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Let us know about Chamba
Chamba, certainly is everyone’s dream tour. It is the best possible getaway that one can think of. Chamba is a dream destination for all. It has the perfect balanced weather and the topographical beauty is amazing here with a minimum human alteration. All of these make it the perfect tourist spot all around the year. The Ravi River is flowing through this town which adds to its scenic beauty. It is situated at the confluence of the Chal River with the Ravi River.
It has a backdrop of the Himalayan area, covered with fauna and flora of various kinds which makes this place very picturesque for one’s holiday memories. There are many lakes, temples, and sanctuaries to offer one great experience. After this trip, ever tourist goes back much happier and richer from Chamba because this place has so much to offer.
More on Chamba
Art
The most popular thing of Chamba is its handicrafts and artworks. Among all other art pieces, the Pahari paintings are the most famous. This is a type of Indian painting that was originated at the time of 17th to 19th centuries from the Himalayan areas of North India. There are some other paintings that are influenced by Mughals. They are the paintings that have Basohli style. These paintings usually include images and themes from the Hindu folklore. Love and romance between mythological characters like Shiv-Parvati, Krishna-Radha are depicted here. Animal images can also be found here like pictures of deer and other bird species. Monsoon as a season for romance can also be found in many paintings as a popular backdrop. These paintings are preserved and displayed in many museums of Chamba. The place is also known for its craftworks, many weapons, wall decors or temple cupolas are made with different metals like iron, copper, and brass. Chambal has its own traditional styled shawls, footwear, and handkerchiefs. One can find jewelry with unique designs and carvings in Chamba. Different musical instruments are also made, like Nagara, which is like the kettle drum. Apart from that, cymbals and other instruments are also made in this town.
History
In the 2nd century, BC Chamba was being ruled by Kolian tribes. Then the town was ruled by various dynasties like Guptas, Thakurs, and Ranas. Later it was passed to the Rajputs in the 7th century. From an Individual named Maru, who came from Kalpagram in North-West India in 500AD, the history of the Rajput dynasty is traced. In 920AD, under the rule of Raja Sahil Verman, the king of Bharmour, this place became the capital of the Rajput Dynasty. There are stories surrounding this event. People say, in the honor of her daughter, Champavati, Champa is made the capital of the Mughal dynasty. The location of Chamba is very isolated and surrounded by hilly areas. This has helped Rajputs to evade many captures, mainly by Mughals. It is told that both Aurangzeb and Akbar has tried to capture Chamba but failed. But with Shah Jahan, they had friendly bonds and thus this town was influenced by the Mughal lifestyle. But in later days, Chamba was weakened by repeated attacks of Gurkhas and then finally was defeated by the British. In the 1800s, the ruler of Chamba accepted the British treaty and was added to their territory. They were in good terms with the British governor and the town was rapidly developed in its culture and lifestyle. After the independence, the country Chamba merged in August 1948.
Festival Celebrations
2 major festivals are celebrated in Chamba in a grand way. Suhi Mata Mela is the first festival. It is celebrated in the month of March or April for a period of 4 days. This Mela is celebrated in the honor of the Chamba Queen, who was a Rajput. She made a great sacrifice by sacrificing her existence so that people of Chamba can get water from the Sarota River. So, here women play a big part. They carry banners with pictures of their Rajput queen in procession. People dance and sing all the way to the temple of Suhi Mata. The Minjar Mela is the second festival which is observed on the 2nd Sunday of August or Shravana month. This Mela celebrates the victory of the Chamba king over Trigarta king in 900sAD. An offering of golden silk, coconut, rupee coin, seasonal fruit, and minjar paddy, swaddled in red clothing, are made. Then the festival week follows. The mainly worshipped God is lord Raghuvira here. On the very last day, Ravi River is worshipped. People of Chambal perform folk songs and dances which are called Kunjari Malhar.
Dine-out places and local food in Chamba:
The predominant cuisine in Chambal is North Indian as it is located in hilly areas of Himachal Pradesh. But some local foods with exotic Himalayan flavor can be found too. Madra is one of the most popular native delicacies of Chamba. It is prepared from lentils like Kidney beans and Rajma. This is cooked with many dry fruits and flavored spices. Yogurt is another special local food item. One can get it almost everywhere and in every food store, it has a different heavenly taste.
Our Day Itinerary
One can book a cab for side seeing. Rental cars are easily available there. They charge very reasonably. But people can go for bargaining as well. One should carry some food with them because, in remote areas, no food stalls or restaurants will be available. There are many ancient temples made in 500AD worth visiting. The architecture there is very beautiful. The Bhuri Singh Museum is a must-visit. It was made to honor the king of Chamba- Raja Bhuri Singh. Then other temples like Chamunda Devi Temple, Akhand Chandi Palace, Laxmi Narayan Temples can be visited. All of them have great religious value.
