Lalitventures

DIVINITY FOR WORSHIP OF LOCAL DEITY IN HIMACHAL PRADESH

noreply@blogger.com (Dr Lalit Mohan) — Tue, 05 Aug 2014 14:02:00 +0000

DHANERA: A INCENSE POT

Dhanera/ Incense pot is a silver pot on one side and a handle on the other side. Dhanera is used for worship the deity by placing "Ghee" and fragrance plant leafs over the burning charcoals in incense pot.

MACE: POWER AND AUTHORITY

The mace represents the Royal authority and Sovereignty of local deity. The Mace is carried in front of the local deity procession during fair/festival/fest. The Maces symbolizes the power and authority of local deity over the villages and independence from external authority.

NARSINGHA:

Nar-Singha also called Ransinga which is an ancient and royal instrument and played in all part of Himachal Pradesh during the procession of deities and their worship. It is made of metals like brass or silver, it has the shape of the English letter 'S' consists of two parts which are joined together. Both two parts are of the shape of English alphabet 'C'. Ran-Singa produce all the seven "Swaras". This musical instrument is known by various names in different parts of Indian States. As the name signifies the instrument is in the shape of serpent and the flare is the face as also the hood with an open mouth including the split tongue.

KARNAL:

Karnal is also a royal instrument of divinity and played most part of the Himachal Pradesh. This musical instrument is very ancient and used like the Ransinga. It has a straight body made of brass, copper or silver. Only two and three high notes can be played on it. It has a prominent bell resembling a datura flower. It is used during deities processing and local the occasions of local marriages.

SHEHNAI:

Literally Shehnai means "the Emperor of the Wind instruments" and is the perfect musical instrument, capable of producing the subtlest notes. It is made of wood or metal. It is played during marriages and local deities procession.

NAGARA:

Narara is made of copper and is covered with goatskin that is tightened with the strings running across the body to produce a heavy and deep sound. The Nagara is played with two sticks and is played on deities worship, festival/ fairs/ fest, social occasions (marriages).

DHOL:

Dhol is a very popular musical instrument also played during deities worship, festival/ fairs/ fest, social occasions (marriages). It has big round hollow body and is made either of wood/brass/silver. Both the open ends are covered with goatskin that is tightened with the strings running across the body of the Dhol. It is played with hand and stick.

PC: Dr Lalit Mohan

HIMALAYAN HERB-LAMIUM ALBUM: VIRTUES & USE

noreply@blogger.com (Dr Lalit Mohan) — Sun, 27 Jul 2014 07:04:00 +0000

White Dead Nettle, Blind Nettle, Dumb Nettle, Deaf Nettle, Bee Nettle:

"Laimos" is an ancient Greek word meaning throat, which refers to the shape of the flowers also known as White Dead Nettle, Blind Nettle, Dumb Nettle, Deaf Nettle, Bee Nettle. White Deadnettle is a perennial herb from mint family, found in damp places in Western Himalayas, at altitudes of 1500-3700 m.The white dead-nettle has nettle shaped leaves that do not sting, and grows in woodlands and grasslands. The leaves appear superficially similar to those of the Stinging nettle Urtica dioica but do not sting, hence the common name "dead nettle". Lower leaves have stalks while the upper ones are stalk-less.

The flowers are white, produced in a few whorls, vertically separated, on the upper part of the stem. The flowers whorls arise from the axils of the upper oppositely arranged leaves. The upper lip is hooded over the stamens, and is quite hairy, with white hairs forming a fringe on the hood. The lower lip smaller, bilobed. The young leaves are edible, and can be used in salads or cooked as a vegetable. The plant also has a number of uses in herbal medicine. Bees are attracted to the flowers which contain nectar or pollen, hence the plant is sometimes called the Bee Nettle.

The plant has astringent properties and edible leaves and flowers the leaves can be eaten raw in salads or cooked like spinach. They can also be used to flavour soups and stews. We can make a tisane with the flowering tops which is said to be an excellent tonic containing vitamin A. There are ongoing studies into its possible others medicinal benefits

MEDICINAL USES: White dead nettle is an astringent and demulcent herb that is chiefly used as a uterine tonic, to arrest intermenstrual bleeding and to reduce excessive menstrual flow. It is a traditional treatment for abnormal vaginal discharge and is sometimes taken to relieve painful periods. It has been used to induce sleep, and the flowers boiled in water were used for bronchial problems while the roots, boiled in wine were used to disperse kidney stones.

Dr Lalit mohan acknowledge Mr abbas/ http://www.flowersofindia.net/catalog/himalayan.html and reference therein for text material.

तानीजुब्बर झील, हिमाचल प्रदेश ( इतिहास और मिथक )

noreply@blogger.com (Dr Lalit Mohan) — Wed, 23 Jul 2014 16:22:00 +0000

तानीजुब्बर झील हिमाचल प्रदेश की प्राकृतिक झीलों में से एक झील है। जो पहाड़ों की राजधानी शिमला से पुराने हिन्दोस्तान तिब्बत मार्ग पर लगभग 76 किलोमीटर की दुरी पर स्थित ह। यह झील देवदार के घने जंगलों से घिरी हुई है। जिससे झील की सुंदरता में चार चाँद लग जाते हैं, इसके साथ साथ सेब के बगीचो तथा बर्फ से ढके हिमालय पर्वत को भी देखा जा सकता है। यह झील समुन्दर तल से लगभग 8000 फ़ीट की ऊंचाई पर स्तिथ है। यह झील सर्दियों में पूरी तरह से बर्फ से ढक जाती है।

झील के किनारे एक प्राचीन नाग देवता का मंदिर भी है, जोकि स्थनीय देवताओं में सबसे बड़े देवता माने जाते हैं। स्थानीय डोम देवता, पमलाही और चतरमुख देवता, मैलन, नाग देवता, खाचली को अपना गुरु मानते हैं । नाग देवता को वर्षा का देवता भी कहा जाता है। जब कभी भी वर्षा न हो तो स्थानीय लोग एकत्र होकर नाग देवता की शरण में जाते है। जब कभी भी स्थानीय लोगो पर कोई विपति आती है तो भी लोग नाग देवता की शरण में जाते हैं और नाग देवता गूर के माध्यम से लोगों की विपति को दूर करते हैं । इस स्थान पर हर वर्ष मई महीने के आखरी दिंनो में दो दिनों के मेले का आयोजन होता है, जिसमे स्थानीय देवता चतरमुख, मैलन शरीक होते हैं। इस मंदिर में पशु बलि का भी प्रचलन है। जिसमें शांद महोत्सव प्रमुख है।

इस मंदिर और झील के बारे में एक रोचक कहानी भी बताई जाती है कि प्राचीन समय में जब स्थानीय लोग अपनी गायों को इस स्थान पर चराने ले जाते थे तो वे गाये शाम को दूध नहीं देती थी। जब स्थानीय लोगो ने इसकी खोजबीन की तो पाया कि चरने के एक स्थान पर गाय के थन पर साँप लिपटे हुए थे। स्थानीय लोग यह नज़ारा देख कर हैरान हो गए, कुछ ही देर में सांप चले गए और गाय फिर से चरने लग गई। वहाँ पर लोगों ने झाड़ईयोँ में नाग देवता की आकृति की मूर्तियों को देखा। इसके पश्चात लोगो ने वहां एक मंदिर का निर्माण किया और उन मूर्तियों की स्थापना मंदिर में कर दी। जब कभी भी स्थानीय लोगों के घर में गाय बछड़े को जन्म देती है तो उस गाय के दूध और घी का प्रयोग तब तक नहीं करते जब तक की नाग देवता के मंदिर में न दे। इसी मंदिर के पास एक पानी का एक छोटा सा स्त्रोत भी है, जोकि नाग देवता के प्रत्यक्ष से आज तक कभी नहीं सूखा है और वहां पर एक छोटी सी झील बनी। इस झील के पानी का प्रयोग मंदिर में पूजा के लिए किया जाता है।

एक रोचक तथय 1990 के दशक में भी सामने आया, जब हिमाचल टूरिज्म विभाग ने इस झील में मछलियाँ डाल दी थी। इसके पश्चात स्थानीय लोगों को कई तरह की विपदियों तथा द्स्वप्नों का सामना करना पड़ा। लोग नाग देवता, खाचली की शरण में गए, नाग देवता ने गूर के माध्यम से बातया कि जिस झील के पानी का प्रयोग उनकी पूजा के लिए किया जा रहा है वह पानी मछलियों द्वारा गन्दा किया हुआ है। इसके बाद लोगों ने झील के एक किनारे को तोड़ कर इसके सारे पानी को निकाल दिया। झील को पूरी तरह से सूखने के उपरान्त, इस के किनारों को बंद कर दिया गया। कुछ समय के पश्चात नाग देवता, खाचली के प्रत्यक्ष स्वरुप से यह झील फिर से भर गयी।

Copy Right: Dr Lalit Mohan

SNOW PATRIDGE

noreply@blogger.com (Dr Lalit Mohan) — Sat, 19 Jul 2014 11:38:00 +0000

(Photograph was taken at the altitude of 4600M/ 15000ft, near Pindari Glacier, Kumaon Himalaya, Uttrakhand, India.)

Snow Partridge (Lerwa lerwa) is a Gamebird (hunted for food or not normally domesticated) in the pheasant family found widely distributed across the high-altitude of Himalayan regions of India, Pakistan, Nepal, Bhutan and China. It is found above the tree line, mainly 3000m to 5000 m altitude. It is the only species within its genus. The species is found in alpine pastures and open hillside above the tree line. Males and females look similar in plumage but males have a spur on their tarsus.

(Snow Patridge nest photograph was taken at the altitude of 4000M/ 13000ft, near Pindari Glacier, Kumaon Himalaya, Uttrakhand, India.)

This partridge appears grey above and chestnut below with bright red bill and legs and the upperparts finely barred in black and white. The tail is dark and barred in white. There is variation in the shade and some birds have a nearly black crown. The primaries and secondaries are brown and the breast is deep chestnut. The abdomen has more white and the lower flanks and feathers around the vent are barred brown and white. The under-tail coverts are chestnut with black shaft streaks and white tips. Young birds have the lower parts mottled and the barring less distinct. The tarsus is feathered on the front of the leg half-way to the toes.

(Snow Patridge chicken's photograph was taken at the altitude of 4600M/ 15000ft, near Pindari Glacier, Kumaon Himalaya, Uttrakhand, India.)

It measures 38–40 cm in length. Females weigh 450–580 g; males, 550–700 g. Sexes are similar in plumage, female lacks the spur, the male has a blunt spur and sometimes a second incipient spur. The snow partridge is found is small groups, usually about 6 to 8 but up to 30 during the non-breeding season. When flushed, they usually fly up before scattering away with noisy wing beats. The flight is rapid and stirring. It has a habit of sunning itself on rocks during the midday. The call in the breeding season is said to resemble that of the Grey Francolin of the plains.

(Snow Patridge chicken's photograph was taken at the altitude of 4600M/ 15000ft, near Pindari Glacier, Kumaon Himalaya, Uttrakhand, India.)

The breeding season is May to July. The males are believed to be monogynous. The nest is a scrape on a hill-side under some sheltering rock, either scratched out by themselves or already available. The nest is sometimes lined with moss but well concealed although given away by the male. About 3 to 5 eggs are laid and the female incubates while the male stands sentinel. Parent birds may use distraction displays to draw the attention of predators. They call in a comparatively softer lower note to the young, which respond with chicken-like cheep calls.

(This Snow Patridge photograph was taken at the altitude of 4600M/ 15000ft, near Pindari Glacier, Kumaon Himalaya, Uttrakhand, India.)

PC: Dr Lalit Mohan
Dr Lalit mohan acknowledge the http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Snow_partridge and reference therein for text material.

WOODEN CARVING:

noreply@blogger.com (Dr Lalit Mohan) — Mon, 14 Jul 2014 17:02:00 +0000

The carve wood is an ancient, often difficult, irreversible task. Lakshana Devi Temple is the fine example of wood carving. This temple was founded during the regime of Meru Varman (680AD). the temple is considered one of the oldest temple present in Chaurasi Temple complex in Bharmour, Distt. of Chamba, Himachal Pradesh, India. Lakshana Devi Temple is dedicated to Goddess Durga in form of four arms Mahishasurmardni.

Bharmour is known for some very old archaeological remains, primarily the temples. All these temples are called Chaurasi after 84 Siddhas, who were believed to have meditated in Bharmour over 1000 year. Bharmour was the seat of power for some 400 years till 920AD, when a new capital was founded at Chamba by Raja Sahil Varman.

Carved Wooden structure of Lakshana Devi Temple are by far the earliest surviving specimens of carving in wood in the Western Himalayan Region. The Temple was originally founded around the turn of 7th century which fact is established from the undated inscription on the pedestal of the Goddess, recording making of the image by a work man named Gugga, under the orders of Meru Varman.

The Temple in which the image is presently enshrined, retain the interior layout & architectural work- carved wooden pillars, ceiling, facade etc. in their original form. They are carved beautifully with classical motifs and floral work. There is a small wooden Mandapa richly carved with figures of flying Gandharvas on the capitals of pillars.

PC: Dr Lalit Mohan

Source: Temple architecture of the Western Himalaya: Wooden Temples by O.C Handa
Wooden carving -A Bit History by Michael Keller

noreply@blogger.com (Dr Lalit Mohan) — Sat, 12 Jul 2014 16:52:00 +0000

भीमकाली मंदिर सराहन:

भीमकाली मंदिर सराहन 7,500 फीट पर शिमला से 180 किमी पर स्थित है. ऐसा कहा जाता है कि भीमकाली मंदिर सराहन 3000 साल पहले बनाया गया था. हिंदू पौराणिक कथाओं के अनुसार, यह हिन्दुओ के प्रसिद शक्तिपीठों में से एक है जो की शक्ति-देवी माँ के लिए समर्पित हैं. मां भीमकाली मंदिर परिसर में लंकरा वीर का एक प्राचीन मंदिर भी है. इस मंदिर के पास एक भूमिगत मार्ग है जो मंदिर के पुजारी की सुरक्षा के लिए बनाया गया था और पूजारी इसी गुप्त मार्ग से प्रतिदिनपूजा के लिए आते थे जिसे अब बंद कर दिया गया है.

तथाकथित शोणितपुर, आज सराहन के रूप में जाना जाता है. पौराणिक युग के दौरान इस रियासत का शासक बाणासुर था, जो भगवान शिव का प्रबल भक्त, महान दानी दानव राजा बाली के एक सौ पुत्रों में सबसे बड़ा और विष्णु भक्त प्रहलाद के परपोता था. बाणासुर की उषा नाम की एक बेटी थी. एक दिन उसने सपने में एक सुँदर युवक अनिरुध क़ो देखा। उषा ने अपने इस सपने के बारे में अपनी सेहली चित्रलेखा क़ो बताया। चित्रलेखा ने अनिरुद्ध का चित्र बनाया और उसने अपनी दैव्यै शक्ति का उपयोग करते हुए अनिरुद्ध को द्वारका से शोणितपुर उषा की महल में लाया.

जब भगवन कृष्ण को अपने पोते अनिरुध के अपहरण का पता चला तो वे बलराम और प्रधुम्न के साथ विशाल सेना लेकर शोणितपुर पर चढाई करने निकले। एक भयानक युद् हुआ इस युद मैं भगवान शिव ने बाणासुर का साथ दिया परन्तु बाद में भगवान कृष्णा नें भगवन शिव भक्त बाणासुर को क्षमा कर दिया और वाहं का राज्य आपने पुत्र प्रधुम्न को सोंप दिया।

PC: Dr Lalit Mohan

A Natural Gift of Himalaya: Yarsagumba /Yartsa Gunbu/ Kira Jari/ Caterpillar Fungus:

noreply@blogger.com (Dr Lalit Mohan) — Tue, 08 Jul 2014 09:37:00 +0000

It is known in English as Caterpillar Fungus, or by its more prominent foreign names Yarsagumba /Yartsa Gunbu. Yarsagumba is the larva of a Himalayan Ghost Moth that has been transformed by a Fungus. Kira Jari is known in India & Nepal. Yarsagumba with its Latin name Cordyceps Sinesis, literally means “summer plant and winter insect” in Tibetan. Ophiocordyceps Sinensis is a Fungus that parasitizes larvae of Ghost Moths and produces a fruiting body valued as a herbal remedy. The fungus germinates in the living larva, kills and mummifies it, and then the stalk-like fruiting body emerges from the corpse.

Before the rainy season begins, spores of the Cordyceps settle on the heads of caterpillars’ that lives underground. The fungus gets so much into the body of the caterpillars’ that it grows out through its head and drains all the energy from the insect and ultimately it dies. Yarsagumba, Yarshagumba or Yarchagumba is a rare and unique herb that grows in the meadows above 3200m to 5000m (10500ft to 16400ft) high in the Himalayan region of India, Nepal, Chinma, Tibet & Bhutan.

Every year during May and June, thousands of villagers from remote areas risking their own lives head for high mountains to collect Yarsagumba. Here, not only the adults but school goers also take unofficial holidays in search of the gold rush. To find the Yarsagumba peoples do several days trek from the place where people normally live. Lands are covered in snow for 6 months of the year. People build temporary high mountain camps to find the highly valued as an aphrodisiac and energy booster medicine. Due to its high value it is causing conflicts in the Himalaya. An open conflict between two villages over access to a good spot for Caterpillar Fungus collection has led to villagers carried guns.

It has been used for at least 1500 of years in China/ Tibet and other Asian countries as a tonic for longevity, endurance and vitality. Many studies have shown that Cordyceps Sinensis modulates immune responses, inhibits tumor cell proliferation, enhances hepatic function, regulates insulin sensitivity and modulates steroid production.

Yarsagumba is a rare herb that is very hard to find and difficult to harvest. Caterpillar Fungus costs more than 40 lac per kg (depending upon the size & shape) at International market. This fungus is not yet cultivated commercially. Overharvesting and over exploitation have led to the classification of Ophiocordyceps Sinensisas an endangered species in China.

PC: Dr Lalit Mohan

HISTORICAL VILLAGE MARTOLI (UTTRAKHAND INDIA):

noreply@blogger.com (Dr Lalit Mohan) — Mon, 07 Jul 2014 17:27:00 +0000

Martoli village (3450M) is located high above the Gori Ganga & Lawan rivers, two of the major bodies of water in the Johar Valley, on an open plateau that affords views of Nanda Devi (7816m). Currently, its population is dwindling as more residents migrate to the plains permanently. Just four decades ago, prior to the border closure in 1962, this multi-caste village supported several hundred people. Milam, at 3450m, is the last major settlement before Tibet, it has more residents than Martoli, and was once one of the most important staging posts along the trade route with Tibet.

The people of this area traditionally practice transhumance, the seasonal migration between winter and summer settlements. The harsh winters of Johar Valley are increasingly difficult for villagers, and like most villages, Martoli remains uninhabited during the autumn and winter seasons. The village has lost population since 1920s when economic and education opportunities in Munsiyari and the plains became available and attractive to the residents. The pattern of outmigration persisted until after 1962 when trade with Tibet was closed due to the war between India and China. Martoli has gradually lost population and today a small percentage of its original residents practice transhumance, returning to the village during the summer months.

A traditional Malla Johar house may be described as a housing complex, which is divided into three to five housing units. The two-story walls, with built-in niches on the interior and wooden hooks on both sides, are constructed of coursed stone rubble and plastered inside with mud and cow dung. Some houses exhibit one-story annexes for additional storage or kitchen space. Others have timber projections on their exteriors under the roof eves for drying and storing wood. Occasionally, buildings have stone treads that project out from the coursing (more common at end walls and at corners) creating access to the roof. The ground floor of a house is made of rammed earth, sometimes coated with a dung plaster (lipai). A timber frame supports the upper floor. Cow dung plaster (lipai) insulates and finishes the upper floor niches on the interior and wooden hooks. Occasionally, buildings have stone treads that project out from the coursing (more common at end walls and at corners) creating access to the roof.

A wooden frame supports the slate roof in the traditional Malla Johar house. The long horizontal beams of this frame are made of raga timber, sourced only from Bogdiyar in Talla Johar. Raga is longer, straighter, and more durable than locally available birch, allowing for larger consistent spans. The slate roof shingles are also traditionally locally sourced. Heavy snow, moisture, and freeze/thaw cycles require the roofs to need routine maintenance. Although they are very durable when properly maintained, without routine maintenance they tend to cave in on their own weight as seen in the abandoned structures in the village.

Decoratively, the roofs of houses are capped with white stones on their ridges. In both Martoli and Milam, these stones are symbolic of the Nanda Devi peak, while other villages in Johar Valley use similar stones to symbolize other peaks that are more sacred to them. Windows and doors are much smaller in traditional constructions to shield the interiors from the harsh climate including strong and cold winds. The doors are only large enough for some person to duck through. Windows are sparse, often included as a larger assembly with the door. A few tiny windows (less than one square foot opening) are seen on end or back walls, and more towards the edge of the village.

Raga wood, which is not only durable but also easy to carve, is used to construct traditional door and window frames. Historically, craftsmen hired from Munsiyari carved these frames into elaborate geometric forms inspired by leaves and flowers. The oldest carved window in Malla Johar is believed to date from the 17th century in Milam Village. When villagers begin their annual exodus in September, they board up their windows to prevent theft by tourists and porters. The windows of many unused rooms are now also blocked out with stones.

MT KAMET (7756M/25450ft) EXPEDITION, GARHWAL HIMALAYA INDIA:

noreply@blogger.com (Dr Lalit Mohan) — Wed, 02 Jul 2014 08:55:00 +0000

I was selected among the 14 mountaineers (Two Everest summiteer) across the Indian Territory and three from Nepal (All Everest summiteer). The team was led by Wg. Cdr. T Sridharan.

We started our journey from IMF office Delhi. The itinerary was as follows:

The team established their Base Camp at 4700M/ 15420ft, ABC (Advance Base Camp) at 4900M/ 16070ft, Camp-I at 5200m/ 17060ft, Camp-II at 5600M/ 18370ft, Camp-III at 6200M/20336ft, Camp-IV (only dumping side) at 6600M/ 21650ft and the Summit Camp at 7000M/ 22960ft.

August 25, 2012: - All team members reported at Indian Mountaineering Foundation office- New Delhi. Issued technical equipment i.e. Tents (Base Camp tent, High altitude Tent, Kitchen Tent, Mess Tent), Ropes (Climbing ropes, fix ropes), Carabineers (Plain and locking), Rock Pitons, Snow bars, Butane and Burners, GPS, Walkie-talkies etc.

August 26, 2012: - Purchased high altitude food. Issued personal equipments viz Climbing Shoes, Harness, Crampon, Ice-axe, Head lamps, Sleeping Bags, Rucksacks, Mattress etc.

August 27, 2012: - After flag-off ceremony we started our journey by bus to Joshimath ( part of Garhwal, Uttrakhand) and reached on August 29, 2012 at 11.00 PM.

August 30 & 31, 2012- Purchased food and fresh vegetables and took Inner Line Permit from the Uttrakhand Administration.

September 1, 2012: - After 7-8 hours journey by Maxi-Cab we reached at last road head (Village-Niti). From Niti village we took 50 mules for our luggage (load) other then the personal.

September 2, 2012: - Early in the morning we packed our rucksack and starts marching to our next halt Shapuk Khark (3900m/ 12790ft), which was 16 km ahead. It took 8-10 hours to reach their. We pitched tent for night stay.

September 3, 2012: - Early in the morning we bind-up our tents and start marching for next halt Raikhana Khark (4200m/13776ft). It took 4-5 hours to reach their. We pitched tent for night stay.

September 4, 2012: - In the morning we bind-up our tents and start marching for our Base Camp Vasudhara Tal (4700m/15420ft). It took 4-5 hours to reach their. We established our base camp. We pitched Mess Tent, Kitchen Tent, Eight Men Tent, Four Men Tent and Two Men Tent.

September 5, 2012: - Early in the morning I (Dr Lalit), Kapil Rana and Naveen Kumar (High altitude porter) went up in search for Camp-1. After 3 hours walk we find a suitable place for camp and establish the Advance Base Camp (ABC) at 4900m/ 16070ft of altitude. We came down to our base camp.

September 6, 7 & 8, 2012: - Most of our team members went for load ferry except I (Dr. Lalit), Kapil Rana, Leader (Wg. Cdr. T Sridharan), Deputy Leader (Krishna Murthy BU) and two other members. We checked our High Altitude Tents and other High Altitude Food at Base Camp. And for next two days most of the team members went for load ferry to ABC and came down to BC.

September 9, 2012: - On this day I (Dr. Lalit), Takpa Norbu, Ramesh Rajput, Amreen and Surinder Kumar (HAP) went for ABC and occupied the ABC. Now our team (A) will stay in this camp for next 3 days and also we have to open the route and ferry load to Camp-I.

September 10 & 11, 2012: - We went for open the route and ferry load to Camp-1 site. We find a suitable place for Camp-I (5200m/ 17060ft) and pitched two men and four men tent. After pitching tent we came back to ABC.

September 12, 2012: - On this day we went up and occupied Camp-1. Other team (B& C) came up and occupied the ABC.

September 13, 2012: - Our team negotiate Purvi (East) Kamet Glacier, which is full of crevasses and manage to establish Camp-II (5600m/ 18370ft) and pitched two four men tent. Other team members came up from ABC to Camp-I for ferry load.

September 14, 2012: - It was snowing on this day but our team went for load ferry to Camp-II in white-out and snowing condition. After dumping our load to Camp-II we came back to Camp-I. Another member could not manage to ferry load from ABC to Camp-I.

September 15, 2012: - On this day another team (B) went directly from Camp-I to Camp-II and occupied Camp-II. It was rest day for our team (A).

September 16, 2012: - Team-B opens the route and established Camp-III (6200m/ 20336ft). They fixed 100m rope and 6 rock pitons and came back to Camp-II. Team- A ferry load to Camp-II and Team-C ferry load to Camp-I.

September 17, 2012: - Team- B ferry load to Camp-III and Team-A ferry load to Camp-II and Team-C ferry load to Camp-I.

September 18, 2012: - Our team (A) occupied Camp-II, Team-B occupied Camp-III and Team-C occupied Camp-I.

September 19, 2012: - Our team (A) went for ferry load to Camp-III and came back to Camp-II; Team-B went for route opening and Team-C ferry load to Camp-II.

September 20, 2012: - On this day our team went for ferry load to Camp-III and came back to Camp-II, Team-B went for opening route, they fixed 300m rope; rock pitons; snow bars and established dumping site at Camp-IV (6600m/ 21650ft). On the same day Team-C joined Team-A at Camp-II.

September 21, 2012: - Team-A and Team-C ferry load to Camp-III and Team-A ferry loads to Camp-IV dumping site.

September 22, 2012: - It was rest day for Team-B at Camp-III. Our team (A) and Team-C went up to Camp-III. In the evening we had a team meeting at Camp-III and make two teams for final climbing. Team- A led by Ram Singh (Everster) and Team-B led by Dr. Lalit Mohan. Both teams comprised of 8 and 7 members respectively. We had NCC Pre-Everest Team along with us. On the same night NCC Pre-Everest Team went from summit attempt.

September 23, 2012: - Early in the morning we came to know that four of our team members including 1 HAP and 3 girls are not feeling well. We took a quick decision that both the team will go together. After 8-9 hours climbing 11 members including 1 HAP reached directly Camp-III to Camp-V Summit Camp (7000m/22960ft). We pitched 3 tents at summit camp and planed that around 12.00.am we will move for final summit. In the evening we came to know that NCC summit party could not reached on the top. After this unsuccessful attempt by NCC Pre- Everest team (except 1 casualty suffering from Hypothermia and Frost bite) reached summit camp at 8.00pm but they manage to rescue 1 casualty (suffering from frost bite). At around 11.00pm we took an initiative to rescue the NCC Team member but could not able to rescued on the same night due to bad weather. However, NCC team managed to give some life saving drugs to the casualty at the altitude of 7400m/ 24280ft. NCC team member, who is suffering from Frost bite spent whole night at 7400m/ 24280 ft without tent. In the morning our team and NCC team rescued the casualty. Now we had 4 casualties (2 frost bite and 2 HACO- High Altitude Cerebral Edema) at our summit camp.

Col. SC Sharma, Leader NCC Pre-Everest team and Chairman, Indian Mountaineering Foundation Technical Committee passed a message to our team for rescue the casualties in spite of summit attempt. We abandon our summit attempt and rescued the casualties. Our team rescued all the 4 casualty along with NCC team from Camp-V to Camp-IV and 2 casualties from Camp-V to Camp-III. I reached Camp-III along with one casualty in the evening and got another help message from the last rescue team. I (Dr. Lalit) and Takpa Norbu went again for rescue from Camp-III to Camp-IV and rescued the casualty.

September 24, 2012: - Our team and NCC team took all the casualties from Camp-III to Camp-II from their Indian Army Helicopter (Cheeta) rescued all the 4 casualties. We bind-up our Camp-III and came back to Camp-II. Now we do not have sufficient energy, food and time for summit attempt.

September 25, 2012: - We bind-up our Camp-II and Camp-I and reached directly at Base Camp, whereas some members stay behind at ABC.

September 26, 27 and 28 2012: - We bind-up all the camps and make load for the mules.

September 29, 2012: - Now we came down from our base camp and reached at Niti village in the evening.

September 30, 2012: - We reached at Joshimath.

October 1, 2012: - We stay down at Joshimath.

October 2 & 3, 2012: - Journey back from Joshimath to IMF, New-Delhi.

October 4 & 5, 2012:- Returned all the equipment to IMF.

Golden Peak of Kumaon Himalaya, India:

noreply@blogger.com (Dr Lalit Mohan) — Sat, 28 Jun 2014 04:59:00 +0000

Sunanda Devi (7434M/ 24390ft) often referred to as Nanda Devi East is one of the two adjacent peaks of the second highest mountain in India, the other being Nanda Devi. The graceful peaks of Nanda Devi and Sunanda Devi are visible from almost everywhere in Kumaon. The first ascent to the Sunanda Devi peak in recorded history appears to be in 1939 by J. Bujak and J. Klarner.

PC: Dr Lalit Mohan

Dr Lalit mohan acknowledge http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sunanda_Devi for text material.

Shamrock Pea:

noreply@blogger.com (Dr Lalit Mohan) — Fri, 27 Jun 2014 09:16:00 +0000

Shamrock Pea/ Blue oxalis is a brilliant blue flower from the Himalayas. From the leaves one could be forgiven for thinking it is a clover but the pea-like flower sets it apart. This little creeper covers itself with bright blue pea-like flowers during the flowering months. The three-part leaves have leaflets which are inverted heart-shaped.

PC: Dr Lalit Mohan

Yellow Wood Violet:

noreply@blogger.com (Dr Lalit Mohan) — Fri, 27 Jun 2014 08:57:00 +0000

Yellow Wood Violet is a common perennial herb of the Himalayan Mountains, with erect stems up to 10 cm or more. It sports bright yellow flowers with streaks of dark purple on the petals towards the center. Flowers occur singly or in pairs, hence the species name biflora. Yellow Wood Violet is found on open slopes, shrubberies and forests in the Himalayas, at altitudes of 2400-4500 m.

PC: Dr Lalit Mohan

Nilkantha expedition (Dated May-June 2011)

noreply@blogger.com (Dr Lalit Mohan) — Wed, 12 Oct 2011 08:37:00 +0000

Camp 1. (5320 M.) Mt. Nilkantha Expedition, Garhwal, Himalaya