HP Wildlife- Chail Sanctuary

Chail is a beautiful, thickly forested hill station. Chail which is just few km higher that of Shimla is well known for the Maharaja of Patiala who wanted to build his palace on a hill from where he could look down at Shimla. Cozy swiss tents with attached bathrooms provide all the creature comforts, and at night the views of the lights of Shimla is truly stunning.

Chail is a hill station visited by many tourists.The Deodar and Oak forests with grasslands around the township are the abode of wildlife. One can see Sambar, Goral and Cheer Pheasants at Blossom and Jhaja. Visitors are welcome to the Cheer pheasant breeding centre at both these places. Barking deer and Kalijin in the forests are sure to meet and greet the visitors at dusk and dawn.

Trekking from Chail to Gaura and Chail to Jhaja is common and rewarding as one is sure to see wildlife and beautiful snowy peaks. Range Officer Wildlife Chail and staff welcome the visitors and assists the wildlife lovers to see wildlife in the sanctuary area .

Precuationary measure against avian influenza

As a precautionary measure against avian influenza, the Health Department today directed the veterinary authorities to dispatch samples on a regular basis to the High Security Animal Diseases Laboratory (HSADL), Bhopal.

A high-level meeting was chaired by the Principal Secretary, Mrs Harinder Hira, here to review the preparedness of the state to assess and check avian influenza in domestic birds and chicken.

She said that though there was no cause for panic as not even a single case had been so far reported in the country, but all concerned must take precautionary measures.

So far all the 120 samples of morbid material sent to the laboratory have tested negative.

River Rafting in Himachal

The rivers Chandrabhaga (Chenab) in Lahaul, the Satluj near Shimla, the Ravi near Chamba and the Beas near Kullu offer immense whitewater rafting possibilities. River-rafting or white-water rafting, as it is also called - is swiftly making Himachal a focus on the sport.

The sport is now being held on the Sutlej near Shimla, on the Beas near Kullu, the Ravi near Chamba and the Chandra in Lahaul. Possibilities are also being explored on the river Spiti. Non swimmers and novices can also experience this on some of the gentler rapids. The sport takes a break during winter and in portions of the monsoons.

The magic behind River Rafting also referred, as Whitewater River Rafting is the extreme and never-ending thrills in the untamed rivers. The rivers in the upper Himalayas are among the best in the world for river rafting sports.

The wonderful adventure from Manali to Shimla includes a 03 day run on the scenic Spiti river. The sacred river Ganga, or the Holy Ganges, offers the professional as well as the amateur, the sheer exhilaration of white water rafting.

Second Annual Tibetan Music Awards in Dharamshala

Psychedelic lights, sterling performances and an enthusiastic audience made up for the second annual Tibetan Music Awards recently in Dharamshala, the adopted home of the Tibetan leader Dalai Lama.

Forty-five nominees vied for the coveted Awards that recognized the best in existing and upcoming talent in Tibetan music and culture.

four new categories had been added to the existing seventeen categories of Awards that included Best Male Artist, Best Female Artist, Best Album and the Lifetime Achievement Award.

Veteran Tibetan artist, Ama Da Chung, young at heart for her 81 years, received the award for her lifetime contribution to Tibetan music.

Three injured and Two Medical Officials Killed in an accident

The Practice Management Center (PMC) provides free assistance to members covering the full spectrum of business issues associated with running and working in a medical practice.

Two medical officials were killed and three injured in an accident near Hal village, about 20 km from Kaza, late last evening. The victims were posted in Lahaul and Spiti district.

The Chief Medical Officer of Lahaul and Spiti district, Dr Chhering told that a government Gypsy (HP-42-0163) that was on its way from Manali to Kazain which five doctors were travelling met with an accident.

Those who died in the accident were identified as Dr Rajinder Mehta, in charge of the RNTCP (Tuberculosis), Shimla and Mr. Padma Dorje, a para-medical officer posted at Kaza Hospital, said the CMO.

The injured were identified as Dr. Suresh, District Tuberculosis Officer of Lahaul and Spiti, Dr Devinder Kumar, District Tuberculosis Officer, Chamba, and Mr Nabang Lote, a Kaza resident.

Dalai Lama asked Tibetan Children to learn their culture heritage

The Buddhist spiritual leader Dalai Lama has asked the Tibetan children to take deeper interest in their cultural heritage.

He addressed a function to commemorate the 45th anniversary of the Tibetan Children's Village in Dharamshala. His Holiness stressed upon the need for children to acquire knowledge.

The Dalai Lama always stresses the need to be a good human being. He forced that Children must know their Tibetan heritage. They must study Buddhism. Kasur Jetsumpema, president Tibetan Children Village Schools was also present.

More than 150,000 Tibetans have taken refuge in India since 1959 when the Dalai Lama and his followers fled their homeland, after an abortive uprising against China.

First Branch of PNB in Lahaul and Spiti

(PNB) Punjab National Bank opened its first branch in Lahaul and Spiti district of Himachal Pradesh, taking the number of branches in the country to 220.

The branch was inaugurated by Lahaul and Spiti Deputy Commissioner R Salvam. He said, " The banks are supplementing the government's effort in improving the lot of the weaker sections of the society by providing them loans under various schemes" .

Bank's Senior Regional Manager P N Bali was also present on the occasion. He said, " After 59 branches of the bank were computerised in Mandi zone, the customers deposited a sum of Rs 50 lakh and loans amounting to Rs 30 lakh were disbursed in a single day" .

Kasuali A Paradise

Kasuali is the most attracted hill station of the tourists. There are various view points which attracts tourists the most. Monkey point is amoung one of them. It is nearly 3 km from Ros Hotel. There is a hill which derived its name from Rishi Man-ki who used to worship an idol of Lord Hanuman. There are no. of Rest Houses in Himachal where tourists can live with great comforts.

One can see large crowd of monkeys. Due to this reason, it is called as Monkey point. From the security point of view, no belongings like Camera, bags are allowed.

Kasuali is connected by road.
The closest broad gauge railhead is at Kalka, 37 km away.
The closest airports are at Chandigarh, (65 km) and Shimla (73 km).
Taxis and buses for Kasauli are available from Delhi, Chandigarh, Kalka and Shimla.

Triveni Mahadev Temple

Triveni Mahadev temple is situated at Ghatod village 135 kms from Hanogi and 35 kms from Baijnath. The minister of the Mandi estate built this temple during 1851-1902.

The temple is situated on the meeting point of Vipasha, Vinvaa and Khsheer Ganga rivers and is also the meeting point of Mandi and Kangra districts. Besides the Shivlinga (phallus of Shiva), idols of Surya Narayana, Matsyavatar, and Goddess Durga are also placed here.

It is said that the Shivlinga kept rising during the construction of this temple and got 6 inches higher.

Rewalsar (Mandi)

Rewalsar is at a distance of 24 kms from Mandi. It is a sacred place of worship for Bodhs, Sikhs and the Hindus alike. Many legendary stories are related to this place, especially those of Sage Lomas, Padmasambhava and Guru Gobind Singh.

Here the temples of Mani-pani, Shiva, Lakshmi Narayana, Dhajadhari, Mahadev, Dri-Gung-Kagyud and Dugpa-Kagyud monastery and Gurudwara are worth seeing. Even the scenic beauty, landscape and the central lake are worth seeing.

It is a very sacred place for the Hindus because the place and the unfathomable lake with a circumference of about one and a half kilometers is the heritage in penance of the sage Lomas.
Temples of Himachal

Renuka Lake (Nahan)

There are various lakes in Himachal which adds to the beauty of hilly regions. Renuka Lake is 36 km from Nahan . Mythology tells that Renuka was the wife of Sage Yamdagni. Sage Parshuram was their son and it is believed that he beheaded his mother Renuka on his father's order.

Pleased with his son's obedience sage Yamdagni brought Renuka to life using his powers acquired by religious austerities. Today there is a lake of 1.5 miles diameter and its shape resembles a lady. This lake is named after Renuka. There is a pond named Parshuram Taal.

There are many temples of other local deities and a zoo also. Amidst evergreen forests and mountains, this place provides solitude to every visitor. Renuka fair is celebrated at the lake every year in the month of November.

Jwalamukhi & Kaamaksha Devi Temple

Jwalamukhi temple is a famous temple of goddess Jwalamukhi, the diety of flaming mouth, built over some natural jets of combustible gas, believed to be the manifestation of the Goddess. The building is modern with a gilt dome and pinnacles, and has a folding door of silver plates. The temple is set under the gaze of Dhauladhar range amidst undulating hills. According to mythology, Sati's tongue had fallen at this place after the ruin of Daksha's yajna and the goddess is manifest as tiny flames that burn a flawless blue through fissures in the age-old rock.

Kaamaksha Devi temple is 5 kms from Karsog village in Mandi district . The temple is believed to be of Mahabharat era. As per legend, Bhimsen's grandson Babruvaahan pleased Kaamaksha Devi with his penance and was bestowed to be the greatest warrior on this earth. But his head was subject to be severed by Lord Krishna's Sudarshan Chakra if he misused his powers, and the incident took place. The Paandavaas placed this head at a place now known as Kamrunaag, which is believed to be the most powerful deity of Himachal Pradesh.

Kamru (a small picturesque & historical village)

Kamru is a small picturesque and historical village near another beautiful village Sangla in Kinnaur district of Himachal Pradesh. It is 3000 mtrs above sea level. Just above the village Kamru, a Fortress-Capped-Mountain-Top attracts every person in its vicinity. The fort looks like a crown on a queen's head. This fort is like a prestigious, religious and regal symbol for its people. The fort is a five storeyed unique piece of architecture made out of local stones and timber.

There is an idol of 'Kamakhya Devi' on the first floor of the fortress. Other floors are empty. During pre partition India, when the ruler of Bushahar State ruled Kinnaur, the enthronement ceremony used to take place in this fort. Only the devotee who offered a goat for oblation to please the deity could have the 'Darshan' (view) of the goddess. The devotee has to wear a cap on his head and tie a woolen thread around the waist before entering the fort to worship the goddess.

Whenever Kamakhya Devi comes out of her temple complex, God Badrinath of Kamru also comes out of his temple and stays in one of the two 'Kothis' (rooms meant for the purpose). Badrinathji is the ruler of Kamru. This god rules over Sangla, Chasu, Karcham, Chhitkul, and Shankla etc in addition to Kamru.

The 6 'Ratahs' (chariots) of all the deities from temples of above villages are brought to Kamru Fort every February. This is celebrated as the festival of 'Dev Milan' (rendezvous of gods').
This fort is 440 kms from Hanogi via Shimla -Rampur-Wangtoo and Karcham.

Crafts in Himachal

The range of crafts in Himachal is vast and shows many facets of artistic dexterity. The crafts include textiles, woodcarving, architecture, and paintings. It is amazing to see how these hilly people developed such great tradition of artistic excellence despite their tough life.

People of Himachal are involved in various kind of crafts. Amoung these, Wool weaving is the major craft industry. But, the state is also known for its earthenware, stone carving, wood work, metal ware, embroidery, jewelry, basket making, and ritual paintings.

The Pahadi handkerchiefs enjoys a special place among the handicrafts of the Himachali's. These handkerchiefs are produced in the Chamba , Kangra, Mandi, Bilaspur and Kulu areas.These handkerchiefs are made of square or oblong pieces of cloth and are embroidered all over with silken threads.

Chamba is also known for the design quality of its leather chappals (flat, open shoes) and belts. With less work in the terraced fields, the women devote themselves to weaving the traditional Kulu shawls.

The skills of weaving and embroidery have been given a new dimension in Himachal Pradesh. They have been combined to create traditional outfits for well crafted dolls known as Himachali dolls. The silver jewellery of Himachal Pradesh is one of the oldest handicrafts in the State.

Bhima Kali Temple (Sarahan)

According to mythology, to slay the demon that created turmoil in the Himalayan region, ADI SHAKTI assumed a gigantic form.

Bhima Kali temple is situated at a height 8000 ft above sea level. A vast congregation of devotees collects here during Navratras. This place has become very important not only from religious point of view but also as a tourist resort with unrelenting efforts of Raja Virbhadra Singh the Ex. C.M of Himachal Pradesh.

Dayot Sidh Baba Balak Nath Ji

According to the folklore, there was the parrot that had heard the Amarkatha (immortalizing fable) narrated by Lord Shiva to Mata Parvati. When Lord Shiva came to know the fact, to avoid his wrath the parrot entered a narrow cavern. Thereafter it flew and entered the mouth of sage Vyas' wife and took shelter in her abdomen for 12 years and then took birth from her. Later he was known as sage Shukdev.

Baba Balak Nath worked as a cattle grazer for an old lady called Ratno Maai at Shahtalai. It is believed that Ratno was sage Vyas' wife in her pervious birth and Baba Balak Nath served her becused he owed 12 years to her for which he had taken shelter in her abdomen. Ratno maai used to give loaf and (residue of skimmed milk) to the Baba when he left for cattle grazing every morning.

One day after the completion of 12 years, the cattle that Baba grazed entered the villager's fields and destroyed their crops. On knowing the incident Ratno Maai got furious and said to Baba Balak Nath that he had not handled his job sincerely and wasted the food she had been providing to him for 12 years. On hearing this, the Baba returned all the loaves and lassi Ratno Maai had been providing him for 12 years and disappeared from Shahtalai and entered a small gorge.

This place is presently known as Dayot Sidh. This place was an abstruse valley with dense forests. Now many temples have been built and millions of people throng here every year. The place is approachable from Hanogi through Mandi-Jahu-Bhota-Dayot Sidh route.

Brajeshwari Devi (Kangra)

Kangra, which is the oldest kingdom of hills. Its previous names were Kaangarh, Nagarkot, Bhimkot, etc.
Mahmood Gaznavi demolished the temple when he invaded India. Rebuilt, the temple is now famous in north India. As per the legends, the bosom of Sati fell at this place after the ruin of Daksha's yajna. The beauty of Kangra is majestic.

Need to incorporate environ in educational curriculam stressed

Need to incorporate environ in educational curriculam stressed

State Government is contemplating a plan to incorporate Environment in the educational curriculum to make young generation aware of the importance of environment for the survival of humanity. This was revealed by Virbhadra Singh, Chief Minister while addressing a mammoth public gathering at Sarahan where he presided over the concluding ceremony of the State Level Wild Life Week today ..>> Read More

International Kullu Dussehra bigins

International Kullu Dussehra bigins

A week long famous International Kullu Dussehra festival began today at Dhalpur Maidan with great enthusiasm and fervour. The festival is also celebrated as folk dance festival in which cultural troupes drawn from various parts of the country and abroad participated. About 200 deities drawn from various parts of Kullu Valley assembled in Dhalpur Ground to participate in the festival.

Probe sought against education board chief

Probe sought against education board chief

The Himachal Government Teachers Union today demanded a CBI inquiry into the assets of the Chairman of the Himachal Pradesh Board of School Education, Mr B.R. Rahi, and sought a high-level inquiry into the charges of rampant corruption in the board.

22-year-old Delhi University student crowned Miss Tibet 2005

22-year-old Delhi University student crowned Miss Tibet 2005

Twenty two year old Tenzin Nyima, the only contestant at the Miss Tibet 2005, and a student of Delhi University was crowned Miss Tibet this year with a lot of applause and support in Dharamshala.

Advani to attend Palampur rally

Advani to attend Palampur rally

The October 9 BJP rally at Palampur is bound to give a shot in the arm to former union minister and BJP stalwart, Mr Shanta Kumar, who had been lying low for a couple of years now. With the party deciding to organise a rally a Palampur, the Assembly constituency of Shanta Kumar as part of its silver jubilee celebrations, he is suddenly active, hogging media limelight.

Strong Earthquake in North India

The Himachal was rocked by big tremors on Saturday but there were no immediate reports of any damage, authorities and witnesses said. In Shimla People come out of the houses and there was fault in mobile phone at that time. Some Sector there was electricity problem also.

Screaming people rushed out of apartment buildings in Delhi as the tremors, which began around 9:20 am (0350 GMT), lasted a couple of minutes.

The epicentre seemed to be around Jammu & Kashmir. People were seen ruashing out of their homes and offices to the relative safety of open space

The Prime Minister Manmohan Singh at the Congress Chief Ministers’ Conclave and the Congress president Sonia Gandhi also came out of the auditorium and were seen giving urgent instructions to aides.

Unmindful quarrying making environmentalists anxious in Kullu valley

Unmindful quarrying making environmentalists anxious in Kullu valley

Environment activists are concerned at the ongoing quarrying in the Kullu valley despite being banned by Court. It is feared that rampant mining along the river Beas basin, which forms the lifeline of the Himachal Pradesh, could result in severe ecological degradation of the region. ..>> Read More

Dhumal slams Congress over KGB payoffs

Dhumal slams Congress over KGB payoffs

Former Chief Minister and senior BJP leader, Mr Prem Kumar Dhumal, here said that the contents in the files of a former KGB official about alleged pay-offs to ministers had exposed the Congress Government, during Ms Indira Gandhi’s tenure.

Thakur’s expulsion from BJP revoked

Thakur’s expulsion from BJP revoked

The state BJP today revoked the expulsion of senior party leader from Hamirpur, Mr Narender Thakur, who had been expelled for anti-party activities in 2003. The decision assumes political significance as Mr Thakur had spearheaded the dissident campaign against the former chief minister, Mr P.K. Dhumal, under the banner of “Mitra Mandal” all over the state.

Justice Arun Kumar goel took over as President Consumer Commission

Justice Arun Kumar goel took over as President Consumer Commission

Justice Arun Goel took over the charge of President, H.P. State Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission here today. Justice Goel was serving as Judge of Himachal High Court. ..>> Read More

Himachal to challenge HC order on CPS

Himachal to challenge HC order on CPS

The Himachal Government will challenge an order of the Himachal Pradesh High Court on the removal of Chief Parliamentary Secretary and Parliamentary Secretaries in the Supreme Court, the Minister for Irrigation and Public Health, Thakur Kaul Singh, said here today.

18TH all India Rajbhasha Sammelan begins at Manali

18TH all India Rajbhasha Sammelan begins at Manali

The 18th Akhil Bhartiya Rajbhasha three days Sammelan being organized by Rshtriya Hindi Academy Rupambra begins at Manali in Himachal Pradesh yesterday evening. Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister, Virbhadra Singh was the Chief Guest and Dy. Speaker Lok Sabha Sh. Charanjit Singh Atwal presided over the inaugural function.

Professional tax to be withdrawn

Professional tax to be withdrawn

The professional tax levied by the Government from May this year would be withdrawn from Ist November, 2005. This will be effected prospectively and those who have not given this tax will have to give upto October, 2005. This was announced by the Chief Minister, Virbhadra Singh while addressing the Member of the Joint Consultative Committee of Himachal Pradesh NGO’s Federation here today

Seventh Himalayan car rally flagged off in Shimla

Seventh Himalayan car rally flagged off in Shimla

The seventh edition of the Maruti Suzuki Raid-de-Himalaya Rally was flagged off in Shimla on Saturday.
The rally will end in Srinagar making it the first major sporting event in Jammu and Kashmir after a span of 17 years. After starting at a height of 7,000 feet in Shimla, the rally will pass through to a height of 17,500 feet

Glowing tribute to Mahatma Gandhi and Lal Bahadur Shastri

Glowing tribute to Mahatma Gandhi and Lal Bahadur Shastri

Glowing tribute were paid to the father of nation Mahatma Gandhi and late Lal Bahadur Shastri on there Birth Anniversary today.

Chief Minister Virbhadra Singh offered flowers at the statue of Mahatma Ghandhi on the historic Ridge Maiden and was followed by Kaul Singh, Irrigation and Public Health Minister, local MLA Har Bhajan Singh Bhaji, Mayor of Municipal Corporation, Shimla Sohan Lal and Chairmen and Vice-Chairmen of various Boards and Corporations, former MLA and senior Congress leaders and prominent persons from all walks of life, besides hundreds of school children

C.M. releases book titled ‘Asitaang Bhairav’

C.M. releases book titled ‘Asitaang Bhairav’

Minister Virbhadra Singh released a book titled ‘Asitaang Bhairav’ written by Prof. Som P.Ranchan, a renowned poet, litterateur and scholar. Asitaang Bhairav is a scripture in verse dialogue which expounds in depth and detail God Bhairav who is Rudra Shiva in dynamic from Bhairav destroys evil and imparts fearlessness. He is in the service of Mahalaxmi