Lesser Known Chopta: A place for all seasons

By

Tania Saili

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May 17, 2018

3

….. Northwards soared

The stainless ramp of huge Himala’s wall

Ranged in white ranks against the blue — untrod

Infinite, wonderful – whose uplands vast,

And lifted universe of crest and crag,

Shoulder and shelf, green slope and icy horn,

Riven ravine, and splintered precipice

Led climbing thought higher and higher, until

It seemed to stand in heaven and speak with Gods

EDWIN ARNOLD – The Light of Asia.

This summer, if you plan to travel into the Garhwal Himalaya, make sure you take the road less travelled. These lesser known routes will take the tourist, pilgrim, trekker or traveller through one of Uttarakhand’s most picturesque, scenic and spiritual region for example the Gopeshwar-Mandal-Chopta-Tungnath route.

Off the beaten track, Chopta remains one of the most elusive and untouched meadows in the region. Its diverse flora and fauna makes the area one of the most pristine pastures for trekkers and pilgrims alike. The mighty Oak, feathered and festooned with moss and ferns; wiry Birch; Pine and Rhododendron and the forest floor a carpet of slippery grass, is the prefect setting for this gradual trek.

Chopta, also called mini-Switzerland for its scenic beauty is covered with rhododendron trees, pastures, shrubs surrounded by high peaks caressing the skyline, making it a picture-postcard setting where you feel one with Nature.

Okhimath, Tungnath, Anasuya, Rudranath: For those on a religious trip, if you were to travel down this lesser known road, you can always stop and say your prayers at Omkareshwar Temple in Okhimath, before moving onto Tungnath, highest Shiv shrine amongst the panch-kedar and from there, a kilometer long, steep-uphill walk takes you to Chandrashila from where you have a 180 degree view of Trishul, Bandarponch, Chaukhamba, Nanda Devi along with Kedar Peak. Then there is the quaint temple of Goddess Anasuya as you move forward towards the fourth-Kedar, Rudranath temple in Gangol Village, which is closer to Gopeshwar.

The sun sets swiftly in the mountains. The journey is done or has it just begun? One is left answering the question as they take leave of these mountains, only to return again.

Lost and Found: Good job, Kedarnath Police!

By

Tania Saili

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May 16, 2018

1

With pilgrims arriving in droves to Kedarnath, the local police here is working round the clock to ensure that the pilgrimage goes smoothly. But then, children will be children, and oftener than not, they get separated from their loved ones. Courtesy Uttarakhand Police living upto its motto of Friendly/Mitr Police separated children are being pampered, looked after and consoled by the police here, before being deposited safely into the waiting-arms of their loved one.

Within three weeks of the Kedarnath opening for pilgrimage the instances of loved ones being separated from their friends or family has been on the rise, especially along the long, winding, route up to the shrine.

Keeping women and children safety in mind, the local police here is leaving no stones unturned to make sure that there is no untoward incident. Their humanitarian job has won them praises not only from local residents but also tourists who leave behind notes in their register, acknowledging and appreciating the police hard-work and diligence.

Speaking to team Newspost, SI Vipin Chandra Pathak says, “its true that a few children and relatives have been separated while walking up to the shrine, but we are ensuring that those separated from their family and friends are reunited as soon as possible. At times, we have been on a case until 2:00 a.m. , but in the end, its all worth it.“

Since 29th April, when the shrine opened, close to 1,67,448 pilgrims have visited Kedarnath to-date and within a short span 5-6 cases of people being separated and reunited within hours has ruled the airwaves.

SI Bipin Pathak is incharge of the Kedarnath Police Station with his team of 85 abled police constables including 4 women constables and a woman wireless operator are fighting odds such as fading mobile network, hurrying porters, lack of information, inclement weather to ensure, everyone returns home with pleasant memories.

Traditional Uttarakhand food: Taste at it’s Best

By

Lucky Singh

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May 16, 2018

0

Traditional Uttarakhand cuisine is tantalizing to the taste buds whether it isKaapli ki Sabji, Jholi (Kadhi), Mandua ki roti, Dal kay pakode making the list endless.Below are some of the hill state’s delicacies:

Pattyud/Pinalu (Arbi): Arbi or Yam is called Pinalu in Garhwali and holds a significant place in the food order of the State. People of Uttarakhand make Pakoda’s or fritters out of the leaves of Arbi and flour batter, especially when the rains arrive in the hill-state.

Thachula mooli: Usually, everyone takes radish as a salad, but here in Uttarakhand radish is served as leafy vegetable gravy that can be eaten with chapati as well as with rice.

Bal Mithai: Uttarakhand’s most famous sweet is Bal Mithai, made from Khoya and coated with sugar balls and Almora’s Bal Mithai is famous through out the hill-state. Bal Mithai is a perfect token to take back from Uttarakhand when you visit the State next.

Singodi: This delicious sweet is prepared with Khoya and coconut wrapped in a green leaf that is found in particularly in Kumaon called Malu. This local mouthwatering delicacy is a favorite with locals and tourists as well.

Aaloo ke Gutkhe: A typical Uttarakhand food made from boiled potatoes, roasted spices along with dry whole red chili along with coriander leaves. Locals use a regional spice called Jhakiya ka Tadka.

Kumaoni Raita: This is for people who love curd. This recipe is prepared with curd, cucumber and mustard seeds that give it a pungent taste making it different from all other Raitas. People treat it as a meal rather than taking it as a side dish.

Bhang Ki khatai: This lip-smacking dish of Uttarakhand is prepared with roasted bhang (opium) seeds, cumin seeds and lemon juice. This healthy concoction is good for stomach ailments and is a must-have in summers for locals and tourists alike

Madue Ki Roti: Rotis or Chapattis made from homegrown cereal called Madua is now famous in home and abroad for its nutrient value.This is coarse but delicious form of chapatti is usually taken with homemade butter and is a staple diet in most villages of Uttarakhand.

Jhangora Kheer: This dessert is prepared from milk, sugar and Jhangora, a locally grown cereal of Uttarakhand.

Bhatt ki Dal: Amongst Uttarakhand’s cuisine, Bhatt ki dal (black Soybean) is a very delicious pulse. It’s a concoction of Bhatt, Chana pulses and gehed/gauth dal. It is prepared with a lot of care like soaking it for the night and then grinding it and then steaming it for hours on end.

Dal Pakode: Urad Dal pakode or fritters are an inherent part of Uttarakhand’s rich cuisine. Urad Dal pakodas sprinkled with black til are a must-have during any auspicious festivities. This tasty recipe holds an important place in the lives of people of Uttarakhand.

Sisunak Sag: A Green leafy Vegetable Dish prepared like other green vegetables, the leaves are locally known as “Bichhu Ghas”.

Kaapa (saag): Boiled spinach, finely chopped and cooked with spice and Curd, and thickened with Rice paste is a healthy recipe rich in iron.

Sweet Arsa: A traditional sweet made from rice, jaggery, water and then fried in hot oil. Arse, again like Urad Dal Pakoda’s are cooked in festivities and special occasions like marriage, birthday etc.

Chainsoo: This pulse is prepared by black cereal, and is rich in protein, amongst the best food items of Uttarakhand is cooked with cumin and Asafoetida.

Garhwali Fannah: Garhwal Ka Fannah has become a must-food- item on all menu card of local cuisine. Divine in its taste and aroma, its an instant hit with every age group.

Jholi (pahadi Kadhi): Made from chana flour (besan) and curd, this traditional dish is served pipping hot with ghee and rice.

Foreigners flock to pilgrim destinations in Uttarakhand

By

Ashish Dobhal/Tania Saili

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May 14, 2018

0

Uttarakhand has always been a crowd-puller especially when it comes to foreigners who come to the region looking to escape the heat and the dust of the plains of India. They flock to the hills, looking for cooler climes, greenery, Yoga and some backpack into the hills along the Chardham pilgrimage route attracted by the shrines and temples nestled in the hill-state.

We witness foreign tourists queuing up from early morning at the Chardham Biometric Registration Centre in Rishikesh registering themselves to visit a few if not all the shrines especially Gangotri, Yamnotri, Kedarnath and Badrinath and a few off beat destinations as well.

Until last week, according to the Biometric registration, the number of foreigners vying for the Chardham pilgrimage had already crossed three thousand one hundred visitors within a month of the pilgrimage. An elated biometric centre official Premanand happily exclaims, “Most of our foreign tourists like to visit Yamnotri and Gangotri when it comes to pilgrimage. We have tourists who have come all the way from America-Canada-Italy and plenty from Nepal who want to travel to our Chardhams during this time of the year.”

Speaking to Newspost 22 year old Rori, here from Australia, who just got himself registered for the pilgrimage states, “I really like it, I have heard so much about it,” he adds, “there is great energy in India and I am very happy being here, its very nice.”

Uttarakhand Devbhoomi seems to be the first destination choice for foreigners visiting India, especially in summers. Its climate, natural beauty, off the beaten track treks and destination but now its spirituality and religion act like a magnet attracting tired souls and spirit because its not the end, but the journey that makes the difference.

CM Rawat inaugurates “My Mother, Healthy Mother” programme

By

newspost

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May 13, 2018

0

On Mother’s Day, Uttarakhand Chief Minister Mr. Trivendra Singh Rawat inaugurated “My Mother, Healthy Mother” programme organised by the Cain Protect Foundation by lighting the ceremonial lamp held at Him Jyoti School at Shastradhara road, Dehradun on Sunday.

The Chief Minister felicitated Aprajita Dabar, Monika Arora and Dr Rekha Khanna for bringing social awareness in form of “Ray of Hope”. The children at the school cut the cake on Mother’s Day and offered it to the Chief Minister. He also reciprocated by offering the cake to the children.

Chief Minister Mr. Trivendra Singh Rawat extended his greetings to all the mothers on Mother’s Day. He said that when mothers are healthy then the baby will be healthy too. If mothers will be healthy today, the future of children will be bright too. He said that for the overall development of the society it was required that women be empowered. Women need to remain aware and alert towards their rights and their health. He said that a daughter being educated raises the prestige of the two families. He said that land is being identified in Almora to create a school similar on lines to Him Jyoti School for educating daughters. He said that two residential colleges equipped with cutting edge technology will be opened in Uttarakhand where the admission will be given on basis of merit.

The Chief Minister said that Cain’s Protect Foundation is running a campaign to raise awareness towards diseases namely Cancer among the women which is admirable. The city BJP president Vinay Goel, Padamshree Dr RP Jain, social activist Rakesh Oberoi, CAN Protect foundation president Dr Sumita Prabhakar, Dr Mahesh Kudiyal and others were present on the occasion.

Nainital Police: And let there be Music

By

Tania Saili

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May 13, 2018

0

The Nainital Band Stand, in the heart of the town, became a derelict, a monument of neglect for the past many years becoming home to the town drunks and anti-social elements, now all that has changed. A facelift under the abled-hands of the District Police, and the Band Stand is regaining its past glory.

After an application, seeking permission from DGP Anil Raturi to revive the Band Stand was sent by SSP Nainital Janmejaya Khanduri was instantly approved by the DGP and the historical Band Stand of Nainital perched on the edge of the Lake has finally got its long awaited facelift.

Built sometime in the 1920’s, the Band Stand was built by conservationist, naturalist and author, Jim Corbett when he was an elected member of the Municipal Board of Nainital from where foot-tapping Jazz numbers by the likes of Kid Ory and rising jazz musicians King Oliver, Louis Armstrong along with Ragtime music resonated along the Nainital Mall road to entertain evening passers-by.

This tradition was kept alive until the mid-seventies when the last 6-7 PAC Band strummed Patriotic, popular film numbers and even Kumaoni numbers from the Stand to entertain tourists visiting the hill-station in summer.

Decades later, the tradition has been relieved thanks to the district’s pro-active police administration. Dressed in immaculate uniform, a 24 member Brass Band of the Police, turns up at the Band Stand every evening from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. strumming Old Hindi Melodies, Kumaoni and Garhwali songs which fill the lake town of Nainital with nostalgia for the old residents and smile on the faces of tourists who come here for a vacation.

Speaking to Team Newspost, SSP Khanduri states, “We started this initiative on the 1^st of May and will continue through the summer season until July. It is heartening to see not only locals but tourists appreciating this gesture and sharing pictures and videos of the Band on social media.”

‘Surya asth, Pahaad mast,’ a thing of the past?

By

Lucky Singh/Tania Saili

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May 12, 2018

0

‘Surya asth, Uttarakhand mast,’ is a well-worn cliche, connected with the hill state as with other hill-states in the country. Liquor and hill-folks have become hateful symbols of what is wrong with us, while our womenfolk, all over the hills, try and fight this growing menace tooth and nail.

In the given circumstances, when an individual, specially a man with the status of a Village Pradhan decides to take a stand against this norm, it is worth sharing. Kantiram, the village Pradhan of Chaurjaspur, in Mathkhaani, Tehri District decided to serve jalebi (sweets) and milk instead of alcohol at his younger sister’s wedding. Inset into the wedding invitation was a yellow sticker which boldly announced that alcohol of any kind would not be served at the wedding.

Talking to team Newspost, Gram Pradhan Kantiram says, “I had made up mind that I did not want alcohol to be served at the wedding. It usually only creates discord, ruckus and chaos at happy occasions.” Adding: “One must lead by example and so I thought why not me!’ A lot of villagers agreed with his stance, including the bridegroom who was more than happy with the new arrangement.

A small village of some 600 villagers have taken a small step in the right direction, stating, “We didn’t find anything amiss or lacking in the wedding arrangements, even the groom’s side of the family returned happy and content,’ says Dinesh Lal one of the many guests at the wedding.

Whether this start of not serving alcohol at family functions or ceremonies will bring about a change is open to conjecture – your guess is as good as mine. Will there be a revolutionary change in social norms, or is this just a straw in the wind. Perhaps only time will tell. Watch Newspost for more.

The icnonic Mussoorie Library turns 175

By

Tania Saili

-

May 11, 2018

8

Town’s oldest institutions, the iconic Mussoorie Library is all set to turn a 175 years old. Should you find yourself in Mussoorie, just ask for Gandhi Chowk or Library or Kitabghar or the House of Books and you will be standing at a town-square that gets its name from this Victorian Era building.

The hill station’s early guides tell you that the combined efforts a British merchant, a missionary and officers of the Military Establishment founded the Library, built on a site owned by Scott and Pitt, who in turn sold it to Major Edmund Swetenham, Commandant of the Landour Convalescent Depot.

In 1843, a Library Committee was formed with Vansittart, the Superintendent of the Doon as its Chairman. Afterwards, it was transferred to a trust ‘to be held forever in trust for and on behalf of the Mussoorie Library Committee.‘

Maybe our pioneers knew that many a journey begins with the turning of a single page. Kitabghars or our House of Books remains the last living symbol of a civilised world.

During the post Independence days, the late Mrs Maisie Gantzer, held the fort, just like others illustrious members of her family in later years. For twenty years, as a member of the hill station’s oldest living institution, the Honorary Secretary for close to six years now Professor Ganesh Saili says: “We see this library as a lifeboat; a place to paddle your own canoe; detox to clean the cobwebs of the mind and open a window to the world. It’s a celebration of knowledge; a shelter from the vagaries of the life.”

The glass-paned windows open on to the Mall, filling the burnished floors with sunlight, adding to the glory of the ancient Reading Room. To it flock historians, researchers and scholars in search of hidden treasures tucked away in its glass fronted wooden cupboards.

Pramod Sawhney, Chairperson and a senior member the Library wistfully maintains, “175 years is but a drop in the ocean of Time but books are forever as they are divine. To read ,to live, to grow I would like to have you know, the Mussoorie Library still remains, both yours and mine. “

State’s first ever participants in Bigg Boss Season 12

By

Tania Saili

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May 10, 2018

0

Rishikesh is in the headlines, and for all the right reasons. One of its son’s 21 Year old Labhanshu Sharma, a wrestler by profession and who won the National Bravery Award for saving two lives from drowning in the Ganges in 2015, is once again making headlines for being invited as a contestant for Bigg Boss Season 12 along with his coach a Dronacharya Awardee in 2008 Pawan Kumar Sharma, under the guru–shishya tradition.

The invite was received by his coach Pawan Kumar Sharma in Dehradun, yesterday evening. The duo had applied as a pair under the guru–shishya tradition to be part of Bigg Boss Season 12 which comes with a twist this Season. Both Pawan Kumar Sharma and Labhanshu were happily surprised and excited when they received a phone call form the Unit confirming their participation. Talking to Newspost, coach Pawan Kumar Sharma said, “Labhanshu is in Delhi at the moment, we got a call from the Bigg Boss Season 12 saying that we had been chosen as a pair, its a pleasant surprise.”

Born and raised in Rishikesh, Labhanshu or Kuku as he is fondly called, was a born wrestler as he is the youngest son of former wrestler Suresh Chand of the Indian Army.

Labhanshu began his wrestling career at an early age and went onto win both national and international gold medals. He won 7 gold medals at National Level and in 2016-17 won gold at the Asian International Games followed by another gold at the Indo Nepal International Wrestling Tournament under the 120 kg category.

Talking about his selection Labhanshu states, “if there are no wrestling matches around that time, then i would like to be part of the Bigg Boss season and play the game in true sportsmanship spirit.“

Now its for us to wait and watch how this guru-shishya pair is accepted by the audience, which also happens to be the hill-states first participants to make it to any of Bigg Boss Seasons thus far.

IAS Academy pitches in to keep our hills green

By

Tania Saili

-

May 9, 2018

1

Any traveller, trekker, pilgrim or visitor to the Himalaya will on an average return with horrific tales of hill-sides festooned with red and yellow plastic wrappers, empty mineral water bottles and tonnes of plastic. The usual reflex? Form groups to cart this garbage away for we live in environment conscious times.

Few have thought of getting to the very source to plug the damage and the havoc being caused. The very factories, that produce these plastic packagings. One such group, that has year after year been visiting the Himalaya are Officer Trainees of the Lal Bahadur Shastri National Academy of Administration, Mussoorie.

This year’s Phase One has come up with a more innovative solution. 181 probationers of the IAS and the Royal Bhutanese Civil Service have appealed to CEO’s of four leading instant noodle manufacturers namely Maggi, Top Ramen, Yipee and Patanjali to introduce bulk re-usable packages for instant noodles (preferably in 10/20kg packets) to distribute them along to the dhabas, the stalls, eateries or Maggi-Points that have mushroomed through-out the Hill-state, in an attempt to minimise litter.

They have also appealed to the CEOs to not only consider bulk packaging for instant noodles but also bio-degradable packaging which they feel will go a long way in keeping the hills green and plastic-litter free.

During their 5 months stay at the Mussoorie Academy along with few treks into the Himalayas during their winter study tour led the Officers Trainee to do something about the excessive use of plastic for food packages being sold. A proactive signature campaign was started within the Academy to take up this pressing use and change things around.

If anyone listens, then in the times to come, rest assured the State flower i.e. the elusive yet beautiful Brahma-kamal will soon replace the ugly carpet of modern debris left behind on our otherwise pristine mountains.

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