Suresh Rana- Winner of Raid-de-Himalaya

Disha Singh at myHimachal talks to Suresh Rana winner of Raid-de-Himalaya.

Disha: Your most unforgettable moment/s?

Rana: The worst memory was when the raid got stuck in Sarchu (the Himachal& J-K border towards Ladakh) and we all had to be evacuated. It was pretty grim as we could not do anything to the forces of nature. It was near death experience and the happiest moment also came in the same episode of being evacuated.

Cross Posted at Blogbharti

Save the Weaver- Creating Awareness Around Kullu Shawls

Image courtesy myHimachal

Anoop at myHimachal has done series of posts to create awareness around the handicrafts of Kullu, particularly around the Kullu Shawls-

The internet has also recently been one of the popular media through which tourist information is disseminated. Indian tourists on the other hand, normally come via package tours and are spoon fed by their travel guides. Most tourists are directed by the travel agent. They seem to be least aware of the fact that the hub of the shawl weaving industry is Kullu and not the more popular tourist destinations of Shimla and Manali. The general perception is that one would get better variety of woollens and knitwear in these locations than a small town like Kullu. While this may be true with respect to sweaters and other knitwear, they are un-informed about the cultural linkages and the magnitude of weaving that happens in the valley, the reason being - ineffective marketing initiatives.

He adds-

A litmus test for such tourists is to see the reverse side of the woven garment. If the design appears the same either ways, that’s an indication that the shawl is handcrafted.

Looks Like Heaven!

Prashar Lake: Picture courtesy Yash Raj of My Himachal

I saw this picture first as the banner of My Himachal's tourism section. I am hooked, I am smitten, I am completely bowled over. I immediately wrote to Avnish (the anchor of My Himachal) and got a very encouraging reply from him. He put me in touch with Yash Raj and I am trying to figure out when can we go.

The lake is apparently 30km from the road-head (near Mandi in Himachal) and though vehicles ply, we will of course like to trek. Only, I don't think I can walk 30km in one day. But I am sure we will find a way around all this. So, I sincerely hope, sometime in May I will be there.

After looking at the picture can you blame me for being smitten?

PS. When I asked Yah Raj can I use his picture at my blog, this is what he said "yes its not a question to ask to fix any of my pic into ur webpage or into da blog...these pics anybody can use coz himachal is not only mine ..."