is a wonderful experience and it offers a wide variety of sight seeing and of course at the end of trek a hot Sulphur bath in the Manikaran’s famous Gurudwara ( Sikh's worship place). Manimahesh trek is also famous but is for very very experienced trekkers. Para and Hang gliding has already become the major source of tourism as well as Revenue for local very experienced pilots. Every year in last three years HP govt. arranged a Pre World Cup tournament in Para Gliding in Bir/Biling area of Kangra district. Which has been very successful and already the preparation are in full swing for organizing a World cup which would of course bring the very best pilots from all over the world. Local Pilots from HP are becoming a challenge! Many of these pilots are running the schools for fresher and rides are available at very fair price. Enjoy!

KANGRA FORT

2005-03-08T17:55:00.000-05:00

17th century Lithograph of Kangra fort. ROYAL KANGRA FAMILY Kangra, the land of ancient Trigarta, occupying the lower valley of the fleas and its tributaries, was in ancient times, one of the leading hill states of Punjab and it was a part of the Kingdom of Jalandhara. When the plains of Punjab were subjugated by the Muslims, the Kings of that principality withdrew to their territories in the hills, retained in the Kangra Fort a strong hold of which more than once thwarted the attempts of the Muslim invaders. The Fort, also known as the Nagarkot or Kot Kangra, is situated to the south-west of the old Kangra town (lat 32°, 5' Long 76°,15') and built on the top of the precipitious hill on the confluence of the Banganga and Manjhi or Patal Ganga rivers which also serve as the most of the Fort. Access to the Fort from the town at this place where the ridge of rock which separates the two rivers is narrowed to a mere neck of about 50 m across which a deep ditch has been hewn at the foot of the walls. The antiquity of the Fort is traced back to a much earlier period. The earliest extant remains inside the Fort are the Jaina and Brahmanical temples which could be dated to around the ninth-tenth century AD. In the annals of history, its first reference occurs at the time of invasions of Mahmud Ghazni in AD 1009. In 1337 AD it was captured by Muhammad Tughlaq and again in 1351 by his successor Firoz Shah. But it did not fall to the Muslims permanently until 1621, when after a siege of fourteen months it was conquered by Jahangir, who garrisoned it with his troops and appointed a Mughal Governor to keep the hill chief in the check. The surrounding states however, remained in the hands of the Katoch Rajas. In the second half of the eighteenth century, after the death of its Governor Nawab Alif Khan, the Mughal power rapidly declined and Raja Sansar Chand II succeeded in 1786 in recovering the ancient fortress of his ancestors. But by carrying his ambitious design he came into conflict first with the neighbouring hill chiefs then with the Gurkhas of Nepal, under Amar Singh Thapa and finally with the Sikh ruler Maharaja Ranjit Singh to whom he was compelled to surrender the Fort in 1809. It remained in the hands of the Sikhs till 1846 when it was made over to the British Government along with the hill States as far as Ravi. The Fort continued to be held by a garrison but was evacuated sometime before the great earthquake on 4th April 1905 in which extensive damage was sustained. The Fort, occupying a long strip of land is enclosed with high rampart and the walls cover a circuit of about four kilometres. The main entrance gate is called the Ranjit Singh Gate which is followed by a narrow path leading to Jahangir gate, through the Ahani and Amiri Darwaza, both attributed to Nawab Alif Khan, the first Mughal Governor of Kangra. Thereafter is the Andheri Darwaza from where the path is forked into two directions. The path to the left, through Darsani Darwaza, leads to the portion containing the Laxminarayan temple, datable to Circa ninth-tenth century AD and shrines of Sitala and Ambika Devi. To the north between the two last mentioned buildings is a staircase led up to the palace, known as Shish Mahal and further beyond to the south-west is the polygonal watch tower overlooking the valley. The other path leads to the portion containing the mihrab of a mosque built in Jahangir's time, the Kapoor Sagar tank and other structures. The Fort, occupying a long strip of land is enclosed with high rampart and the walls cover a circuit of about four kilometres. The main entrance gate is called the Ranjit Singh Gate which is followed by a narrow path leading to Jahangir gate, through the Ahani and Amiri Darwaza, both attributed to Nawab Alif Khan, the first Mughal Governor of Kangra. Thereafter is the Andheri Darwaza from where the path is forked into two directions. The path to the left, through Darsani Darwaza, leads to the portion containing the Laxminarayan temple, datable to Circa ninth-tenth century AD and shrines of Sitala and Ambika Devi. To the north between the two last mentioned buildings is a staircase led up to the palace, known as Shish Mahal and further beyond to the south-west is the polygonal watch tower overlooking the valley. The other path leads to the portion containing the mihrab of a mosque built in Jahangir's time, the Kapoor Sagar tank and other structures. The most valuable monuments in the Kangra Fort are the so-called temples of Laxminarayan and Sitala, two square chambers profusely decorated with carvings. The ceilings of the Laxminarayan temple is remarkable for its elaborate decoration: The destruction of these two temples is due to earthquake and is perhaps great loss of an irreparable nature. The temple of Ambika Devi, still used for worship is much plainer structure evidently of no great age. The only ancient portion seams to be the pillars and architraves of the mandapa covered by a flat dome. To the south of the Ambika Devi temple are two small Jaina shrines facing west, one of them contains a plain pedestal and in the other is placed a seated image of Adinath, with partly obliterated inscription dated Samvat 1523 i.e.AD 1466 in the reign of Katoch Raja, Sansar Chand I. The clearance and conservation work brought to light number of loose sculptures and architectural members of the monument which have been kept in a sculpture shed. The important ones, six in numbers have been exhibited in the Himachal State Museum, Shimla. There is a proposal to exhibit the remaining loose sculptures and architectural members by renovating and reconditioning the' existing portions of the monument.

Shivratri

2005-03-08T11:52:00.000-05:00

Bob Woolmer, Pak Coach's comments about Dharamshala!

2005-03-07T14:43:00.000-05:00

Bob Woolmer Bob Woolmer, Pak Coach's comments about Dharamshala on his web site! Pakistan in India Update (Chandigarh Sunday) 06 Mar 2005 Pakistan in India Update Sorry that I haven’t posted for a while or answered questions we have been up in North India with the email and Internet down because of poor weather conditions, Snow hail sleet and ice, very cold for a warm up game! Dharamashala is a very beautiful and scenic place and well worth a visit but unfortunately the weather made the trip very frustrating. While the batsmen made some runs and spent some time at the crease the low bounce and slowness of the pitch was very different to the conditions we expect in Mohali. We were looked after well and the Hotel was 750 feet above sea level in the Mountains. Of interest this is the home of the Dali Lamar who has a Buddhist monastery in the hills having left Tibet for political reasons. Hopefully I will be able to get back to answering some questions on Monday when I can purchase an Internet card. All members of the team are fit and there is a general sense of anticipation as the Test match approaches. We practice today at 1400hrs and again tomorrow at about 12 noon. Bob

2005-03-07T09:06:00.001-05:00

Great Show by Great fans!