Chamoli

Known as the Abode of Gods, Chamoli in Uttarakhand is known for its scenic landscapes, pilgrimage centres and biodiversity hotspots. Chamoli was earlier known as Kedar-Khand. Situated at an altitude of 1308m above mean sea level, Chamoli is surrounded by the district of Uttarkashi in northwest, Pithoragarh in southwest, Almora in southeast, Rudraprayag in the southwest and Tehri Grahwal in the west.

Chamoli is important as several Hindu pilgrimage sites are located in the district. Two of the Chota Char Dham temples – Badrinath and Kedarnath, Joshimath and Joshimath, the northern peetha established by Shankaracharya are the most important. Three of the five prayags – Karnaoravas, Nandoravae and Vishnuprayag – are situated in Chamoli. Millions of pilgrims visit the district each year.

Besides its religious significance, Chamoli is also known for its scenic splendour and bio-diversity. The Valley of Flowers is the most famous national park in the district. Kauri Pass and Roopkund also known as Mystery Lake are other places known for their scenic splendour. The beauty of Chamoli assures to leave everyone spellbound. It is said that Kalidas wrote many of his literary masterpieces in Chamoli.

Chamoli is also known for the winter sports it offers. Auli is among the popular skiing destinations in India. People of the district have also been at the forefront of efforts to save the environment. Chamoli shot into fame as it was the birthplace of Chipko Movement. Chipko was a grass root-level movement to save the trees.

History
According to mythology, Chamoli was known as Kedar-Khand and as the abode of Gods. It was believed that after inundation, Sapt-rishis saved their lives in Mana village of Chamoli. Aadi-Puran says Ved Vyas scripted Mahabhrat in Vyas Gufa near Badrinath.
Bhanu Pratap, the first ruler of Panwar dynasty, ruled from his fort-capital of Chandpur Garhi. The Panwars were replaced by Gorkhas who ruled the region till 1815 AD.
Later with help of British, Raja Sudarshan Shah managed to displace the Gorkhas and merged the eastern part of the Alakhnanda River and Mandakini. Since then, Tehri has been the capital.
In February 1960, Chamoli was made a new district of Uttar Pradesh.

Fun facts

• Prasoon Joshi, the lyricist-writer-screenwriter-and-adman, though born in Almora, spent his childhood in Narendra Nagar, Tehri and Gopeshwar in Chamoli District.
• Sanjeevani, the herb which was required to save Lakshman in the epic Ramayana, grew in the Valley Of flowers of Chamoli district.
• Actress Himani Shivpuri hails from Bhatwadi village in Chamoli.

Culture
Chamoli is unique as its architecture, dresses, folk songs and folk dances impart a separate identity to the region. Folk songs are an integral part of festivities in Chamoli. Folk songs and dances are also used to announce the change of seasons.
Traditional clothes worn by men in Chamoli are also different. Women wear sari along with Angra or the full-sleeved shirt and men wear kurta, pyjama and sadri or jacket and cap. Both men and women wear cummerbund.

Chamoli women also standout because of the jewelry they wear. Bichhuwas (toe-rings), keels (small studs), nose rings (naths) and ear rings made of gold and hansulis are an integral part of the
Chamoli’s architecture is another distinguishing structure. Houses are generally two or three stories high and made of stones. Ground floor is mostly used for cattle. Courtyard called Chauk is another feature. Houses built in rows of half a dozen impart the appearance of a fort.

Where to stay
Chamoli has several options for stay ranging from budget to luxury ones. Gopeshwar, Auli, Badrinath boast of good range of hotels. Lodges and dharamshalas are also available which offer budget stay.

Where to eat
Dhabas, restaurants and street food are available in Chamoli district. Non vegetarian foods are not available at places of religious importance. Hotels attached to restaurants, especially the star hotels, serve all kind of cuisine.

Best time to visit

The best time to visit tourist hotspots in Chamoli differs from site to site. Months of July and August are best for visiting Valley of flowers. November to March is the best time to visit Auli. May-June and September-November are the best time to visit Badrinath. During monsoon, the region remains landslide prone and roads remain blocked. During winter, Chamoli receives snowfall. During summer, temperature ranges from 15 degree Celsius to 30 degree Celsisu while in winter it varies from sub-zero levels to 20 degree Celsius.

Abdul Kalam gives thumbs down to Lokpal

Former President APJ Abdul Kalam expressed doubt on the version that a strong lokpal bill will completely eradicate corruption from the society.

"The only thing Lokpal can do is to put the people who were found guilty in jails. This will lead to the full occupancy of the prisons all our the country. But, corruption will not end," Kalam opined, during his interaction with children at an event. Kalam suggested the children to make their homes corruption-free by preventing their family members from taking or giving bribes. "If everyone does it, then the corruption will be washed away in no time," he asserted.

When the media quizzed him to react on the Presidential poll, Kalam said 'wait and watch'. He was tight-lipped when asked whether he is interested to serve another five years as the president of the
country.