Latest news with #Garhwali
India Today
07-08-2025
- Entertainment
- India Today
Where 'Ram Teri Ganga Maili' lived, silence now falls over a shattered valley
"The beauty of the mountains, O Sahiba what can I say about the fact that the weather here is wintery all the year round"These words from the 1985 film Ram Teri Ganga Maili, sung amidst snow-clad peaks and gurgling rivers, once captured the eternal charm of Harsil valley. Today, that very valley-along with neighbouring Dharali - is cloaked in silence and same landscapes that drew director Raj Kapoor to create a cinematic ode to purity, love, and nature now lie devastated in the aftermath of a deadly flash flood. Dharali, the picturesque village nestled in Uttarkashi district, was at the heart of Kapoor's storytelling. It was here that Mandakini, as the innocent pahadi girl Ganga, wandered the valleys, bathed under waterfalls, and brought to life a story of love and iconic white saree scene, shot in Tilagad, became so etched in memory that the waterfall itself came to be known as 'Mandakini Falls'. The costumes she wore-blending traditional Garhwali attire and Rawain jewellery - reflected the deep cultural soul of the Lata Mangeshkar and Suresh Wadkar gave voice to 'Husn Pahadon Ka, O Saiba', filmed among apple orchards, mustard fields, and the banks of the like folk artist Rajnikant Semwal, who grew up in nearby Mukhwa, recall stories passed down through generations about the film's shooting. The Harsil post office, featured in a memorable scene where Ganga asks the meaning of the name "Naren", remains a tourist favourite, as do the Suryakund falls, GMVN rest house, and Bhairav Valley-all once brimming with life and now scarred by nature's on August 5, 2025, disaster struck. A sudden cloudburst triggered landslides and flash floods that swept through Dharali village, causing the Kheer Ganga river to swell waves of mud and water engulfed the area within seconds, burying homes, hotels, and memories under thick debris. Videos from the village, located at an altitude of 2,745 metres, captured the sheer scale of destruction-nature unleashing its fury where once poetry and cinema than 100 people are missing and at least one has been confirmed dead. Nearly 190 have been rescued so far, according to Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami, who flew to the affected region by helicopter on operations continue in the face of heavy rain, broken roads, and blocked access routes. Ten soldiers stationed at a nearby Indian Army base are among the sludge has blocked part of the Bhagirathi river, forming an artificial lake that has submerged large stretches of land, including a government helipad. Officials believe around 20-25 hotels and homestays have been washed away. The Indian Army, SDRF, and NDRF are conducting extensive rescue and recovery India Meteorological Department has yet to confirm the cloudburst, but experts say the extreme event has left meteorologists puzzled. The tragedy has brought back memories of the 2013 Kedarnath floods and the 2021 flash floods that claimed over 200 lives in Uttarakhand. Once again, the state-vulnerable to extreme weather-has paid a heavy journalist Sheeshpal Gunsai said, "Harsil and Dharali, located on the banks of Bhagirathi, in the lap of Devbhoomi Uttarakhand-these are not just geography, these are emotions." Reflecting on the valley's transformation from a film location to a symbol of sorrow, he added, "Once Ganga cried in Ram Teri Ganga Maili and today it is shedding tears on earth."- EndsMust Watch
India.com
24-07-2025
- India.com
Chopta On A Shoestring: How I Lived Like A Mountain Royal Without Going Broke
Chopta is a calm and scenic hill town in Uttarakhand situated at the heart of Garhwal Himalayas. Some even call it 'Mini Switzerland of India'. This unsung jewel has inspiring views, green meadows and an environment conducive for travelers in search of paradise. The good thing about Chopta however is that one can have a taste of the good life without necessarily spending too much. This article will give you tips on how you can enjoy your stay in Chopta without burning a hole in your pocket. 1. Book Your Trip During Off-Peak Periods Avoiding hot tourist seasons will save some money. Peak tourist months for Chopta are April to June and September to November. Consider traveling just before or after these months. You not only dodge throngs, you also get better deals on accommodation and transportation. 2. Travel Cheaply You may take a bus or train to Haridwar / Rishikesh which have frequent links with most Indian cities, that should be your first step towards reaching Chopta. To reach there from Haridwar / Rishikesh, catch a local bus or share a jeep up to the place which is cheaper than hiring a taxi individually besides giving the opportunity to meet fellow tourists. 3. Choose Affordable Hotels There is a range of accommodation options available at Chopta from budget guest houses to campsites. Opt for homestays or guesthouses run by locals as they are economical and give authentic experience is another inexpensive option with many camps providing basic amenities at reasonable haggle because sometimes prices are negotiable as well. 4. Enjoy Local Dishes Dining out while visiting Chopta doesn't have to be expensive are a lot of local dhabas and small food joints in Chopta which provide very good and cheap Garhwali dishes like Aloo Ke Gutke, Kafuli, and Mandua Ki Roti are must-try dishes, which are usually reasonably priced. Instead of top-end restaurants, go for local eating places to get cheaper and traditional flavors. 5. Trek by Foot Chopta can best be enjoyed on foot. Many popular attractions in the area such as Tungnath Temple and Chandrashila Peak can be accessed via marked trekking saves both travel expenses as well as lets one soak themselves into nature's beauty completely. Don't forget to take your own water bottles and snacking items so that you do not have to spend extra cash along the way. 6. Participate in Free Activities Many of Chopra's attractions are free of charge making it an ideal destination for nature lovers and adventure seekers take pleasure in bird-watching or stargazing or photography against dramatic interested visit Tungnath Temple without any entrance fee which is one of the world's highest Shiva your days hiking through lush meadows, visiting quaint villages or just soaking up the peaceful air around you without spending a penny. 7. Pack Wisely Packing wisely also helps you save money in the long with you essential things like warm clothing, trekking gear, first aid box & toiletries so that you don't need to buy / rent expensive gear once carrying reusable water bottle & snacks may help avoid regular buying's 8. Go in Groups If you travel as a group, this will save a lot of money. You can share costs on accommodation, food and transport. Look for travel groups or online communities where you can find fellow travelers going to Chopta. This is not only more economical but also adds some fun and safety into your journey. 9. Stay Connected with the Locals In addition, getting closer to the natives is important in terms of learning how to minimize expenses while traveling abroad. They will show you little known beautiful places that are not yet discovered by tourists, advise you on cheap restaurants, and even assist you in finding the best deals for treks and tours at lower prices. Spending time with locals usually results in unforgettable impressions and new off-the-beaten-path locations. 10. Respect Nature Lastly, it should be remembered that Chopta has an immaculate environment which needs to be respected. Observe eco-friendly practices such as using reusable items, avoiding throwing away waste materials carelessly and following Leave No Trace principles. Sustainable tourism ensures that Chopta stays an attractive place for next comers. Final Thoughts Chopta is an amazing place where one does not have to spend much to enjoy the experience it offers. A little bit of preparation combined with adventurous spirit makes life enjoyable within budgetary limits in this Himalayan grab your rucksack, tighten those trekking shoes and just feel the tranquil beauty of Chopta situated amidst Uttarakhand's green valleys!
Indian Express
23-07-2025
- Politics
- Indian Express
In Uttarakhand, a folk singer is booked for song on addiction. Two days later, state launches drug campaign
Two days after a folk singer was booked by the Uttarakhand Police over his song alleging misgovernance in the state, the Congress has thanked the singer for 'helping the CM introspect' as the Opposition party drew a connection between the song and the government's announcement of a new campaign to improve deaddiction facilities and rehabilitation centres to tackle drug abuse. Pawan Semwal, a Garhwali singer, had uploaded his new song online with the caption: 'How much more will you devour these mountains? You've turned them into dens of gambling and alcohol, unemployment, and corruption.' Subsequently, an FIR was registered on Saturday on the complaint of one Manju. The FIR alleges that 'not only have statements been made against the state government, but the singer has also attempted to dishonour the dignity of the women, daughters, and mothers of Uttarakhand'. Calling the statements in the song 'extremely offensive' and made with the intent to insult or outrage the modesty of all women residing in Uttarakhand, the complainant said that such lyrics create a feeling of insecurity among visitors and residents regarding the safety of women and portray a negative image of Uttarakhand's women across India. Semwal has claimed that he was asked to take down the song from Facebook. He had modified the song and posted it again after removing the CM's name from it. 'If they have worked well, their image is clean. Why are they pressuring me to take it down?' he had asked after the FIR was registered. Semwal had earlier composed a song on former CM Trivendra Singh Rawat. Two days later, the CMO said in a statement that a 'firm policy and strict implementation plan' has been rolled out to strengthen mental health and deaddiction services. The campaign is being kicked off under provisions of the Mental Healthcare Act, 2017, and the government notification dated July 24, 2023. Speaking on the government's announcement, Congress spokesperson Garima Dasauni said that the song made Dhami introspect. 'There is a connection between the song and the campaign. It also has a connection with the panchayat elections in the state. Dhami has been the CM for four years, and he is remembering these issues of drug addiction now. These were issues the CM had promised earlier, but his priority was on communal matters. Now, when people like Semwal started taking up these issues, the CM realised the mistake. I am thankful to Semwal for helping the CM introspect and realise that the youth of the state are disappointed with the government,' she said. According to the CMO communication, every district's Mental Health Review Board must conduct at least one meeting per month to ensure continuous inspection and monitoring. It added that each deaddiction centre is being thoroughly scrutinised, and those not meeting the required norms or operating without registration are being identified for financial penalties and immediate closure. Aiswarya Raj is a correspondent with The Indian Express who covers South Haryana. An alumna of Asian College of Journalism and the University of Kerala, she started her career at The Indian Express as a sub-editor in the Delhi city team. In her current position, she reports from Gurgaon and covers the neighbouring districts. She likes to tell stories of people and hopes to find moorings in narrative journalism. ... Read More
India.com
25-06-2025
- India.com
Snap It in Chamoli: 10 Locations That Make Picture Perfect Memories
Uttarakhand's Chamoli City offers a variety of beautiful places that would make any photographer happy. The city is filled with stories waiting to be captured through the camera, from mountains and rivers to exquisite temples. Whether you are a beginner with a smartphone or an experienced professional equipped with a top-notch camera, these are some of the places one must visit in Chamoli City for improvement in photography skills and creation of unforgettable images. 1. Valley of Flowers National Park One can't talk about Valley of Flowers National Park without mentioning its colorful flowers which attracts nature enthusiasts as well as photographers. During the rainy season, the valley explodes into different colors as the flowers bloom against the snow peaks. Take photos of unique flora such as Himalayan orchids, poppies, and daisies in their natural habitat. 2. Badrinath Temple The Badrinath temple is not only known for its religious significance but it also has architectural beauty. With a conical roof and elaborate wooden carvings all over, it is built in traditional Garhwali style which stands tall among Neelkanth peaks. Capture it during sunrise or sunset when the sky changes color and see how golden hues blend with those of changing sky. 3. Joshimath Serving as the starting point for most pilgrims who travel to Badrinath and Hemkund Sahib, Joshimath is situated at the confluence of Alaknanda and Dhauliganga rivers. Nanda Devi Mountain and Hathi parbat mountain range are just some of the surrounding Himalayan peaks offering panoramic views from this town Capture mountain shadows at different times of day particularly early morning hours before sunrise or late evening around dusk when the pinkish gold hue engulfs them. 4. Auli Auli is famous for its winter skiing resort while during summer; it becomes a carpet of wildflowers. It is located at an altitude of 2500 to 3050 meters above sea level, and it provides breathtaking views of the Himalayas including Nanda Devi, Mana Parvat, and Kamat. You will find misty forests, meadows that have blossomed luxuriantly and sparkling lakes where ice – crowned peaks are reflected from surreal landscapes. 5. Vasudhara Falls When people want to capture the power of nature in one shot, they go to Vasudhara Falls. Plunging amidst thick foliage from a height of about four hundred feet, this waterfall is associated with Hindu mythology. Capture a picture showing the milky white water against its green background which represents motion and silence all in one static frame. 6. Gopeshwar Because Gopeshwar has ancient temples and beautiful scenery it attracts many visitors every year. When visiting the town you should consider seeing the Gopinath Temple built in honor of Lord Shiva known for its unique style and detailed carvings on walls around it From here one can photograph panorama mountain views as well as artistic details within temple premises 7. Chopta It can be said that Chopta is a dreamland for trekkers as well as photographers due to its natural beauty, referred to by some people as 'Mini Switzerland of India'. The place is well known for having dense pine, deodar along with rhododendron forests that offer excellent viewpoint for Himalayan ranges such as Trishuli and Chandrashila peak especially dawn & dusk at Tungnath – highest shiva temple on earth left after short trekking route from Chopta Conclusion Photographers are spoilt for choice in Chamoli City, a place that has everything from verdant valleys to gushing waterfalls; from towering mountain peaks to ancient temples. Be it the holiness of its old temples, or the unspoiled nature's beauty that attracts you, every snap shot taken at Chamoli city tells a different story about this fascinating Himalayan destination. Visit these enthralling spots in Chamoli City and develop your photography skills while capturing timeless moments that epitomize this enigmatic place.
Pink Villa
17-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Pink Villa
Anushka Sharma's protein-packed Vegan diet: Reveals eating Indian bread without wheat but with a healthy twist
There has been a rise in the popularity of satvik and vegan diets worldwide. From Genelia Deshmukh to Anushka Sharma, our favorite Bollywood celebrities are no exception. It's no secret that Anushka Sharma is a health nut. The actress has expressed her preference for wellness practices and a balanced living on many occasions. In an interview, while promoting the movie Phillauri, Anushka got candid about her food preferences, emphasizing eating guidelines that helped her maintain a fit body. If you're planning on watching your weight and restricting your calorie intake, take a look at the tips she revealed. How to Achieve Your Dream Summer Body: Listen to These Dietary Tips From Anushka Sharma In the interview, when asked about her favorite cheat meal, Anushka revealed that she doesn't believe in strict diets. She feels that if you follow a few simple rules, there is no need for you to subject your body to any sort of special diet. Here's how she made some simple adjustments to her daily diet to embrace mindful eating and relish their favorite meals with a healthy spin: Anushka said that she doesn't consume gluten. A gluten-free diet can effectively help with weight loss. It helps you fight indigestion and memory problems and also boosts your stamina, so you feel revitalized. The actress eliminated sugar and dairy from her diet. This practice can keep your vital functions in check. She still eats Indian bread but with a healthy twist. As alternatives, she uses amaranth, rajgira, jowar, bajra, and quinoa to make her daily meals. All these grains might not be easily found in a typical Indian kitchen, but they are packed with nutrients and placed super high in the nutritional chart. Anushka acknowledges that because of her mother's Garhwali roots, it was easy for her to make these dietary choices. Anushka's dietary tips were met with stunned expressions from her Phillauri co-star Diljit Dosanjh, who is a known foodie. The implementation of holistic exercise methods like yoga, cardio, and pilates in her fitness regime and her conscious eating rituals are the reasons behind Anushka's fit physique. She has collaborated with many wholesome food and wellbeing brands over the years and maintains her title as a fitness enthusiast off-screen as well. She often shares photos of her working out with her exercise buddy and husband, Virat Kohli. The Rab Ne Bana Di Jodi actress believes that positive habits are not a choice, but a lifestyle.
