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Cashing in on water skiing possibilities in Uttarakashi

By
Tania Saili
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Uttarkashi, In an earnest attempt to bring employment opportunities closer to home, District Magistrate Uttarakashi conducted its first Foundation Course in Water skiing for the youth of the district.

The seven day technical training for water adventure sports kicked off on the scenic Chinyalisaur, Tehri Lake, aided by Prakash Khatri, District Tourism Officer, District Tourism Development Council under the aegis of District Magistrate Dr. Ashish Chauhan.

At the inauguration, DM Dr. Ashish Chauhan said, “there are immense possibilities of adventure water sports in the district. The objective of conducting this course is to make the youth aware of adventure sports and motivate them for self-employment, as well as to instil self-confidence and leadership potential in the local youth.”

Course Instructor Praveen Rangar was full of praise for the enthusiasm with which young children between 13-19 year olds were taking part in the event, “Despite inclement weather and the water being cold, these children are all gung-ho. They are taking in the nuances of water skiing and keeping us on our toes.”

What is heartening to see is there are more young girls than their male counter parts participating in the course. 13 girls compared to 7 boys, these young girls are breaking the traditional homemaker image and leaving no stones unturned to beat the boys at their game.

17-year-old Amisha from Chungibadeti convinced her parents to participate in the seven-day training, for she believes, “There is excellent scope in water sports, and that too close to home. In case of any disaster, we can put our training to use and save lives and also make a lucrative career in adventure water sports.”

Trained and guided by the best course instructors that the State has to offer Praveen Rangad, Naveen Negi, Arvind Raturi, Shivani Gusain, Monica Dabral, Monica Negi, Chief Instructor Virendra Nautiyal are working round the clock to ensure that these young minds take like fish to water, and rule the waves.

Snowfall has two sides

By
Tania Saili
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0

Day after Mussoorie witnessed the 2020’s first snowfall one awoke to the sound of spade, shovels, rake shattering the icy remains of the frozen snow. The road was being cleared up.

The black ice and slippery slope was dangerous to walk on, leave alone trying to take a vehicle across. Spade, shovels, rake, axe and umpteen packets of salt (bought with pooled in funds) did not even make a dent on the unforgiving snow.

The Mullingar community had come together to cut a path through the sheet of white so that men of a bereaved family might be able to walk to Big Bend enroute to Rishikesh. Of course old men, women and children had to perforce stay back at home.

The muddled Municipality and its members along with the Cantonment ward members (who are no strangers to the peril of snowfall and its consequences) did not seem to know if they were coming or going.

The list of machines that have broken down at time of dire need has always been longer than their rolling stock. One hardly knows that they exist and at the best of times, there is little that one can expect of them.

SDM Mussoorie, Varun Choudhary informed Newspost “Local administration is mobilizing multiple resources and man power from the police to the Public Works Department. Focus is on the Battaghaat area where three JCBs are working on clearing the Mussoorie Dehradun bypass and another JCB is making its way from Dehradun. That will help clear the Mall road.”

All the roads that were jammed around the hill-station are slowly being opened, thanks to the untiring efforts being put by officials here.

DM Dehradun C Ravi Shankar felt there had been short falls despite the weather alert, but he was confident that these would be addressed on priority. “Absolutely whatever these short comings are, they will be addressed and you will see the result. Two ADMs have been working on war footing, under open skies overseeing that the bypass is being cleared. There will be positive changes and we will address any shortcomings soon.”

While tourists throw snowballs at each other as they walk leisurely through the hill-station enjoying the remains of the day, the local residents have to struggle to cope with the aftermath. This they do with resilience and a smile. Often this means taking things literally into their freezing hands. It’s back to shovels, pick, rake and ice axes to clear the remains of the day before.

Mussoorie covered under a white mantle

By
Tania Saili
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0

Since morning, Heavy hailstorm and sleet swept Mussoorie. Within a few hours, the hill-station and its surrounding areas were covered under a thick blanket of white mantle which progressed to get thicker as the day went by.

Visitors from in and around Dehradun made a beeline to the hill-station to enjoy the year’s first white mantle and that too on a weekend. For sister’s Manavi and Janaki from New Delhi, in town for New Year celebrations, the white bonanza was icing on the cake,  “It has been worth the wait. We feel lucky to have witnessed the year’s first snowfall.”

Tea shops and maggi points made good business as the sudden dip in temperature meant a healthy turn out of tourists. Trudging through sleet, snow balling, skidding, sliding and making artistic snowman along the roadside meant the fun had just started.

Though, all roads leading to the hill-station were jammed with weekend rush hour, yet most of the occupants could be seen enjoying their fill of the snow from where they were stranded. Music, dance, singing and walking through the hail and sleet made for perfect selfies in the weather.

If the Meteorological Department is anything to go by, then the next four days will witness heavy snowfall and hail in places above 2000, 2500 mtrs in Uttarakhand.

With six inches of white mantel in place when this story was filed and no sign of respite, one can confirm that this is not only the first but the heaviest snowfall so far, that the town has witnessed this season.

Icy winter’s march across town could also bring its share of problems for residents, who could be seen preparing for the long haul. “Food, milk, filling buckets of water incase the water pipes burst, candle and match sticks, tinder wood, fuel and other basic necessities are being readied incase the snow lasts longer than what the weather apps show,” chips in long time resident Ravinder Singh.

Administration ensures a safe New Year Eve

By
Tania Saili
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0

Mussoorie, As New Year Eve approaches, Uttarakhand Mitr Police, firm but polite, has arrived in the hill station in strength. They are here to ensure that celebrations for the 2020 do not get out of hand.

Tourists arrived early to enjoy the five-day Mussoorie Carnival Festival that ended on a pleasant note. Some have made their way to the hill-station to get away from the fog laced plains of northern India. Others enjoy the vista of blue skies and a toasty winter sun, while many more shall be making there way here closer to New Year’s Eve.

Hotels in town, big and small are wooing tourists of all age groups, planning a getaway from home and abroad. Lip-smacking cuisine, year-end discounts and celebrations galore have been lined up for the D-Day.

Sandeep Sahni, Director, Brentwood Hotel and Resorts, adds, “There is 80% booking in most of the hotels in town. We are looking forward to getting maximum visitors over the next two days or so.”

The fact the there might be rain, followed possibly by snow is a prediction from  the Meteorological Department. This will only  add to a last minute rush.

SSP Dehradun, Arun Mohan Joshi has assured residents that there will be enough police force in place to tackle any situation that might arise. The unending flow of traffic and tourists is going to be handled efficiently. “All is being taken care of with utmost priority. Uninterrupted flow of traffic, to minimise traffic jams  and alternate parking space in Mussoorie is going to be our main priority  over the next two days.”

With an additional force of 15 Sub Inspectors, 50 male Constables along with 15-20 lady constables; two Platoons of Provincial Armed Constabulary and a Circle Officer has been stationed in town to ensure that ‘all goes well, as 2019 comes to an end in the ‘Queen of Hills.’ Here’s wishing all our readers a great year ahead in 2020! Peace and good will to all.

Superbikes make a grand entry into Mussoorie

By
Tania Saili
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0

You could hear them miles before they made their grand entry. 40 odd super bikes from in and around Dehradun rode into Mussoorie today afternoon.

District Magistrate, Dehradun, flagged of the super bike riders, aged between 25-45 year olds on Kawasaki Ninja 1000cc. Driving for over fifty kilometers via Hathi Paon, Library and then onto Picture Palace, the super bikes ended their ride, lined-up in all their glory, infront on Garhwal Terrace.

The rev of the machine and the continuous flow of riders into town made an interesting sight. Excited young men and women made a beeline to take selfies with the colourful mean-machines. While some youngsters, much to everyone’s delight, were seen negotiating with the riders for a ride around town.

They came, they saw and they won hearts

The riders were in town to promote Mussoorie’s magnificent Winterline and in turn the 5 day Mussoorie Winter Carnival, wooing visitors and locals alike. Parmesh Sharma, from Dehradun spoke to Newspost about his experience, “Felt so happy that I could contribute to Mussoorie’s Carnival and do our bit. Mussoorie has given me 15 best years of my life. Driving through scenic parts of Mussoorie and culminating the ride with the magical winterline in the backdrop, is awesome.” Young pillion rider Siddhant Pundir who rode with his father, an enthusiastic biker who has known these roads like the back of his hand, had this to say, “today was the best ride that I could ever have in my life. It is something that I would want everyone to experience once in a lifetime. It was simply outstanding.”

The camaraderie of fellow riders as they threw on their helmet, slapped on the leather, and their boots revving their mean-machines through town was more about the journey than the destination, for this wolf pack who returned home with lots of memories and their mission accomplished.

Mussoorie Winter Carnival: Where Talent has no age bar!

By
Tania Saili
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0
Spinning magic with their dance moves

The Mussoorie Winter Carnival is on in full swing. With stages put up at regular intervals, lifeless parts of town have come alive from 11:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. with numerous performers doing their act.

Today afternoon, the Landour Stage came alive when two young kids, both in their early teens took to the stage. Annie from Waverley and Manav from St.Lawrence, both local residents spun magic with their dance moves to Hindi and English songs being broadcast from a music system.

Spinning magic with their dance moves

Their audience, from 3 year olds to elderlies snug as a bug in shops lining the narrow market were left spell bound by these young stars. Smita Vaish, a local resident who witnessed the young children on the stage tells me, “At least these young talents are getting some kind of exposure which will go a long way in getting them where they truly belong.”

Once their duet ends, Annie joins me in the crowd and fills me in, “I enjoy performing on stage. When my audience claps and encourages me to go on, it gives me the inspiration to do better the next time I am on stage.”

Shy and talented Manav, dances with ease and moves from ‘Taki Taki’ to ‘Teri Miti’ with such grace, that he makes it look, almost effortless. Manav tells me, “Me and my friend Ishaant are performing since the 25th at various stages across town. Dancing to any song from English to Hindi and even regional songs is my passion. I enjoy myself and look forward to performing every day.”

Performing 4-5 hours a day without breaking a sweat, one can see them enjoying themselves on stage, and their energy comes through. With no formal training, these self-taught artists have polished their dancing moves by watching YouTube videos alone.

From very humble background, their parents are encouraging their children for they feel no stage is too big or two small for young talents like these and I agree in unison.

Mussoorie Food Festival kicks off to a great start

By
Tania Saili
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0
Dignitaries sampling the delicacies

Mussoorie, The first day of the Mussoorie Food Festival saw a colourful assortment of food stalls mushrooming at day break.

21 food stalls from Dehradun and Uttarkashi district, spread over a kilometer, along the sun filled Mall will be participating in the four-day event. Serving piping hot food and beverages to visitors from all over the globe, they are putting forward their best. Many dressed in traditional attire, with their stalls done up in local decor, are making sure that you catch a glimpse of Uttarakhand and its cuisine tantalizes your taste buds.

Serving Uttarakhandi cuisine hotel chefs, restaurants  to homemakers, are working around the clock, giving everyone authentic flavor from the hills of home.

Dignitaries taking in the flavours of authentic Uttarakhandi Cuisine

To judge on parameters such as Preparation; Taste; Hygiene and Stall décor, Chef Michael Swamy also known as “The Historian Chef” or “Chef Who Wears Many Hats,” made his maiden visit to the hill-station of Mussoorie, and was he delighted.

Newspost caught up with the four-time Gourmand Award Winner and author of several cookbooks, who told us, “No matter where I travel in the world, I come across one or many Pahadi cooks in the best of hotels and restaurants putting in over 8-10 hours of hard work,” adding, “they cook with all their heart and are passionate about their profession, which is an endearing quality.”

So what is it about the Uttarakhandi cuisine that makes it stand out, “What I love about the Pahadi cuisine is the fact that it is simple, delicious, organic with traditional flavours,” the chef signs off as he steps out to judge awaiting participants.

The Mussoorie food festival  will continue over the next four days culminating on the 29th December when Pankaj Bhadouria another talented chef who made her mark in the culinary world by winning the first Season of MasterChef India, will give away the award to the most deserving team.

Making communication easier with ‘Hello Uttarakhand App’

By
Tania Saili
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0

Dehradun, If you wanted to plan a trip to scenic Uttarakhand but were hesitant, as you did not speak the language, fret not! Download a simple Mobile App: ‘Hello Uttarakhand App’ and you are good to go! Since 2017,

Akash Sharma is no stranger to the world of technology, armed with a B.Tech in IT, Cyber Law and Master’s in Data Science. The young brain was behind the successful ‘Uttarakhand Police App’ and has now launched a multi-lingual translator, “Hello Uttarakhand App.”

Akash Sharma and his multi-lingual team of 112 young men and women, stationed all over the globe have been burning the mid night oil, working on a user friendly Mobile App ‘Hello Uttarakhand,’ breaking the language barrier in a state which strives on Tourism from home and abroad.

“This is a user friendly App for multi-lingual translation for easier, effective communication between local residents and visitors from all over the Globe, that too real-time.” Adding, “It translates the hill-states three regional languages of Jaunsari, Garhwali and Kumaoni into over a hundred universal spoken languages like Hindi, English, Swedish, Thai, Russian, Spanish, Italian to name a few,” Akash fill us in.

The beta version of the App was recently launched for Android handsets in an attempt to get an honest feedback from its over hundred users who will assist the team in refining the ‘Hello Uttarakhand App,’ even further.

“The connotation and pronunciation of our regional languages changes drastically every 50 kms or so,” states Akash, “we want the users of our Beta Version to give us an honest feedback so that we can in-corporate those changes in the final version of the App.”

The team is working hard on incorporating changes and fine-tuning the App with the feedback it is getting from its users every day, once the changes are in place, the final version of the ‘Hello Uttarakhand App,’ will be officially launched on 21st February 2020, universally celebrated as, ‘Mother Language Day.’

Mussoorie gears up for New Year Eve

By
Tania Saili
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0

Mussoorie, If you haven’t quite decided where you want to head this New Year’s Eve, then maybe this article will help you make up your mind.

Perched a mile high in the sky, Mussoorie is sprawled across the first foothills of the Himalaya. Throughout the year, the town attracts visitors  from home and abroad, but as the year comes to an end, crowds flock to get away from it all, and enjoy the festivities in town.

Mussoorie the ‘Queen of Hills’ is ready to ring in 2020 on a high note. Decked in sparkle and glitter, The Mall brims over with sunshine and smiling people of every age group. With the Mussoorie Winterline Carnival being hosted from the 25th-30th there is more than one special reason for everyone to pick the hill-station to begin their New Year.

Smitabh and his friends from Delhi tell me, “Actually we were thinking of something new for the new year. All eight of us decided to go to a hill station and we chose Mussoorie as its closer to  Delhi, the weather is lovely, no pollution and lots of activities lined-up.”

Rajinder Singh with his family from Amritsar, came to town looking for a sunny getaway from the fog enveloped plains of Punjab, and he is not disappointed, “There is a temperature dip in the evening and morning, but the sun is lovely during the day. We and the children are enjoying themselves walking the length and breadth of town.”

“The streets lit up at night makes Mussoorie look like Las Vegas, except there aren’t any casinos in town,” quips Romy Wadehra, a resident in town.

Most hotels boast of 80% occupancy with different themes to woo their clients. From famous Djs to a live orchestra, tantalising menu and games, there is something from everyone, as 2019 comes to an end.

As yet another spectacular sunset brings us closer to new year eve with snow peak mountains and the magnificent winterline out in all its glory, there is still time for those left out of the fun.

Pack their bags and head to Mussoorie.

Dindyaali: Home away from Home

By
Tania Saili
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0
Dindyaali in all its glory

Dehradun, 20 kms from the state capital of Dehradun, tucked away on the Dehradun-Thano road in village Siriyon is a unique home-stay called, Dindyaali.

Recently renovated and fixed with modern amenities, this is a traditional Garhwali two-storied homestay. Complete with a meditation hall on top and three rooms on the ground floor, Dindyaali is an ideal get-away from the city madness to enjoy the serene, calm surroundings of Siriyon and treat your taste buds on some traditional flavours of our hills.

A joint venture of Raturi and Naithani family turned their ancestral house into a pahadi homestay. The idea was to give those who walked through its doors, a true flavor of Uttarakhand on the lines of its motto, ‘atithi devo bhawa.’

The proud host and hostess with their guests

The highlight of the visit is the traditional welcome, the traditional attire  and jewellery worn by passionate host and hostess, and of course, nothing beats the lip-smacking, authentic Pahadi food like freshly grounded chutney, kaafli, chaisu, phaada, jhangura ki kheer, koday ki roti served on bio-degradable cutlery, to guests comfortably sitting on the ground, pahadi style.

Badrish Chhabra from Dehradun visited Dindyaali a few days back and is full of praise for the place, “it feels as if I am sitting somewhere in the hills, far away from the city. The flavours and ambience of Dindyaali brought back memories of childhood spent in the the interiors of Uttarakhand. Simply amazing,” is what this Pahadi sardar had to say. And others who have been through its doors, promise to return soon.

Pahadi cuisine to tantalize the taste buds

Giving us more insight, Navendu Raturi tells us, “We will be organising a, ‘pahadi theme party on the 31st of January for 50 guests. Complete with pahadi food, culture and traditional games, the guests can re-learn dancing steps of thadiya and chouffla, our traditional dances.”

For now, Dindyaali easily homes ten people, but the family is working on increasing their space in tune with their surrounding. They can want to open their doors and hearth to guests who come looking for more than just your run of the mill, regular, home-stay close to Dehradun.

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