Trip to Dharamshala
His Holiness the Dalai Lama
The main attraction to go to Dharamshala was to be able to see him and hear his lectures.
So after Palampur we came to Dharamshala. We two of us stayed in the city down below, in a private house probably owned by someone who had worked in Military. Our room was on ground floor. Garden around was colourful. There was a circular pond in the compound with rows of flowering greenery. Lovely birds use to come and sit there. Rest of the group had booked independent cottages on land slanting towards the East.
One day we all got to gather to walk along the street that leads to Dalai Lama’s territory. Whole street had shops selling Tibetan objects. But we were not allowed to enter, nor we could see the building from outside. He was in Dharamshala and lecturing but as per rule we have to carry our passports. None of us carried a passport and were dejected with the system.
Later we went for our outings independently at our own pace. One day we were directed by our host to go on top of the hill and drive along the valley at the back. Many Israelis were living on that path facing the valley. Only satisfying attraction was that very good baked Pizza was available here. Our driver refused to drive us along the road. So the morning ended with a lunch of Pizza. Later we wandered around to other places like Kangra Art museum.
The museum preserves the cultural heritage of the Kangra Valley. Its collections include:
Kangra miniature paintings.
Archaeological sculptures and terracotta.
Traditional jewellery and textiles.
Manuscripts and other historical artefacts.
We were impressed by the collection of Archaeological sculptures. As we were leaving the museum just outside in veranda there people people learning to make stone structures.
They were demonstrating traditional stone carving or sculpture. Kangra has a rich artistic heritage, and stonework is another part of the region's craft traditions.
It is particularly interesting if you want to understand the art and history of the region rather than simply admire its mountain scenery. In the neighbour hood was a small shop, displaying paintings depicting the scenery of the area.
Next day our host directed us to a local temple on a slope with a river flowing downwards. Later all other four members of our group stayed at the same house. The owner was very gracious and the evenings were spent chatting with him with a glass of drink. (I don’t drink).
Weather was changing and sky in the west had beautiful colours. Three of us went for a drive drive again beyond the temple. Sitting in the open we watched the donkeys coming down with the load of Bricks. With a colourful background it was a beautiful sight.
Most interesting visit was to Norbulingka Institute and its Norbulingka Shop. Norbulingka Institute is at Sidhpur, near Dharamshala. The craft building was very elegant and expensive.
Norbulingka Institute Norbulingka Institute Norbulingka Shop
Norbulingka is dedicated to preserving traditional Tibetan art forms. Their hand-woven, hand-embroidered textiles—especially their signature Tibetan appliqué and brocade cushion covers—are world-famous masterpieces. They are meticulously made by master artisans and sold at premium prices to support the Tibetan refugee community. I bought a single cushion cover in black with classical Tibetan design in white. I am using it is on my bed since years.
I also remember that in about 1955-56 my sister and me had been to dharamshala with our father and my sister and me had seen kalimpong togather.
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