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CHAMBA got its name, it is said, after the princess who persuaded her father King Sahil Varman to establish his kingdom at this picturesque valley. Chamba, one of the 12 districts of Himachal Pradesh is really unparalleled in its diversity. Be it geographical landmarks, its people, culture, art, heritage or religion, it can boast of a varied spectrum. Here we have icy peaks of Pangi and Bharmour at 15,000-18,000 ft. above sea-level and the warm planes of Bhatiyat at 1,000 ft above sea-level.The gushing Ravi and serene Chandrabhaga flow through it. At least four mountain passes — Saach, Chuwari, Darati and Chehni Jot—connect its different regions with each other. The difference in the terrain has naturally endowed it with rich biodiversity too. Culturally, the five tehsils of Pangi, Bhatiyat, Bharmour, Chamba and Churah are highly diverse with different costumes, dialects, cuisines, culture and traditions prospering in each. Chamba is the pious seat of Sri Chandji, a Sikh saint and Pir Sai Jamaalshah — a Muslim ascetic. Buddhist monastries in Pangi and ancient Hindu temples are scattered throughout the valley. The famous pilgrimage of Manimahesh, 84 temples (Churasi) at Bharmour, Chandrashekhar at Saho are some of well-known sites. Most of these temples are rich examples of ancient Indian architectural and sculptural tradition. Chamba has given shelter to several artists of the Mughal court, who later developed the Chamba Kalam of the Pahari painting which has put the district on the international fine arts map. The list includes Chamba kadhai — a unique embroidery which is alike on both sides, leather work of fashioning Chamba chappal, embroidered footwear, exquisite silver jewellery, its nationally recognised metal casting sculptures, its culinary delights of a seven course community meal — dham, the chukh chilly pickle and a lot more. Chamba has its very own Minjar mela and a traditional Ramleela and Krishan Leela to draw large number of audience despite the onslaught of technology. It has a rich collection of folk songs and folk dances, folk tales and traditions. The bronze idol of Lord Vishnu in Hari Raj temple at Chamba which has been chosen as a logo for the millennium celebrations was retrieved at the last moment from Mumbai while being smuggled out of the country after it was stolen from Chamba. The idol is a symbol of the rich cultural index of this 1000-year-old hill town. — Jayanti Roy |
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