Yoga and beyond.

                                                                            When the entire nation was eagerly waiting for the results of General Elections 2019, I was at the Mumbai airport catching a flight to Dehradun not because of my having less interest in politics but having my interest in utilising the time well. Business establishments in Mumbai would be almost at  halt for next one week. Its my fourth visit in a row to this part of India. Rishikesh now fondly called as the "Yoga capital of India" is relatively busy place because lot of people visit "Char Dham" and other pilgrimages  during this time in this hilly region.

The Mahabharata speaks of the formation of the Himalaya. In the very beginning of time and creation, the Hindu god Vishnu used to live by the shores of a great vast sea (later identified as the Tethys Sea). A pair of seagulls also nested on the same shore. Every year the female seagull would lay her eggs by the shore of the sea. But the sea would sweep in and wash her eggs away. The female seagull laid her eggs farther ashore every year but the sea would continue to sweep in and wash them away every single time. The seagulls were heartbroken by their loss. In despair, they appealed to Vishnu, the great Preserver, to come to their aid. Vishnu felt pity and compassion for their hapless situation. He opened his mouth and swallowed t    he sea in a huge gulp. Where the sea was, now lay the newly created Mother Earth. Vishnu was very exhausted by the feat of swallowing up such a vast sea. He lay down to rest and soon fell into a deep sleep. The demon Hiranyanksha was lurking nearby. When he saw Vishnu asleep, he seized the opportunity and brutally assaulted the defenseless Mother Earth. His brutality was of such great magnitude that her limbs were broken and levered up. These broken limbs, towering towards the sky, formed the mighty Himalayas.

Set in the foothills of magnificent Himalaya is a village called  Singtali in Gahrwal region of Uttarakhand.  


Balcony projecting over river Ganges

Entrance





                                                                                                 Taj Rishikesh Resorts & Spa Uttarakhand situated in Singtali, a village about 35 Km from Rishikesh on the way to Kedarnath. a spiritual gateway of Himalayas is a complete blend of simplicity, spirituality and nature. Designed by Singapore based Ecoid is well crafted with local materials and existing sloppy landscape. "Pahadi" wooden logs and Stones are dressed  well for the application which sets the place chest modern.

Morning 6.30 AM is absolute silence except for the sounds of holy river Ganges flowing just below the projecting balcony projecting outside the rocky hillock,   flowing waters and chirping of birds.

White sand and flowing waters of River Ganges having tint of green creates absolute magic during the sun rise

Local food  always responds to the climate well, but the culinary skills along with its presentation makes it more rejoicing.

Buckwheat puffed bread with cocoyam

  Garhwali food is the food of the Garhwali people of Uttarakhand, in North India.. Garhwalis also call themselves Paharis and their cuisine is also comonly referred to as Pahari food. However it is distinctly different from other high altitude regional cuisines of India such as Kashmiri or Himachali cuisines. Garhwali or Pahari food is not exotic, glamorous or rich. In fact it is in fact one of the simplest I have ever come accross! The ingredients of most of the dishes can be counted on both hands. Traditionally life in the hills is a hard one, so the cuisine has evolved to be quick to cook, but offers optimum nutrition, satisfaction and flavor. It is unpretentious, based on easily obtained seasonal ingredients and has distinct menus for summer and winter. At every meal food comes to the table freshly cooked, aromatic and tempting. Based on staples like Rice, indigenous millets, flat breads made of wheat flour and millet flour, that are eaten with a variety of Daals and Daal preparations that are the primary source of protein, accompanied by seasonal vegetables dishes.

Budhha Bowl

Morning starts with Bael Sherbet, a delightful and soothing beverage for hot summers.  followed        by      Mandua Puri with Pahari urbi ki sabji    (buckwheat puffed bread with cocoyam). Cocoyam is grown locally and used as a staple diet in many household in Gahrwal.

Afternoons are relatively hot. The temperature varies between 35 to 38 degree Celsius. Open air lounges attached to the dining areas cant work during the day but the large shaded areas attached to the lobby are kept open for dining. Barren mountains reminds one with local ground spices of Gahrwal.

Mandua roti, Pahadi saag gosht and
Red rice

Buddha bowls are the signature salads served Sous vide cooked chicken and pineapple, Parma ham, turkey pastrami, with garlic thyme crostini is an Italian preparation with flavour of local spices.

 Its Mandua roti ( Ragi) and Pahadi saag gosht and famous red rice ( whole rice red)for main course.

 There is a enough room in a balcony to accommodate the sketching travel kit. Inspiring view of mountains from the balconies takes away the siesta time. the dry mountains appeared brown with almost dried landscape. But the scale of mountains with river Ganges keeps one engrossing.



Mountains with river Ganges flowing down: Watercolour on Paper

Devprayag is a place about 40 Km from Singtali. Its about 90 Min drive up the mountains.

The celestial town of Devprayag is positioned at an elevation of 830 metres above sea level. Devprayag is the last Prayag or the holy confluence of the Alaknanda River, from here that the confluence of Alaknanda and Bhagirathi River is known as Ganga. Meeting of two holy rivers really mesmerises you.The town is the seat of the pundits of Badrinath Dham.




Confluence of holy rivers Alaknanda and Bhagirathi .. which is named as river Ganges after this confuence : Water clolour on paper.

The Himalayan ranges have always been a source of inspiration to many. Myths and legends are usually traditional stories that are often handed down through generations but lack factual evidence. Often myths have a religious or spiritual significance. Somehow myths and legends of all faiths are inspiring.