Dev Bhoomi Himachal

How to book HRTC bus tickets online?

2012-02-05T06:59:00.000-08:00

It's well known fact that Himachal is doing well at IT front and most of the departments, organizations, corporations and boards of Himachal Pradesh govt. has gone Hi-Tech. HRTC is one such organization which has undergone technological transformation from vehicle tracking systems (VTS), electronic tickets to booking e-tickets online.

Over last 3-4 years online bus ticket booking system of HRTC has gone more stable and user friendly. The website which was having so many glitches and flaws in the booking and payment flow, has gone a long way since then. Now not only you can book tickets for Volvo and Him Gaurav but also for ordinary buses running on long routes. Though usability and design wise the website still has issues, yet it works most of the times :).

Here is how you can book HRTC bus tickets online:

Create an account on the booking portal
Login to the website and click on "Book Ticket" on the left
Select source and destination along with journey date and bus service type (Volvo, ordinary)
Select the route id as per your preferred timings for traveling
On next screen select the seat number as per your convenience from available seats

Once you have selected seats, you need to enter your details along with ID proof you would carry while traveling. To discourage ticket agents mafia, websites asks you to mention identity proof along with ID number
You would be redirected to payment gateway to make the payment. After payment you would get the e-ticket

For more information on booking, cancellation or refunds you can visit FAQ section of the website. Next time you plan to travel in Himachal, book your ticket online and share your experience.

Share your wishlist before Himachal goes for 2012 assembly elections

2012-01-22T08:19:00.000-08:00

2012 is going to be a year full of politics, blames, claims, announcements, inauguration and possibly lot of advertisements for vacancies and other bounties for people of Himachal Pradesh. State would see an assembly election around November 2012. Though Himachal has a history of change of power every 5 years yet only time will tell whether history repeats itself or current ruling party comes to power again.

BJP in the year 2007 released its election manifesto with the slogan ‘Brashtachar Mukt – Vikas Yukt’ with focus on creating employment opportunities, quality education, diversification in agriculture and horticulture, women empowerment and better roads and clean drinking water. Highlights of the manifesto were:

The BJP promised a transparent transfer policy to avoid unnecessary harassment to any employee along with promise of giving maximum benefits of the Sixth Pay Commission of Punjab to both employees and pensioners.
For 10 lakh unemployed educated youth there is talk of creating employment opportunities through tourism and hydro-power generation.
Declaring main roads as national highways and provision of clean drinking water.
The manifesto also promised a lot for ex-servicemen for whom employment opportunities will be created. Efforts will be made to set up separate health centres and CSD canteens for them at district headquarters.

[Source of information: Tribune]

There must be few promises which would have been fulfilled and few must be pending. If you think there are few promises which you would like to remind ruling party or you have few concerns, demands, wishes, or issues then share with us and we'll compile a list of public demands prior to 2012 elections and share on internet.

So whether you are a pensioner, ex-servicemen, student, Govt. employee, daily wage worker, professional or a business man, we would like you to share your concerns, demands or wishlist with us. We would be sharing your wishlist on DevbhoomiHimachal blog, all social media networks and with Himachal CM via write to CM program. Who knows someone pays heed to your wishlist. So before election code of conduct comes into force in Himachal, raise you voice, by filling the form below:

You can also share your wishlist via comments section.

Himachali's making waves on Television and Bollywood

2011-09-25T05:40:00.000-07:00

Himachal has always been favorite destination for Bollywood and TV industry. The shrine and scenic beauty of Himachal Pradesh has always attracted film and TV serial makers. It's not just the natural beauty which has made a mark in Bollywood, Himachal has also nourished Bollywood with talented actors, singers, directors: Anupam Kher, Preity Zinta , Kangna Ranaut, Jugal Kishor, Mohit Chauhan, to name but a few.

Of late lot of Himachali's have made into TV serials and contests thus making Himachal proud. After Anuj Sharma ( Indian idol fame), Dheeraj Sharma on Star Plus's Meri Awaaz Suno it's Nitin Kumar, Vishal Karwal and Rubina Dilaik who are making waves on television. Vishal Karwal and Rubina Dilaik both are famous TV actors. Rubina Dilaik is well known for her serial Choti Bahu and Vishal Karwal for Dwarikdhees on NDTV Imagine.

Nitin Kumar
Nitin Kumar is from Mubarikpur (Chintpurni), Una Himachal Pradesh and a strong contestant on Zee TV's Sa Re Ga Ma Pa Little Champs. He has already won 'Voice of Himachal' title in a reality show held in Manali in 2009.

(Video credit:ZEE TV)

To vote Nitin Kumar send SMS : NITIN to 57575 or Call: 186 2424 7575 05

Vishal Karwal
Vishal Karwal is from Bhawarna (Palampur) in Kangra Distt of Himachal Pradesh. Vishal holds a degree in engineering besides a training in flying. Vishal Karwal started his career on TV from MTV Roadies followed by Splitsvilla, Bhagyavidhata, Rishton Se Badi Pratha and now Dwarkadheesh - as Lord Krishna.

Vishal Karwal as Shri Krishna (Image credit: NDTV Imagine)

Rubina Dilaik
Rubina Dilaik is from Shimla, Himachal Pradesh. Popularly known as Choti Bahu among viewers was crowned Miss Shimla in 2006. Rubina has completed her education from St.Bedes, Shimla. Rubina is the lead actress of famous Zee TV serial Choti Bahu.

Rubina Dilaik (Image Credit: Zee TV)

Himachali's on KBC

Mamta Kumari from Kangra and Shridhar Sharma from Shimla made into KBC and won Rs.12,50,000.

(Video credit:Sony TV)

Shridhar Sharma from Shimla on KBC

(Video credit:Sony TV)

Rotary eye hospital Palampur: In the service of mankind

2011-08-27T23:05:00.000-07:00

Mela Mal Sood Rotary eye hospital, Palampur (Maranda), Himachal Pradesh has proved a boon to the people of Himachal Pradesh who have always faced poor health services in the state. People of the hill state who had to go earlier to Chandigarh or New Delhi for any sort of eye treatment now get treated at Rotary eye hospital at very affordable charges. Rotary eye hospital Palampur which was established in the year 1985 with the efforts of Rotary club, Palampur has successfully carried out more than one lac eye operations since then.

Mela Mal Sood Rotary Eye Hospital is one of the best eye care centres in Northern India equipped with latest instruments, technology and experienced surgeons and staff. Hospital is well equipped for all kind of ocular surgeries plus specialized surgeries like intra-ocular lens implantation, stitch-less surgery, glaucoma, squint, oculoplasty, vitreoretinal surgery and operations under general anesthesia.

Hospital is too economical and conducts cataract operations at prices ranging from Rs 3,000-4,000 using latest technology. Hospital also has the provision of free treatment for poor patients. The eye hospital is the only hospital in the state of having vitreo-retina operation facility. The institute also has a latest machine to gauge the affects of diabetes on eyes even before clinical symptoms appear. This angiography machine is one of four machines installed in the country.

Hospital also organizes eye camps at various places to provide affordable eye care and surgeries at people's door step. The mobile unit of the institution has successfully organized field surgery camps at Holy, Bharmour (Chamba district), Nahan Haripur Dhar, Rajgarh (Sirmour district), Baroti, Khadar, Ladbharol, Chailchowk, Dharampur, Sarkaghar (Mandi district), Reckong Peo, Chango (Kennaur district), Theog (Shimla district), Madanpur Basoli, Bathu Tipri (Una district), Udhampur, Sudhmahadev (J&K).

If you are suffering from cataract or any other problem related to eyes, head to eye hospital, Palampur (Maranda). You will get quality health services for very affordable charges.

Registration: Weekdays 8 AM to 1 PM
Operation days: Wednesday & Friday
For details contact: 01894239180
Nearest Railway station: Maranda (Narrow Gauge track)

View Larger Map

Follow DevbhoomiHimachal on FaceBook and Twitter

2011-07-23T23:58:00.000-07:00

In this age of social media where people spend more and more time on social media networks like Facebook, Twitter and now Google+, it make sense to get connected to people of the hill state via these platforms and spread the word about the land of lords.

Follow DevbhoomiHimachal on Facebook and Twitter and we'll keep you posted on latest happenings,news,views and about latest Job openings in Himachal Pradesh.

Follow DevbhoomiHimachal on Twitter

@Himachal

Follow DevBhoomiHimachal on Facebook

Masrur rock cut temple, Kangra (Dharamshala)

2011-07-02T23:57:00.000-07:00

One of the rare tourist attractions of India is Masrur rock cut temple in Kangra district of Himachal Pradesh. The temple which was carved out of freestanding rocks is one of the only four such temples in India. Though the temple was severely damaged by earthquake that rocked Kangra region in 1905, yet it's still in good shape and well preserved by Archeological Survey of India.

As per Archeological Survey of India the Masrur temple once consisted of 19 free-standing rock-cut temples. Everything from the wall moulding, idols to stairs has been carved out of the rock. Temple consists of the images of Sun, Lord Shiva, Indra, Durga, Karttikeya, Lord Rama, Lakshman, Sita carved on the walls of temple.

Like Shiv temple Baijnath, Masrur temple is also believed to be handiwork of Pandva's. If story is to be believed, this temple was built overnight (a long night of six months).

A visit to Masrur temple this summer would be a delightful experience for you and your family. If you are planning to visit Dharamshala, spare just 2-3 hours and pay a visit to an amazing place of historical importance. Here is the route path for Masrur:

View Larger Map

*Disclaimer:The information about Masrur temple is based on facts gathered from online and offline sources and has nothing to do with the historical facts.

Shimla, the queen of hills

2011-01-29T05:23:00.000-08:00

Shimla the state capital of Himachal Pradesh is one of the most sought after tourist destinations of India. It were Britishers who discovered the queen of hills - Shimla and made it summer capital of India after acquiring it from Nepal.

Shimla is a hill station in true sense. Most of the time you have to walk on foot. Being a hilly area the roads are not so wide and at places road is just hanging on iron roads. Since most of the places don't have adequate road connectivity, transportation of goods is a big challenge. Kashmiri labour is the backbone of goods transportation in Shimla. You will be amazed to see them carrying couple of gas cylinders, refrigerator and all sort of furniture individually which normally takes at least two or three persons to lift.

Main attractions of Shimla

The Mall is Shimla's main shopping center and is situated just above the Shimla bus stand. An evening walk on The Mall is certainly a delightful experience. If you have small kids with you, you can hire a pram for as less than as Rs. 50 for one hour. Other main attractions of The Mall road include Gaiety Theater, Kai Bari temple, Scandal Point, Church and other heritage buildings like Town hall which are still well maintained.

The Ridge which is no vehicle zone is the open space at the top. You can enjoy the scenic beauty of Shimla from here.

Lakkar Bazaar adjacent to the Ridge is famous for its wooden articles, toys and other wood-craft. If you are one of those who buy stuff to mark the memories of the places you visit or take home gifts for your near and dears, Lakkar Bazaar is the place for you.

Lower Bazaar is full of shops, eating points including famous Nathu's sweet shop where you can relish Shimla's famous 'Deshi Ghee ki Jalebi, 'Sohan Halwa' and other sweets.

You have to walk uphill to reach the Mall or Ridge. Alternatively you can take the lift near to Shimla bus stand to reach the Mall Road. Other attractions include Ice skating rink, Indian Institute of Advance studies, Himachal Pradesh University which is situated at a distance of just 4 Km. at Summer Hill. Shimla's famous relegious tourist destinations are Taradevi, Sankat Mochan, Jakhu temple. Beware of monkey's if you go to Jakhu temple. They leave no stone unturned to get the eatables you carry in your pockets or hand bag.

Nearby

Saunjli

Sanjauli- One of the main suburbs of Shimla is famous for Sanjauli-Dahli tunnel made by Britishers during their regime. Taxi driver or tourist guide will not forget to show you the home of famous Bollywood actress Preity Zinta which is located at the top in Sanjauli.

Kufri is at a distance of 16 km from Shimla. Kufri offers some famous hikes and wonderful snow for skiing in winters. There is a small zoo (Nature Park) which has snow leopard as one the main attractions. Tourism department has also created a tourist point for those who want to enjoy horse riding. This tourist point which is at the top of hill has one fun zone, temple and is surrounded by beautiful flowers and apple gardens. You can view Great wall of China from telescopes available for Rs. 50 from this tourist Point.

Other attractions include Mashobra which has one of Presidential Retreats of India - 'The Retreat Building' and Naldehra which is famous for 9 hole golf course.

Green valley - On the way to Kufri on the right side of road is the Green Valley, one of those few places untouched by construction and pollution.

How to reach?

You can reach Shimla either via plane or via road from Delhi. If you have time, you should not miss the ride of Kalka -Shimla heritage Train. It's a small train which runs on narrow gauge. Himachal Govt. has also started heli-taxi service recently. You can book a seat just for Rs. 4500 from Chandigarh to Shimla. Click here for more information on heli-taxi service.

You can find more details on the official website of Shimla. So if you are planning a honeymoon trip, a family vacation or have plans for Christmas or New Year eve, head to Shimla. Make sure to book hotel in advance especially if your trip falls in the year end.

[Read more about tourism in Himachal]

Happy New Year

2010-12-31T18:53:00.000-08:00

Wish you all a very happy and fun-filled 2011. New Year is the time to explore new horizons and realize new dreams, to come up with new year resolution(s), to rediscover the strength and belief within you, to rejoice in simple pleasures and gear up for the new challenges. Wishing you a truly fulfilling and prosperous year ahead.

Welcome New Year 2011

More PowerPoint presentations from shivali gupta

Kasauli, a well preserved hill station

2010-10-23T01:06:00.000-07:00

Kasauli, one of the most popular hill stations of India is a small town in the Solan district of Himachal Pradesh. It is located 77 Kms. from Shimla and 65 Kms. from Chandigarh at a height of 1930 meters near Dharampur.

Like Shimla, Kasauli was also developed by Britishers. Britishers established a cantonment in 1842 at this hill station which still retains the old charm and natural beauty of the past. The town is full of greenery and flowers of various kinds along with unmatched cleanliness which you rarely get to see at such hill stations. The town is the home of the Kasauli Brewery, which is the highest brewery and distillery in the world. The Pasteur Institute, Kasauli, is the oldest institute of India producing anti-rabies vaccines.

Famous tourist spots include the Kasauli Mall, Sunset point, Sunrise point, Christ church and Manki Point (Monkey point). "Manki Point" is famous for Hanuman temple and is situated at the highest tip of Kasauli. According to myths, Lord Hanuman after collecting the "Sanjeevani booti" (herb) from Himalayas, on his way back to Lanka (Sri Lanka), touched this hill and it is believed that hill has taken the shape of a foot because of that.

From the mountain top, one can have a panoramic view of the Chandigarh and surroundings. A visit to "Manki Point" will certainly be a refreshing and breathtaking experience for you. Just so you know, you have to walk uphill to reach the "Manki Point".

Be informed that the Hanuman temple at "Manki Point" lies in Air-force area. You can't carry your mobile phone, camera and any other electronic gadget. Make sure to carry a identity proof if you wish to visit "Manki Point".

On they way to Kasauli from Chandigarh, don't forget to stop at beautiful Pinjore Garden and Timber Trail, Parwanoo to enjoy the thrilling ride of the cable car.

Pinjore Garden, Kalka

Timber Trail, Parwanoo

Pinjore Garden

Kathgarh temple, Indora (Kangra)

2010-08-07T21:27:00.000-07:00

Dev Bhoomi Himachal- the land of lords has some of the rarest and old temples which have their references in the history books. This time we're talking about one of such rare and only temple in the world. Lord Shiva temple at 'Kathgarh' (Indora, Kangra), has something interesting and unusual similar to Bijli Mahadev in Kullu. The temple has a large 'Shivaling', which is vertically split in two parts. The distance between two parts keeps increasing and decreasing from time to time. The larger portion is worshiped as Lord Shiva and second one as his better half, 'Parvati'.

According to one of the myths, once Lord 'Vishnu' and Lord 'Brahma' got engaged in a battle to decide supremacy. To stop the warring Gods Lord 'Shiva' intervened in the shape of a fire pillar and made the warring Gods stop the battle. The large “Shivaling” at 'Kathgarh' is believed to be the same fire pillar.

According to another story in Indian epic 'Ramayana', king 'Bharat', the brother of lord Rama, use to pay obeisance to Lord 'Shiva' at this pillar on his way to his grandparents in 'Kashmir'.

'Kathgarh' temple also seem to have some connection with Greek invaders when they stopped there. The statue is about size of a human above the floor, and it is believed that same length is buried under the floor. It could be one of the statues of Apollo, which Alexander the great is described to have built and worshiped on high platforms to mark the spot from where he retreated.

Visit to the temple will surely be a refreshing spiritual retreat.

Way to Kathgarh temple

There are different approaches to the temple - one is from Indora, near 'Pathankot', and other from 'Mirthal' village on the 'Pathankot-Jalandhar' highway. From 'Mirthal village, Kathgarh is about 4 km. If you're planning to drive from Delhi, you should go via 'Hoshiarpur', 'Mukerian 'and then take the small link road to 'Indora' from 'Nangal bhoor'. There is a private University in 'Kathgarh' so the roadside direction signs put by the university will take you straight to Indora.

View Larger Map

Disclaimer: Story of the 'Kathgarh' temple is based on inputs gathered from pilgrims and from print and online sources and has nothing to do with the historical facts.

Kale chane ka khatta

2010-06-23T20:16:00.000-07:00

Some of you guys have been asking for the recipe of 'Kaale chane ka khatta' for quite some time. 'Chane ka khatta' is one of the most sough after food item of Kangri Dham (Traditional lunch served in Kangra region of Himachal Pradesh). There is a set pattern of the way food is served in a Dham. Each cuisine has its set order of being served. 'Khatta' is always served after 'Tiliye Mah' or sometime after 'Chane ki daal'.

Ingredients*:

Rice flour: 1 1/2 Serving spoon
Oil : 4-5 table spoons
Aamchoor / dry mango Powder or solid extract: 3 table spoon
Laal Mirch(Chili): 1/2 tea spoon
Haldi (Turmeric): 1/2 tea spoon
Salt : According to taste
Dhaniya Powder (Coriander): 1/2 tea spoon
'Kale Chane'(Black grams) soaked over night
Water : 500 ml

How to cook 'Kale Chane Ka khaata'?

Take a pan or 'Kadahi' and add oil to it. Once the oil is hot, add soaked 'Kale chane' to it. Fry them for a while and add haldi(turmeric), salt, lal mirch(red chili) and dhaniya powder. Add some water and cook it for 4 mins on low flame. Add some water to rice flour in a separate bowl and stir it well so that there are no lumps.You can use wheat flour, if you don't have rice flour.

Once the water in the 'kadahi' dries up, add Aamchur' powder(Mango Powder) and stir it for half a minute. Now add the mixture of flour and water kept in the bowl to the 'kadahi'. Add some water keeping the proportion in mind. Quantity of 'Aamchur', water and chili are subjective matters and depend upon your perception of flavor or taste. If you want, you can use powder of walnut shells for blackish shade to the dish.

*Quantity may vary

How to avail services and get certificates issued and by whom in Himachal ?

2010-05-05T09:58:00.000-07:00

Image via Wikipedia

People of Himachal Pradesh especially the ones who are earning their living outside the hill state always find it difficult to find the information related to services like passport, renewal of driving license or getting a marriage certificate issued from competent authority.

Himachal has gone quite hi-tech in last 10 years and Himachal Pradesh Govt. has started couple of e-services like e-salary slips, e-pension -where pensioners can see the details of pension transferred to their bank account, online results, tenders and job information. Despite all the information and forms available online, just because of ignorance people run from pillar to post and waste their valuable time to get the certificates issued. We're listing here information on few such services and links to other forms and details so that next time you visit a Govt. office in Himachal Pradesh, you carry requisite forms, certificates and approach right authority.

Obtaining a marriage certificate

Indian citizens above the age of 18 years (for brides) and 21 years (for grooms).

Procedure

The marriage ceremony should actually have taken place.
Both the bride and the groom need to submit a joint application on the prescribed proforma to the Marriage Officer/SDM.
Two witnesses should accompany the bride and groom to the Marriage Office.
Proof of the dates of birth of both the bride & the groom should be enclosed along with the joint application.
Residence proof document of the bride should be enclosed along with the joint application.

Fees

No fees if the marriage certificate is obtained within one month of actual marriage.
Rs.10/- if the marriage certificate is obtained after one month and before three months of actual marriage.
Rs.50/- if the marriage certificate is obtained after three months of actual marriage. However, in this case, the marriage certificate is issued by the Deputy Commissioner.

Renewing a driving license

If your license has expired and you can't visit licensing authority in Himachal Pradesh, you can get the license renewed from the state or UT of your current residence with medical, residence proof and photographs. Licensing authority will send details of license submitted for renewal to licensing authority in Himachal Pradesh by which license was granted for getting a NOC. As soon as they receive NOC your license will get renewed without any driving test. If licensing authority in Himachal don't send NOC in a month it will be deemed that all the facts are correct and your license will get renewed.

Passport

If you are living in a place outside Himachal Pradesh for more than 3 years, you should apply to regional passport office of your current residence. This is true for renewal as well as applying for a new passport. You can find details on documents, formalities and address of regional passport office here.

For details on getting a Himachal domicile certificate, birth certificate or to get details on any of such kind of stuff visit this link.

An exclusive conversation with Anuj Sharma

2010-04-01T10:00:00.000-07:00

We got a chance to have a conversation with singer Anuj Sharma. Anuj was kind enough to discuss in length about his life, his latest album Khwaab and the roadmap ahead.

How has been your journey as a singer so far?

Great as I enjoyed it thoroughly! It started long back but I feel I still have lot to achieve. In childhood I used to sing for my brother only. He used to push me to sing in front of other people but I always refused. Real exposure to true singing came in first year of B.A, I sang in front of few people & among them who picked & shaped me was my Music Professor Baldev Thakur. He sensed my strength & wanted as he used to say "polish and shine like diamond". In my first public appearance for a competition I won the best singing award & life changed from there. I started singing Himachali folks & kept winning the university level competitions. I did masters in Music & won many competitions at different levels. Fame came through Indian Idol, which took my passion to level much higher than expected. For last three & half years after Indian Idol, I performed at various locations in India, UK, Singapore...at various events such as Diwali fest, Bansat fest. People enjoyed and appreciated my singing. From a guy who was not able to sing in front of few people to a person who can move feet of thousands of people.

My Debut album "Khwaab" is just a gift for both kind of people those who supported me & for those who criticized me. I feel with this I have made some happy & forced the others to judge me again. I have just released my dream "Khwaab" out in public & I have to work hard to make my dream come true.

You have been doing Himachali albums so far. How is the experience with your first Hindi music album ‘Khwaab’?

It was quite different from the Himachali albums and other Hindi songs playback singing. I have tried something completely new for the first time in ‘Khwaab’ and that is rock music. My music director(s) also wanted me to do something new and completely different. I worked extra hard and tried rock songs. I evolve through this experience; I came to know about the real world of Music Recording. I came across national & international people & there way of working was very different. I enjoyed working with them and learned a lot!!

Like Mohit, will you include any Himachali folk in your Hindi albums in future?

I recorded a full album for Himachalli Folk, in fact it was recorded even before ‘Khwaab’ & it will be released soon. Because of my knowledge and experience of Himachal music it’s obvious that people would expect folk influence in my Hindi album also. But I kept that separate; I thought folks need to be separated from anything as they contain the sweetness of culture. I have learned lot from this experience & I am going to use this to Himachali Folks in my future albums.

What are your plans for future? Any playback singing offer?

Mentioned before, I have to release my Himachali Album. I have to keep giving good Music. As for play back offer, I am expecting some chances after this album since it really shows my strengths in bringing a variety of music from soft and slow to rocking! I mentioned before my journey in music is beginning now. It requires lots of efforts, courage & of course wishes of people who love and enjoy my singing.

Is there anything you would like to say to readers of DevbhoomiHimachal?

When I was in Indian Idol, I read few articles about me on DevbhoomiHimachal, there the connection began with readers of DevBhoomi Himachal. I also remember that some of videos & audio links were shared to readers of Devbhoomi. I am extremely thankful for the people working for DevbhoomiHimachal & readers for supporting me. There is no words except a BIG THANK & I expect the same love for my album ‘Khwaab’ which they shown to me during Indian Idol time. I also need wishes so that I can grow more with music.

Anuj Sharma

2010-03-29T20:20:00.000-07:00

Bollywood has always given a warm welcome to the talent from hill state. After Jugal Kishore, Manohar Singh, Anupam Kher, Preity Zinta, Kangna and Mohit Chauhan now it's Anuj Sharma.

Anuj Sharma was born in a small village, ‘Rehan’ of Himachal Pradesh (India) on 6 March 1975. Anuj did his schooling from the village school. He later joined 'Wajir Ram Sing Government College Dehri' as a music student. He participated in various inter college music competitions and even released couple of Himachali music albums. These 'Pahari' albums established him as a folk singer. Anuj did M.A. Music from Guru Nanak Dev University Amritsar, 'Bhaskar in Music' from 'Prachin Kala Kendra' Chandigarh and 'Diploma of Music Recordist' in 'Media Mates' Delhi. All these years he kept on releasing number of Himachali albums.

Anuj has sung for first Himachali Feature Film (Fulmu Ranju) produced by Divya Himachal TV as well. Anuj participated in Indian Idol season 2 in the year 2005-06 and was one of the three final contestants. Since then Anuj has been quite busy doing stage shows and Himachali albums. Now Anuj has come up with his first solo Hindi Music Album under the banner of Universal Music. Anuj ha given a try to Rock music in his latest Album Khwaab. Undoubtedly, Khwaab is a result of Anuj's sincere hard work, determination and never-say-die attitude. Days are not far when Anuj will a big name in Bollywood singing Industry. We had an exclusive Interview with Anuj in which he discussed about Khwaab and his future plans.

Pragpur the heritage village

2010-03-01T10:07:00.000-08:00

Pragpur, a small village near Dehra subdivison of Kangra distt. of Himachal Pradesh is India’s only officially declared heritage hamlet. Pragpur is located in the lush green Kangra valley in Himachal Pradesh surrounded by snow covered Dhauladhar mountain range.

Pragpur was declared as the country’s first “Heritage Village” in December 1997, credit for which goes to villagers who have preserved their rich history and heritage with such a dedication and determination. The buildings are preserved by 'Gram panchayat' and they also notify new constructions taking place in the village. A number of heritage buildings have been or are being restored by adding modern facilities in them to make a comfortable stay for tourists.

Pragpur village still have cobbled stone streets, mud-plastered walls and slate-roofed houses. The name Pragpur is made up of two Hindi words; Prag and Pur. Prag means ‘pollen’ in Sanskrit and pur means ‘full of’, so Prag-pur means ‘full of pollen’.

Pragpur was founded in the late 16th century by the Kuthiala Soods in memory of Princess ‘Prag Dei’ of the Jaswan Royal family. Sood community has dominated the Prgapur region for decades. Pragpur is a perfect site for village tourism in India. Not only you got to see the magnificent ancient glory so well preserved but also the nature at its best in the lap of Himalayas.

Judges court

Judges court was built in 1918 for Justice Sir Jai Lal, the second Indian to become a Judge of the Punjab High Court. Judges court is a classic mix of Indo-European design. Justice Sir Jai Lal's descendants now run it as a hotel. Judges court is the heritage hotel spread in 12 acres of land and is full of greenery and plantation. You can find more information about Judges court or about room booking at http://www.judgescourt.com/.

Nearby places to visit

Other tourist places in Pragpur are Taal(village pond), Kaleshwar Temple, Lala Rerumal Haveli-it has Mughal style garden, pleasure terrace and a large water reservoir, Dada Siba temple, Butail Mandir, Chaujjar Mansion, Courtyards of the Sood Clans, an ancient Shakti Mandir. You can also visit Dharamshala and Mecleodganj (60 Kms. from Paragpur), Kangra(45 Kms. from Paragpur), Masroor rock cut temple(55Kms. from Pragpur), Chamunda Devi, Palampur and Jawalimukhi temple.

If you are after a refreshing and peaceful vacation, Pragpur the home of the famous Kangra school of painting can be one of the considerations. A visit to Pragpur will be a delightful & refreshing experince for you. Heritage Village Pragpur is just 6 Kilometers from Nehran Pukhar(about 10 Kms. from Dehra on Kangra-Chandigarh Highway) on Nehran Pukhar- Amb link road.

View Larger Map

Himachali songs & lyrics

2009-12-03T10:31:00.000-08:00

Himachali songs have their own uniqueness of lyrics, music and composition. Himachal music industry has picked up lately and as of today Himachali albums are being released by music bigwigs like T-Series every now and then. A number of local music companies too have come up which has been proved a boom to Himachali folk music. These music companies have not only provided financial support to folk singers and artists but have also helped Himahcali music in reaching audience worldwide.

Lyrics (गीत)
Till recently main soul of Himachali songs has been the lyrics. Most of the songs sounded pure and shrine to ears without any instrumental accompaniment. Himachali songs has always been based on stories, regional beliefs, like human love and separation of lovers, scarifies etc. Songs of the hill state reflect the natural beauty of the DevBhoomi. Now a days so many new lyricists have come up in the state and all songs which are composed are not based on stories or beliefs. It's a time of remixes, pop music and fusion, and Himachali music is also singing to same tune.

Folk songs of Himachal Pradesh comprise of ritual songs sung on marriages or other religious occasions, festival songs, heroic songs, love songs and devotional or divine songs. Most of the Devotional or Bhakti songs are dedicated to Lord Shiva. Two most popular devotional songs on lord Shiva are "Dhudu Nacheya.. jata...." or "Shiv Kailason ke vassi.."

Few Popular Himachali songs and albums (कुछ प्रसिद्ध हिमाचली गाने)
"Rohru jana meri amiye..."
"Non Stop Pahari Natian "
"Niru Chali Ghumadi"
"Neelma"
"Bheda teriyan.."
"Phojiya sipahiya.."
"Kunchu Chanchlo"
"Parliya baniya more je bole ho..."
"Chamba aar ke..."
"Kuch saldiyan.."
"saun mahine.."
"Pani re Tanki"
"Ranju Phulmu" and list goes on. Listen few of your favorite pahari songs below.

Mohit Chauhan, popular Bollywood singer who hails from Himachal Pradesh has always tried his best to give Himachali music wordwide audience by using Himachali music and including at least one pahari song in his albums. Mohit's new album Fitoor once again has one Himachali song " माये नी मेरिये (Mayee ni meriye..).. "

Visit YouTube to enjoy more Himachali folk songs and video albums.

Tourism industry in Himachal

2009-10-31T04:32:00.000-07:00

Tourism plays a vital role in the economy of the hill state. After Hydro Power, tourism is one of the major sources of revenue and employment. Million of tourists, who visit Himachal Pradesh every year not only provide bread and butter to thousand of families but also to Govt. treasury in the form of taxes.

People from every nook and corner of the world visit beautiful places of Himachal Pradesh to find peace of mind, to enjoy adventurous activities like hiking, rafting, skiing, Para gliding, to see rich cultural heritage and to visit famous pilgrimages. There are few health conscious travelers who visit Himachal for health reasons and undergo ayurvedic therapies like 'Panchkarma'.

Here is a list of best tourist places of Himachal Pradesh based on different objectives and interests of tourists:

Honeymoon
For honeymoon Himachal can be your first choice. The breathtaking natural scenery, romantic and tranquil ambiance makes it a perfect honeymoon destination. Himachal can make your honeymoon a life time experience.
Kullu-Manali
Shmila
Dharamshala and Palampur
Chamba-Khajiyaar
Kinnaur

Recreation
Kasauli
Shimla
Kullu Manali
Kazza
Chamba
Dharamshala and Mcleodganj
Palampur

Adventure
If you love adventure then Himachal is the place for you. Manali: Skiing & snow scooter ride, Hiking and mountaineering, Rafting and Para gliding.
Shimla: Rope-way, Skiing, Ice skating
Palampur: Para Gliding, Polo(at Taragarh palace hotel), Tracking etc.

Religious tourism
A study conducted by the Delhi based National Council for Applied Economic Research (NCAER) shows that of the 230 million tourist trips undertaken in India, the largest proportion is made up of religious pilgrimages. Devbhoomi Himachal has lot of religious places to visit. You can see Buddha monasteries, Gompa, Gurdwaras, Churches and Temples in Himachal Pradesh. See list of scared places of Hindu's, Buddhists, Sikhs and Christians here.

Business meets
If you want to brainstorm and have fun together, Himachal is the place you are looking for. You can conduct your business meets, conferences along with recreation at one of the following hill stations. All are well connected with road and air.
Kasauli
Parwanoo
Shimla
Dharmashala, Palmpur

Health
Himachal Pradesh tourism already offers 'Panchkarma' at it's various hotels. There are some other places also where you can you can avail facilities like Yoga and 'Panchkarma'.
Palampur: Hotel T-bud, Kayakalp(Himalaya Research Institute of Yoga and Naturopathy),
Ayurvedic Hospital Paprola(Baijnath)
Dharamshala, Chail(Solan). More places for 'Panchkarma'.

Home Stay
IF you want to stay in Himachal for more than a week then Home stay scheme is best for you. You will get a chance to live a village life in a homely environment. Click here to see list of home stay locations and booking related details.

Online Hotel booking
You can book Himachal Pradesh tourism department hotels online using your credit or debit card at HPTDC website. You can search for web portals of private hotels for online booking if you want to stay in some private hotel.

Tourism information
For any sort of tourism related information you can contact HPTDC through email or on toll free number.

Tourism & Civil Aviation Department,
Block No. 28, SDA Complex,
Kasumpti, Shimla-171009
ph.: 0177 - 2625864, 2625924, 2623959, 2625511
Fax: 0177 - 2625511/2625864.
E-mail: tourismmin-hp@nic.in ; tourism@hp.gov.in
Website:www.himachaltourism.gov.in
Toll Free Number: 1800 180 8077

Growth of Tourism Industry in Himachal

Tourism industry in Himachal Pradesh which was facing rough weather in past is now flourishing like anything. As per one estimate the number of total tourists who visited Himachal Pradesh in the year 2007 was 88,21,397(Indians: 8481988,Foreigners: 339409) which turned out to be 97,49,433(Indians:9372697,Foreigners:376736) for the year 2008. For the year 2009-10 Himachal Pradesh Government has set the target to attract more than ten million tourists.

In the past few years there has been a tremendous increase in Tour and travel companies who offer attractive packages to tourists for honeymoon, tracking, mountaineering etc. Road and air connectivity has also gone better lately and now AC and Volvo buses ply on daily basis to Manali, Dharamshala and Shimla from Delhi and Chandigarh.

Not only the private companies and hotels but Himachal tourism department(HPTDC) has also taken new initiatives to boost tourism in Himachal. HPTDC has conceptualized a new scheme known as Home Stay which will certainly promote village tourism. Himachal Govt. has also decided to start nature-cure centers and health resorts on Kerala pattern to promote health tourism.

Though polythene has been banned and other majors has also been taken to protect environment and Himachal's rich cultural heritage, yet diversification of tourism destinations and ever growing number of tourists can account for deep impact on environment and lives of people of hill state if tourism industry is not streamlined and anti environment activities like felling of trees, hills and mountains for establishment of hotels and resorts are not curbed before it's too late.

Drop in your comments on how you see future of tourism industry in Himachal.

Dharamshala & Mcleodganj: Ace tourist destinations

2009-09-06T01:31:00.000-07:00

Himachal Pradesh is the place where natural beauty abounds in every corner and in every valley or hilltop and so is Dharamshala. Bestowed with magnificent view of snowy peaks, lush green surroundings, tea gardens and enchanting hills, Dharamshala(Dharamsala) is situated at the foothills of Dhauladhar in Kangra valley, at a height of 1,250 meters(with an average elevation of 1457 mtrs.) from sea level.

Dharamshala is winter capital of Himachal Pradesh and also the headquarter of district Kangra. Dharamshala is one of the famous tourist places of Himachal Pradesh.

Fantastic tourist places to visit

Mcleodganj: Mcleodganj(McLeod Ganj) is the residence of Nobale Laureate, his holiness the 'Dalai Lama' and headquarter of Tibetan Govt. in exile. You can visit Tibetan monasteries, temples and St. John church.

McLeod Ganj enjoys so much foreigners round the year that while roaming in Macllo(People in and around Dharamshala prefer Macllo as a short name for McleodGanj) you may forget for a moment that you are in Himachal Pradesh. McLeod Ganj is just a few kilometers from Dharamshala.

War Memorial: War memorial has been built in the memory of brave shoulders of hill state who laid their lives for the honour and security of India in different battles. The memorial is situated near Dharamshala FM radio station.

Masrur: The rock-cut temple is approximately 40 kms. away from Dharmashala. The major attraction of this place is the fifteen exquisitely carved monolithic rock temples dating back to 8th century.

Bhagsunath Temple: Temple of god Shiva is around 11 km. from Dharamahala. Bhagsunath also has a water fall, one of the major tourist attraction.

Kunal Parthi Temple: This temple is dedicated to Goddess Kalpeshwari, and is located 3 km from the Kotwali Bazaar, Dharmshala. It’s a believed that a part of Goddess Sati, skull, fell here when Lord Shiva was carrying the charred body of the Goddess, and hence the name of the temple.

Chamunda Temple: This temple is located around 15 km from Dharamshala on the right bank of river Baner on the Mandi-Pathankot highway. According to mythology, Goddess Kali killed the demons Chand and Mund at this place.

Dal Lake: The Lake is spread in an area of 1 km and is bounded by rhododendrons, deodars, and junipers forest. Annually, a fair is held at the Kali Temple near the Lake. There is another temple close to the lake that is dedicated to sage Durvasa. Dal Lake is 2 km walk westwards from McLeodganj bazaar.

Triund: Triund is nestled in the foothills of Dhauladhar and is around 17 km from Dharamsala. It’s a trekking destination from McLeodgang, and offers magnificent vistas of the mountains and valleys. The nightstays are in the hoods, small time caves, that local gaddis with their goat herds use as shelters from rains during the daytime.

Naddi: This scenic picnic spot is located 5 km northwest of McLeodganj. Naddi offers a spectacular view of the Kangra valley. You can trek to Kareri Lake, Triund, and Guna Devi from here. It’s also becoming a popular destination for nature lovers.

View Larger Map

Palampur: Palampur, famous for tea gardens, Shobha Singh art gallery, IHBT(CSIR) and Himachal Pradesh Agriculture Univesristy is just 35 km. from Dharamshala. Read More....

Jawalamukhi: The Flamming Goddess, Jwalamukhi is the one of the most popular temple and is situated at a distance of 46 Kms. from Dharamshala.

Trilokpur: Trilokpur has a natural cave which is dedicated to lord Shiva.

Cricket stadium

Dharamshala cricket stadium is Himachal's only international cricket stadium.

Other places of interest are: Tibetan Institute of Performing Arts (TIPA), Chinmaya Tapovana, Kangra fort, Yol, Dharamakot, Kareri etc.

How to reach Dharamshala?

Dharamshala is well connected through Air and road. One can take flight from Delhi to Kangra Airport(Gaggal Airport) which is just 13 Km. from Dharamshala. Volvo and AC buses are available from Delhi to Dharamshala. If you have time then you can also enjoy small train Pathankot to Kangra. Train runs on narrow gauge from Pathankot to Jogindernagar.

Where to stay?

There are so many small and big hotels in and around Dharamshala including Asia Health Resort, Club Mahindra and Govt. rest house/circuit house.

Best time to visit Dharamshala would be between May to June or October to January. Do remember a few things when you visit Dharamshala. Dharamshala being one of India's most rainy places, may surprise you with bad weather, thunders and heavy rain. Do carry umbrella, warm cloths with you.

Lovely green hills, snow-clad peaks, pristine and fresh air will certainly have lasting effect on you, and you will leave with a lingering desire to visit Dharamshala again.

Tourist places in Himachal Pradesh

2009-06-09T09:43:00.000-07:00

Image by Srini G via Flickr

There are lots of tourist places in Himachal and visiting all can't be possible in one go. You can plan out different trips to various places at your convenience.

The Kullu valley is also known as the valley of the Gods where beside seeking blessings of Goddess Hidimba at Manali and a dip in hot water of Vashistha you can enjoy trekking, rafting, gliding and skiing. Don't forget to visit Solang valley, Roerich art gallary and the Naggar Castle, a stone and wood structure built by Raja Sidh singh over 500 years ago.

Kangra valley has lots of sacred places like Jawalamukhi, Brajeshwari Devi temple, Chamunda Devi, Rock cut temple Masroor, places of historical importance like Sujanpur fort, Kangra fort, Judges Court in Heritage village Paragpur. You can have a glimpse of western culture at Mcleodganj(Dharamshala). Dharamshala cricket stadium , Bhagsunath, lush green tea gardens of Palampur and Sobha Singh art gallery at Andretta are other famous tourist spots of Kangra.

Chamba Chaugan, Khajiyaar the mini Switzerland of India and Shiva temples in Bharmaur, Manimahesh are special attractions of Chamba district.

State capital Shimla has been hot spot for tourists since British rule. Round the year tourists from India and abroad visit Shimla, Jakhu temple, Kufri, Naldera and Mashobra.

Briefly glance at famous tourist places and plan your next visit to Dev Bhoomi Himachal:

See more presentations by Demian | Upload your own PowerPoint presentations

Uploaded on authorSTREAM by nitin | Upload your own presentation

Wild Life sanctuaries and Parks in Himachal Pradesh

2009-04-25T21:13:00.001-07:00

Dev Bhoomi Himachal has affluent flora and fauna. Approximately 64% of total geographical area of state is covered with forests. This huge forest area accounts to variety of Wild Life found in Himachal Pradesh. There are two national parks(Great Himalayan National Park & Pin Valley National Park) and Thirty two sanctuaries in Himachal Pradesh till December 2008.

Great Himalayan National Park

Situated in Distt. Kullu at an altitude of about 1500mts to5800mts, it consist of upper area of Jiwa, Tirthan and Sainj tributaries which merge in Beas river. This area consist of good forests and meadows having diverse wild life population. Tirthan was declared sanctuary on 17th June,1976 and was declared national park on 1st March 1984. It is surrounded by pin valley national park on the north east, Rupi Bhaba sanctuary on the North west. Here one can find Leopard cat, Barking deer,Himalayan Black bear, Musk deer, Red fox, Jackel, Goral, Ibex, Brown bear, Langur, Leopard,Blue Sheep,Snow leopard,wolf,Rich in flora, it has Banoak, Deodar, dry alpine scrub, Bamboo, Brakes. Tackers,flora and fona lovers have the ideal choice for this park. More information can be found at Wikipedia or at website created by Friends of GHNP.

Pin Valley National Park

Situated in Lahul-Spiti the Pin Valley National Park spreads over an area of 675 Km2 and altitude of the National Park ranges from about 3,500 metres near Ka dogri to more than 6,000 metres at its highest point. It was declared a National Park on 9th January 1987.

With its snow covered higher reaches and with limited vegetation, Pin Valley National Park forms the natural habitat of a number of endangered animals including Himalayan Ibex, Snow Leopard, Bharal, Wooly Hare, Tibetan Wolf, and Snow Cock. Whereas locating a Snow Leopard or Snow Cock could be a once in lifetime experience, it is the Himalayan Ibex which can be seen standing on a shoot against rising or setting sun. More information can be found at H.P. Forest department's website.

Pong Lake Sanctuary

Pong lake situated in Distt Kangra was created in 1976 by constructing a dam in the river Bias.This reservoir spreading over about 300 sq. km.attracts a large number of migratory water birds.It is a wet land having dry bamboo and Himalyan forest. It has one permanent Island and several others connected to the shore.The reservoir has become a habitat for several species of fish generating good revenue. Migratory birds during the winter season attracts a large number of tourists to have a glimpse of different species of water birds.Water sports are also organized for sport lovers. Indian wild beer,redfox,barking deer,hare,Mongoose, Nilgai, Sambar, Indian cobra,Indian python besides various varieties of fish like Mahasheer, Millap, Soal etc do exist.

Here is the complete list of Parks and sanctuaries and area covered by each.

S.No.	Sanctuary/ National Park	District	Area ( Km² )
1	Govind Sagar	Bilaspur	100
2	Shri Nainadevi	Bilaspur	123
3	Sach-Tuan Nala	Chamba	103
4	Gamgul-Siyabehi	Chamba	109
5	Tundah	Chamba	64
6	Kugti	Chamba	379
7	Kalatop-Khajjiar	Chamba	69
8	Pongdam Lake	Kangra	307
9	Dhauladhar	Kangra	944
10	Rakchham-Chhitkul	Kinnaur	304
11	Lipa Asrang	Kinnaur	31
12	Rupi-Bhaba	Kinnaur	503
13	Sainj	Kullu	90
14	Tirthan	Kullu	61
15	Kias	Kullu	14
16	Khokhan	Kullu	14
17	Kanawar	Kullu	61
18	Manali	Kullu	32
19	Kibber	Lahaul & Spiti	1400
20	Bandli	Mandi	41
21	Nargu	Mandi	278
22	Shikari Devi	Mandi	72
23	Daranghati I & II	Shimla	167
24	Talra	Shimla	40
25	Water Supply Catchment	Shimla	10
26	Churdhar	Sirmour	66
27	Simbalbara	Sirmour	19
28	Renuka	Sirmour	4
29	Chail	Solan	109
30	Shilli	Solan	2
31	Majathal	Solan	40
32	Darlaghat	Solan	6
	Total Area Wildlife Sanctuary		5562

33	Great Himalayan National Park	Kullu	765
34	PIN Valley National Park	Lahaul & Spiti	675

You can see all these parks and sanctuaries on map at Maps of india. So next time you are in Himachal watch out for Wild Life.

Ecology and Human Well-Being: Nature and Society in Himachal Pradesh

Hitech Himachal: IT is the new face of the hill state

2009-03-22T10:57:00.000-07:00

Image by aranarth via Flickr

Last 10 years have been years of technology in Himachal. If you look at Himachal of 90's, having a dish antenna to watch satellite channels, BSNL landline phone, computer and that too with a internet connection was a sort of privilege. Though Ramayana(Popular T.V. serial) had intensified people's desire of having a television set, yet non availability of signal was a major hurdle. Making a STD call still required a trunk booking.

Then started an era of technology evolution in Himachal. Then telecom minister Sukh Ram(Who is convicted in few cases) played a major role in this emergence of technology. His rural telephone scheme and tie up with Doordarshan to set up T.V. towers made it possible for people of Himachal to have a landline connection and a T.V. set even in remote areas.

There is no looking back for hill state since then. Now almost every part of Himachal has broadband connectivity, more than 5 GSM or CDMA mobile operators, DTH services or Cable network equipped with latest fiber optics, Cyber cafes, and bank ATMs . You should not surprise if you see Himachal Pradesh State Co-Operative bank providing online banking and ATM facility to its customers. Himachal is soon going to have IPTV, WiMAX, 3G and list goes on.

This technical advancement has helped in industrial growth of Himachal. Beside other industries, software industry has also flourished in state. Shimla, Baddi, Parwanoo and Dharmshala have software companies and freelancers who are doing well in the field of software development .

Today one can see exam results of Himachal Pradesh Board of school education or HP university online on their websites. Penetration of IT in the state can be seen from the fact that now there are number of full time websites and blogs writing round the clock about tourism and travel in Himachal, pahari songs, and news on Himachal Pardesh. Websites like Himvani.com and Himachal.us (both are N.G.O. initiative) not only provide latest news on Himachal but also run so many social campaigns.

E-Governance

IT revolution is not limited to private sector but Govt. of Himachal Pradesh itself has gone Hi tech. Himachal Govt. recently won national awards for e-governance. Official website of the state government, www.himachal.nic.in, constructed and maintained by a team of the National Informatics Centre (NIC), has been adjudged as the “Best website” by editors of the Encyclopedia Britannica. Website Himachal.nic.in provides information related to vacancies in Himachal, gazetted notifications, pension related information. You can also send your complaints to Chief Minister from Himachal.nic.

Himachal Pradesh State Wide Area Network (HIMSWAN) project under National e-Governance Programme has been launched in the state to provide Hi-tech connectivity down to the level of tehsils, sub-tehsils, blocks and Panchayats with state headquarter shimla throught internet to introduce e governance throughout the state. Himachal Govt. in collaboration with GNG has started Gram Sugam Kendras(Common Service Centers (CSCs)) in each Panchayat. The scope of services that can be provided through CSC is not limited to State Government domain but also include services of Central Government Departments as also that of private/public sector organizations like LIC, BSNL, Mobile phone service providers, Internet Café and many more. In private domain, CSCs may provide services like Ticket Booking, Gram Haat, Tele-Medicine, Tele-education, Internet Access, Insurance, Cable TV etc.

Few good websites on Himachal:
Himachal.nic.in
Himachal.us
http://www.mcllo.com/
www.123himachal.com
www.himvani.com

Why Himachal is called Dev Bhoomi ?

2008-12-18T07:42:00.000-08:00

People always wonder why Himachal is known as Dev Bhoomi(Land of God)? Land of snow fed meadows, singing streams has more than 2000 temples with almost every village having at least one temple besides community Devta or local Deities. If you track high areas of Himachal and find small temples built of stone at places with no habitation then don't be surprised. It is a common thing in Himachal.

No fair or festival is complete without the presence of local Devta who travel in Palki. Belief is such that there are places in Himachal where all the decisions are made by the Deity. Whether someone is suffering from hysteria, ill mental health, or it is a land dispute all has to be solved by local Deities.

It may sound unrealistic and unbelievable to rest of world but still few people of DevBhoomi believe in such things and they always abide by whatever is being ordered by local Deities.

The Temples in Himachal Pradesh are both, the holy places as well as the tourist places. One should not miss eighty four temples of Bharmaur including swarg ka dwar, Chintpurni, Jawaliji, Naina Devi, Hidimba devi temple, Vashisith, Chamunda Devi, Kathgarh Temple Indora, Shiv Temple Baijnath, Jakhu temple and list goes on.............

Paragliding, Hang-Gliding in Bir-Billing

2008-10-12T10:07:00.000-07:00

People of Dev Bhoomi Himachal has always been a part of adventurous sports knowingly or unknowingly. Mountaineering, Crossing rivers either in Jhoola(Wooden box fixed with a pulley in rope ), by swimming or by boats has always been part of daily life for Himachali's.

Adventures Sports

With the economic, social and technological development, all these daily activities has now become sports activities for tourists and even for the people of Himachal. Latest technology, grass root development in all walks of life has introduced few new sports in Himachal like mountain biking, Car rally(Raid-De-Himalaya), Rafting and aero sports like Gliding.

Gliding

Hang Gliding started in Himachal in Eighties from Bir-Billing. Billing in Himachal Pradesh is located at 2290 mts. from sea level in the Kangra valley. Billing has the credit for organizing the very first Paragliding competition according to the rules of Federation Aeronautique International. Billing is considered to be one of the best takeoff points for hang Gliding and Paragliding.

The unadorned peak of Billing, above the Buddhist monastery of Bir in Kangra(Himachal Pradesh), has been the venue for five national and three international hang-gliding rallies since 1984. Shielded by the mountains and surrounded by lush green tea gardens, Bir a small village with a Tibetan Colony(Chaugan) and monasteries in Kangra district, serves as a landing ground and a base for Hang and Para gliders. For last few years only paragliding competitions are being organized in Bir-Billing and Hang gliding has become a thing of past.

Himachal Pradesh Tourism Corporation (HTDC) organizes aero sports training courses and events at various times of the year. HTDC also runs Aero Sports Complex at Bir which imparts training in Paragliding and Hang-Gliding. The Department of Tourism and Civil Aviation, Government of Himachal Pradesh organizes the 'Para Gliding Pre world Cup' at Billing- Bir every year in the month of October .

If you love adventure, greenery and wanted to feel fresh and energetic then do visit Bir-billing in the month of October. Bir is approximately 30 Kms from Palampur whereas Billing is only 14 kms from Bir.

Weekend drive to Dharmpur

2008-08-31T05:17:00.000-07:00

If you happen to be in Chandigarh, Ambala, Panchkula, Mohali or nearby areas then don't miss the chance to go on a weekend drive to Dharmapur, a small town located on national Highway no. 22 on Kalka-Shimla highway. Not only you can enjoy cool and pure breeze from hills but also the adventures drive.

If you love weekend drive, exotic food, open spaces and a lively atmosphere, then Dharmpur is the place for you. Famous food junctions viz Giani Da Dhaba, Cafee cofee day, Modern Dhaba, Cafe Coffee Day, Golfer's , Hot Millions will certainly delight you. The most popular food point for tourists is 'Giani da Dhaba' . So many people just travel to enjoy delecious meal. On the way you can also enjoy Timber Trail ropeway at Parwanoo, burgers at McDonald's.

Dharampur is also connected by Kalka-Shimla narrow gauge railway line which mean you can also enjoy Kalka-Shimla heritage train if you don't want to drive own vehicle. So what are you waiting for?? Next weekend?

Jugal Kishore

2008-07-26T05:52:00.000-07:00

Ever thought that famous old Hindi film Dada having popular song " Dil ke tukde tukde kar ke muskara ke chal diye..." was a work of a Himachali. Yes, It was Jugal Kishore a Himachali by birth.

Jugal Kishore belonged to a small village Thakurdwara near Palampur(Kangra) in Himachal Pradesh. He lost his father at an early age. Jugal Kishor was from a very poor family so for livelihood he went to Mumbai(Bombay). He made a few Punjabi and Hindi films and achieved the biggest success in his Silver Jublie movie "DADA". He died of a heart attack in 1979. He as a Director, Producer created following films:

Directed

Dada, 1979
Do Khiladi, 1976
Anokha, 1975
Morni, 1975
Apradhi, 1974
Sabak, 1973
Munimji, 1972
Khoj, 1971
Deedar, 1970
Simla Road, 1969
Fareb, 1968
Bahadur Daku, 1966
Lal Bangla, 1966
Faisla, 1965
Main Hoon Jadugar, 1965
Ek Din Ka Badshah, 1964
Jagga, 1964
Gul-E-Bakawali, 1963
Laajo, 1963
Khedan De Din Char, 1962
Guddi, 1961
Miss Good Night, 1960
Mitti Mein Sona, 1960
Bhangra, 1959
Ten O'Clock, 1958
Ghulam Begum Badshah, 1956

Produced

Do Khiladi, 1976
Anokha, 1975
Apradhi, 1974
Sabak, 1973
Munimji, 1972
Khoj, 1971
Deedar, 1970
Faisla, 1965
Gul-E-Bakawali, 1963

Music Director

Bheegi Palken, 1982

Prominent Personalities of Himachal

2008-07-20T00:53:00.000-07:00

Dev Bhoomi Himachal has produced legends who brought name and fame to Himachal through their unconventional efforts in different walks of life. Their dedication to their respective fields is exemplary.

Entertainment and Cinema

· Jugal Kishor (Film Director: Dada Fame) : Ever thought that famous old Hindi film Dada having popular song " Dil ke tukde tukde kar ke muskara ke chal diye... Read More

· Ramesh Sharma(Film Producer): Ramesh Sharma who has produced movies like Baaghi , hails from Jhaniari village of Hamirpur district.

· Preity Zinta (Actress)

Image via Wikipedia

· Kangna Ranaut(Actress): Kangna Ranaut, noted Bollywood actress hails from Bhambla village
of Himachal Pradesh (India). Read More...

· Prem Chopra: Brought up in Himachal. What Prem Chopra says about his stay in Himachal in an interview with Screen?

“Himachal Pradesh, for me, means greenery, beautiful scenery and content and loving people. Compared to the big city, the locales are very happy there. And their happiness shows on their faces. I guess it is the weather, the environment or may be it is because people don’t have too many desires and are happy with what little they have. They know how to live within their limited budget. In Himachal Pradesh, you can feel the nature taking care of you. I would say the place has been blessed with nature. Even the mud smells divine.” Read More….

·Anupam Kher

Image by mlanghans via Flickr

Image via Wikipedia

·Mohit Chauhan: Mohit Chauhan who came into the lime light with the song ‘Dooba Dooba Rehta Hoon’ from his first album Boondein hails from Sirmaur(Nahan) in Himachal. Read More...

·Manohar Singh

·Shriya Sharma(Kasuati zindgi key and Kya aap Panchvi Pass Se Tej Hain fame: She belongs to Nurpur area of Himachal. Read More...

·Shreya(Blue Umbrella fame)

Politics

·Shanta Kumar: Great Politician and writer

·Y.S. Parmar : Great Politician

·Pahari Gandhi Baba Kanshi Ram(Freedom fighter and Poet)

Defense

·Maj. Somnath Sharma(PVC)

·Capt Vikram Batra(PVC for Kargil War)

·Sourbah Kalia

·Rifle Man Sanjay Kumar(PVC for Kargil War): Sanjay hails from the Bilaspur district of Himachal Pradesh.

Sports

·Great Khali: WWE fighter belongs to Dhirana village of Sirmaur Distt. in Himachal Read More….

·Suman Rawat: ( Arjuna Awardee)

Famous Personalities related to Himachal
Himachal’s Shrine and pure environment has attracted people so much that they decided to make Himachal their home for their creative work

·Nicholas Roerich: Russian painting artist who lived at Naggar in Manali. Roerich Art Galley, Naggar, Kulu is the hot spot for tourists and art lovers.

·Sardar Shoba Singh: Famous painting artist from who created his most memorable paintings at Andreta near Palampur. Shoba Singh Art Gallery is full of his remarkable work and a must visit place for art lovers. During his 38 year stay at Andretta, S. Sobha Singh painted hundreds of paintings including famous “Kangra Bride” and ‘Her grace the Gaddan’. See his famous paintings http://www.sobhasinghartist.com/painting1.html

·Norah Richards (Drama): Norah Richards famous theater artist also chose Andretta as her abode .

·Ruskin Bond: Ruskin Bond (Born 19 May, 1934) famous Indian author of British descent. He was born in Kasauli (Himachal Pradesh). His famous work includes Blue Umbrella, The Kite maker.

Image via Wikipedia

Others Who lived or are living in Himachal

·Dalai Lama: His holy Dalai lama running Tibetan Govt. in exile from Dharamshala(Kangra).

·Dev Anannd: Evergreen actor completed his college education from Govt. Degree college Dharamshala(Kangra).

·Amrish Puri: Mogembo graduated from BM College in Himachal. Read what Amrish Puri says about his stay in Himachal in an interview with Screen?

“
I have very pleasant memories associated with Simla. Back in the 40s and 50s the place was a haven of nature. I recall with nostalgia my many walks along the Mall road. The cool breeze caressed you and you could just walk and walk without feeling tiresome. Now of course the place is so overcrowded that one shudders to set foot there…..”

Read More….

·Hamid Karzai: Hamid Karzai President of Afghanistan studied in Himachal from 1979 to 1983, Karzai took a postgraduate course in political science at Himachal Pradesh University in Shimla .

·Omar Abdulla: Studied in Himachal at the Lawrence School, Sanawar, near Kasauli in Himachal Pradesh state

·Sanjay Dutt: He was educated at the Lawrence School, Sanawar, near Kasauli in Himachal Pradesh state

·Balraj Sahni : Remained Associated with Gaiety theater, Shimla.

·Parikishit Sahni: Studied at studied at Lawrence School Sanawar, Himachal. What Parikishit Sahni says about his stay in Himachal in an interview with Screen?

"When I think of Himachal Pradesh, the first thing that comes to my mind is the fantastic beauty of the state, the snow-capped mountains, the landscape, the tall pine trees, the clouds. Also the people there are so nice, well-behaved, warm and peace-loving. I don’t know whether to say this or not but marijuana is freely available there, which is why you have many people, especially foreign tourists flocking to Kulu Manali."

Himachal Bhagti Sangeet

2008-06-12T08:04:00.000-07:00

Himachali Bhajans(Pahari Bhagti Sangeet) are integral part of Himachali culture. Whether it's birthday,marriage or some other festival,Bhajan in local(pahari) language are always sung along with other Hindi Bhajans & Aaarti.You can enjoy few Himachali Bhagti songs below.

Shiv Kailasho Bhajan            Bhala Sadhu Jogia

Bhajo Meri Tulasi                 Manukh Chola

Download Bhagti Songs

You can visit following websites for Pahari Bhagti Songs
http://www.bhaktisangeet.com/bhajan/himachali/himachali.html
Download radha krishna and few other at CoolGoose

Download Naina Devi Aarti
http://www.nainadevi.com/mp3/a1v-1fm.mp3
http://www.nainadevi.com/mp3/a2v-1fm.mp3

Visit Palampur this summer

2008-05-11T00:07:00.000-07:00

Want some relief from hot summer then visit Palampur and breath cool,fresh air in the lap of Himalayas

Uploaded on authorSTREAM by devbhoomihimachal

Himachal Day

2008-04-14T18:45:00.000-07:00

Today Dev bhoomi Himachal completed 60 years of existence .After independence the Chief Commissioner's province of H.P. came into being on 15th April, 1948.Since then Himachal day is celebrated every year on 15th April.Himachal has witnessed tremendous growth in all walks of life in last 60 years.Literacy rate which was just 7.1% in 1948 has gone up to 86%.Almost all villages have drinking water facility and electricity.Himachal now have more than thirty thousand industrial units. Most of people confuse Statehood day celebrated on 25th January with Himachal day.On 25th January,1971 Himachal got the status of full fledged state due to efforts of Dr. Y.S.Parmar.
Refer to http://himachal.nic.in/tour/history.htm for history of Himachal.

Marriage in Himachal

2008-03-30T08:16:00.000-07:00

Every community,region,religion has its own set of customs and manners .Marriage customs in Devbhoomi Himachal not only differ from one done in rest of India but also within state.Kundli(Horoscope) still plays a vital role in match making.Marriage in same gotra and inter cast marriages are still not considered good.Once the horoscopes match then priest fixes date of marriage .Different districts of Himachal has different marriage customs .Bride and Groom are carried in Palki in some places .Boy has to wear Dhoti to perform some rituals in marriage.Girl normally wear a suit(Now a days Lehngas are also popular).Bride is given jewelry ,cloths etc by grooms family .Bride is also given jewelry by her maternal uncle and family.Dham(Lunch served) is one of attraction of Himachali marriage .

Here are some videos which will let you enjoy a Himachali marriage .

Video source:Youtube

Mandi Shivratri fair

2008-03-18T19:34:00.000-07:00

Devbhoomi Himachal celebrates number of fairs and festivals ,most of which are part of religious celebrations.Whether it is Minjar of Chamba,Dushurra of Kullu or Shivratri of Mandi all has one thing common ,presence of local gods and Goddesses .Mandi a town on the bank of river Beas with so many ancient temples celebrates International Shivratri fair every year in the month of March.

Source of information,Images:WebShots,Video:Youtube

Great Khali from Longest yard to Get Smart

2008-02-29T18:42:00.000-08:00

Image via Wikipedia

Born as Dalip Singh Rana in a small village of Himachal is now Great Khali for the world.Dalip Singh Rana was born on August 27th, 1972 in a humble family of the Dhirana village of Sirmaur Distt. in Himachal Pradesh .He worked for
many years as a labourer in a small village and later in Shimla, later he was picked by the Punjab Police chief and recruited as a constable in Punjab Police due to his bodybuilding talent.
He Won Mr. India talent and this led to his journey to WWE.There was no looking back for him after defeating undertaker in no time.He got offers for Hollywood movies and his remarkable performance in Longest Yard proved his talent in acting too.
Dalip's latest Hollywood film venture is the upcoming comedy Get Smart starring Steve Carell and Bill Murray.Film is expected to be released in sept. 2008.Though he lost to Undertaker this year yet his popularity remains same.Khali is not only a source of inspiration for Indian Youth but for whole world .He has proved that strong will and continuous efforts always bear fruit in any walk of life.Dalip's journey from small village to Hollywood give a message:"If your duty is to sweep ,sweep so well that no body can excel you"

Scene from Longest Yard

Mohit Chauhan a true Himachali

2008-02-03T03:26:00.000-08:00

Mohit Chauhan who came into the lime light with the song ‘Dooba Dooba Rehta Hoon’ from his first album Boondein hails from Sirmaur(Nahan) in Himachal.Mohit Chauhan(Silk Route) well known celebrity has also sung for various Hindi films such as Mukt (2001), Road (2002), Main Meri Patni Aur Woh (2005), Rang De Basanti (2006), Jab We Met (2007) etc.

Mohit is founder member of Silk Route popular Indian music band.Mohit had no formal training in music.He taught himself the harmonica, the acoustic guitar etc.He had his college education from Dharmshala(Kangra) and it is where he started performing in a musical group.Mohit who loves Himachali folk music and pahari songs included "More ni marna.... " and "Thanda pani ..." in his albums .His music is inspired by the mountains and the rich culture of the hill people.His such efforts has given new shape to Himachali folk music .

Click here to listen/download some of his songs.

Himachal Celebrates 38th Statehood Day

2008-01-24T07:11:00.000-08:00

On 18th December, 1970 the State of Himachal Pradesh Act was passed by Parliament and the new state came into being on 25th January, 1971. Thus H.P. emerged as the eighteenth state of Indian Union.
In these 37 years Himachal has made a remarkable development in every area. Whether its education, power projects, entertainment and media or social empowerment Himachal has set a milestone. Power Projects are serving as cash crop for the state and Baddi has turned out to be first choice of industry.
Himachali’s well known for their hard work and honesty are on top notch positions not only in India but in so many countries of world.
Days are nor far when Himachal becomes self sufficient and we produly say "I'm Himachali...I'm Paharia...." .Let us we all strive hard to make this happen .

Himachali food:Khatta Meat(Rare non veg)

2008-01-15T06:33:00.000-08:00

Himachali's have developed different tastes over the period of time .Himachali food finds bit resemblance with some food of south and the famous Punjabi food.Himachali's love to have Chattni,Khatta/Mahani,Khoru/Kheru,Achaar etc. along with food.Kangra area of Himachal is famous for different dhishes sour in taste.If you have been to Kangra you must have enjoyed famous Khatti dal.But this time recipe for non-veg lovers.Khatta meat(Mutton sour in taste) and Khatti Machi(Sour fried fish) are among one of dishes which are rare these days.Lets talk about Khatta meat .
First of all prepare garam masala using badi and choti elaichi,few pieces of daal chini, cloves and grind them.Get fresh mutton and chop it in pieces.Now add some mustered oil(depending on quantity of mutton) into a pressure cooker or kadahi and add chopped onion, garlic, ginger, and green chillies to it. Cook the mixture till it gets brown in color.Then add chopped tomatoes to the mixture and stir well till oil gets separated. Add chilli powder, garam masala, methi powder, salt, amchoor(dried mango powder) or Makadiyan(dried mango pieces) and dhania powder to it and cook well for 2-3 minutes. Now add mutton pieces to it and cook on full flame for 15-20 minutes and stir continuously.You can also add some lemon juice for flavour.Close the lid of the pressure cooker and let it cook for 15-20 minutes.In case you find even after 15-20 minutes mutton is not cooked well then cook it for additional 10-15 minutes.Serve Khatta meat with rice.
There are some Dhaba's on roadside which still serve traditional Himachali food including Khatta meat or Khatti machali.

Portfolio of Himachal Cabinet ministers

2008-01-09T19:22:00.000-08:00

BJP Govt in Himachal finally inducted 9 ministers in cabinet .One member each were taken from Mandi, Hamirpur, Bilaspur, Shimla and Solan districts.Kangra got 4 ministers.

1.Thakur Gulab Singh – PWD (Public Work Department)and Revenue .
2. J.P.Nadda – Forest ,science and Technology,Environment and Parliamentry affairs.
3. Sarveen Chaudhary – Dept. Of Social Justice and Empowerment
4. Ravinder Singh Ravi – IPH (Irrigation And Public Health Department) .
5. Ramesh Dhawala – Food and Supply ,Labour and Empowerment
6. Rajiv Bindal – Health ,Ayurveda and Family Welfare.
7. Narender Bragta – Horticulture Dept.
8. Ishwar Dass Dhiman – Education Minister
9. Kishan Kapoor – Transport,Town and Country planning and Housing.

Himachal election results

2008-01-02T08:11:00.000-08:00

BJP- 41 (+25) ,Congress- 23 (-20) ,Others- 4

Constituency	Party	Candidate Won
Kinnaur	Bharatiya Janata Party	TEJWANT SINGH
Rampur	Indian National Congress	NAND LAL
Rohru	Indian National Congress	VIRBHADRA SINGH
Jubbal-Kotkhai	Bharatiya Janata Party	NARINDER BRAGTA
Chopal	Indian National Congress	SUBHASH CHAND MANGLATE
Kumarsain	Indian National Congress	VIDYA
Theog	Independent	RAKESH VERMA
Simla	Bharatiya Janata Party	SURESH BHARDWAJ
Kasumpti	Indian National Congress	SOHAN LAL
Arki	Bharatiya Janata Party	GOBIND RAM
Doon	Bharatiya Janata Party	VINOD KUMARI
Nalagarh	Bharatiya Janata Party	HARI NARAYAN SINGH
Kasauli	Bharatiya Janata Party	DR. RAJIV SAIZAL
Solan	Bharatiya Janata Party	DR. RAJEEV BINDAL
Pachhad	Indian National Congress	GANGU RAM MUSAFIR
Rainka	Indian National Congress	DR. PREM SINGH
Shillai	Indian National Congress	HARSHWARDHAN CHAUHAN
Paonta Doon	Bharatiya Janata Party	SUKH RAM
Nahan	Indian National Congress	KUSH PARMAR
Kotkehloor	Bharatiya Janata Party	RANDHIR SHARMA
Bilaspur	Bharatiya Janata Party	JAGAT PRAKASH NADDA
Ghumarwin	Indian National Congress	RAJESH DHARMANI
Geharwin	Bharatiya Janata Party	RIKHI RAM KAUNDAL
Nadaun	Indian National Congress	SUKHVINDER SINGH SUKHU
Hamirpur	Bharatiya Janata Party	URMIL THAKUR
Bamsan	Bharatiya Janata Party	PROF. PREM KUMAR DHUMAL
Mewa	Bharatiya Janata Party	ISHWAR DASS DHIMAN
Nadaunta	Bharatiya Janata Party	BALDEV SHARMA
Gagret	Bharatiya Janata Party	BALBIR SINGH
Chintpurni	Indian National Congress	RAKESH KALIA
Santokgarh	Indian National Congress	MUKESH AGNIHOTRI
Una	Bharatiya Janata Party	SATPAL SINGH 'SATTI'
Kutlehar	Bharatiya Janata Party	VIRENDER KANWAR
Nurpur	Independent	RAKESH PATHANIA
Gangath	Bharatiya Janata Party	DES RAJ
Jawali	Bharatiya Janata Party	RAJAN SUSHANT
Guler	Indian National Congress	NEERAJ BHARTI
Jaswan	Indian National Congress	NIKHIL RAJOUR (MANU SHARMA)
Pragpur	Indian National Congress	YOG RAJ
Jawalamukhi	Bharatiya Janata Party	RAMESH CHAND
Thural	Bharatiya Janata Party	RAVINDER SINGH
Rajgir	Bharatiya Janata Party	ATMA RAM
Baijnath	Indian National Congress	SUDHIR SHARMA
Palampur	Bharatiya Janata Party	PARVEEN KUMAR
Sulah	Bharatiya Janata Party	VIPIN SINGH PARMAR
Nagrota	Indian National Congress	G. S. BALI
Shahpur	Bharatiya Janata Party	SARVEEN CHOUDHARY
Dharamsala	Bharatiya Janata Party	KISHAN KAPOOR
Kangra	Bahujan Samaj Party	SANJAY CHAUDHARY
Bhattiyat	Indian National Congress	KULDEEP SINGH PATHANIA
Banikhet	Bharatiya Janata Party	RENU CHADHA
Rajnagar	Indian National Congress	SURINDER BHARDWAJ
Chamba	Bharatiya Janata Party	BAL KRISHAN CHAUHAN
Bharmour	Bharatiya Janata Party	TULSI RAM
Lahaul And Spiti	Bharatiya Janata Party	DR. RAM LAL MARKANDA
Kulu	Bharatiya Janata Party	GOVIND SINGH THAKUR
Banjar	Bharatiya Janata Party	KHIMI RAM
Ani	Bharatiya Janata Party	KISHORI LAL
Karsog	Independent	HIRA LAL
Chachiot	Bharatiya Janata Party	JAI RAM THAKUR
Nachan	Bharatiya Janata Party	DILE RAM
Sundernagar	Bharatiya Janata Party	ROOP SINGH
Balh	Indian National Congress	PRAKASH CHAUDHARY
Gopalpur	Bharatiya Janata Party	INDER SINGH
Dharampur	Bharatiya Janata Party	MAHENDER SINGH
Joginder Nagar	Bharatiya Janata Party	GULAB SINGH
Darang	Indian National Congress	KAUL SINGH
Mandi	Indian National Congress	ANIL KUMAR

One more Himachali Dish

2007-12-15T07:37:00.000-08:00

One more Secret Himachali dish :Siddu ,all the way from Kotkhai.

Himachal Election:who will take whom?

2007-11-29T09:44:00.000-08:00

All political parties have declared their final lsit of candidates.Shanta,Sat Mahajan,SukhRam are out of state politics .Dhumal is back as a CM candidate.Following is list showing who is going to take whom:

Congress                                 BJP                      Constituency
Virbhadra Singh        Kushi Ram Balnatta            Rohru
Gangu Ram Musafir        Suresh Kashyap            Pachhad (SC)
Thakur Ram Lal        Randhir Sharma            Kotkehloor
Sujan Singh Pathania        Rajan Sushant            Jawali
Brij Behari Lal        Pravin Sharma            Palampur
Raj Krishan Gaur        Govind Thakur            Kullu
Rangila Ram Rao        Col Inder Singh Thakur            Gopalpur
Kaul Singh Thakur        Jawhar Thakur            Darang
Chandresh Kumari        Kishan Kapoor            Dharamshala
Rohit Thakur        Narender Bragta            Jubbal Kotkhai
Subhash Manglate        Radharaman Shastri            Chopal
Vidya Stokes        Bhagat Ram Chauhan            Kumarsain
Rajinder Verma        Daulat Ram Verma            Theog
Harbhajan Singh Bhajji        Suresh Bhardwaj            Shimla
Sohan Lal        Tarsem Bharti            Kasumpti (SC)
Prakash Chand Karat        Govind Verma            Arki
Lajja Ram        Vinod Chandel            Doon
Lakhwinder Rana        Harinarayan Singh Saini            Nalagarh
Raghu Raj        Rajiv Sajjal            Kasauli (SC)
Dr. Kailash Prashar        Rajiv Bindal            Solan
Anil Sharma        Praveen Sharma            Mandi
Nand Lal        Brij Lal            Rampur (SC)
Dr. Prem Singh        Balbir Singh            Renuka (SC)
Harsh Wardhan        Baldev Singh Tomar            Shillai
Kirnesh Jung        Sukh Ram            Paonta
Kush Parmar        Shyama Sharma            Nahan
Tilak Raj Sharma        JP Nadda            Bilaspur
Rajesh Dharmani        Karmdev Dharmani            Ghumarwin
Biru Ram        Rikhi Ram Kaundal            Geharwin (SC)
Sukhvinder Singh        Vijay Agniotri            Nadaun
Anita Verma        Urmila Thakur            Hamirpur
Col. B.C.Lagwal        Prem Kuamr Dhumal            Bamsan
Suresh Kumar        ID Dhiman            Mewa (SC)
Vidya Zar        Baldev Sharma            Nadaunta
Kuldeep Kumar        Balbir Sing Chaudhary            Gagret (SC)
Rakesh Kalia        Narinder Sharma            Chintpurni
Mukesh Agnihotri        Jagroop Singh            Santoshgarh
Verinder Gautam        Satpal Satti            Una
Ram Nath Sharma        Virender Kanwar            Kutlehar
Ajay Mahajan        Mallika Pathania            Nurpur
Bodh Raj        Anita Dhiman            Gangath (SC)
Neeraj Bharti        Harbans Singh Rana            Guler
Nikhil Rajour        Vikram Singh Thakur            Jaswan
Yog Raj        Naveen Dhiman            Pragpur (SC)
Ruma Kaundal        Ramesh Dhawala            Jawalamukhi
Sanjay Rana        Ravinder Singh Ravi            Thural
Dr.Milkhi Ram Goma        Atma Ram            Rajgir (SC)
Sudhir Sharma        Dulo Ram            Baijnath
Jagjiwan Paul        Vipin Parmar            Sulah
G.S. Bali        Mangal Chaudhary            Nagrota
Kewal Singh Patania        Sharveen Chaudhary            Shahpur
Surinder Kumar        Vidyasagar            Kangra
Kuldeep Singh Pathania        BS Chauhan            Bhattiyat
Asha Kumari        Renuka Chadda            Banikhet
Surinder Bhardwaj        Mohan Lal            Rajnagar (SC)
Pawan Nayyar        Balkrishan Chauhan            Chamba
Satya Prakash Thakur        Khimi Ram            Banjjar
Ishwar Dass        Kishori Lal            Anni (SC)
Mast Ram        Mansa Ram            Karsog (SC)
Shiv Lal        Jai Ram Thakur            Chachiot
Tek Chand        Dile Ram            Nachan (SC)
Sohan Lal Thakur        Thakur Roop Singh            Sundernagar
Prakash Chaudhary        Damodar Dass            Balh (SC)
Chander Shekhar        Mahinder Singh Thakur            Dharampur
Surender Pal        Thakur Gulab Singh            Joginder Nagar

Himachali dish:Patrode

2007-11-18T06:45:00.000-08:00

There are lot of traditional dishes which are cooked in Himachali kitchen.With the modernization of food habits these dishes are on the verge of disappearance .One such dish is 'Patrode'/'Patode' or sometimes called 'beth'.

Ingredients:
Taro leaves (arbi ke patte,Famous as Kachalu ke patte in Himachal) : 7-10(As per requirement) Rice,Chane ki Dal,Dale mah,Turmeric powder (haldi),Coriander powder (dhania),Salt,Mustered Oil,Water,Thread,Pomegranate seeds (anardana) or amchoor,Desi Ghee,Green chillies ,Garam Masala ,Gram flour (besan) : 250 gms

Recipe:
Soak Rice , Chane ki dal,dale mah overnight.Prepare a paste of Soaked rice,Soaked chane ki dal,soaked Dale mah,Salt(as per taste),Haldi(turmeric),Garam Masala,Dhania powder, green chillies ,4-5 tea spoons of mustered oil, pomegranate seeds or amchoor(Optional) either in a mixer-grinder or on a sillbatta (If you didn't get time to soak rice,chane ki dal and dale mah then as a quick alternative you can use Gram flour).
Wash Taro leaves (arbi/Kachalu ke patte).Now apply the paste formed above evenly on the underside of a taro leaf. Place another leaf on that and repeat the process till you have piled up three-four leaves. Now roll the leaves and keep applying the paste. When it is completely rolled, tie them up loosely with a thread(Instead of thread you can use turmeric leaves to tie and have different flavour).Repeat the process with the remaining leaves.
Now there are two processes to cook depending upon your taste:

Place some thing at the bottom of the pressure-cooker. Add 1 & ½ cup of water and 1 tbsp of oil to water and steam cook the above chunks till three/four whistles. Let it cool for about 15-20 minutes. Remove the threads and cut it into two pieces.

Serve it hot with desi ghee spread over it or deep fry these small pieces. And serve it with chatney or tomato sauce.

Or
Pour some mustered oil in pressure cooker or in some deep pot having lid and thick base .Cook these chunks on low gas for approximately half an hour or till these chunks get fully cooked .Make sure to displace chunks after a gap of 4-5 minutes so that these get cooked from all sides.Serve them hot with deshi ghee,sauce or chatney.

Happy Diwali

2007-11-08T02:32:00.000-08:00

Himachal election winner?

2007-11-01T22:30:00.000-07:00

BJP Rally in Mandi(H.P.)

2007-10-21T23:17:00.000-07:00

Rally season has started in Himachal Pradesh.This Video shows BJP rally in Mandi.

Elections for Himachal's 11th Vidhan Sabha

2007-10-15T19:40:00.000-07:00

Dev Bhoomi Himachal is all set to go for elections of 11th Vidhan Sabha.Election fiver is gripping all over the state .BJP,Congress all are confident of victory.If we go with the trend then it is time for BJP to form a Govt in the state.Bigger question for BJP is to project a CM candidate.
Congress,BJP and even BSP will try to lure people of state to win the battle of the ballot. It is well knwon fact that most of the people vote someone for personal reasons.Youth vote for getting Govt. job or some other monetary benifit .Employees vote for not be transfered from native place .Housewife vote as suggested by husband.No body votes for the real cause of Election .The cause of social upliftment,the cause of providing food to everyone,the cause of social justice.

Previous Trend:
Summary, 1998 Election
Total Seats: 68
BJP: 31
Congress: 31
Himachal Vikas Congress: 5
Independent: 1

Summary, 2003 Election
Total Seats: 68
Congress:43
BJP:16
HVC:1
LMHP:1
LJNSP:1
Independent:6
Source: http://www.eci.gov.in/StatisticalReports/SE_Feb_2003/StatReport2003_HP.pdf

Present memebers of Vidhan Sabha :
Constituency Code Members Name

01 KINNAUR(S.T.) : JAGAT SINGH

02 RAMPUR(S.C.) : SINGHI RAM
03 ROHRU : VIRBHADRA SINGH
04 JUBBAL-KOTKHAI: ROHIT THAKUR
05 CHOPAL : SUBASH CHAND
06 KUMARSAIN : VIDYA STOKES
07 THEOG : RAKESH VERMA
08 SHIMLA HARBHAJAN: SINGH BHAJJI
09 KASUMPTI(S.C.): SOHAN LAL
10 ARKI : DHARAM PAL THAKUR
11 DOON : LAJJA RAM
12 NALAGARH HARI : NARAYAN SINGH
13 KASAULI(S.C.) : RAGHU RAJ
14 SOLAN : DR. RAJIV BINDAL
15 PACHHAD(S.C.) : GANGU RAM MUSAFIR
16 RENUKA(S.C.) : DR. PREM SINGH
17 SHILLAI : HARSH WARDHAN
18 PAONTA-DOON : SUKH RAM CHAUDHARY
19 NAHAN : SADA NAND CHAUHAN
20 KOT-KEHLOOR : RAM LAL THAKUR
21 BILASPUR : TILAK RAJ
22 GHUMARWIN : KARAM DEV DHARMANI
23 GEHARWIN(S.C.): DR. BEERU RAM KISHORE
24 NADAUN : SUKHVINDER SINGH
25 HAMIRPUR : ANITA VERMA
26 BAMSAN : VACANT
27 MEWA(S.C.) : ISHWAR DASS DHIMAN
28 NADAUNTA : BALDEV SHARMA
29 GAGRET(S.C.) : KULDEEP KUMAR
30 CHINTPURNI : RAKESH KALIA
31 SANTOKHGARH : MUKESH AGNIHOTRI
32 UNA : SATPAL SINGH SATTI
33 KUTLEHAR : VIRENDER KANWAR
34 NURPUR : SAT MAHAJAN
35 GANGATH(S.C.) : BODH RAJ
36 JAWALI : SUJAN SINGH
37 GULER : HARBANS SINGH RANA
38 JASWAN : BIKRAM SINGH
39 PRAGPUR(S.C.) : NAVEEN DHIMAN
40 JAWALAMUKHI : RAMESH CHAND
41 THURAL : RAVINDER SINGH
42 RAJGIR(S.C.) : ATMA RAM
43 BAIJNATH : SUDHIR SHARMA
44 PALAMPUR : BRIJ BEHARI LAL
45 SULAH : JAGJIWAN PAUL
46 NAGROTA : G.S.BALI
47 SHAHPUR : VACANT
48 DHARAMSALA : CHANDRESH KUMARI
49 KANGRA : SURINDER KUMAR
50 BHATTIYAT : KULDIP SINGH PATHANIA
51 BANIKHET : ASHA KUMARI
52 RAJNAGAR(S.C.): SURINDER BHARDWAJ
53 CHAMBA : HARSH MAHAJAN
54 BHARMOUR(S.T.): THAKAR SINGH
55 LAHAUL-SPITI(ST): RAGHBIR SINGH
56 KULLU : RAJ KRISHAN GOUR
57 BANJAR : KHIMI RAM
58 ANI(S.C.) : ISHWAR DASS
59 KARSOG(S.C.) : MAST RAM
60 CHACHIOT : JAI RAM THAKUR
61 NACHAN(S.C.) : TEK CHAND
62 SUNDERNAGAR : SOHAN LAL THAKUR
63 BALH(S.C.) : DAMODAR DASS
64 GOPALPUR : RANGILA RAM RAO
65 DHARAMPUR : MOHINDER SINGH
66 JOGINDERNAGAR : SURINDER PAL
67 DRANG : KAUL SINGH
68 MANDI : PT. SUKH RAM
Source of information: http://hpvidhansabha.nic.in/cmap.asp

Let us wait and see which from above list continue their journey as member of legislative assembly and which not.

check your name and voter no here: http://search.eci.gov.in/search_name.aspx?st_code=S08

Capt. Vikram Batra a great warrior

2007-10-03T20:25:00.000-07:00

Capt. Vikram Batra a great soldier from the soil of Dev Bhoomi Himachal :

Himachal Recipe: Sepu bari (Mukand Bari Madra)

2007-10-02T10:11:00.000-07:00

Sepu badi or Mukund Badi is one of the key dishes of Kangra and Mandi Dham(Lunch served in traditional marriage). Sepu badi Madra is one of the most sought after starter.

In order to prepare 'Sepu Badi Madra' you need Sepu badi(Mukund Badi). You can get 'Sepu Badi' from shop or you can prepare it at home too. 'Sepu badi' can be prepared from ground mixture of Mah(Urad) dal and Chana dal soaked overnight. This ground mixture is boiled in water after wrapping in some big leaves (Turmeric leaves can work) and cut into pieces and finally fried.

Take few pieces of 'Sepu badi', fry them if they are not fried. Add edible oil to a pan and add curd to it (250 to 300 grams will be enough if you are going to cook for 2-4 people). Make sure that curd is not very sour . Cook the curd till the time water dries off and a thick paste of curd separated from oil appears. Now add red chili powder, coriander powder, methi powder, garam masala, haldi and salt. Mix it well. After this add the sepu badi and water as much you feel will be sufficient. Cook for 20-30 mins, keep stirring and serve hot with rice.

You can also add the paste of mashed palak and tomato puree, ginger, garlic to this if you want to make it more thick and flavoured.

Earlier Posts on Himachal Recipes:
Dham
Video on Himachali Food

Poor health facilities in Himachal

2007-09-29T20:12:00.000-07:00

Even after 60 years of independence Himachal is poor in providing health facilities to people of Himachal Pradesh.State has only one hospital of PGI level, IGMC Shimla which can cater to the needs of only few parts of Himachal. People of areas like Chamba,Kangra,Mandi,Lahaul,Kullu,Bilaspur has to rush PGI Chandigarh in case of emergency or to avail modern health facilities.In some of the cases this time lag in getting medical treatment in time results in loss of valuable human life.One example of which we saw few days back when a child died reaching Chandigarh who was earlier referred to Shimla because regional centers did not have the treatment for acute diarrhea and he could not reach IGMC too because of show of strength by our political leaders who blocked all roads to life for child.

Swami Vivekanand Medical College and Hospital Palampur which was supposed to be mini PGI of Himachal seems to be victim of bad politics .Shanta Kumar then chief minister of Himachal Pradesh has put the foundation stone for this project in November 1992.After his dismissal there is no significant development in the project.However due to efforts of Shanta Kumar KayaKalp has started functioning.

Most of Distt./zonal/Primary health centers Lack in cleanliness,hygienic conditions and shortage of staff etc.Himachal today need three big health institutions each catering four distt. of state with all modern health facilities to treat Psychiatric diseases,Heart problems,Cancer and Other Major surgeries.

For list of hospital in Himachal visit HP health dept. website http://hphealth.nic.in/disthospq.asp

Higher education and new private Universities in Himachal Pradesh

2007-09-20T05:35:00.000-07:00

Himachal has done well in the field of education and has become the most literate state after Kerala.For Which credit goes to hard working ,honest people of Himachal.Only problem which Himachali's always faced was Higher education.With Only three Universities and only one Eng. college Himachali's had to go Punjab,Haryana,Jammu,Agra,MP,Banglore etc for higher studies.This shortage of educational institutes and Universities also paved way for some people to fool innocent people of Himachal and cheat huge sum of money in order to get them admmitted to heigher education courses in other states.
But Now it seems that heigher education will not be an issue and Himachali's don't have to send their children outside the state.

On January 23 Himachal government issued letters of intent (LoI), allowing three private universities to start campus in Himachal Pradesh.Permission has been granted to the Chitkara Education Trust, the Amity and the Institute of Chartered and Financial Analysts of India (ICFAI).
Earlier 21 organisations, some of them well known had submitted proposals to establish private universities in Himachal Pradesh following enactment of private universities Act early last year.
According to sources prominent applicants are Apeejay Satya Group, Amity, ICFAI, Chitkara Education Trust, The Bells Education and Research Society, Indian Institute of Ecology and Environment, Ind-Swift Limited and PCPI Education Society.

The Amity is keen to set up a university in Dharamsala and sent a proposal to the government. The Apeejay Group, which runs about 36 educational institutions, has even identified 400 bighas of land near Parwanoo.
The government had written to all applicants to complete the formalities under the Act and submit the complete structure of the university along with details of manpower and infrastructure to be created.
As per the Act, a private university will only be a residential, “unitary” institution, which cannot affiliate other institutions.
The Jaypee University of Information and Technology was the first private university to be set up in the state in 2002. It was set up under a specific Act. Subsequently, the government decided to have a legislation to pave way for a number of such institutions.

Himachal Video and audio Songs

2007-09-12T20:09:00.000-07:00

If you are interseted in Himachali Video songs then you must check out youtube .
Following link lists most of Himachali Video songs which you can listen online.
http://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=song++himachal++&search=Search
These songs are in Flash Video Format(FLV) which means if you download them onto your computer then you need to have FLV player to play them.
Wondering how to download a Youtube Video?Go to http://mashable.com/2007/05/05/download-youtube-video/ and you will find number of techniques and tools to downlaod any video from youtube.

If you are interested in Himachali audio songs or ringtones then visit following links and enjoy music from Dev Bhoomi Himachal:
http://www.beatofindia.com/region/himachali.htm
http://www.devbhoomihimachal.com/2007/08/download-himachali-ringtones-pahari.html
http://www.devbhoomihimachal.com/2007/06/non-stop-pahari-natianlisten.html
http://www.shimlaonline.com/himachali_songs.php
http://www.esnips.com/_t_/himachal

News and newspaper in DevBhoomiHimachal

2007-09-06T09:15:00.000-07:00

Remember the days of VeerPartap,Punjab Kesri reaching you every evening or day after.
Though the first newspaper was published from Shimla way back in 1848 yet news paper was out of reach from the hands of common man due to poor transportation and low rate of literacy .
As the Himachal witnessed development in all walks of life so the newspaper industry in state.With the improved condition of roads ,transportation people of Himachal Pradesh too got to enjoy daily newspapers like Punjab Kesri,Jansatta,VeerPartap,Tribune,Express etc with the morning sip of tea.

Divya Himachal became the first newspaper which is printed in Himachal itself at Dharmashala.Other newspapers also followed the trend and at present Himachal has printing press of Punjab Kesri,Bhasker,Jagaran etc.

Now Devbhoomihimachal has also got too many websites too on Himachal news,Himachal epaper in addition to hard paper copies.
With Internet and broadband reaching almost all distt. of state online news is also becoming popular not only among the people who live in Himachal but among those too who live out of the state.People who live outside Himachal, these websites help them in keeping touch with Himachal and well being of their family and friends.
To see most of news from all sources of media visit :
http://news.devbhoomihimachal.com/

Himachal recipes( video on himachali food)

2007-09-01T00:08:00.000-07:00

There are number of Himachali mouth watering dishes which, those who live outside Himachal miss most of the time.There are so many dishes like 'Mah ke dal ke pakode' (Similar to Bada of Smambhar-Bada),Patrodu(Patode)-made of Leaves stuffed with Paste made of Udad ki dal etc,Babru,Childu etc.

This fantastic video will explain to cook few of them.

IF above Video is not visible please
Click Here

Beauty of Devbhoomihimachal

2007-08-30T02:27:00.000-07:00

Beautiful pictures featuring:
Kinnar Kailash,Chandertal Lake,Chandertal Lake,Satluj River,Nako Village,beautifu Sunset,Worship Place Kinnar Kailash, Alpine Meadow,
Barley Field,Caves,Festival,Firewood,Glacier,Kaza,Kibber Village,Kunzam La,Mcleodganj,Peaks,Sangam Village,Tabo Monestry,Tabo Village,Vashistha Cave etc.

After seeing this you will certainly want to visit these places sometime.

Himachal waiting for broad gauge railway line

2007-08-29T08:51:00.000-07:00

Since Independence Himachal is waiting for broad gauge Railway line but the dream has not been fulfilled .Himachal at present has two narrow gauge rail lines and 14 KM(Approximate)Broad gauge railway line from Nangal(Punjab) to Una.

These railway lines are not enough to cater needs of wide spread Himachal.Most widely used transportation mean is bus, journey of which is not so enjoyable due to sharp turns and bumpy dumpy roads.People has to travel so many kilometers by bus which takes hours of pathetic journey.

Though work for Nangal-Una-Talwada has bore some fruits and Baddi-Chandigarh line is in pipeline still most populated Kangra,Mandi,Chamba,tourist attraction Kullu,Manali,Rampur see no hope in near future of any proposal of broad-gauge railway line.

After Kashmir valley got its railway line ,people of Himachal hope that Govt. take some action for starting work on Pathankot-JoginderNagar broad gauge line as Himachal has almost same geographic conditions as that of Kashmir valley.

DevBhoomiHimachal-Search-Engine

2007-08-27T07:24:00.000-07:00

Search Engine for searching Himachali content :

http://search.devbhoomihimachal.com

Download Himachali-Ringtones-Pahari-Songs-for-Mobile

2007-08-17T05:50:00.000-07:00

Download Himachali-Ringtones-Pahari-Songs-for-Mobile

Himachali Ringtones for Aircel users

Keyword - Type HIMRT and send to 53030 for the best Pahadi ringtones.
Charges - Rs. 3/SMS and Rs. 7/Ringtone
Note - While Roaming, Outgoing SMS Rs. 3.45 & Incoming SMS free (for all services).

More details

Download via mobile
Nokia/Samsung/LG users:
SMS RT Code to 58888 e.g. write RT 38901 and send it to 58888
Other Handset Users SMS ORT Code to 58888
For Reliance CDMA Network
Nokia users SMS NRT Code to 58888
Other Handset User SMS MONO Code to 58888

Name of song Code
Kothi Pai Lani - Himachali 38906
Jhumke Jhumke - Himachali 38905
Hun Wo Katha Jo Nasda - Himachali 38904
Hariya Baaga Di Mehandi - Himachali 38903
Diwana Dil Diwana - Himachali 38902
Dhaan Bade Acche - Himachali 38901
Beauty Queen - Himachali 38900
Tare Jamua Cho Jana - Himachali 38919
Sohniye Chal Male - Himachali 38918
Pinjre Wich Meri Jaan - Himachali 38917
Neeru Chali Ghumdi - Himachali 38916
Neelma - Himachali 38915
Mela Do Din Da - Himachali 38914
Mari Preety Zinta - Himachali 38913
Mare Chole Dore - Himachali 38912
Male Minjra De - Himachali 38911
Main Aase Pase Nahi Basna - Himachali 38910
Lai Jani - Himachali 38909
kushuBhala Rehde Ne - Himachali 38908
Kulli Yaar Di - Himachali 38907

Codes may change so please Refer to Indiatimes website for details and charges and latest codes.

Download via wap
Browse more tones on your GPRS enabled handsets at http://wap.indiatimes.com/

New-State-bird-Animal-Himachal-Pradesh

2007-08-12T21:31:00.000-07:00

Himachal Pradesh Govt. Has decided to change State bird(Monal),Animal(Musk deer).Now
Snow Leopard would be the new State Animal, Western Tragopan (Jujurana) (Tragopan melanocephalus) to be State Bird and Pink Rhododendron (Rhododendron campanulatum) to be the State Flower of Himachal Pradesh. Decisions to designate these were taken in the 3rd State Wild Life Board Meeting held here under the Chairmanship of Shri Virbhadra Singh, Chief Minister, today.

Chief Minister said that Snow Leopard, popularly known as the Mountain Monarch has been categorized as endangered by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) while the earlier State Animal, Musk Deer was not amongst the endangered species, Monal, the present State Bird is also the State Bird of Uttrakhand and National Bird of Nepal while the Western Tragopan locally known as the ‘King of the Birds’ is included in the Schedule I of the Wildlife Protection Act offering fullest legal protection and Himachal Pradesh happens to be the stronghold of the species and probably harbours the only viable population of Jujurana in the wild in the entire world. Similarly the present Rhododendrum arboretum, the State Flower was common species widely distributed in entire Western and Central Himalayas, while the new State Flower, Rhododendron Campanulatum, the Pink Rhododendron falls in the threatened species of the IUCN.

Shri Virbhadra Singh emphasized the need to increase the efforts manifold to respond to the challenges being posed by the unpredictable climatic changes and external influences responsible for degradation of the natural ecosystems. He said that the State Gross Natural Product was actually going up resulting into enhanced spending. He directed that the estimates of state level populations of monkeys, leopards, wild boar, all of which were widely spread, needed to be revisited and better baseline date generated for policy making and other requirements. He said that if needed services of the experts to carry census be requisitioned besides associating the local communities. He said that rural schools and children living close to the wild life sanctuaries also needed to be associated besides celebrating the Wild Life Week, Wetlands Day, World Environment Day and allied events in a most befitting manner to draw the attention of the people towards wild life activities. He added that the progress in human wildlife conflict management and conservation breeding of pheasants had been significant in the past one year and needed to be strengthened further to consolidate position as a world leader in conservation breeding of the Western Tragopan or Jujurana.

Chief Minister said that the connotation and ambit of the Honorary Wildlife Wardens needed to be enlarged for the better wild life conservation. He said that six wild life sanctuaries Kugti and Tundah in Bharmour, Saichu Tuan Nallah in Pangi, Shimla Water Catchment in Shimla (Urban); Gobindsagar in Bilaspur and Dhauladhar in Palampur which were under the control of territorial forest divisions would be transferred to the State Board of Wild Life for proper management. He said that the State Wild Life Wing would be the nodal agency for the five wetland and wildlife sanctuaries which included Renuka, Khanniar and Candertal wetlands and Gobind Sagar and Pongdam lake, wild life sanctuaries. He said that the rationalization of the protected areas was required. He said that the Chail town and 84 other villages had been proposed to be taken out of the Chail Wildlife Sanctuary, 8.9 sq. kms. of reserved forest area having no rights to be included into the Simbalbara sanctuary besides 14.65 sq. kms of conservartion reserve from forest adjacent to the sanctuary. He said that concerted efforts were underway to get the entire Gobind Sagar sanctuary denotified.

The Board approved conserving Sacred Groves as Community Conservation Reserves for better management by upholding the religious sentiments of the local people. It also approved khaki trouser and green shirt as uniform of the Wild Life wing.

Source of information :http://himachalpr.gov.in/pressreleaseEng.asp?id=1106

Himachali songs for free download

2007-08-03T22:46:00.000-07:00

Looking for Himachali songs then you will really like following link:

http://music.cooltoad.com/music/category.php?id=10398

You can download number of hit pahari songs.
Some of the songs are sung by Indian Idol fame Anuj sharma.For hindi songs of Anuj you can visit:
http://music.cooltoad.com/music/search.php?q=TUFUQ0goVElUTEUsREVTQ1JJUFRJT04pIEFHQUlOU1QgKCcrYW51aiArc2hhcm1hJyBJTiBCT09MRUFOIE1PREUp&p=1&o=1

Baijnath Shiv Temple

2007-07-30T21:22:00.000-07:00

The Baijnath Shiv temple has been continuously under worship ever since its construction in 1204 A.D. by two local merchants named Ahuka and Manyuka. The two long inscriptions in the porch of the temple indicate that a temple of Siva existed on the spot even before the present one was constructed. The present temple is a beautiful example of the early medieval north Indian temple architecture known as Nagara style of temples. The Svayambhu form of Sivalinga is enshrined in the sanctum of the temple that has five projections on each side and is surmounted with a tall curvilinear Shikhara. The entrance to sanctum is through a vestibule that has a large square Mandapa in front with two massive balconies one each in north and south. There is a small porch in front of the mandapa hall that rests on four pillars in the front preceded by an idol of Nandi, the bull, in a small pillared shrine. The whole temple is enclosed by a high wall with entrances in the south and north. The outer walls of the temple have several niches with images of gods and goddesses. Numerous images are also fixed or carved in the walls. The outer doorway in the porch as also the inner doorway leading to the sanctum of the temple are also studded with a large number of images of great beauty and iconographic importance. Some of them are very rare to be found elsewhere.

How to reach

Baijnath lies on the Pathankot-Chakki-Manali National Highway No. 20, half way between Kangra and Mandi. It is about 130 Km from Pathankot, the nearest broad gauge rail head and airport. Kangra airport at Gaggal near Dharamshala from where small aircraft flies on alternate days to Delhi is 60 Km from Baijnath.
There is also available a toy train from Pathankot to Paprola-Baijnath which runs on narrow gauge from Pathankot to Jogidernagar. Baijnath is very well connected by all weather roads to Delhi via Chandigarh and to Manali via Mandi.

Places of Interest : You can also visit Sardar Shobha Singh Art Gallary Andreta, Palampur, Billing, Bir, Barot, Gopalpur, Chamunda and http://www.baijnathtemple.com/nearbyPlaces.html etc.

You can also enjoy Royal stay at Taragarh Palace. For more details visit site dedicated to Baijnath Shiv temple: http://www.baijnathtemple.com

Baddi industrial hub of Himachal

2007-07-20T05:47:00.000-07:00

Baddi is an industrial town and a nagar panchayat in the Southwestern Solan District of Himachal Pradesh, a hill state of northern India. The town lies on the border of Himachal Pradesh and Haryana states in the Shivalik Hills, around 35 kilometres west of Solan. Chandigarh, a union territory and the joint capital of Punjab and Haryana, is around 40 kilometres west of Baddi.
Baddi is a leading industrial centre of Himachal Pradesh, being part of an industrial corridor stretching from Barotiwala to Nalagarh along the western border of Solan district.
As of 2001 India census,GRIndia Baddi had a population of 22,592. Males constitute 75% of the population and females 25%. Baddi has an average literacy rate of 76%, higher than the national average of 59.5%; with 82% of the males and 18% of females literate. 11% of the population is under 6 years of age.

Many Indian companies are now seeking to relocate operations to Baddi because of tax concessions being offered by the Central and State governments.

The fortunes of Baddi began to change with the visit of the then Prime Minister to Uttranchal and Himachal Pradesh during March 29 and 31, 2002, where he announced tax and central excise concessions to attract investments to special category states.

The major attractions for investors included 100 per cent outright excise duty exemption for a period of ten years from the date of commencement of commercial production (the recent budget stipulated it to industries starting on or before 31st march 2007), 100 per cent income tax exemption for an initial period of five years and thereafter 30 per cent for companies for a further period of five years, capital investment subsidy of 15 per cent on plant and machinery subject to a ceiling of Rs 30 lakhs, applicable also to existing units

The schemes are also available for existing units going in for expansions. The identified thrust sectors included non-polluting pharma and herbal products. Besides, the State Government also announced a slew of attractive investment schemes, including single window clearance for projects.

For details visit http://www.pharmabiz.com/article/detnews.asp?articleid=26395&sectionid=50

Interested in Job at Baddi:

Visit employment exchange website :
http://admis.hp.nic.in/emp/main.aspx

Longest surviving married couple in the world lives in Himachal

2007-07-10T22:44:00.000-07:00

गिनीज बुक में दर्ज होगा हिमाचल का शतायु जोड़ा
दांपत्य जीवन के 84 वर्ष पूरे करने वाले शतायु जोड़े प्यारा सिंह व हंसा देवी का नाम गिनीज बुक आफ व‌र्ल्ड रिकार्ड में दर्ज होगा। इस संबंध में उनका आवेदन स्वीकार कर लिया गया है और गिनीज बुक में उनका नाम दर्ज होना लगभग तय माना जा रहा है। शतायु जोड़े के बेटे विश्वंभर राणा के अनुसार गिनीज बुक के कार्यालय को भेजे गये आवेदन की पूरी तहकीकात के बाद वहां से एक फार्म उनके पास पहुंचा है। प्यारा सिंह का जन्म 5 जनवरी, 1904 को ऊना जिले के कोट पटियाला में हुआ था तथा 23 मई, 1924 को वह हंसा देवी के साथ परिणय सूत्र में बंधे थे। लंबी आयु को लेकर तो गिनीज बुक में काफी रिकार्ड दर्ज हैं, लेकिन दांपत्य जीवन के 84 वर्ष पूरा करना अपने आपमें एक रिकार्ड है।
प्यारा सिंह 1930 में ब्रिटिश सेना में भर्ती हुए थे। उन्हें दूसरे विश्व युद्ध में लड़ाई लड़ने का सौभाग्य भी प्राप्त हुआ था। यह दंपति अपनी छह पीढि़यां देख चुका है। दो बेटियों औैर तीन बेटों के भरे-पूरे परिवार में कुल 81 सदस्य हैं। अपने दांपत्य जीवन के लंबे सफर की कामयाबी पाने वाले इस जोड़े को इस बार तिब्बती धर्मगुरु दलाईलामा को उनके 72वें जन्मदिन 6 जुलाई पर आशीर्वाद देने का सौभाग्य भी प्राप्त होगा।

Cloudburst in himachal

2007-07-10T01:37:00.000-07:00

Comes July and cloudburst starts hitting Dev Bhoomi.A cloudburst is extreme rainfall, sometimes mixed with hail and thunder, which normally lasts no longer than a few minutes but is capable of creating minor flood conditions. Cloudbursts descend from very high clouds, sometimes with tops above 15 kilometers.Meteorologists say the rain from a cloudburst is usually of the shower type with a fall rate equal to or greater than 100 mm (4.94 inches) per hour.The monsoon rains during July and August put a lot of water into the Himalayan soil; when there are instances of cloudbursts, the results can be disastrous.Cloudbursts frequently occur in Himachal Pradesh during the monsoon.
Himachal has expeienced too much loss due to this unavoidable natural calamity.
Reason for cloud burst:
During the thunderstorms, the air mass that goes up from the lower level carries a certain amount of water in it. Sometimes that air current abruptly stops moving and the water mass falls down forcefully on the surface of earth. This natural phenomenon is known as cloudburst. In fact, cloudbursts fall from a very high altitude. That is why the force of cloudbursts is so strong. The primary reason behind cloudburst is the rapid concentration of the pieces of clouds in the sky. The result of cloudbursts sometimes causes great harm to the certain place it appears.

Recent one :10 Jul 2007

At least 26 persons were killed and 13 reported missing in a flash flood caused by cloudburst at Solang Nullah about 16 km from Manali in Kullu district of Himachal Pradesh. Scores are believed to have been injured.
Most of the 250 persons living near the disaster site were asleep when the cloudburst took place, the second such incident in three weeks.

Hydel Power

2007-07-04T01:23:00.000-07:00

Himachal Pradesh has a vast hydel potential to the tune of approx. 21,000 MW (approx. 750 MW under Small Hydro Sector) in the five river basins, 6037 MW harnessed so far. Small hydropower has been recognized as re-liable, eco-friendly and renewable energy source, which can be exploited in decentralized and cost effective manner. Himachal Pradesh Government attaches significant importance to the exploitation of small hydro potential.
The first hydel project of north India, the Shanan power project is located in Himachal in Jogender Nagar in Mandi distt.

PRIVATE SECTOR PARTICIPATION

The State Government has taken several initiatives to encourage private sector participation in small hydro power development. Himachal Pradesh is among the few States, which has streamlined and crystallized the various procedures to minimize the bottlenecks and has also finalized the Implementation Agreement and Power Purchase Agreements for small hydro projects.

The process of exploitation of hydel potential in small hydro sector through private sector participation began during 1995-96. Since then, the allotment of project sites has been a continuous process and till 31st Dec, 2006, MOUs for 299 projects have been signed . 93 projects have been cancelled / declared unviable for various reasons. At present 206 projects with an aggregate capacity of 547.50 MW are in existence , out of which eight projects with an aggregate capacity of 20.65 MW stands commissioned and 90 projects with an aggregate capacity of 299.40 MW are at Implementation Stage. Rest of the projects i.e. 108 Nos. with an aggregate capacity of 227.45 MW are at MOUs stage. Power Purchase Agreements for 38 projects have been signed.

The most prestigious and major project on river Sutlej in the state is the Nathpa Jhakri (1500M.W). It is constructed in collaboration with the central government. The project is funded by the World Bank.The foundation stones were laid of 300MW Chamera II Hydel Project in June 1999, of 2051 MW Parbati Hydel Power Project in December 1999, and of 800 MW Kol Dam project in June 2000. Other major ongoing projects are : Bhaba Augmentation Scheme, Ghanvi Hydro Electric Project (22.5 MW), Larji Hydel Project (126MW) and Khauli Hydro Electric Project (12MW). The state government has given eight hydel projects for private sector participation. These are Baspa Hydro Electric Project (300MW), Holi Hydro Electric Project (231 MW), Dhamwari Sunda Hydro Electric Project (70MW), Project (15MW), Allian Duhangan Hydro Electric Project (192 MW), Swara-Kuddu (162MW) and Budhil (70MW).

Interseted in seting up a heydel project in himachal? visit http://himurja.nic.in/ptoallot.html

Himachal Train journey (A Thrilling Experience)

2007-06-26T01:42:00.000-07:00

Himachal Pradesh has two narrow gauge Rail tracks > Kalka - Shimla and Pathankot-Jogindernagar. On both these lines run the mini trains, popularly called 'Toy Trains' by the tourists. Travelling on these trains is a thrilling experience as the lines, trains and the landscape of charming hills, tunnels and bridges and valleys, which one encounters on the way leaves a lasting impression of ecstasy and joy.

Pathankot-Joginder Nagar Train

The Kangra valley railway is one of the most fascinating railway networks in India..Kangra Toy Train gently meanders through a maze of hills and valleys, offering the travellers enchantingly scenic views. The work on this line started in 1926. Three years later this, 163 km long route was opened to traffic.
The entire route commands glorious views of nature and unveils myriad facets of history, art and culture. The grand spectacle of Kangra Valley begins unfolding after the train crosses Nurpur. Hillocks rise on both sides and as the train moves over the innumerable bridges built across meandering streams, the Dhauladhar begin to gain in prominence. Emerging through Daulatpur tunnel and past the ruins of the old Kangra fort, one is surprised by the change in the landscape.
The Dhauladhar rise up 13,000 ft from the valley floor. The wide Kangra Valley, with its well-watered terraces, is simply superb. As the train inches on, the passengers adore the open countryside and the shining white peaks. An unmistakable pine scent fills the air and the track is suddenly fringed on both sides by the tea gardens of the Palampur region.
The stretch between Baijnath (renowned for its ancient Shiva temple) and Joginder Nagar is the steepest. Here the train moves at a snail's pace till it reaches the highest point on the track at Ahju. Not far from here are the popular para-gliding and hang-gliding sites of Bir and Billing. As the train approaches Joginder Nagar, the white mountains, gradually begin fading away.

Kalka shimla

The Kalka/ Shimla trains, running on these tracks, are popularly called 'Toy Trains'. Meandering on these trains is an exhilarating experience as one passes through the breathtaking landscapes of majestic Himalayas, tunnels/ bridges and lush green valleys embellished with pine, oak trees, leaving a long lasting memory of rhapsody and triumph.
The 96 km. journey by train from Kalka to Shimla offers an unforgettable experience. The Kalka-Shimla railway is often termed as a scientific fiction. Covering the distance through 103 tunnels and 969 bridges, it has 919 curves ( 68 km. ), 20 railway stations and 5 level crossings on the route. This is one of the most unique railway tracks of the world. It is said that a correspondent of the Delhi Gazette had first sketched this railway line sometime in November, 1847, almost half a century before it was actually constructed. The project report prepared during 1887 also failed to commence the construction of the route. Finally, a survey of the train in 1895 paved way for signing the construction contract on June 29, 1898.

Non Stop Pahari Natian(Listen)

2007-06-20T21:33:00.000-07:00

There are many kinds of folk songs from the area, many of which are sung without accompaniment.

Jhoori is a type of song that celebrates extra-marital romance. It is popular in Mahasu and Sirmaur, and is accompanied by a female dance called jhoomar. Laman songs from Kulu are another type of love song.

Samskara songs are sung at festivals and celebrations by women from some of the higher castes. These songs are based on ragas, which are compositions of Indian classical music, as are the martial jhanjhotis.

Ainchaliyan are religious songs, sung at the bride's house after a wedding and by women at the home of an unmarried girl.

In Chamba-Pangi, wandering musicians play a khanjari (tambourine) and perform, also using string puppets.

Himachal Pradesh folk music features a wide variety of drums, including dammama, damanght, gajju, doru, dhaunsa, nagara, dholku, nagarth, tamaka, dafale, dhol, dolki and hudak. There are also wind instruments like algoja, peepni, shehnai, bishudi, karnal and rana singha, and percussion instruments (aside from drums) like the ghanta and ghariyal (gongs), chimta (tongs), manjira and jhanjh (cymbals), ghungru ( bells), thali (platter) and kokatha murchang. String instruments include gramyang, sarnagi, jumang, ruman, ektara and kindari davatra.

Click play button on player to listen Non Stop Pahari Natian by Dheeraj Sharma.

KayaKalp(Palampur)

2007-06-18T05:07:00.000-07:00

KAYAKALP

Nestled in the lap of the mighty Himalayas lies Himachal Pradesh, the most beautiful northern state in the Indian Sub-continent. The snow capped Dhauladhar ranges loom majestically and swing down to Palampur in the gentle, serene & sylvan valley of Kangra.

KAYA means body (Physical & Subtle) and KALPA means transformation. Kayakalp aims to arrest the degeneration of body by detoxification, immunization, rejuvenation and regeneration of the body cells and tissues through a holistic transformation of mind, body & soul.

“Samdoshah, Samagnischa, Samdhatumalakriyah, Prasannatmendriyamanah, Swastha itiabhidhiyate.” (Sushrut Samhita, Sutrasthan, Chapter 15, Shloka 10)
“ He, whose doshas are in balance, appetite is good, all tissues of the body and all natural urges are functioning properly, and whose mind, body and spirit (self) are cheerful or full of bliss, is a healthy person.”

Kayakalp is an ancient practice that restores youth and increases life span which has been an enduring dream of humanity. Physical degeneration and regeneration happen through decay (catabolic) and the cellular growth processes (anabolic). Kayakalp brings these processes in equilibrium through detoxification, purification and nourishment. Thus degenerative diseases are cured through comprehensive rejuvenation ensuring longevity .

Physical diseases can be attributed to unhealthy life style & mainly pollution present in air & water. But stress is probably the number one factor today, for a large number of ailments, both physical & mental. A healthy body leads to a healthy mind and a healthy mind leads to perfection & progress, both in material & spiritual life.

There is an undisputed link between the body, mind & soul. Any imbalance in one affects the other, causing pain & suffering. More & more people are now turning to traditional, holistic & alternate drugless systems of healing which are basically in harmony with nature.

Ours is a holistic approach to permanently uproot the cause of the disease and aim at treating not only the body but also the mind.

“Kayakalp is thus a mission to establish healthy society.”

Kayakalp has a qualified, dedicated & experienced team of doctors assisted by therapists trained in Swami Vivekananda Yog Anusandhana Samsthan – Bangalore, Institute of Naturopathy & Yogic Sciences, Jindal Nagar, Bangalore and Iyangar Yoga Memorial Institute, Pune. They have under them young team of assistants.

How to reach Palampur:

From delhi: One can take flight upto Kangra(Gagagl) Airport and then it is 3 hrs journey via bus or taxi to palampur.
One can also take Bus from Delhi to Palampur which takes around 12 hours or journey.
Train can also be taken upto Pathankot and then one can enjoy Narrow Gauge small train to Palampur(Maranda Station).
For more detail visit :http://kayakalppalampur.com

Kangna Ranaut ( One more Gem from Himachal)

2007-06-17T21:56:00.000-07:00

Kangna Ranaut, noted Bollywood actress hails from Bhambla village
of Himachal Pradesh (India). Kangna was born on 20 March 1987 to Asha Ranaut - a school teacher and Amardeep Ranaut - a businessman by profession. Kangana has a younger brother and a elder sister Rangoli. Kangana did her schooling in Chandigarh from DAV model school Sector 15. Later she joined Elite Modelling Agency, Delhi and did some modeling. She also did bit of theater in New Delhi.

Kangna loves cooking and her favourite food is 'Hyderabadi Biryani'. Her favorite heroines are Madhubala, Angelina Jolie and Parveen Babi and she admires Shahrukh Khan, Salman Khan and Aamir Khan as her favourite hero. Kangna can speak Hindi, French and English.

Her first Debut Hindi film was Gangster. After Gangster she has worked in so many Hindi movies like Fashion, Razz, Life in a metro. Kangna has couple of awards to her credit like IIFA 2007 Best Debut (Female) Award, National Film Award for Best Supporting Actress- Fashion, Filmfare Best Supporting Actress Award- Fashion etc.

You can visit http://www.kanganaranaut.com a site on Kangna Ranaut for details.

Beautiful chamba

2007-06-15T03:06:00.000-07:00

Nestled on the bank of the river Ravi, Chamba town complete 1000 years of its existence. The town stands on a plateau on the right bank of the Ravi river valley between Dhauladhar and Zanskar ranges south of the inner Himalayas. This town was founded by Raja Sahil Varman in the beginning of 10th Century. In the genealogical rolls of the Chamba Rajas, a reference occurs of place, which was adorned with highly fragrant Champaka trees and guarded by Goddess Champavati.
Places of interest are dalhousie,Khajiyaar,Bharmaur etc.

Chamba (HP India)

Dham

2007-06-12T01:56:00.000-07:00

Amongst festive food, the traditional meal, Dham(Lunch served in traditional marriages of Himachal Pradesh) finds instant mention. Dham is prepared by botis only who are Brahmin chefs and have been in this profession for generations. The utensils used for cooking the food are normally copper ones. The preparations for Dham begin a night before, and when ready, it is served in courses to people who sit on floor. Pattals or leaf plates are utilized to serve the food. And as for the dishes themselves, they include rice, Madra(Sepu badi/Mukund badi, Rajmah etc), Palda(a curd based dish or curry), mustard based raita, pulses and Meethe chawal( sweet rice) or Mithdee(made of boondi, Bread crumbs etc).

Dishes vary from one district to another as per local culture.

Giriraj online

2007-06-05T03:36:00.000-07:00