Sad Story of Khajjir Lake

I am dying and drying! SAVE ME: Sad story of Khajjir Lake
In the lap of lofty snow-clad mountains of Himachal Pradesh, there are myriad lakes with cool and serene water, which mirror the immense beauty of this paradise on the earth. Khajjir lake is one of the very famous lake and also known as Mini Switzerland of India. This lake is located in district Chamba. But these days this is in very worse condition. This lakes is the tourist source of millions people. By the human interference and unmanaged and uncontrolled human activities this lake is drying now. Following is the self story of the lake in their own words (Sanjeev word)
THINK AND SAVE ME
I was very famous, surrounding by long and beautiful deodar trees.
People have taken holy bath and worshiped me
I have lot of natural, crystal clear water,
People used me for boating,
Grasses dancing in the lake, moving around me.
I was compared with Mini Switzerland

Peole become rich (crorerpati) due to me

I am providing source of livelihood for many people

Peoples come for peace and enjoying
BUT NOW
Now horses and livestocks moving around me
Small insects and flys are increasing day by day
Human beings exploiting me more and more
Tourist hit me by throwing bottles and waste
I am filled with animals garbage
Water is drying and dirty now
Peoples are going away from me
Now people are naming me as Golf Ground
Construction of buildings and hotels are increasing
No body care me today
I have given many things
But today the condition of my self is in front of you
Come and Save me So that I can give you More

Now every day I am Crying---------for my grief
Please SAVE ME SAVE ME SAVE ME

Dr. Sanjeev Sharma (sanjuscorp@gmail.com)

Gaddis Chhatrari Yatra or Shiv Shakti Jatra in Bharmour Himalaya

Gaddis Chhatrari Yatra or Shiv Shakti Jatra in Bharmour Himalaya
Chhatrari is very beautiful, natural and historical village located in the Tehsil of Chmaba district and the last village of Chamba Tehsil. This village is 49 kms from the district headquarters Chamba. It is situated on the left side of River Ravi a stream Kunta is also following from the Kunra village and separated Bharmour Tehsil to Chamba. This village is easily approachable by bus road which is well mettaled. HPPWD rest house is also there for stay. A road is diverted from a place Luna from the main Chamba Bharmour Road. A famous historical temple of Shiv Shakti Goddess is also there which is constructed by King Meru Varman in 7th Centaury. The goddess image is in the form multi metal. Meru Varman seems to have been one of the most notable of the early Brahmapur rulers. He was probably the first to extend the state boundaries by conquest, for in the Chhatrari inscription. It is recorded that he dedicated the idol of Shiv Shakti Devi in gratitude for help against his enemies whom he had attacked in their strongholds and overcome. Shivshakti temple is constructed by the wooden and very unique wooden and painting work is also done. On the day of Radhasthmi when the Manimahesh fair is finished on the same day in the morning a priest from Shiv Shakti temple moves towards Manimahesh Lake and bring a sacred water from the lake. The priest does Holy bath to the image of Shiv Shakti image at Chhatrari. After that new sacred cloths were wear to the goddess Shiv shakti. Second day Chhatrari fair began and in the evening a Chariot of Butek Mahadev is also take place. In the ground of Shiv Shakti temple four local people dance and wear mask. From these four mask wear one is in the form of Shiv Shakti Godess and all other three are in the form of bad evil (rakshas). Godess fought with the Raksas and Goddess show as a winner in this war. This show the victory of truth upon untruth. Third and fourth fair is celebrated with the participation of large number of local people. A local Gaddis dance was also held with their tradition gaddis dress in the ground of Shiv Shakti temple.