Chamba Himalaya: Amazing Land, Unique Culture

Located in the Western Himalaya, Chamba district of Himachal Pradesh is a dream world. Fascinated by its scenic beauty and richness of culture, the historians have described Chamba as wonderland. Gorgeous landscape, majestic snow-capped mountain ranges of Dhauladhar, Pir Panjal and Zanskar, the humming rivers, placid lakes, perennial springs, lush green forests, ancient temples and monuments, and amazing art and architecture throw an open invitation to the tourists of all kinds. There is hardly any region elsewhere which affords as great variety of people and places as Chamba does. The sub-divisions namely Pangi, Churah, Chamba, Bharmaur and Bhattiyat are peculiar not only in their topography but also in their language, traditions, customs and culture. Pangi is the remotest part of Chamba district and is virgin in many respects. Chamba district has two tribal areas namely Pangi and Bharmaur and two major nomadic communities i.e. Gujjars and Gaddis. The Gujjars inhabit mainly in Churah and Chamba sub-divisions and the Gaddis are concentrated in Bharmaur and upper parts of Bhattiyat. Both the tribes keep on moving from place to place in search of pastures—in summers to mountains and in winters to plains. Chamba town, the headquarters of the district, is so idyllically located on the bank of river Ravi with the backdrop of Shah Madar hill that one falls in love at first sight with the place. The galaxy of Laxmi Narayan temples, the towering palace and the vast Chaugan at the base provide panoramic look which perforce attract the attention of the visitors. The people of Chamba district are peace-loving, honest simple, fair and charming. The folk songs of Chamba are sweeter than honey. Based on his intimate knowledge and experience of the place and people, the author has given colourful account of the legends and lores, history, life-style, customs, fairs and festivals, art and craft, important temples, monuments and scenic places of Chamba which stir one’s imagination about the place.