Awaiting Mussoorie’s magical winterline

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November 2, 2019

Temperature inversion, inverse air-currents, smog, smoke, dust, moisture and anything in between is the perfect recipe for Nature’s glorious spectacle: The Winterline.

As another wintry evening descends upon Mussoorie, what is missing this time of the year is the Winterline. Up until last year, in October, no matter which direction you headed in the hill-station, you would definitely walk into plenty of brave-hearts braving the winter chill, facing the sunset with a smart phone in hand ready to entrap Mussoorie’s winterline in all its glory.

Author-historian Ganesh Saili says: “While all over the world, at the end of the day, the sun ends its journey behind a fixed geographical feature. This maybe a mound, a hillock, or the sea but up here in Mussoorie, it’s different. The sun ends its journey behind an aerial line to form a perfect Winter line.”

Greek mythology has it that the Goddess Venus, wore a magical hand crafted belt called the Girdle of Venus. It was made of gold filigree crafted by her husband, the not-so-handsome Smith-God Vulcan, who was in awe of his wife’s beauty. Besotted, he carved her this priceless gift. It is this girdle or belt or kamaar-bandh, call it what you will that is known as the Winterline.

Literally making hay while the sunsets, most hotels in town cash in on this natural phenomenon. Get to that balcony, sit-out point, or decks to get an uninterrupted view of this awe-inspiring phenomenon. You will find the sky aflame with hues of pink, yellow, orange, blue and mauve light up the horizon, with the silhouette of the hills, trees, buildings highlighting the winter line even further.

This year, the magic is late in the coming. Maybe it is so on account of the unprecedented cold or overcast sky. No one knows for certain.

Every evening, residents stare into the horizon, hoping to catch a glimpse of that elusive delight, in a place where no two evenings are ever the same.

Come join in the prayers of the residents to the weather-gods for respite. Let them give back to our hills the winterline. May it continue to spin its magic and have us hooked for life.

Director Milan Luthria shoots in Mussoorie

By

Tania Saili

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November 1, 2019

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shoot, movie, actor — Pic Courtesy: Devender Dev Uniyal

Mussoorie, Director Milan Luthria and his film unit of approximately 150 people are shooting in Mussoorie for their yet ‘unnamed’ remake of Telugu romantic-action RX100 which was released last year, helmed by Ajay Bhupathi.

A recee for suitable locations was completed a few weeks back and then the film unit moved in on the 23^rd of October and has been shooting since. The final wrap of the unit from Mussoorie will be done only by the 3^rdof December, which makes it a 41 day long shooting schedule

Shot on location in parts of The Library, Language School, Lal Tibba, Landour, The Mall, Camel’s Back Road, Hathipaon Road, George Everest etc the unit will practically cover every inch of the hill-station.

Actor Ahan Shetty, son of Suniel Shetty will be making his debut with the movie and has been in town for the past ten days with actor Saurabh Shukla. Lead actress Tara Sutaria will be arriving in town this week to complete her schedule.

Tight security on location ensured that fans who made their way to the hill-station from in and around the hill-station could only catch a glimpse of their favourites from a safe distance.

And assisting the film unit are Dehradun’s Line Producer of ‘The Impressions’ group Mayank Tiwari, who had this to say, “The unprecedented weather has added its own charm to the shooting. We have employed junior artists, spot boys, security and bouncers locally so that there is some employment even in off-season for those who need it.”

Shot under the Nadiadwala Grandson Entertainment banner who have given multiple super hits like Super 30, Baaghi, Baaghi 2, Kalank and many more. It is no surprise then, what the fans can expect from this remake, which is slated for a 2020 release.

Valley of Flowers sets new record

By

Tania Saili

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October 31, 2019

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Chamoli, Since the 1^st of June 2019 to-date i.e. 31st October is when the famous Valley of Flowers shuts-shop for winter, the Valley has set a new record. Contributing close to twenty- seven lakh, sixty thousand rupees to the State exchequer which were collected from the 17, 424 sightseers compared to the 14,965 visitors who visited the valley last year!

“16,904 Indian visitors along with 520 foreigners made their way to Uttarakhand’s pristine Alpine meadow in the five months that it was open this year,” Ranger Brijmohan Bharti tells us.

At an altitude of 11,500 ft in Chamoli District, the six kilometer long and two kilometer wide ‘U’ shaped UNESCO World Heritage Site is part of the Nandadevi Biosphere Reserve. Interlaced with waterfalls and rolling hills, carpeted with over six hundred varieties of floral species. Home to the elusive Black Bear, Monal Pheasant, Snow Leopard and Musk Deer makes it a must-visit for those who want to treat their eyes on the rich flora and fauna the place has to offer.

Post Kedarnath Disaster in 2013, the State Government had banned the entry of tourists to this alpine meadow for three years, giving the meadow enough time to replenish and rejuvenate. In the year 2016, in an attempt to revive tourism, the meadow was re- opened to trekkers, naturalists and tourists from home and abroad.

For few, the annual opening of the Valley of Flowers from June to October was a welcome move while others worried about how the influx of tourists, receding glaciers would upset the equilibrium of what is considered the most beautiful place on earth.

For young trekking enthusiast Gayatri Saili who recently visited the Valley, it was a trek of a lifetime, “I hope those who come visiting are conscious trekkers who don’t leave behind heaps of garbage, but walk away as they found it. Scenic and pristine, ” she signs off.

Uttarkashi’s Delight: The Farmhaus Cafe & Bakery

By

Tania Saili

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October 29, 2019

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Uttarkashi, Those who are in Uttarkashi or plan to visit the town must jot down ‘The Farmhaus Cafe & Bakery’ in Netala, on their ‘must-visit’ or ‘to-do,’ list.

The first of its kind German Bakery is an attempt by young dynamic duo, Aakriti Rawat from Pauri and her German partner Stephan Pöllman, to bring bakery delights to the hill town of Uttarkashi.

The couple strategically chose Netala to be their base citing increasing footfall during the Chardham Yatra season as a reason along with the place tucked away from the hustle and bustle of the main city.

The idea behind the café is simple! Allow customers to take in the breathtaking view while treating their taste buds on savouries and sweets, cooked and baked by Aakriti and Stephan.

Aakriti tells us, “efforts are dedicated towards creating and building a self-sustainable unit that grows its own food in a garden based on the principals of Permaculture,” adding, “The Farmhaus Cafe & Bakery boasts of a bakery with a German who offers genuine, authentic products.”

The café, still in its nascent stage is being built in sync with its surroundings, in the traditional pahadi style complete with pathaal and intrinsic woodwork.

Before the joint venture, Aakriti who holds a Graduate degree in Economics was in Goa setting up an office for an ex cricketer, while Stephan born and raised in Germany, worked with a German NGO in New Delhi, India.

Giving it all up. The duo moved to Netala in June, and set up home and hearth. Aakriti acquired a patch of land on lease and with Stephan, is setting up an organic farm along with the café. They tell us, “youngsters love and patronize what we do. They understand our value. Our elders, though supportive, consider us outsiders. An image that we are trying to break,” Aakriti tells us.

Making their mark at the recently held Apple Festival in Hursil, the couple baked three hundred apple cakes based on nine different recipes along with an interesting mixed juice from Rhododendron and apple which sold out within a couple of hours.

Their hard work and enthusiasm is a sure-shot sign that their maiden joint venture i.e. ‘The Farmhaus Cafe & Bakery’ promises of leaving a mark, as they learn and move up the ladder every passing day.

“Beti hai to kal hai” Uttarkashi’s tribute to Girl Child

By

Tania Saili

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October 25, 2019

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Uttarkashi, 3 minute 20 seconds audio-visual treat on Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao, “Beti hai to kal hai,” from Uttarkashi district is touching-hearts.

Composed by Anukriti Sharma Chauhan, the poem, voiced by the poetess herself is an appeal from an unborn daughter to her father, to welcome her into the world, promising to fulfil his dreams and ambitions, just like a son would.

Telling us more Anukriti says, “I composed this poem within a few hours. It was a spontaneous overflow of strong feelings onto the paper.” Adding, “I was moved by what is happening in the society even today. Female foeticide is a reality, and I have tried to answer doubts in people’s mind regarding daughters being a liability, in my poem.”

Shot on location with non-actors in primary schools dotting the hill-district, Krishna Singh Dhami of Chris Production recalls, “this was first of its kind shoot which took close to a week. My team and me worked on natural candid shots of children, parents, teachers which was easy to capture and has brought alive the narration as well.”

Pamita Painuly Thapliyal, Central Administrator at Bal Vikas Uttarkashi who has been working on the Mission for the past three years says, “Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao is a project close to my heart. I have been working relentlessly to ensure that the gender ratio in the district improves and this latest video is taking our mission onward, upward as audio- visual medium has a greater impact.”

A team work of Uttarkashi District Administration, ICDS and Beti Bachao Beti Padhao cell this personal and touching tribute in cooperates God and Goddesses; fable and folklore, myths and legends; women achievers who come together is this moving ode. A composition of such rare beauty, that the most cynical of audience undergoes a cathartic experience.

Open the link and share:

https://www.facebook.com/100001991352699/posts/2539841586092195?sfns=mo

Café Commune wins ‘Times Eat Out Award’

By

Tania Saili

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October 24, 2019

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Dehradun: A paradise for foodies has so much to pick and choose from. Restaurants, big and small mushroom by the hour and it takes pure grit, hard work and dedication to stand out and survive.

To top it all! To make your mark and presence felt within a short span of time is an achievement par excellence.

No wonder then, that Café Commune, a four month old venture, won the much desirable ‘Times Eat Out Award,’ for being among the best cafes in town, has something to celebrate about.

Away from the hustle bustle of the city, on the Dehradun-Mussoorie road, Malsi is Café Commune. Done up in earthy shades of grey, yellows and brown, the Café stands out and is easy to locate.

Run by co-founders/co-owners Bhavna Bist & Nishant Singh, the café flung open its door on the 18^th of June this year. Functioning from 12 noon to 11pm, 7 days a week, the Café is popular with all age groups.

Manned by a dozen employees, the 60seater restaurant is a community-inspired cafe that let’s you i.e. the customer, work, eat and unwind all under one roof.

Indoor as well as outdoor seating and a curated playlist in the background adds charm to the place. Informal & interactive, Commune focuses on the ideology ‘Conversation leads to a healthy community‘.

Unravel puzzles, play board games or Uno, or just walk up to the ‘Community Bookshelf’ and pick up a book of your choice to give you company while you wait for your order. There are creative distractions for the impatient ones, you can paint or draw, and hang your creations on their ‘Community Wall.’ Others could write notes on postcards for the next person who sits on the table you were served on.

Various interactive events such as story telling, craft activities, youth interactive workshops makes the café unique as it attempts to bring the community together.

A large ‘Community Shelf’ within the Café, showcases and promotes creations by local artists from the hill-state.

What’s On The Menu?

The menu is a mix of Indian, Continental & Chinese. Along with the main course, you could savor the cinnamon coffee or peach basil tea, one of their many USPs. The Palak patta chaat, Italian Fiesta pizza, Fungi di basco pasta, Thai chicken satay & Chermoula Chicken tantalize your taste buds.

Next time you travelling on the Mussoorie Dehradun road do stop by Café Commune to relax your mind, calm your spirit and nourish your soul.

Paediatric surgeon, Dr Santosh Kumar visits PEN-India School

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newspost

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October 21, 2019

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Doiwala: Paediatric surgeon, Dr Santosh Kumar visited Bhaniawala based PEN-India School which provides free and quality education to the underprivileged children of the area . Dr Kumar gave a guest lecture to the students and gave them tips on staying healthy.

Dr. Santosh Kumar is a Senior Paediatric Surgeon in Himalayan Hospital. Dr Kumar visited PEN-India School and interacted with the young students, who gave him a warm welcome and presented him the national flag.

The students introduced themselves enthusiastically and recited poems in Hindi and English. Dr Kumar was impressed with the knowledge of the young students and gave them tips on staying healthy along enlightening them about behavioural knowledge as well as the importance of studying, playing and eating regular healthy food.

Mr Anoop Rawat, Founder of the Foundation presented a memento to Dr Santosh Kumar and said, “Dr Kumar’s guidance will help students in staying healthy and will help in spreading awareness among the parents of the schools students.“

During the interaction volunteer teachers Ms Ritu Sharma and Ms Deepalika Negi were also present.

Hursil Apple Festival: 23rd-24th October

By

Tania Saili

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October 21, 2019

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Uttarkashi, The hill-town of Hursil is getting ready to play the perfect host for the 2^nd Edition of the Apple Festival, coming 23^rd-24^th of October.

The apple seed of Garhwal, a gift by a man called Fredrick E. Wilson aka Pahadi Wilson introduced the apples to the Bhagirathi Valley. Little did he know that two hundred years down the line, he would one day be remembered for bringing prosperity to the region thanks to the bumper apple produce, putting not just Hursil, but the entire District of Uttarkashi on the map of horticulture produce and tourism.

Today, the region boasts of eight varieties of apples including Wilson Apple, Red Delicious and Royal Delicious to name a few, grown in abundance, in the region. Aarakot hills, Sankri-Natwar region including Hursil have been successful with new apple stock brought in from Netherlands, France and Italy as well.

The two-day unique fair is an attempt by the district administration to bring apple buyers and sellers on an interactive platform. “This is a bit different from other District carnivals or fest, in the sense, that we are dedicating an entire day to the farmers from the region. There will be farmer workshops, field-visits, soil testing by experts from the field who will assist and guide apple growers to boost their produce,” DM Uttarkashi Dr. Ashish Kumar, tells us.

On the second day, locals and tourists, invitees to the Apple harvest will be in for a treat. A heritage walk through Bagori Village for those interested to get a peak into history, Nature walk to Lama-Tikri, Local Folk Dance, along with other activities, including food stalls catering mouth-watering, lip-smacking apple delights and other savouries will be the highlight. “There will be something for everyone. We will work on making sure that you return home with a beautiful experience which keeps you coming back to Hursil year after year,” the District Magistrate sums up.

ASHA: Hope, Love and Service

By

Tania Saili

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October 17, 2019

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30 year old Khashti Devi, has been working as ASHA (Accredited Social Health Activist) for the past 8 years in village Sama, Kapkot, Bageshwar.

In the past eight years the young lady has helped over two hundred and fifty families spread over a radius of 6km, in bringing close to two hundred healthy babies into the world.

For Khasthi Devi, a mother of three children aged between 5-11 years lives with her ageing in-laws who have been her pillar of strength and encouragement. Her day starts early as she dons her pink coat and makes her way to Sama village visiting expectant mothers. On regular days she returns home by 5:00 p.m., but closer to delivery date there is no knowing when the day will come to an end.

“I play many roles. To some I am an older sister, to the elders of the village I am their daughter-in-law and for the young ones, I am their aunt and I try to fulfil these roles to the best of my capability,” she tells us over the phone.

Khasthi job as an ASHA involves mother-child care, preparing timely reports, vaccination and hygiene tips to families that fall under her care.

With the Bageshwar District Hospital located 51 kms from Sama, and the closest hospital at Kapkot 30 kms away, there have been instances when Khasthi has single-handedly delivered over half a dozen children during her tenure.

“It wasn’t always easy for me. I have learnt through every delivery that I have handled and have tried to make a positive difference in the larger family that has welcomed me with open arms.”

Khasthi Devi is not a one-off-ASHA. She epitomises thousands of other Community Health Workers spread across the length and breadth of our hill-state doing their bit by making life easy for our women folk, in villages habited by the old, infirm and the young.

Speaking for her fellow ASHA’s Khasthi says, “When I see a healthy new born baby and the smiling mother and faces of relieved elderly folks, it is all worth it. To have won the unconditional love and trust of the village folk, is our earnest earning.”

Homestays of India: Home away from home

By

Tania Saili

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October 15, 2019

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Traveller, photographer, biker and hotelier Vinod Verma, along with his travel writer partner Shailza Sood Dasgupta, who once worked for corporate houses like Google and McKinsey, decided to give-it-all-up and dedicate their time and effort of making ‘Homestays of India,’ their brain-child, a roaring success.

Homestays of India, a team of passionate, like-minded hard-working people with volunteers chipping-in off and on, work “on authentic, hand-picked, well-crafted home stays,” as their webpage tells us.

A platform exclusively dedicated to promote homestays, not only in Uttarakhand but also pan India, Vinod adds, “ultimate aim to is provide travellers with a unique cultural experience, while developing local community skills and handicrafts and preserving our heritage, culture and traditions.”

To make Homestays of India ‘happen,’ the duo did not take any short cuts. They travelled the length and breadth of India to learn and understand the concept of Homestay.

www.homestaysofindia.com was launched with five home stays, for starters. Since then they have progressed to 85 home stays spread over twenty states and more rare properties in the pipeline to be brought on board.

Uttarakhand has fifteen homestays registered with www.homestaysofindia.com doting districts of Almora, Nainital, Chamoli, Rudraprayag and Uttarkashi. Trying to tap migration at its very source, Homestays of India works closely with the local, rural community. The couple encourages villagers to turn their humble abodes into comfortable homestays for travellers from home and foreign shores, looking for more than just the luxuries of a five star property.

Their hard-work and vision won them the National Business Leadership Award for exemplary work in the field of Travel and Tourism.

Taking their passion one step ahead, Vinod and Shailza are working as Consultants on a project in Almora to convert a village into a Heritage Homestay Village.

For now the team is working relentlessly on becoming India’s biggest homestay network of India, by providing visitors a comfortable, authentic alternate arrangement in not only tourist destinations, but also places less travelled to.

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