The final Parikarma of Devbhoomi - Part II

All I was aiming for a hot cup of bed-tea facing the heights of Dhauldhar, before I left for Dharamsala. Last night delayed return from Manali slightly affected my touring schedule, as I begun my journey in a deferred note. Dharamsala- which become my preferred destination since college days due to my lot many Tibetan friends and their freedom movement. Still my heart weeps for Tibetans and for their cause. Every year I made my ground to TIPA (Tibetan Institute of Performing Arts), Mcleodganj for being a live spectator of Miss Tibet Contest. Last year I missed that event due to my commitments for Kullu Dusherra. Anywayss. I rolled towards Dharamsala with the perfect drive of Sodhi. Mandi – Jogindernagar highway is a critical part of Pathankot – Leh National Highway, especially for Indian Army logistics and supply for remote Army post situated in far flungs of Himachal and J&K. During this drive, I was the realising the long convoys of Shaktimaans and Ashoka Leylands would have been a last sight for me. This track is slightly a tough one due to its numerous zig-zags which used to trouble Poonam while our drive here.
Crossing tiny cluster of Padhar, Ghatasani, Ghumma, Harrabagh brought me to Shanann, an outskirt of Jodindernagar. Shanann, a mighty hydel power project which came into being in Punjab’s Raj (pre HP creation times) and intrestingly still owned as property of PSEB (Punjab State Electricity Board. Amazingly Punjab still rules in HP territory. Very Unusual. Moving ahead lies the town of Jogindernagar on beautiful green pastures. I never stayed in this town, but I wished to, this time again just crossed the tiny lanes of escaping my car from the congested traffic. Frankly speaking I never felt like anything intresting in this town, but its green pastures and one railway station. Pathankot-Jogindernagar railwayline came into operation during British Raj for catering their needs. This railwayline couldn’t get that much of its hype likewise Kalka-Shimla but continued to be act as a lifeline for the locals. I rued for not having a ride of it in my lifetime but consoled with a beautiful photo shoot of the Jogindernagar railway station for my collection. I spent some time there for observing locals movements and drove back.
Just a four hour journey from Dharamsala-Mandi/Mandi-Dharamsala (140 km) are never felt like a pain rather, I enjoyed every moment of my drive in this part of the world. Now I was getting emotional for some reasons sitting next to my pilot Sodhi. I was just a mute spectator avoiding talks/discussions or say even attending phone calls. Whatever comes in front of me for the last time, I was simply consuming for my everlasting memories. Cattle grazing on the pastures, a brief stopover at narrow gauge railway crossing and finally waving to passangers, smoke coming out of small dabhas/tea stalls, natives endless wait for their buses to reach their destinations, rural folks returning home with a load of fuel on their heads ……. all are the moments, I know, which would be coming after a long period.
Crossing Jogindernagar, a diversation from NH lends to a beautiful place called Bir/Billing, a venue which is thronged by professional and ameteurs paragliders from the world. Last October, the venue hosted Pre World Cup for Paragliding in association with Himachal Tourism, me the lucky one to capture every moments of the event. Bir, apart from the paragliding venue, known for Tibetan settlement and a couple of monestries there. It gives a different experience alltoghter to have a feel of this place. My words are helpless to narrate those glorious moments which I spent there with my family and friends. Joining back to National Highway and 10 km marks the end of the district Mandi and starts district Kangra. Here Baijnath welcomes you which an picturesque note make everyone to put a break here for town’s photo shoot from such a height. Baijnath is supposed to be a sacred land where Ravana, once mediated here, making this land pious for everyone. And that could be the reason why there is no such Dusherra celebrations rather a huge amount of respect for the demise devil. But that gives me a deep thought on weeklong festivity of International (so called !) Kullu Dusherra Festival at Kullu which is hardly 200 km from here.
Here comes the Paprola, Ahlihal, Juri and Holta for my arrival at Palampur. Nothing much I could do for my super super senior at DAV College, Chandigarh and Param Vir Chakra winner martyr Captain Vikram Batra, but as a mark of the respect, I refuel my petrol tank at his father’s petrol pump which was rewarded to him by Indian Oil and Govt of India on his martyrdom. Massive display boards at his petrol pump infuse a sense of patriotism every passerby. I took a note of it and commanded Sodhi – Challo Saarthi
Palampur after Solan and Kullu is one of the three cities which always impresses me a lot. Its conducive climate always invited me for numerous times. Its friendly people are unforgettable who kept inviting me and I fails on my comittments. Mr. Sarin and Renu, if you are going through my blog, get ready for your hosting. Surely I will be back with my junior. Meanwhile we continue to pray for your smooth operations of Taravilla. Lord bless your venture.
Tea gardens, yes that is something as an ideal backdrope which represent Kangra for its Kangra Tea. I don’t know how many times, me, Poonam and Candy poses at Tea Gardens for our memoirs. Aroma coming out of the each pluck of the tea-buds was simply remarkable. One more click but this time without Candy and Poonam. Ohhh Candy !!! whee are you ? Hard to leave the place for the last time but we have to ensure that we reaches my Zonal Operational well in time to say atleast my colleagues for a final good bye. Seeked blessings from Maa Chaminda enroute and hurriedly made my break at Kotwali Bazar, where lies my office for six months for me. Nothing will change here, Leading upstairs, I opened the window which gives a perfect view of Kotwali Bazar. Wowwww….. Maroon robed Lamas making their ways, Young Tibetan lads on the ears breaking silencers aided motorcycles escapes crowd, firangs negotiating at their best, some waiting (just outside my office) for 7 o’clock tourism bus departed for Delhi, Midtown stand high amidst its hustle bustle, kashmiri porters eyeing on local dukaandar especially well off firangs, policeman whistles to manage the traffic jam. Nothing has been changed and surely will never be.
Before sun sets, I won’t like to miss the oppurtunity for my eyes. Cantt Road leads to Mcleodganj which is barely 10 km from my office. We often used to have a uphill drive for Mcleodganj during our lunch break. As Sun gets dipping to somewhere close to Pong or beyond Pong, I got the enough height for capturing the defining moments for my naked eyes. A red orange dot or ball getting merged into a huge pond (Pong) leaving my eyes open wide. Situated very close is Tirah Lines, a small cantonment which was once set up during the Raj era, even still now continue to work in same fashion. With the fear of espoinage of local Tibetans and continous foreign footfalls, the cantonment shifted its vital functionaries to other places leaving this place just as an Army residential.
I zipped out of everything for a wonderful hosting of my friend – Jitender who manages an affiars of beautiful hotel named “Anand Palace” at Bhagsu. Exactly, that is the same place where I was aiming for a hot cup of tea as bed tea. Last month only, I came here along with my beautiful family and everyone here observed the cute movements of Candy. My friend Jitender has no words this time but simply acted as a silent host with his mom. During my stay in Dharamsala, everytime we came here, the fellow give his over best of his hospitality. Today, I can feel from the core of my heart, the wet eyes of Jiten and his mom has lot many doubts on departed soul and Poonam, but again - their silence are helpless. Dear Jiten, I am sure Candy must be thanking you from ‘there’.
Next morning, rather on the bed being rolled within quilt (razai), I preferred the bed tea at terrace enclosure. Each sip has its winning flavour identical with the local environ was just awesome and cant be narrative. The early morning mood was capturing the snow capped mounts of Truind. The silence of the Mcleodganj was visible from such a height. Ohh my lovely Dharamsala miss you as much Candy.
Will be back.

The final Parikarma of Devbhoomi

Dear Candy,

"Precisely a month ago, these rueful hands buried you to say good bye from all of us. Today, the 18 January has changed the world for all of us. Your mother wants some more time to recover which made me to have forceful transfer for my hometown of Chandigarh. Leaving back to same residence at Mandi (HP) always becomes a nightmare for me whereas your mom wouldn’t like come back to Himachal Pradesh. Once upon a time, places where, I love to zoom both of you is turning out to be our least favoured destinations. That’s all for a reason, we, now associated each place with you.
Love, finally, I moved to Chandigarh which infact, was appreciated by each one. Your grandparents are eagerly waiting for me. They haven’t been served by anyone of their sons. Sandychef, for the sake of his career left CITCO (Chandigarh Administration)’s job for Seychelles and this made me realised, if I could do a little for my parents. Your mother needs me for her gradually recovery. Moreover, I don’t feel like staying back in HP. Farewell can’t be so easy. Before, I adieued that place, I once again extensively covered all major destinations which I love to chase during my stint. I would be sharing my visit to Manali-Mcleodganj-Shimla in following travelouge blogs. I missed you love all around. If someone could helped me to have the final parikarma of the Devbhoomi was none other than your all time fan - Lovely Sodhi.
Darling, tomorow is my first day in HO. I have compromised with my profile. So, it’s a new start. New place, New work place, New Office, New Colleagues, New Profile, Everything would be new. Your dad is strong enough to cope up with all.
Bless me from there.
Stay connected.”

Your loving Dad.
Sudeep Rawat


..........And here goes my blog “The final Parikarma (circumference) of Devbhoomi (Part - One)

Leaving someone is not an easy affair. So, as for me to leave Himachal Pradesh. The place which I scaled every inches during my over two years stint in Airtel, emotes me even now. My romanticism starts with Himachal starts when we used to bunk classes during school times for Kasuali, a picturesque hill station, off track to Kalka-Shimla highway. On January 2, 2007, I was assigned for handling the Media & Communication affairs of Bharti Airtel Limited and than Marcom after Himachal merged with Punjab and Haryana. My two years stint provided me three different locales i.e. Shimla, Dharamsala and Mandi, (in terms of transfers) which, infact happily accepted not only by me but also by my family. My family had beared the chill and the snow of Shimla, than wetty downpours of Dharamsahala (Dharamsala btw. received the maximum rainfall after Cheerapunji and Mausinryn) and finally oven baked heat of Mandi. Weather had never been a problem for us rather our romanticism getting its heights with the passage of time.
And last week, when I got the news of my transfer to Chandigarh, there was a mixed feeling infused in me. Homecoming for the family and Goodbye to my hills. Anyways…. I planned my tour for HP to refreshening my memories for the last time. Candy, you were missing so as your mom. Even that couldn’t deter my mind. I started my journey from Mandi towards Manali on the auspicious day of Shoza, a new year day for the local natives of Kullu. I was well supported by the experienced drive of Lovely Sodhi, one of my Punjabi friend. Mandi or say Chotti Kashi due to its 80 odd temples (big and small scattered across the town) on the bank of mighty river Beas. Today, I could be probably seen the last sun of Mandi leaving my memories behind. I still remembered, I drove numerous time with Candy and Poonam, probably this could be last one for me as well. The Mandi-Manali Highway leading along the sineous river Beas made everyone to lend all senses on their ABC (Accerlater, Brakes and Clutches) and of course steering. Beautiful Pandoh always used to stop us enroute to see the massive resorvoir. Moving ahead, Mata Hadongi temple, who intrestingly shared its premises along the other side of river, stops every time for a head bow down but this time I didn’t. I smartly posed taking temple at my backdrope just for my memory. Numerous small towns or clusters like Thalaut, Aut, Panaras, Bajaura, Bhunter continue to impressed me as usual but this time with an emotional feel as well.
On reaching Kullu, my hungry tummy, as usual asked for Siddu. Yahh Siddu, a native maida/dough dish which is having the ingredients of Poshtdana or Afeemdana always tempted me. I still remember my journalist friend from Kullu, Shalini introduced me to this one and since then, every time I landed in Kullu never left this town without having it. This time again, we had the same taste at Delhi Siddu wala, a counter which sells same outside the Lal Chand Prarthi Open Auditorium at Kullu. Sodhi captured those moments with my entire journalist friends.
By God, I have emotionally associated with this place. Sometime, I used to tell Poonam, If Lord blessed me with ample amount of money, I wish to have just two rooms dwelling in this part of the world. Which surely I would be. Posing in front of historic Dhalpur Maidan, I can’t forget my those two weeks which I spent here for International Kullu Dusherra Festival in October last year.
This time, we preferred routing Manali via left bank which allow us to have the views of Seobagh, a beautiful Budhhist monestry, Naggar, village Prini (popularily known as village of Atal Bihari Vajpayee because than PM used to vocate here) The route refreshes my bygone memories. Apple trees, from where once, I steal a apple for Poonam, Buddhist monestry where Mom and daughter beautiful posed with young lamas, villages, thick lush green woods, cattles grazing on green pastures, touching clouds dominating the greenry and ofcourse that temple, where Poonam, Candy, Nonu and me were invited when we stopped a car to witnessed a wedding ceremony in a enrouting temple at Prini. As I was inching towards Manali memories and despration to capture every moments continues to enroused. Don’t know the arrival of Manali.
Ohh Yahh… we had a good time here in Manali when Sandychef, Nonu, Appu, Dayal and me were here in connection with world toughest known Car rally “Raid de Himalaya”. Tons of Mauz Masti during the Airtel's sponsered Car rally. Nonu even still pleads for the same event. That rally didn't come again for me and Airtel. Every time I used to come for Manali Hotel Association, Airtel’s partners for many reasons. This time no such meeting or courtsy visit but a round of The Mall road upto Mata Hadimba Temple which is nestled in green forest. This year's delay in snowfall which resulted thin arrival of tourists hardly concerned me. I satisfied myself with the silver finishing of snow mounted on the hill top. I met everyone (whom I deal) there with a brief halts conveying each one my “Aakhri Salaam”. I continue to glance the venue of Apple Festival in last November, where my pie Candy had a taste of Apple pie. After having my late evening lunch, Sodhi’s continous affair with my his camera allured me to have my more photo shoots. And that what I did.

Returning back to Kullu via little towns of Patlikuhal, Raisen seems asking to me, “Sudeep aglee baar kabb aaogey” and me as if me replying “Shaayad jaldi laut aunga eik naye chotey mehmaan ke saath”

Say Amen.....

The Last Click (of Candy)

Dear Candy,
"Sharing with you, your last two pics which were clicked (from a mobile camera) on December 16, 2008. The shooter was none other than your all time fan and my good friend – Lovely Sodhi, who first time saw at Hot Spot Café, Kullu during International Kullu Dusherra Festival. Unfortunately that café is also no more, as it was dismantle sometime ago for a new multiplex. What a co-incidence !!! Sodhi, is still the maximum contributor of your pics in my album. I am sure you still continue to dominate in numerous albums. Be there my love to rule each hearts. What else !!!

That’s all from me.

Stay connected.”

Your loving Dad
Sudeep Rawat

Unpacking for Candy II or Coco. Say Amen !!!

Dear Candy,
"That was an unfavourable morning all together. As usual, after a stretched affair with my laptop on the bed last night, when I waked up silence gripped me. Away from the Poonam’s chiii chiii, there was no such rush for bringing your shit pot and to change your huggy. So as, no hurry to prepare bed tea for your mom. The sunray beaming at our bedroom which allows your little eyes to open and sweet little mouth for a pleasing yawn, were trying for their hide. The deserted bed, once used to be your playground now starts pinching me now and than. Ohhh ! It took me no time to realise your absence.

Love, believe me, that was the horrible start of the day.

Refilled with bit of courage, as I inches towards the wash basin for teeth brushing, your little toothbrush again reminds you. Your little teeth recently had a taste of Colgate. I still remember the day, when I brought a little toothbrush, you start copying us moment we unpacked it. What a delight for our eyes wondering little Candy grasping manners so early. Today, I am numb standing in front of mirror scolding the morning of December 18.

Nearly after three weeks of your demise, I prepared myself for a new start leaving your Mom back home in Chandigarh. The moral support which steered me to the Mandi (HP), Aneesh left no stone unturned bringing my spirit back. Can you believe that Candy, Aneesh hardly took four days to recover himself for his routine corporate presentation from the moment his loving sister Neerja Bhanot was sprayed with terrorists’ bullets while she was rescuing the lives of fellow passengers in PanAm Airways at Karachi Airport in 1986. That what Shanti says Time is a biggest healer.

Yesterday, when I unlocked the door, every moment of the black days strikes me. That’s our TV room where I was having my breakfast and you repeatedly saying no no to the parantha bite. Her blanket and heater was untouched from the same scene. Poonam’s half left breakfast giving the foul smell. Your Dolly lying grounded posing her head downwards, as if she is not happy with my arrival without Candy. Love, really I don’t have any reply for your toys. Your wardrobe is now unattended crying for her mistress. Your multi coloured little shoes wants you. No one is there to pick littering toys at your favourite corner. Soon they all will be packed in a big cartons and InshaAllah will be unpacked for Candy II or Coco.

Meanwhile, you please stay connected."

Your loving Dad
Sudeep Rawat

A visit to Lansdown : Dad's New Year Gift.

Dear Candy,
“On the first day of the year, I steered your mom and grandparents to a place called Lansdowne, a picturesque hill station cum Army Cantonment of Garhwal Rifles likewise GTC Subathu near Dharampur (HP) which you experienced last Summers. Your grandfather was equally excited as it was like a homecoming ever since he left that place in early 60’s. It was a privilege for me as well for reminding his childhood days at the soil where he was born. Away from the glitz of New Year celebrations, its Rawats’ novel way to spend the day with a bye gone era.
Missed you love, at every moment of the day. Again addressing the travelogue for you, which is also meant for my curious readers.

Its two at the night and uploading the blog in a very struggling circumstances. Today at 7, I will be leaving back to Chandigarh. Plenty to come on my this visit. Keep blessing me for your blogs.
Stay connected"
Your loving Dad,
Sudeep Rawat

…… And here goes my travelogue.

My delayed journey starts from the foothill of Kotdwar due to dense fog in the morning. Test of patience for me especially for my Dad, till the fog clears. Fogs on foothills generally doesn't last for long and by 11, we got the rid from misty environ. Me, Poonam and my parents made our way to NH 119 crossing Sidhballi intersection, appreciating the grandeur of mighty temple situated on the river Khoh. Devotees continue to throng to make their New Year start by visiting numerous Lords, but I have no such intention. I zipped uphills in search of one more level of satisfaction. Yahh !!! Beyond spiritualism.

I was amazed to see rural women folks braving the mountains chill coming out of their home for daily fuel (wood) and feed for their cattle. I managed to click some from my car without taking any pain to get outside but made me in deep thought about that granny which I shoot just short while ago – simply, on her survival. Hardly two kilomters before Aamsaur lies Durga Devi temple on the bank of river of Khoh. Made in a traditional form, the temple attracts many passerby leaving discomfort to the running traffic. Faith is faith. I can't interfere in that. Enroute finds the first town of Duggada which comprises of all departments of civic amenities and first major check post of Forest Department. Intresting notice, I made that Mahindra jeeps are much popular than that of state transport in terms of passengers carriage which are continued to increase on Highways.

Barely two kilometres from Duggada, NH 119 bisects for yet another route to Lansdown. And from here, never-ending tales of Dad’s childhood experience continue to entertain us. My Dad was born and done his initial education from a tiny town of Lansdowne and Jairikhal. My grandfather, who once served British Army, was finally assigned with Garhwal Riffle Regiment Centre which was (even now) headquartered at Lansdowne. In early 60’s Rawat moves to downhills at Kotdwar after purchasing a huge piece of land which now turned into their farm houses.

This drive to Lansdowne revealed many untouched and hidden aspects of my father. His each narration recounts his detailed experiences which he spent here. “That chungi (barrier) is Fatehpur and next one would be Dhobighat which used to be Army's laundry at my times” informed Dad on his tips. Numerous red and green painted forest check posts enroute bears the wild life and forest conservation messages, made my speed on a minimum. Lansdowne is now thronged by tourists across the country which is gradually getting the touch of commercialization. I observed during my drive, lot many hotel constructions for tapping tourism potential just outside the cantonment periphery. Hardly one kilmetres before Lansdowne, Dehrikhal bisects to yet another route towards Tarkeshwar Mahadev, Rikhnikhal and many Khals . Hey eyy. Ahhha !!! I never knew one of my Punjabi friend - Tarkeshwar share his name with this tiny outskirt of Garhwals. Garhwal Himalayas is full of khals whose literal means mount. Lexicon wise it means dwelling situated on mounts.

At entrance, cantonment check post charges Rs. 13 for a car and Rs. 1 against each tourist which is payeable for mainentance and other establishments . After all Lansdowne has plenty to serve you and for your eyes. Three Victoria Cross Awardees (during the World War II) from the Garhwal Rifles Regiments with their massive all weather resistance portraits made your formal welcome. “Dad Isn’t that your Dad has been missed out of here.” I shared a little gag with my family. It took me no time to pose myself at their backdrope. Smell of the pines keeps me on rolls as we are inching towards the town’s bazaar. Jawans of Garhwal Riffles with their tight vigils never allowed me to shoot their premises leaving me scores of disappointment. Crossing MES, we stopped at Gandhi Park whose circular accommodate old fashioned and newly constructed shops, unsystematic bus/taxi stand. Dad locate the same adda (place) where he used have gupshupp with his friends after the school. The bazaar fulfils the needs of far flung villages and mainly the shopping place for Rangruts . Down their at the Sadar Bazaar shops sells material of everyone’s choice. Apart from local Garhwalis, trading class from the Muslims of nearby Najibabad and Bijnore to Maarwari/Rajput Darjees (settled here pre-independence) had made their good hold on their business. My eyes were looking for a tailor contractor Mohanlal Roopchand who prepares caps for the new recruits of Garhwal Riffles. Interestingly he bears his cloth cut strip stamp on his caps likewise any Levis, Wrangler on their attires. I purchased one for my memorabilia.

My Dad who underwent his knee surgery two months ago, was restricted with movements. Poonam and me were smart enough to leave parents at a tea corner for Dad’s reminisces with mom. Dad wants to capture every spot of Lansdowne and Jairikhal within limited allocated time, as we have to be at Kotdwara by evening. He made me steered to a little uphill for the entire view of Lansdowne, where he wants to be posed himself. Pointed at the old structured roof shed garrison, “that was the hospital where your both chachaji (uncles) were born. That’s your grandfather office and wohhh … my school which are now Army’s important functionaries.” Explained Dad as much as he can. Believe me !! I felt so satisfied to find my Dad in such a nostalgic mode.

Kilometres away from there, GRRC developed a yet another newly constructed tourist spot called Bhulla Taal whose literal means Little Brother’s Pond. It is delight to hear the quacks of numerous duck while having boating and feeding various species of rabbits. A big display in the middle of compound suggests GRRC has been conferred with prestigious Indira Gandhi Environmental Award under the categories of “enhancing water conservation resources, preservation of historical monuments, promoting awareness towards environment, preservation of flora and fauna, tree plantation and pollution control”. That solved my mystery why Cantt Board took a pain to numbered each trees in the Lansdowne with trees’ detailed nailed on him. Ohh Wowww…… that display was self explanatory. Another facet of Armymen apart from securing motherland.

Dad wants to show us the Darwan Singh Museum which exhibits the achievements, artefacts, records and antiques of the GRRC. Situated closed to the statue of Victoria Cross Awardee Gabar Singh, museum is housed at a British inherited property. Call it a bad luck when we were informed that museum opens during evening. Was that a wild goose chase for Rawats, rued all of us.

Dad, after this disappointment, made his mind to take us at Tiffin Top, another tourist spot. Wandering weather Dad really used to have his school Tiffin to that height. Tiffin top or Tip n Top, a topmost viewpoint of Lansdowne gives you a panoramic view of Himalayas. It is now on tourist map of Uttranchal tourism and has accommodation of GMVN (Garhwal Mandal Vikas Nigam, a tourism undertaking of Govt. of Uttrakhand) ranging from Rs. 1500 to Rs. 2100. The spot also offers refuge to young boys and gals for their ideal date. Family lunch at tiffin top facing Jairikhal was the moment, which will hardly come again.

Lansdowne was founded and named after then Viceroy of India, Lord Lansdowne in 1887. Lansedown now turning out to be melting pot of various communes. A Catholic sister informed me about the presence of St. John School (upto Grade V) which is planed for its expansion but restricted under the Cantonment Board regulations. Churches like St. Mary flocked by residential Amry Officers with their family, School boarders and many visitors every Sunday. Also over 50 Muslim families give much support to carry on their petty trades. Dad was overwhelmed by the developments of Cantonment and Jairikhal but showed his concerned on the concrete invasion.

Finally on way back to home, it was the turn of Jairikhal, a small outskirt outside the Cantonment. I was really confused with its pronunciation – is that Zeharikhal (poisonous fur), Jai-Harikhal or Jairikhal. Whatever, “naam mein kya rakha hai.” Afterall, I made to the pilgrimage which was much awaited for my Dad. On reaching Jairikhal, Dad added another memorable photo-shoot just outside his college gate and quietly gets in to join us