Latest news with #Kalasha
Express Tribune
3 days ago
- Express Tribune
Women trekkers make history at Tirich Mir
In a landmark achievement for adventure tourism in Pakistan, 17 women trekkers have successfully crossed treacherous trails, icy glaciers, and high-altitude passes to reach the Advance Base Camp of Tirich Mir, the highest peak in the Hindu Kush range. The group made history by advancing beyond Babu Base Camp, a feat previously accomplished only by male teams. The expedition, organized under the auspices of the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Culture and Tourism Authority (KPCTA) in collaboration with the Tirich Mir Backpackers Club, brought together participants from diverse backgrounds — including one Kalasha woman, three from Chitral, four from Gilgit-Baltistan, and others from Balochistan, Islamabad, and various cities. They were supported by 36 local porters and three experienced guides. Adding a heartwarming chapter to the adventure, six-year-old Shiz Mir, son of a local guide, completed his first trek alongside the group. Starting their journey from Chitral, the women trekkers navigated a challenging route through Shughrum, Shenyak Camp, Byasam, and Astor Nall before reaching Babu Base Camp and pushing on to the Advance Base Camp. The route tested their endurance with fast-flowing streams, steep ascents, and unforgiving glaciers. Tirich Mir, standing 7,708 meters above sea level, is the crown jewel of the Hindu Kush. This year marks a historic moment as the KP government has declared 2025-26 "The Year of Tirich Mir" and is officially supporting a Pakistani mountaineering team's attempt on the summit for the first time. Previously, only two all-male teams had completed treks to the base camp via the Tirich Valley and Oweer Valley routes. The women's success now sets a new benchmark for gender representation in Pakistan's adventure tourism sector. Participants praised the KP government, KPCTA, and the Tirich Mir Backpackers Club for their excellent arrangements and support. They described the journey as both a rigorous physical challenge and a memorable display of teamwork. Officials hope the achievement will inspire more women to explore Pakistan's mountain landscapes and draw international mountaineers to Chitral Valley, further boosting the region's adventure tourism potential.
NDTV
7 days ago
- General
- NDTV
Delhi Lt Governor Unveils Maa Yamuna Statue Near Nigambodh Ghat
The banks of the Yamuna saw a rare moment of cultural and spiritual celebration today as Delhi Lieutenant Governor V.K. Saxena unveiled the city's first-ever statue of Maa Yamuna near Nigambodh Ghat. The 10-foot idol, mounted on a 7-foot pedestal, shows the river goddess seated calmly on her symbolic tortoise (Kurma) and holding a water pot (Kalasha). Crafted in Delhi over three months, the 150-kg statue is made from a composite of granite and graphite powders bound with resin, DDA officials said. A Site Once Forgotten Just months ago, the stretch where the statue now stands was a picture of neglect, overrun by encroachments, piled high with garbage, and a hangout for drug users. The Delhi Development Authority (DDA) cleared the area, landscaped it with native trees like Kadamba and Ashoka, planted riverine grasses, and added seasonal flowers, officials said. The site now links directly to Vasudev Ghat through a pedestrian walkway and a cycle track. There's parking for visitors, and kiosks are planned to serve refreshments. 'Part of Our Living Heritage' Speaking at the ceremony, LG Saxena said, "The Yamuna is more than a river; it is part of our living heritage that has shaped our culture and beliefs. This idol honours that sacred connection between humans and nature and reminds us to protect the river's sanctity for future generations." He added that conserving the Yamuna and its floodplains remains a key priority for both the Centre and the Delhi government. "This statue not only reflects the river's spiritual legacy but also gives people a place to connect with the river, making them partners in its revival," he said. Part of a Larger Revival The statue is the latest addition to ongoing efforts to restore the Yamuna floodplains. In recent years, biodiversity zones like Asita, Baansera, and Amrit Bio-diversity Park have transformed over 1,000 acres of land, according to DDA officials. Last year's Dilli Deepotsav at Vasudev Ghat drew crowds with 3.5 lakh earthen lamps, a grand Yamuna Aarti, and a drone show, turning the riverbank into a cultural and community hub. Today's unveiling, officials said, is another step in making the Yamuna's banks not just cleaner, but also more alive with heritage, nature, and public spaces.
News18
11-08-2025
- General
- News18
Delhi LG unveils Maa Yamuna statue on Yamuna banks
New Delhi, Aug 11 (PTI) The Lieutenant Governor VK Saxena on Monday unveiled a 10-foot statue of 'Maa Yamuna" along the riverbank near Nigam Bodh Ghat in north Delhi, according to a statement. The newly installed statue, set on a seven-foot high pedestal, depicts the river goddess with a serene expression, seated on a tortoise (Kurma), symbolising stability and endurance, and holding a 'Kalasha' —representing life, fertility, and abundance. 'Yamuna is more than a river; it is a part of our living heritage that has shaped our culture and beliefs. This idol honours that very sacred connection between humans and nature and reminds us to protect the river's sanctity for future generations," Saxena said at the inauguration ceremony. The site where the statue has been installed, until a few years back, was encroached upon and was lying neglected, has now been revitalised into a public space. 'This idol of Maa Yamuna, apart from depicting the cultural and spiritual legacy of the river, will also provide recreational avenues to the people on the banks of the river," Saxena added. Since coming to power, the LG has been involved in the cleaning of the Yamuna banks and creating large spaces along the river for public use, which include parks like Banseera, Asita, and Amrit Bio-diversity Park, reclaiming more than a thousand acres of land in the floodplain. According to DDA, the agency is also planning to open two kiosks to offer refreshments to the visitors. The statue is placed on a seven-foot pedestal, surrounded by greenery. 'The idol faces the direction of Yamuna's origin, while the tortoise faces the river, flowing barely a few steps away. The 150 kg statue is made from a durable composite of granite and graphite powders," the DDA statement added. The Yamuna statue is connected to Vasudev Ghat by a cycle track and pedestrian walkway. Just after the oath-taking ceremony in February this year, Chief Minister Rekha Gupta, along with her cabinet, attended a grand 'Yamuna Aarti' at Vasudev Ghat. PTI SSM HIG Disclaimer: Comments reflect users' views, not News18's. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
