Kullu : Love being in Western Himalayas

Kullu Dussehra 2010

2010-10-18T11:21:00.001+05:30

Kullu Dussehra 2010

Kullu Dussehra started on 17 October 2010. Deities gathered together to celebrate the festival.

Lightning shot

2010-10-07T15:33:00.000+05:30

This is my first lightening shot.

It was a stormy night and I was lucky enough to capture this from my home terrace.

Village Life

2010-07-20T09:58:00.000+05:30

A building across the road on the way to Manali (Himachal Pradesh, INDIA). Hay is stored for winters to feed the cattle. It is a common scene here at Himachal, mostly each household in villages have domesticated animals mainly cows. Agriculture and animal husbandry are the main source of living here.

In this picture, the building shown is used as a residence, warehouse for vegetables, grains etc grown and also has a huge stock of hay for the cattle which reside in the ground floor.

Valley of Gods

2010-07-19T10:42:00.004+05:30

Himachal Pradesh is known as "DEVBHOOMI" - Valley of Gods. The above picture was shot in Mandi district while my journey to Rewalsar.

Rewalsar

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Rewalsar is a town in Mandi District (Himachal Pradesh). Rewalsar is sacred to adherents of three major dharmic religions- Hinduism, Buddhism & Sikhism. This place is famous for the lake and the floating island in it. The lake around which the town of Rawalsar is established has a maximum depth of 6.5 metres.

Marry had little lamb

2010-07-10T15:12:00.001+05:30

Sheep & Goat are commonly domesticated here in Himachal Pradesh. Their milk, meat & hair are used and is a integral part of culture. The woman in the picture is spinning the wool from their domesticated sheep.

Mirror ....

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Close to nature

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A small hut made of clay, wood and stone used for roof. This is something which was common once but the concrete jungle has overtaken all that was close to nature. This one was in middle of a field so may be its been used as warehouse.

Happy Earth Day

Wordless Wednesday !

2010-04-21T05:30:00.002+05:30

The differentiating line

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Lets keep the flow going...

2010-04-19T05:49:00.000+05:30

I know I haven't been regular in posting in my blog as i was last year. But now onwards you'll find me here more often.

Lord Shiva Bijli Mahadev Temple

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Between the clouds

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Blue Skies....

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Snow Clad Mountains

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To Capture this shot, i have to travel nearly 15Km by road and then track up the hill which took almost 2 hrs. But all this was paid very well because the view on the hill top was just out of the world. Have got many pics form this trip will show you later.

Uprooted

2010-02-15T05:49:00.000+05:30

Maha Shivaratri

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(Night of Shiva or "Great Night of Shiva") The festival is principally celebrated by offerings of Bael (Bilva) leaves to the Lord Shiva, all day fasting and an all night long vigil. Festival is celebrated with devotion and religious fervor on the moonless 14th night of the new moon in the Hindu month of Phalgun. Devotees observe fast all through the day and night of Shivaratri in honor of Lord Shiva and pay a visit to Shiva temples.

Ritual bath of Shiva Lingam with milk, water, honey etc is also performed by the devotees as a part of the tradition. Many believe that Shivaratri Festival marks the wedding day of Lord Shiva and Parvati. However, according to some legends, it was on the auspicious night of Shivaratri that Lord Shiva performed the ‘Tandava’, the dance of the primal creation, preservation and destruction.Ganga is traditionally used as an offering for Lord Shiva and his followers.

Pines in Sunset

2010-02-07T05:49:00.001+05:30

The Golden River

2010-02-06T05:49:00.000+05:30

Wordless ...

2010-02-05T05:56:00.000+05:30

The Couples

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The Story Teller

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A picture speaks a thousand words, and some like this one tells thousand stories

Standing alone

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Serenity

2010-02-01T06:05:00.000+05:30

Black and white

2010-01-15T06:05:00.000+05:30

Some beautiful shots in Black and white, hope you'll like them.

Clouds

2010-01-14T06:24:00.000+05:30

After a long wait, we did receive a little rain and snow at the peaks but that wasn't enough. This year Its not raining much neither we have got snowfalls as it was in yesteryears, This will hamper the crops in coming season, specially the apple growers will suffer from it.

Still hopeful many are still praying for ample rains and snow.

A different View

2010-01-08T06:27:00.000+05:30

Visualizing this world with a different view makes a lot of difference. Everyday we come across many things and they do affect us in one or other way. Living life on a lighter note makes the world more beautiful but to do that isn't easy.

Kullu Valley in Winters

2010-01-07T05:56:00.001+05:30

Many of us consider winters as dead, nothing going on. But for Kullu or other hilly areas winters is the most happening and much awaited time of the season. Not only the locals but the tourist wait for this season and hail towards the hill tops to enjoy the chill and the snow.

Year end break i.e. last week of the year is the most favorite time of many visitors . Special parties are also arranged for Christmas and New year. Usually the main tourist spot i.e. Manali, Solang nala, Rohtang pas are covered with snow during this period. Like other parts of world we too are the witness of Global Warming. We use to get snow in mid December but this year It snowed in Manali in January all this is affecting our environment and economy too.

Welcome 2010

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A colorful beginning for 2010

The Golden River

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From me to you

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Parvati River

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Parvati river is the main tributary of Beas River, It rises from the snowy upstream of Manikaran valley on the foothills of the main Himalayan range in Kullu District. Several tributaries join the main Parvati River and numerous waterfalls cascade down the steep valley sides. It merges with Beas River at Shamshi in Kullu Valley.

Merry Christmas

2009-12-25T13:54:00.003+05:30

WISH YOU AND YOUR FAMILY A MERRY CHRISTMAS AND A GREAT YEAR AHEAD...

Kullu Valley

2009-12-23T10:21:00.001+05:30

A view of Kullu Valley, when you enter the city by road - NH 21 Chandigarh Manali Highway. Every year many tourists visit Kullu - Manali (Including expats). Since Kullu is not connected with railway transport( the nearest available The railway stations are Jogindernagar (125 km from Kullu), Pathankot (285km from Kullu), Simla (270km from Kullu), Chandigarh (267km from Kullu). Indian Airlines and Deccan Airlines operate flights from Delhi to Kullu & back. Kullu is well connected to major parts of the country by a network of roads. The distance from Delhi is 522km approximately. Ambala, Chandigarh, Ropar, Kiratpur, Bilaspur and Mandi are the main stations on the way. One can enjoy panaromic views while travelling to Kullu by road. A number of waterfalls can be viewed on the way. High hills and river add to the excitement and for some traveling by such hilly road is an adventurous experience.

Misty Morning

2009-12-18T01:23:00.000+05:30

Clouds are taking over

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The Foggy Bend!

2009-12-16T05:21:00.000+05:30

Couldn't resist taking this pic, while i was driving to work. I have to stop the jeep and take this shot. I just love it.

As far as i can see

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Beautiful snow clad mountains, clouds.. peace and contentment is what i can see...

Reflection

2009-12-14T13:23:00.003+05:30

Reflection on the water

This isn't any waterbody..Today morning when I went to terrace I was mesmerized by this view.. The reflection in the water frozen on the terrace was breathtaking.

A place to .....

2009-12-10T05:21:00.000+05:30

Apple Valley Resort at Mohal, Kullu.

The Journey

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On a lonely Road

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Fall colors

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We have seen it all ....

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These Trees are witness to many unheard unsaid stories! Standing tall entering into a new phase a new season !

Heaven on earth

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Rainaftermath

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Potrait

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A face with thousand stories!

Abandoned

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An old house - abandoned as the owners shifts to the concrete jungle.

White horse in white clouds

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Lovely white horse grazing

May be waiting for his master!

Location : Bijli Mahadev Temple, Kullu, Himachal Pradesh

Forest

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Drying or Washing?

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Maize/corn harvest is kept on the roof tops for drying which is later used to make flour. Making yummy indian breads - "Makki ki Roti".

Road to Heaven

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Chill from the hills

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Carpeting the earth

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Trees sheding their leaves, covering the ground to protect it from winter frost.

Its amazing the circle that nature has created. These leaves will protect soil form damage caused by frost and then will compose and add up to the soil nutrients. Which will again help the tree to have better growth and the circle goes on and on...

Celebrating the Success

2009-11-19T11:59:00.002+05:30

Special day for me, I feel on top of world ,my Son got First prize in sports tournament held in his school. Its such a special moment for me!

He's such a sweet boy and he's been good in studies as well as sports too.

I hope your blessings will be with him for winning in each and every phase of life.

Clouds On Fire

2009-11-18T09:29:00.002+05:30

Splendorous Rain Aftermath

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A beautiful view of himalayas after the rains!

Fading out

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Lets Go....

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Autumn Colors

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Yellow Fever

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Majestic Himalayas

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From Nature's Color Palette

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Golden Tree

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Among the greens

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Picturesqueness

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Good Morning..

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Hide & Seek

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Autumn colors in the Valley

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My Jeep..

Water Stream

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Rain is on the way ?

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Top of the world

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Tranquility

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Autumn colors in the Valley

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Imperturbable

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Thirsty Crow (s)

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Lots of Water, to quench the thirst!

Or they are soaking up the sun?

Or waiting for some food ?

The Enjoyable Journey

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Carrying the Tradition

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Bijli Mahadev Temple - Part II

2009-10-23T10:33:00.003+05:30

The Staff

The big 60Ft wooden pole of deodar on the ground of Bijli Mahadev Temple is said to receive the first burns of the lightening.

The Shiva Lingam

The sacred Shiva lingam, at Bijli Mahadev Temple. It is believed that one can hear the sound of parvati river flowing if you place your ear near it.Every year thousand of people visit this place, special fair is celebrated in Shravana ( July- Aug)

Due to heavy inflow of tourist and local devotees here the entrance near the lingam is restricted.

Bijli Mahadev Temple - Part I

2009-10-22T00:06:00.002+05:30

Bijli Mahadev is one of the sacred temples of the Indian State of Himachal Pradesh. It is located at an altitude of about 2438 mts. in Kullu District. Bijli Mahadev, the temple dedicated to Lord Shiva, is located across the river Beas, nearly 10 km distance from Kullu.

Way to The Temple

The Rig-Veda has a prayer of Maharishi Vashishta to Lord Rudra to absorb the excessive electric current within himself. It is said Lord Rudra acceded and absorbed the excessive electricity current and saved mankind. According to legend this episode took place at the sangam (Confluence) of Parvati and Beas rivers. This is one of the very popular stories in the mythological background of Beas basin, in Himachal Pradesh. As expected the devotees had set up a temple and the lingam in it is named Bijleshwar Mahadev or Bijli Mahadev.

The Temple

A 60 ft hight staff glistens like a silver needle in the sun. According to the historical mythological significance, it is believed that the lightening comes down in the temple and break the Shiva linga into pieces. Somehow the priest gets the information in the form of dream, while sleeping and next morning he collects all the pieces and rejoins it. Pure butter from Cow’s milk is used as adhesive for joining the broken pieces. The work of resetting the lingam is carried out in secrecy by the pujaris (priests) and the Kardars (employees) of the temple.

The Shiva linga

It is said that after completing the process, Shiva Ling regains its originality. According to the priest in the temple, Lord Shiva protects the whole world from bad events and mishappenings, by enclosing them in the form of lightening (which results in breakage of Shiva Ling), which could have made bad consequences for the future.

A panoramic view of Kullu and Parvati valleys is available from the temple site.

Fresh Snow

2009-10-21T04:14:00.001+05:30

The summers are gone, autumn is here.. , Last week there was a sudden dip in the temperature which resulted in snowfall at the peaks.

Layers

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Where has the good time gone?

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Golden beauty

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Waterfalls

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I am....

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King of the World

If you ever fall, fall like a waterfall...
even after falling from such height it doesn't loses its beauty.

Lets' get LOST

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Flowing between

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An old Man

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An Old man dressed in Kullvi Cap,

Do not Stop me

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I just love the sound of flowing water.It so soothing sitting beside the beas river in lush green valley .

5 Min in such a place and your worries will go away ( Flow away). Its such aheaven. I feel really blessed to be born here in this part of the world.

Kullu Dussehra : The Beginning

2009-10-05T10:52:00.000+05:30

Huge gathering of people from all around the world to view and experience the rath yatra

All the dieties comes to this ground before the rath yatra is started.

The Rath ( Chariot) is being pulled by the people .

The Chariot is then placed nearly 500 mtrs from the Temperary Raghunath temple for a week.

On the Way

2009-10-04T08:00:00.001+05:30

The Lord Raghunath begins its journey from Sultanpur along with a huge gathering of people and dieties.

A huge gathering at Dussehra ground before the Rath yatra

Kullu Dussehra

2009-10-02T10:53:00.003+05:30

The successor of the King Jaganand, Maheshwar Singh (Ex - MP). He lives in a temperary camp in Dussehra Ground for a week during the Dussehra Festival. He perform all the rituals and participate in the morning and evening prayers.

The Chariot being decorated prior to the Dussehra.

Track from where the chariot moves.

The Dieties gathering up for the Rath Yatra

Gathering for faith

2009-10-01T10:42:00.000+05:30

Different Gods and Goddesses all dressed up for the Dussehra festival.

They are brought to the Dussehra ground from distant places on shoulders. Its a once in a year festival.

Earlier it was a gathering by which different villages used to pay taxes to the king through their village diety. Now all the expenses are born by the Govt. and local authorities arrange for their stay.

After the lanka dehan they are disburse to their respective places.

Kullu Dussehra : Celebrating the Victory over the Evil

2009-09-30T08:54:00.013+05:30

The Week long Dussehra Festival has started in Kullu on 28th September 2009.

Dussehra ( Vijay Dashmi)is one of the important Indian festival it is celebrated on the eve of Lord Rama’s victory over demon Ravana. It is believed that the war against Ravana lasted for ten days and on the Tenth day Ravana was killed by Lord Rama. Thus it is also known as Vijay Dashmi (Vijay meaning Victory and Dashmi means Tenth)

Though this festival is celebrated all over

India

but Dussehra at Kullu is unique. Unlike rest of the

India

no Ravana effigies are burned here. It is celebrated without Ramlilla.

The history of Kullu ‘Dussehra’ dates back to the 17th century when the King Jaganand bought an idol of Raghunath (Lord Ram) and it was installed on his throne as a mark of penance, after which lord Raghunath is known as the ruling deity of the Kullu valley. There is a ancient temple of lord Raghunath at Sultanpur, near the palace of the King Jaganand.

The Seven day long festival, begins with the Rath( Chariot) yatra of Lord Raghunath from main temple. The idols of Lord Raghunath stays for Seven days at the temporary camp on Dhalpur Ground and on the seventh day Lanka Dahan is performed, it ends the festival and Lord Raghunath returns to the Temple at Sultanpur.

The arrival of Goddess Hadimba’s palanquin at Kullu is a prerequisite for the Dussehra festivities to begin. About a kilometre from Manali stands Dhungri Temple, built around about 500 years ago. It is dedicated to Goddess Hadimba Devi, wife of Bhim, one of the five Pandav brothers.

The palanquin reaches short of the Raghunath Temple to await a special messenger, who carries a “silver chhari” and escorts Hadimba Devi to the temple. The special messenger is also the presiding deity of the Kullu Dussehra. Next is the permission from Bhekhli Mata after which Lord Raghunath is brought out of the temple to commence the journey for rath yatra. The Rath (Chariot) is placed at Dhalpur Ground.

About 365 deities of various parts of Kullu valley gathers in Dhalpur Ground to participate in the Yatra.

With other gods and goddesses, and a large number of devotees and priests, the procession heads towards Dhalpur ground from the Raghunath Temple. After reaching there thousands of devotees and priests. After being enshrined in ancient wooden chariot, Lord Raghunath is taken to the middle of the ground. The chariot is pulled by hundreds of devotees. After the prayers, the festivities begin with folk music accompanied by hill orchestra.

A large number of visitors from home and abroad throng Kullu to witness this unique congregation of deities during the festival.

A lots of interesting info to come, so keep visiting.

Endless fall

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Here they come again

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Irresistible clouds!

After the rains

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The water in the river has got muddy all over.

water Streak

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Small water sources from mountains

Way to Go

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Beas river in its youth!