The
Northern Blend C A LMNES S. CHAO S. CO NTRAST.
Dharamshala Delhi REJO VARGHESE
A TR AV EL PH OTOBOOK
The
Northern Blend C A LMNES S. CHAO S. CO NTRAST.
Dharamshala Delhi REJO VARGHESE
A TR AV EL PH OTOBOOK
Designed By Rejo Varghese THE NORTHERN BLEND | A travel Photobook Š 2014, Rejo Varghese. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. This book contains material protected under Copyright Laws. Any unauthorized reprint or use of this material is prohibited. No part of this book may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, or by any information storage and retrieval system without express written permission from the author / publisher.
In the midst of flurry- clarity. In the midst of storm- calm. In the midst of divided interests- certainty. In the many roads- a certain choice. - Mary Anne Radmacher
T
he story of the north is more or less a blend of all this. India is the land of diversity in almost all aspects and this diversity is reflected with refreshing clarity up in its northern lands. Even though this variety brings up its own differences and chaos, at a deeper level, there is a sense of calmness in it. From the snowcapped peaks of the Himalayas to the bustling streets of Chandni Chowk, this Photobook covers the contrast found in Northern India- Dharamshala and Delhi to be precise. The former does seem to be calm, serene and beautiful, but in the hidden depths lies stories of conflict, discomfort and social problems. Delhi on the hand without doubt is filled with activity, hostility and a sense of fear, but yet in all that chaos there is calmness hidden in its belly only to be revealed to those who seek genuinely.
Dharamshala
T
ucked away in the easternmost part of the Indian state of Himachal Pradesh, Dharamshala is a traveler’s paradise. Our journey begins here. Guarded by the foothills of the Himalayas on one side, a visit to this small paradise is a treat for all human senses. Beauty sometimes is too less a word to describe the visual delight this place holds for its visitors. Away from all urban madness, it is the perfect place to redis cover oneself, just like I did. It is one of the few places where one ďŹ nds two very dierent cultures existing together. Both Indian and Tibetan culture and traditions are found here. This makes the place unique and rich. Even though it has problems of its own, those are just hidden in the depths. Rich in stories and lots of places to see, Dharamshala is the perfect getaway option.
Dharamshala, Himachal Pradesh.
View from the valley The slopes of smaller hills are all cobered by buildings- both residential and commercial. The snow covered peaks in the background make it look exotic in some manner.
Dharamshala, Himachal Pradesh.
The snow covered peaks of the Himalayas The hills are alive! People say that winter makes the earth look dead. But for someone like me who has seen snow for the ďŹ rst time, the snow covering made the the hills look alive. They look calm from a distance but as you get closer, you see the winds blowing in all its glory, strong enough to shake your footing.
Kangra Fort, Himachal Pradesh.
Narrow entry passage of Kangra Fort Many armies have marched through this gate years ago. But now what remains is a remnant of the past glory. The gates and walls will tell you its stories of how it withheld the atacks of some bravest men who once walked the face of the earth.
Kangra Fort, Himachal Pradesh.
Ruins atop the Kangra Fort The once strong fortress din give into men but fell to nature’s furry. The fort was heavily damaged in an earthquake in the year 1905. The Kangra Fort was built by the royal Rajput family of Kangra. It is the largest fort in the Himalayas and probably the oldest dated fort in India.
Kangra Fort, Himachal Pradesh.
A monkey at the Kangra Fort The fort is right next to Kangra town. The fort stands on a steep rock in Purana Kangra dominating the surrounding valley, built strategically at the “sangam” confluence (places where two rivers meet) of Banganga and Majhi rivers. It is said that Kangra belongs to one who owns the fort.
Tibetan Culture
T
ibetan culture developed under the influence of a number of fac tors. Contact with neighboring countries and cultures- including Nepal, India, and China–have influenced the development of Tibetan culture, but the Himalayan region’s remoteness and inaccessibility have preserved distinct local influences. Buddhism has exerted a particularly strong influence on Tibetan culture since its introduction in the 7th century. Art, literature, and music all contain elements of the prevailing Buddhist beliefs, and Buddhism itself has adopted a unique form in Tibet, influenced by the Bön tradition and other local beliefs. Tibet’s specific geographic and climatic conditions–its altitude, short growing season, and cold weather–have encouraged reliance on pastoralism, as well as the development of a different cuisine from surrounding regions.
Norbulingka Institute, Dharamshala Himachal Pradesh.
Budhist inscriptions “This is my simple religion. There is no need for temples; no need for complicated philosophy. Our own brain, our own heart is our temple; the philosophy is kindness.� - Dalai Lama
Norbulingka Institute, Dharamshala Himachal Pradesh.
Prayer Flags According to Tibetan tradition, prayer flags imprinted with sacred images and mantras transmit healing energy into the world through the power of the wind. As they fly in the wind, the flags exert a protective, balancing influence on the environment and generate benefit for all sentient beings.
Norbulingka Institute, Dharamshala Himachal Pradesh.
A wood carving artist at work The Tibetan carpenter has traditionally fulďŹ lled the role of architect and engineer. In addition to that, he had inimitable decorative skills expressed through intricate carving.
Norbulingka Institute, Dharamshala Himachal Pradesh.
Thangka painting in progress Thangkas are used by Tibetan Buddhist practitioners to help them develop a close relationship with a meditational deity. They assist the meditator in clearly visualizing particular images. Thangkas are also used to portray members of a teaching lineage or, in a narrative form, to depict a spiritual master’s life, often involving scenes of intricate detail.
Norbulingka Institute, Dharamshala Himachal Pradesh.
A Thangka painting artist in the studio The canvas is stretched over a wooden frame using a cord. The design for the painting is then drawn directly onto the taut surface using charcoal or pencil. Once the initial sketch is complete, the lines are redrawn in ink and the details are reďŹ ned. Colours are applied and completed with gold embellishments. When the painting is ďŹ nally complete, it is mounted in silk brocade.
Norbulingka Institute, Dharamshala Himachal Pradesh.
Unfinished sculptures await their final polish One major sculptural traditions flourished in Tibet: Statues made of metal, employing both the lost wax process that is mostly used to cast smaller images and the tradition employed at Norbulingka in which colossal statues are wrought from copper sheet and gilded before being assembled.
Norbulingka Institute, Dharamshala Himachal Pradesh.
Deden Tsuglagkhang Temple “All major religious traditions carry basically the same message, that is love, compassion and forgiveness ... the important thing is they should be part of our daily lives.� - Dalai Lama
Norbulingka Institute, Dharamshala Himachal Pradesh.
14 ft gilded copper statue of the Buddha The Deden Tsuglagkhang is an elegant stone structure built on traditional Tibetan lines. Its principal focus is a 14 ft gilded copper statue of the Buddha that was made by the Norbulingka Sculpture Studio, which is surrounded by elaborate paintings and murals executed by our Thangka Painters.
Norbulingka Institute, Dharamshala Himachal Pradesh.
Inside the Deden Tsuglagkhang Temple “Thousands of candles can be lighted from a single candle, and the life of the candle will not be shortened. Happiness never decreases by being shared.� - Buddha
Norbulingka Institute, Dharamshala Himachal Pradesh.
Losel Doll Museum The Losel Doll Museum houses a unique collection of 150 costumed dolls depicting the regional, oďŹƒcial and monastic costumes of Tibet. These were created by a group of artistic monks from Drepung Loseling Monastery that has been re-established in South India.
Norbulingka Institute, Dharamshala Himachal Pradesh.
Flowers on a leaess tree When all hope withers away, there comes a small ray of hope in the most unimaginable way. Such is a small ower blooming on a naked tree which has shed all its leaves in autumn.
Triund Hill, McLeod Ganj Himachal Pradesh.
Triund hill trek Since long Mountains have fascinated humans and some felt scared of them. But only within these Mountains the sage and saints ďŹ nd Peace. Mountains have been watching every activity down on Earth and have kept a record of all incidences and they share it with whoever comes to them and has the capability to communicate with them.
HPCA, Dharamshala Himachal Pradesh.
Himachal Pradesh Cricket Association Stadium How heavenly would it feel to play cricket here! This stadium is unique in India as it is situated at an altitude of 1,457 m (4,780 ft 2 in) above sea level and has the spectacular snow capped Himalayan mountains in the background. It is often considered the fastest pitch in India.
Bhagsunag Village, Dharamshala Himachal Pradesh.
Bhagsunag Waterfall The chilling water is not at all welcoming and is nerve numbing. Brace that and this place will be a fun place.
Kangra, Himachal Pradesh.
A Tibetan kid with his mother
Sunset Point, Dharamshala, Himachal Pradesh.
Sunset at Dharamshala One of the most amazing sunsets I have ever witnessed. Yes being at that height did make a lot of dierence and it is very inspiring too.
Delhi
D
elhi is a city that bridges two different worlds. Old Delhi, once the capital of Islamic India, is a labyrinth of narrow lanes lined with crumbling havelis and formidable mosques. In contrast, the imperial city of New Delhi created by the British Raj is composed of spacious, tree-lined avenues and imposing government buildings. Delhi has been the seat of power for several rulers and many empires for about a millennium. Many a times the city was built, destroyed and then rebuilt here. Interestingly, a number of Delhi’s rulers played a dual role, first as destroyers and then as creators. The city’s importance lies not just in its past glory as the seat of empires and magnificent monuments, but also in the rich and diverse cultures. No wonder chroniclers of Delhi culture - from Chand Bardai and Amir Khusro to present days writers - have never been at a loss for topics. In Delhi, you will discover that the city is sprinkled with dazzling gems: captivating ancient monuments, fascinating museums and art galleries, architectural wonders, a vivacious performing-arts scene, fabulous eating places and bustling markets. Delhi has been the political hub of India. Every political activity in the country traces its roots here. This was true even of the mythological era. The Pandavas of the Mahabharata had their capital at Indraprastha, which is believed to have been geographically located in today’s Delhi.
Mehrauli, New Delhi.
Day break at the Qutub Minar This sight was refreshing. Admist the hustle-bustle of the country’s capital, to see a sunrise in such glory is truly a treat for the eyes.
Mehrauli, New Delhi.
The Majestic Qutub Minar Built in the early 13th century a few kilometres south of Delhi, the red sandstone tower of Qutb Minar is 72.5 m high, tapering from 2.75 m in diameter at its peak to 14.32 m at its base, and alternating angular and rounded utings.
Opp. Dargah Nizamuddin, Mathura Road, New Delhi.
Humayun’s Tomb This tomb, built in 1570, is of particular cultural significance as it was the first garden-tomb on the Indian subcontinent. It inspired several major architectural innovations, culminating in the construction of the Taj Mahal.
Opp. Dargah Nizamuddin, Mathura Road, New Delhi.
School kids out for siteseeing I clicked this picture because it brought back memories of my school days and the ďŹ eld trips we used to have.
Firoz Shah Kotla, New Delhi.
Firoz Shah Kotla Firoze Shah Tughlaq created one of the cities of Delhi- Ferozabad or Firoze Shah Kotla has been know today. He extended city from old Indraprastha to the ridge and then new capital ourished. In 1354, he brought two sandstone pillars bearing Ashokan inscriptions from Meerut and Ambala and placed one at the ridge and another at Kotla Ferozeshah.
Hauz Khas, South Delhi.
Animals at the Hauz Khas Park I felt nostalgic seeing all these animals in a small park. Powai garden in Mumbai used to have a similar set of animals for public display.
Bhagwandas Road, New Delhi.
Inside the National School of Drama The aspiration of many budding actors lie here but only few make it to the prestigious stage here to learn from the best on what it takes to be part of the theatre industry.
East Patel Nagar, New Delhi.
Metro Station, East Patel Nagar
Chandni Chowk, Old Delhi.
Hand-rickshaw pullers Yes machines have evolved but sometimes man decided not to evolve with machines. The humble hand pulled rickshaw- providing the people of Delhi a ‘clean’ transport option.
Chandni Chowk, Old Delhi.
People hurdled around a small ďŹ re making breakfast The harsh winters in Delhi makes the people come together atleast to farm themselves around a small ďŹ re.
Chandni Chowk, Old Delhi.
Food, sweets, spices and more! Chandni Chowk, often called the food capital of India, is famous for its street food. The variety consists of snacks, especially chaat. Yes, it’s a kind of celebration in congregation. Chandni Chowk resembles a fair everyday. The streets are lined with halwais, namkeenwallahs and paranthewallahs.
The
Northern Blend C A L M N E S S. C H AO S. CO N T R A ST.
Dharamshala Delhi
A TRAVEL PH OTOBOOK