Saga Dawa Festival is one of the holiest and most spiritual festivals in Sikkim, deeply rooted in Mahayana Buddhism. The month of Saga Dawa, which falls on the fourth month of the Tibetan lunar calendar (mostly in May or June), is known as the ‘Month of Merits’.
The Jaunsari are a small ethnic group living in Uttarakhand’s Jaunsar-Bawar region, speaking an Indo-Aryan, Western Pahari language with around 137,000 speakers (2011 census) . Their cultural fabric is rich—festival dances, reverence for Mahasu Devta, and unique customs link them culturally to broader Indo-Aryan heritage.
Every year during the Shravan month, a special scene unfolds on North India’s highways. Thousands and thousands of saffron-clad devotees walk barefoot, chanting “Bol Bam!” and carrying sacred Ganga water in decorated Kanwars for their beloved Bhole Baba. This is the Kanwar Yatra, one of the largest religious pilgrimages in
Triyuginarayan Temple, located in Rudraprayag district of Uttarakhand, is one of the most divine and lesser-known spiritual destinations in India. It’s not just a temple, it’s a witness to the celestial wedding of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati, which makes it a highly sacred spot for Hindu devotees and newlyweds.
Dhanaulti, a peaceful hill station in Uttarakhand’s Tehri Garhwal district, is mostly known for its lush green forests, apple orchards, and quiet environment. But in the middle of these thick forests, there lies a strange patch of land that has puzzled both locals and visitors for years. This is the
Spiritual sites like Kedarnath and Yamunotri, which were once peaceful dhams nestled in nature’s lap, are now facing a serious threat — waste and plastic pollution. Crores of pilgrims and tourists visit these sacred spots every year, but with them comes a huge trail of plastic wrappers, empty water bottles,
Nanda Devi is one of the most sacred and majestic peaks in India. Standing tall at 7,816 metres, it is India’s second-highest mountain and is located in the Chamoli district of Uttarakhand. But despite its glory, climbing to the top of Nanda Devi has been banned for more than 40
Hidden in the peaceful forests and apple-filled valleys of Urgam, Kalpeshwar Mahadev Temple is a divine cave shrine dedicated to Lord Shiva’s jata (hair). This is one of the Panch Kedar and the only one that stays open throughout the year.
In the heart of Uttarakhand’s Garhwal region, there lives a story that generations still sing and remember — the story of Rami Baurani. It’s not just a tale. It’s a reflection of the strength, patience, and unwavering faith that many pahadi women carry in their hearts.
Last time, I went on a trek to Madmaheshwar, one of the sacred Panch Kedar shrines in Uttarakhand. This was not just a trek, but an emotional and spiritual experience. I went with two of my college-time friends, and we completed the journey with a 2-night stay plan. This trek
Let’s dive into this fascinating topic.
What is Yarsagumba or Keeda Jadi?
Yarsagumba is a natural mix of a dead caterpillar and a living fungus. In winter, a fungus attacks a specific type of caterpillar that lives underground. The fungus kills it, and during summer, a brown stick-like fungus
Nagaland is known for its untouched hills, tribal villages, and strong cultural roots. But there’s one event where the heart of Nagaland truly comes alive — the Hornbill Festival.
This grand festival is celebrated every year from 1st to 10th December at Kisama Heritage Village, near Kohima, the capital city.
Leh Old Town – A Walk Through Ladakh’s History Leh Old Town – A Walk Through Ladakh’s History Facebook Email WhatsApp Twitter LinkedIn Tumblr When someone visits Ladakh, they mostly think about Pangong Lake, Nubra Valley, Khardung La, or maybe monasteries like Hemis and Thiksey. But few people know that
Bhutan, the peaceful Himalayan kingdom, has become a global example of how to balance tradition, nature, and modern life. While most countries run behind GDP, Bhutan proudly walks its own path with Gross National Happiness (GNH).
But what is this GNH? And why is it being discussed across the world?
Himalayas are sacred. We proudly call it Devbhoomi – the land of gods. But today, this divine land is facing a serious threat. The reason? Blind development, unplanned construction, and land slipping at an alarming rate.
After a five-year break, Kailash Mansarovar Yatra via Uttarakhand’s Kumaon corridor has finally resumed in 2025. This ancient pilgrimage is not just a journey—it is a spiritual calling that attracts thousands of devotees from India and across the world.
The city of Dehradun is all set to host a big global event—Himalaya Calling 2025, a summit dedicated to sustainable development in Himalayan and mountain regions. This summit will bring together experts, policymakers, climate leaders, travel businesses, students, bloggers, and community groups from across India and the world.
In the beautiful but fragile hills of Uttarakhand, a silent tragedy is unfolding. One by one, villages are turning into ghost towns. You can see locked doors, broken houses, and empty courtyards. Families who once lived together are now scattered across cities. This article explores why people are leaving their
In the history of Indian mountaineering, one name always stands tall — Bachendri Pal. Born in a small Himalayan village, she became the first Indian woman to summit Mount Everest, the highest peak in the world. Her journey from a humble background to global fame is a story of strength,
India has two top-class skiing destinations – Auli in Uttarakhand and Gulmarg in Jammu & Kashmir. Both are beautiful, full of snow and excitement. But if you are planning a skiing trip, you might be wondering – Which one is better?
India is home to the mighty Himalayas, making it a dreamland for mountaineers and adventure lovers. From snow-capped peaks to rugged terrains, the country offers top-class mountaineering training through several reputed institutes. These institutes provide both beginners and advanced climbers with technical skills, endurance training, and survival techniques in extreme
Harela Mela is one of the most loved and unique festivals of Kumaon region in Uttarakhand. It is a beautiful mix of agriculture, environment, culture, and devotion. In the local language, Harela means “green leaves” or “new harvest.” This festival is deeply rooted in farming life and village traditions of
Every 12 years, a rare and powerful festival takes place in the high Himalayan valleys of Uttarakhand. This is the Kandali Festival (also known as Kangdali Festival), celebrated by the Rung tribe in the Chaudans valley of Pithoragarh district. The 2023 celebration of this festival marked one of the most
Hidden in the inner ranges of Tehri Garhwal, Khait Parvat (also called Khet Parvat) is not just a scenic mountain—it’s a land of old secrets, mystic stories, and local belief. Known as the “Pariyon ka Desh” (Land of Fairies), this offbeat trek is rich in spiritual tales and magical vibes.
Uttarakhand is not just a beautiful Himalayan state—it’s called Dev Bhoomi, the “Land of Gods”, for a reason. Every mountain, every river, every forest here carries the divine fragrance of spirituality. But among thousands of sacred spots, there are a few rare places where local people believe that gods are
In the far northern reaches of Kumaon, near the Indo-Tibet border, live the Rung people—a unique ethnic Himalayan group known for their deep-rooted traditions, ancient trade history, and vibrant culture. Most Rung settlements are found in Pithoragarh district, mainly in the Darma, Johar (Milam), and Byans valleys, including villages like
Travelling in the Himalayas is a dream for many adventure lovers. But before packing your bags, you should know about two important permits – Inner Line Permit (ILP) and Protected Area Permit (PAP). These permits are mandatory in some areas due to security reasons, especially near international borders. If you
Char Dham Yatra is one of the most sacred pilgrimages in India. It includes visiting four holy temples in the Garhwal Himalayas of Uttarakhand: Yamunotri, Gangotri, Kedarnath, and Badrinath. Every year lakhs of devotees from all over India take part in this spiritual journey.
Valley of Flowers is one of the most beautiful places in Uttarakhand. Every year, lakhs of people visit this hidden paradise. Covered with colourful flowers, waterfalls, and mountain views, this valley is part of UNESCO World Heritage Site.
If you’re planning to visit in 2025, here is everything you should
Camping in Uttarakhand is a magical experience. This Himalayan state is full of green meadows, snowy peaks, peaceful forests, and riverside spots — perfect for spending a night under the stars.
Gorson Bugyal (also written as Gurson Bugyal) is a beautiful alpine meadow located just 1.5 km from Auli in the Chamoli district of Uttarakhand. It sits at an altitude of about 3,056 metres (10,023 feet) and is a popular short trek for nature lovers, photographers, and those looking to experience
The Himalayas are not just mountains. They are a feeling, a sacred presence, and a spiritual home. For centuries, people have called the Himalayas Dev Bhoomi, which means Land of the Gods. But why do they have this special title? Let’s understand the meaning, beliefs, and facts behind it in
Tucked in the easternmost corner of Pithoragarh district in Kumaon region of Uttarakhand, Darma Valley is a true hidden gem. Surrounded by high Himalayan peaks, ancient villages, and untouched forests, the valley offers raw natural beauty, cultural richness, and adventure.
Located close to the Indo-Tibet border, this valley lies between
Tungnath Temple, nestled in the serene Garhwal Himalayas of Uttarakhand, India, holds the distinction of being the highest Shiva temple in the world. Perched at an elevation of 3,680 meters (12,073 feet), it is a significant spiritual site and a marvel of ancient architecture.
The Ancient Silk Route, a legendary network of trade routes, not only connected the East with the West but also played a significant role in shaping the culture, economy, and spirituality of several civilizations. While much of the focus is often on the routes through Central Asia and China, the
Kartik Swami Mahayagya 2025 is a revered spiritual event held in the serene landscapes of the Rudraprayag district in Uttarakhand.
This annual Mahayagya is dedicated to Lord Kartikeya, the son of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati, and takes place at the Kartik Swami Temple, a significant pilgrimage site perched atop
Badrinath Temple, nestled in the serene Himalayas of Uttarakhand, is not just a spiritual haven but also a testament to India’s rich cultural tapestry.
Central to its religious practices is the Rawal, the chief priest, whose selection is steeped in centuries-old traditions.
When we talk about the beauty of Kullu Valley, it is not just about rivers and mountains. It is also about ancient temples and miracles. One such magical place is Bijli Mahadev Temple.
Located about 14 km from Kullu town, Bijli Mahadev is a famous Shiva temple known for a
Travelling to Bhutan from India is easy and affordable, especially for Indian citizens. Bhutan is a peaceful neighbour, known for its clean environment, rich culture, and friendly people. If you are planning to visit this Himalayan kingdom, this guide will help you with everything — from entry points and permits
In the Himalayan belt of Jaunsar-Bawar, Rohru, Mori, and parts of Himachal Pradesh, there is a powerful and deeply respected deity — Mahasu Devta. He is considered the protector and judge of the region. But in recent years, many people have started saying that Mahasu Devta is Lord Shiva.
This
The Himalayan Fair 2025 is all set to bring the vibrant cultures of the Himalayas to the heart of California. Scheduled for May 17–18 at Live Oak Park in Berkeley, this annual event promises a weekend filled with traditional music, dance, food, and crafts from the Himalayan region.
If you are planning your first trip to Himachal Pradesh and are confused between Kinnaur and Spiti, you are not alone. Both are hidden gems in the lap of the Himalayas. But both are very different in experience, travel style, and climate. So let’s dive into a detailed comparison –
Garhwal region of Uttarakhand is not only famous for its hills, rivers and temples – but also for its simple, healthy and flavourful food. The traditional dishes here are deeply connected to the mountain lifestyle. Most ingredients are locally grown, full of nutritional value, and cooked in desi style using
The Himalayas are full of vibrant colours, cultures, rituals, and celebrations. From the icy valleys of Ladakh to the lush hills of Sikkim and Arunachal Pradesh, every month brings a reason to celebrate. Here is a detailed month-wise calendar of Himalayan festivals from April 2025 to March 2026.
If you’re planning a spiritual adventure in the Himalayas and confused between Kinnaur Kailash and Adi Kailash, you’re not alone. Both places are linked to Lord Shiva and attract thousands of pilgrims and trekkers every year. But they are totally different in many ways — from location to difficulty level,
T The Salood-Dungra village of Chamoli district in Uttarakhand is once again ready to celebrate its vibrant folk-cultural festival “Ramman 2025” in a grand way. This year, the excitement in the village for the festival is on another level.
उत्तराखंड के चमोली जिले में स्थित सलूड़-डुंगरा गांव एक बार फिर से तैयार है अपने लोक-सांस्कृतिक महोत्सव “रम्माण 2025” को भव्य रूप में मनाने के लिए। इस वर्ष रम्माण महोत्सव को लेकर गांव में विशेष उत्साह है, क्योंकि भूमियाल देवता की स्थापना इस बार 14 अप्रैल 2025 को उनके
The Chopta Tungnath trek is one of the most beautiful and easy treks in the Garhwal Himalayas. It is famous for its breathtaking views, peaceful surroundings, and spiritual vibes. The trek leads you to Tungnath Temple, the highest Shiva temple in the world, and then to Chandrashila Peak, from where
भारत सरकार ने सीमावर्ती क्षेत्रों के विकास के लिए वाइब्रेंट विलेज प्रोग्राम (VVP) की शुरुआत की है। इस योजना का उद्देश्य भारत-चीन, भारत-नेपाल और भारत-पाकिस्तान जैसी अंतरराष्ट्रीय सीमाओं के पास बसे गाँवों को विकसित करना है। यह योजना 2022-23 के केंद्रीय बजट में घोषित की गई थी।
हाल ही में उत्तराखंड के मुख्यमंत्री श्री पुष्कर सिंह धामी ने प्रदेश के कई स्थानों के नाम बदलने की घोषणा की है। यह फैसला प्रदेश की सांस्कृतिक विरासत और जनभावनाओं को ध्यान में रखते हुए लिया गया है। धामी जी का कहना है कि कई स्थानों के पुराने नाम
Birsingh Thakur was one of the most brave generals of Kullu. He played a crucial role in shaping the history of Kullu valley, defending the region from external threats and ensuring its prosperity. Known for his exceptional military leadership, strategic planning, and undying loyalty to the Kullu Kingdom, he remains
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