The landscapes of ‘triangles’ visible in Mountains

Perspective

The world around us is merely how we see it. And the ways of seeing could be myriad, depending on one’s respective cognition. Here I would share an interesting perception of mine ushered during my recent Himachal Pradesh Visit. Most of among us knows Himachal Pradesh in terms of its specialties like tourism, heritage, adventure etc. but irrespective of it my eyes were finding the ‘formal’ landscape in each perusal. ‘Formal’ here is assortment of a three angler shape ‘triangle’ which I was seeing in almost every building from restaurants to spas, castles to small shops and in various objects around. Or I should say every structure which had a ‘roof’ at top was having a ‘triangle’ as a part of architecture. Albeit the reason of it simply the snow fall, which takes place heavily in Himachal during winters. To prevent the roofs from snow congealing the roofs are designed and made up in sliding shape instead of flat platformic style. But despite of buildings and other concrete objects, the triangle has seen prevalent in trees, mountains and other scenic sights as well. Therefore, it led me to connect the triangle with its philosophical meanings too.

A ‘triangle’ has multiple meanings as a symbol, but differently or somewhere connected in both eastern and western society. Some keywords associated with triangle meaning include gender, creativity, harmony, proportion, ascension, manifestation, illumination, integration, subjectivity and culmination. This sort of versatility captures themes of magic, wonder and creativity in the triangle meaning. In geometry it means a triangle, in geology it means a mountain, in symbology it means a lot of different stuff, in road-hoardings it indicates to various directions, for occultists it’s a summoning symbol, in pop-culture it symbolizes LGBT through a pink triangle and in mathematics it has a Greek name called ‘delta’ which means a change in one variable compare to the other. And in European unions, a black down-pointing triangle indicates to a system to identify medicines that are being monitored particularly closely by regulatory authorities, described under Black Triangle Scheme. 

The orientation of a triangle is also important to its meaning. None of other basic shapes offer this kind of inherent duplicity. When we turn a square on its side, the symbol meaning remains the same. Same with the circle-rolling it down, it’s still a circle but the triangle proposes variable meanings when tipped top from bottom. For example a point-up triangle represents a strong foundation or stability, as it rooted to the ground through a solid base. It also symbolizes male energy, considered as solar, lingam, Shakta, active, mountain, up, father; and fire and air are the masculine elements. Oppose to it the point-down triangle represents female energy, lunar, yoni, Shakti, passive, cave, down, mother; thus forms the elements of earth and water. Point-up triangle can also represent ascension toward the spiritual world, while the point-down triangle can represent a descent into the physical world.

Any discussion about triangle meaning cannot be completed without connecting it with the number three. All the mystic teachings incorporate the power of three within their folds. Three represents the union of the number prior to it (one and two). Numerologically speaking, if one represents force, and two represents an opening, than three is the birthing of true wisdom. There are other triads proposed by esoteric triangle which represent the historical and cultural trinities like ‘spirit, mind, body’, ‘mother, father, child’, ‘past, present, future’, ‘power, intellect, love’, ‘thought, feeling, emotion’, ‘mother, maiden, crone’, ‘love, truth, wisdom’, ‘creator, destroyer, sustainer’ and ‘creation, preservation, destruction’. This is represented in Indian mythology as ‘Brahma, Vishnu, Mahesh’ and similarly in western society the Christian God is trinity- ‘father, son and holy ghost’ united in a single godhead, represented by a triangle. This trinity is clearly visible in ‘banner of peace’ initiated by Russian Artist Nicholas Roerich. It symbolizes religion, art and science encompassed by the circle of culture which can be seen everywhere at Nicholas Art Gallery, Museum and in its premises at Naggar, Himachal Pradesh. Here, one cannot deny remembering Egyptian Pyramids consisting 2-D triangles into it. This Pyramidal structure is much evident in structure of Hadimba Devi Temple situated at Manali, Himachal Pradesh.

The Banner of Peace at one of the Entrance
 at Urusvati, Himalayan Folk & Tribal Arts Museum

A 1932 Work of Nicholas Roerich 'Medonna Oriflamma'
having Banner of Peace in hands

Hadimba Devi Temple, Manali

The triangular geometrical landscapes of Himachal Pradesh were surely reminding me of early cubist landscapes of Artist Paul Cezanne. Although triangles are there in the works of artist Nicholas Roerich having the plenty of hills and mountains into landscapes, but they are not consciously created cubes. So, the purposes may be different, but eyes were feasting the geometry; its meaning, philosophy and the spirituality, speaking silently into Himalayan Valleys. By seeing this existing geometry, one may begin to personalize the potential of an overwhelming subject of triangle meaning and its association with circle. All the found triangles seemed the resting energies into Himalayas where the helicoidally carved paths were not less than the springs of circles.

Some Scenic Beauty from Aleo, New Manali

Some Scenic Beauty on the way to Solang

Houses on the way to Solang

The Skiing Center at Solang

A Recently opened Ropeway at Solang Valley

Solang Valley

Solang Power House & other Triangular Architecture in Solang

In Dhundi

The Resting Triangles on the way from Solang to Manali

A Temple on the way from Solang to Manali

A Tent Shop on the way from Solang to Aleo

The Beas Hostel, ABVIMAS, Manali

Inside the Club House

Tribes India Showroom in Manali

Bus Stop in Main Market, Manali

Resting Places in Main Market, Manali

The Gaurd's den in a House, New Manali

A Nascafe Cofee Shop in Main Market, Manali

SBI ATM in Main Market, Manali

Police Station in Main Market, Manali

Taxi Operators Place in Main Market, Manali

In Main Market, Manali

State Electricity Board Building, Himachal Pradesh

Pubic Toilets 'Sulabh Shochalayas' in Main Market, Manali

A Restaurant in Roerich Gallery Premises, Naggar

A Stage for Performances in Roerich House Premises

Nar Singh God's Temple at Naggar

The Inside Scenes of Urusvati,
Himalayan Folk & Tribal Arts Museum

A P.C.O. Booth cum Wine Shop at Naggar

A Temple at Aleo, New Manali

At the end, I hope that you enjoyed these perspectives. But don’t stop at my cognition. Find triangle in your life, in nature, in books, connect them if you had previous visits to Himachal or let them stay in mind if you go to Himachal in future. See them in life around and incorporate them into life experiences. As I believe, our lives are not less than ‘giant lab experiments’. We can introduce triangles and other symbols in our daily practices to record the results of our findings or to make alive a travel to hilly place. Ultimately this perception is for leading to a bizarre phenomenon of ‘Travel’ and to ‘Deal’ differently with the destination.  

‘Trinity’ in Western Himalayas: Excitement, Exploration and Adventure

Travelogue

The flush road starts turning into helicoidally crude and verdant way and one feels lofting towards the sky, is the sign of entering into the land of western Himalaya, Himachal Pradesh. Himachal Pradesh is bordered by Jammu & Kashmir on the north, Punjab on the west and south-west, Haryana and Uttarakhand on the south-east and by the Tibet Autonomous Region on the east. Himachal literally means ‘in the lap of Himalayas’ named by one of the great Sanskrit scholar of Himachal, Acharya Diwakar Dutt Sharma.

The state has fascinating attractions giving the exquisite opportunity to have cultural, monumental and scenic feast. The charm of heritage village Naggar, the ethnic and crystal shops of old Manali, snow points of Rohtang pass, exciting paragliding at Solang valley, Buddhist monasteries and temples of entire region are the interesting places to sightseeing and excursion. And being a place of mountains Himachal Pradesh offers a plenty of opportunities to mountain warriors and attracts adventure enthusiasts besides tourism. For this cause Himachal Government has set up institutions like ABVIAMS (Atal Bihari Vajpayee Institute of Mountaineering & Allied Sports, which has nine sub-centers all over the state. Apart from this Governmental effort the state has a plenty of private training institutions.

ABVIAMS is a largest sports training center in the country today and so far 40,000 people have been trained. It offers mountaineering, skiing, trekking, river rafting, eco-tourism, aero-sports, and water sports etc. as areas of practice. It has tie ups with central school organization and various private institutions of different fields. As an educator I got opportunity to experience the adventure tour to Western Himalaya along with the students, and this was the purpose of going for Himachal Pradesh this summer. This 10 days trekking tour started from the head quarter of the institute which is situated in New Manali, Aleo along with a team of around 30 people including three trekking instructors named Ishan Walia, Kamal Negi and Tenjin Bodh. From Manali we went ahead to Solang Nalla, than to Dhundi and Bakkar thach. Despite of persuasive aims this journey percolated around exploring local market and tribes collection set up by the Government of India, religious places like temples and monastery, historical places like museum, art gallery and to knowing about the economy and life of the local people.

Manali is located in about 270km north of the state capital Shimla, and a part of the Kullu district. Situated in the Vyas aka Beas river valley, the town Manali is the beginning of an ancient trade route to Ladakh. About the naming of the town it is said that sage Manu had survive a great flood that destroyed the rest of the world. He then recreated mankind in this Kullu valley town, which became known as Manali. The British introduced apple trees and trout to Manali, which were not native to town’s flora and fauna. It is said that when apple trees were first planted the fruits were so plentiful that often branches were unable to bear the weight. Today, apple, plum and pear are the best source of income for the majority of its inhabitants, and because of receiving a boost in tourism, this small village has transformed into a bustling town with many hotels, restaurants, cottages, castles, guest houses and spas.  And newer guest houses are mingling with attractive old farmstead with wooden balconies and thick stone tiled roofs.

Approximately 3 km away from the town Manali, situates Old Manali which is virtually unspoiled Himalayan village. Famous for temple of sage Manu which is believed the only temple of Manu in India, this place has developed its identity into multi cultural hub entertaining both domestic and western tourists. Old Manali bears an outlook of cross cultural fusion like having Tibetan Kitchen, German Bakers, Italian restaurants and Punjabi food etc. Club house is a major attraction of Old Manali, situated at the foot of Old Manali village and on the left bank of Manalsu Nallah with all modern amenities required for holidaying elites. Club house is not less than five star comfort or luxury and greeted by courteous staff of Himachal Tourism Development Corporation. The club provides indoor and outdoor games with a nominal fee and a well stocked bar and a restaurant for the gourmets.

A Scene from Old Manali

Club House at Old Manali

Near to Old Manali and almost 1.5 km by road from main town a four-tiered and pagoda shape roofed temple of Hadimba Devi sits in the middle of a nearby deciduous forest of Deodar. Built in 1533 A.D. the temple complex has been the chief center of interest, historically and archaeologically. This ancient temple is dedicated to Hadimba Devi, sister of demon Hadimb, who is a character in Mahabharata who ruled the mountains. Hadimba went to the woods called Doongri Van Vihar to meditate in the final years of her life. So, it is also called Doongri Temple which does not contain any idol, just a footprint on a stone. The temple is built over a huge rock jutting out of the ground, which was worshiped as an image of the deity. The door of the temple is adorned with beautiful carvings of images of Goddess Durga along with other carved figures and symbols. A 24 meters tall wooden 'Shikhar'/tower lies above the sanctuary. Three square roofs, covered with timber tiles, adorn the shikhar. The shikhar also has a fourth brass cone-shaped roof at the top. 

Hadimba Temple- Left back side

Hadimba Temple- Right Front side

The Rabbit Festerers at Hadimba Temple

It is believed that the king who commissioned this temple was so awestruck by its beauty that he ordered the artist's right hand to be cut in order to avoid his ability to repeat his masterpiece. During the commencement of Dussehra celebrations, blessing of the ceremonial horse by the goddess is sought, which is called 'ghor pooja' ceremony. A huge fair is also held at the temple to celebrate her birthday. During the celebrations, rice, beer or 'longri' are relished. In the temple premises livestock like yak and rabbit festerers are seen earning their lives by providing the animals for being photographed with visitors. 

Close to these temples or while entering from New Manali town, the median way provides a huge glimpse of main market, full of diverse range of almost all kind of variety from food to cloths, accessories and daily routinely goods. Shopkeepers come here from different states having their ethnic vendible including temporary and permanent shops and stalls. Temporary shops/stalls are put up for 2-3 months during the peak time of tourism. Apart from this open market the Government of India, Tribal Affairs, has set up a showroom named ‘Tribes India’ at the starting point of invasion for the Hadimba temple. Tribes India’s collection includes the handlooms and region specific arts and crafts from all over the country which stands as a superb diverse collection available at one place. 

Inside Views of 'Tribes India'set up by Tribal Affairs, Govt. of India

Now, coming back to ABVIMAS, New Manali, Aleo from where our trekking journey began towards Solang Nalla. Solang Nalla is about 15 km from New Manali by trekking. The best time for trekking is from May to November as snow is not there during this period. It provides the scintilla of Jogini water fall, Nehru Kund and the lives of local residents in villages like Barua, Balang and Solang in between the way. One can find the trees and plants of apple, apricot, pear, palm, walnut and wild strawberry and also the farmers at work on this way. One can find animals like horse, sheep, cow and buffalo on this way mostly in flocks along with their festerers.

One of our instructors Ishan Walia was accompanying me during the way. While crossing beside the Nehru Kund, Ishan told me that Pt. Jwahar Lal Nehru used to drink water from this spring during his stay in Manali, so it has named after him. This cold clear water spring is said to originate from Bhrigu Lake that is located in the mountains. The best time to visit the Kund is from July to September, when the roads remain open. It opens at all times, except on Mondays and situates 5 kms on National Highway to Leh. Ishan also told me that all the waterfalls and rivers of Himachal are having pure water and Himalayans does not need to use water purifier for purifying the drinking water. The pure water which directly comes from earth called ‘Jerru water’.

Ishan told me that it was the place where a major accident happened in 2012 due to sudden rock fall, in which about 250 people were died. And I felt, life in Himalayas healthy and pious but some sort of risky as well. There were construction work going on at the same way, Ishan told me that it is a national highway work in process named ‘NH21’. This way from New Manali to Solang Nalla provided unforgettable scenic beauty for eyes or I shall say a visual treat. Reaching Solang Nalla Centre of ABVIMAS in afternoon added more to it. 

From the way to Solang Nalla

Solang Nalla (Valley) is a splendid valley between Solang village and Beas Kund. It derives its name from combination of words Solang (nearby village) and Nalla/Valley (water stream). It is a side valley at the top of the Kullu Valley in Himachal Pradesh, 14 km northwest of the town Manali on the way to Rohtang Pass. Solang valley offers the view of glaciers and snow capped mountains and peaks. Giant slopes of lawn comprise Solang Valley and provide its reputation as a popular ski resort. The ABVIMAS has installed a ski lift for training purpose. Located here is a hut and guest house of the ABVIMAS, Manali. Now a few hotels have also come up. The winter skiing festival is organized here. Training in skiing is imparted at this place. Snow melts during the starting summers in May and skiing is then replaced by zorbing in which a giant ball with room for 2 people which is rolled down a 200 metre hill, paragliding, parachuting and horse riding. A ropeway has recently opened.

Solang Valley

Anjani Mahadev temple situates at 2 km distance from Solang Nalla, where mother of lord Hanumana took austerity. Mahadev Shiva than blessed her son ‘Hanumana’ as a boon. There is a seasonless/evergreen water fall, under which a naturally made stone Shiva Linga is an attraction point for visitors. After reaching to Solang Nalla, during a sitting in sunshining afternoon with Ishan, I came to know few more things about the place. He told me that these Himalaya peaks are divided in two ranges, one is Peer Panjal Range where Indrasan is the highest peak having 6000 meters height. Another is Dholadhar Range in which Solang Nalla, Dharamshala and Kangra comes and Hanuman Tibba of 19,450 feets height is the highest peak of it.

Ishan is a tall, swarthy complexioned young man who seemed some sort of obscure natured. I caught this by his abstruse capacity of speaking through eyes.  That might be a reason I liked talking to him as to ‘explore’ the ‘gray’ things has always been an interest of mine. And I felt he too liked having conversation with me, as among the rushing crowd of training seekers I was the one who was more interested in exploring the life of Himalayans. I asked him that why he assorted a risky and adventurous profession rather than a more secure one? His gentle reply was worth general and satisfactory as the people like me who lives in ‘smooth’ areas chooses the ‘smooth’ professions; Himalayans being a resident in mountains takes their career according to their ‘environmental’ opportunities. As three of our instructors trained at ABVIMAS, Manali and got the job at same place after completing their trainings. Then I told Ishan that being an artist or writer is not a ‘smooth’ profession at all which was likely to crack a joke at the moment. 

Anyways, our next venture was to reach Dhundi from Solang Nalla, 7 km distance by trekking. A lot of construction work was going on through the way, as Asia’s longest tunnel Rohtang Tunnel is being constructed just north of Dhundi. After the tunnel would operational in 2016, Palchan-Solang-Dhundi road will become a part of Leh-Manali national highway and the traffic on the road will increase considerably. A snow gallery is there near to ongoing construction, which is made for winter season when heavy snow fall covers all the area including roads. That time this gallery provides a way to transportation.

Snow Gallery on the way from Solang to Dhundi

Reaching Dhundi, which is at 9,250 feets height from sea level endued us a novice experience. Lungs siphoning the fresh air, taste of pious flashy water and eyesight impinging over snow layered mountains were stimulating the senses. It was a euphonious treatment of nature for a metropolitan habitant like me, who absorb a plenty of polluted air in her lungs daily, drinks mechanically filtered toxic water and eats chemically grown vegetables and fruits.

Dhundi is the last village in Solang Valley, where Beas River meets its first tributary coming from Beas Kund and Rohtang Pass. And the last place to stock up with a few essentials before heading to the mountains. Metal road ends here. It was around 8°C temperature in Dhundi, while our arrival in afternoon which went down till 5°C in night. ABVIMAS is having a temporary accommodation here as they provide tents to stay. Now our dormitory rooms, mess hall, open lawn grounds all were replaced by ‘tenty’ bedrooms, kitchen and even toilets.  It is because during the heavy snow fall all things get packed up and goes back to headquarter until summers come back. In same day evening, our instructors took us to some more height, so our bodies could become adaptive to the heights as by next day we had to leave for Bakkar Thach from Dhundi. 

A 'Tenty' view of Dhundi

West side mountain at Dhundi

Trek from Dhundi to Bakkar Thach is an uphill walk for about 3-4 hours. Bakkar Thach is a highland meadow over 9,500 feets height and it literally means ‘Shepherd’s fields’. These sun and wind swept meadows are likely a feast for the senses indeed. Crossing the snow bridges in midway are a bit adventurous to walk over, which are actually a hardened surface of layered old snow. This has converted into a bridge like path over the year’s snow fall, under which the Vyas/Beas River flows. The danger to cross these is its possibility of having any crack in comparatively lean layer, which could lead to any unwilling event. So, one need continuous instructions here from the trekking instructors. Our instructors told us how to walk while climbing over the snow and also while getting down back, as both are the different ways. While climbing upon the snow one should use the toe cap and while getting down in the snow pressure should be on foot heel to walk smoothly and to avoid tumbling.

Our Instructor Ishan introduced us to the plants and trees which are plenty in Himalayas. Popular tree, Deodar, spruce tree (pine family), wild horse walnut, maple tree, wild cherry, sweet cherry, walnut, wild nut, golden oak, bark tree on whose leaves Ramayana was written are the main trees which one find during the all 10 days trek. Ishan showed us the state flower of Himachal, ‘Himalayan Rhododendron’ and  told us about the state animal Snow- Leopard who lives in heights more than 10,000 feet, state bird Jujurana and the state tree which is Deodar. The next stop on this trek is Beas Kund, the final destination, from where Beas River originates and said to have a place where sage Vashistha took austerity. It is a Frozen Lake at a height of 3690 meters. The trek from Bakkar Thach to Beas Kund is a day long, round trip excursion.  But reaching to Bakkar Thach was likely to complete all targets for us; the rest was to get back to our arrival place New Manali, Aleo.

Layered Snow under which Beas River flows

A Panaromic view of Bakkar Thach

We reached to Bakkar Thach at our expected time of 12:00pm started from morning 8:30am. Reaching to the place was extreme fun and adventure but sliding on to snow brought a spooky experience for few of among us. I would like to recall the moment when at the time of getting down back, heavy fog and feeble rain started suddenly. And some of the girl students who were already scared by cold, deadly skin scratching by sliding on to snow started mourning. They were actually forcefully asked to slide for getting down back otherwise it would have very time taking to walk over feets. At the moment it was deviating for me to decide whether to laugh or cry because I was feeling enthralled by the beauty of the nature rather than becoming afraid of it.

Some views from Bakkar Thach

After returning to Dhundi while having conversation to a shepherd, another instructor Tenjin Bodh made me realize that festering sheep is a productive income source for few Himalayan people. It takes 5 years to grow a sheep which one can sold out in INR 8,000-12,000 as it depends on its weight. These shepherds earn approx 2,00000- 2,50,000 per annum and lives only for six months in Himalayas, in November they go away to Chandigarh, Punjab and comes back in Himachal in May. So they live like nomads. Tenjin told me about other economical sources of Himalayans like farming of vegetables like Beans, Potato, Peas, Cabbage, Cauliflower and Onion etc.

After coming back to New Manali, Aleo I had enough time to visit some more places in Himachal. As I decided to have eye feasting and mind feasting by visiting Buddhist monastery near to New Manali and the heritage village Naggar. Kullu valley gives equal opportunities for every religion to subsist. The denizens too respect all the religions in the valley and visit other places of worship. The large number of Buddhists in the valley has resulted in two monasteries in the valley, one in Manali and the other in Pangran.

The monastery in Manali ‘Himalaya Nyinmapa Buddhist Temple’ is newly built one. Lamas (Monks) are trained as preachers and performers of religious rites in the monastery. The monastery also runs a Thanka school of arts and a carpet-weaving centre. This is done mainly to preserve ancient Tibetan art. Articles of handicraft are also kept for sale to outsiders. The paintings inside depict events from Lord Buddha's life. The Kalchakra i.e. the wheel of life painted on the wall of the monastery shows the circle of life. In the vicinity of the monastery there is the 'manne' (prayer wheels). The Buddhists believe that rotating it gives salvation.

Outside views of Buddhist Nyinmapa temple

Inside views of Buddhist Nyinmapa temple

Prayer Wheels around the Temple

After visiting the monastery, I hired an auto for Naggar. 22 km from town Manali by road, Naggar is an ancient hamlet along the banks of River Beas in the Kullu District of Himachal Pradesh. It was the capital of Kullu Rajas about 500 years ago in 1460 A.D. It is situated at an elevation of 2,047 metres above sea level. The cultural heritage of Naggar can be seen at the fairs, museums, festivals and architectural styles. My auto driver Bhupender told me that one of the prominent fairs of the destination is the Naggar Fair is organized in the month of April. I am thankful to Bhupender for guiding me about the place and also for taking my photographs at the place when I had no one along with me.

A national heritage Naggar Castle is main attraction for the visitors, which has converted into a hotel now.  This castle was the seat of the kings of Kullu that was built in the 17th century by Raja Sidh Sing. It provides a beautiful sight of Beas River, villages on the river bank, dense cedar woodlands and snow covered mountain peaks. The castle is a combination of both western and Himalayan style of architecture which exhibits the historic legacy of the place.

'Jagtipatt Temple' at National Heritage Naggar Castle

A 1930's Dodge Car of Artist Roerich

Another prominent sightseeing attraction in the village is Nicholas Roerich Art Gallery, which exhibits private collection of paintings by the Russian painter Nicholas Roerich. Paintings of Kullu, Spiti and Lahaul made by the painter have housed in the ground floor of the gallery. A 1930's Dodge car of the artist Roerich is also stationed outside in the gallery at ground floor. The artist’s private rooms have been preserved in the upper floor of the museum including Helena Roerich’s studio and Devika Rani’s office. Nicholas Roerich was a Russian painter, who arrived in the Himalayas after the revolution of 1917, where he died in the year 1947. From being the residence of the artist, the building was converted into a gallery by his son Svyetoslav Roerich.

To manage the gallery, the Himachal Pradesh Government and Russian Government have formed a trust. Photos from the early life of the artist and with the Nehru family are on display in the gallery. Close to the museum, there is the Urusvati Himalayan Folk Art Museum that exhibits a wide collection of local folk art along with Russian folk art. Carvings from Ladakh and Kullu along with idols of gods and goddesses are the highlights of the gallery. The most notable achievement during Roerich’s lifetime was the Roerich Pact signed on April 15, 1935 by the United States and Latin American nations, agreeing that ‘historic monuments, museums, scientific, artistic, educational and cultural institutions’ should be protected both in times of peace and war, and identified by their flying a distinctive flag, the Banner of Peace, bearing the ‘Peace through Culture’ emblem.

A View from the outside of Roerich Trust, Naggar

Inside View of Devika Rani's office clicked through the Window Glass

Inside view of Urusvati

An Inside view of Himalayan Folk & Tribal Arts Museum

The Banner of Piece on a flag: A view from first floor of Roerich House

This emblem consists of three red spheres surrounded by a red circle on a white field. It symbolized religion, art and science encompassed by the circle of culture or as the past, present and future achievements of humanity guarded within the circle of eternity. The sacred origin of the symbol lies in the belief of ‘trinity’ which remain central to the meaning of the Pact and the Banner today.’ And in the conclusion of the 10 days Himachal Pradesh tour, I would say it a ‘trinity’ of excitement, exploration and adventure. Himalayas are truly the wonderland and all the scenic beauty is refreshingly astonishing.

Photo Courtesy: My Sony Cyber-Shot Digicam