My First Solo Travelogue: Part Four
As usual
we got a wake-up call at 6am and breakfast was at 7am. We packed our bags and
left Apple Cottage at 07:50am. We reached Diskit Monastery at 08:30am. There
was a 106 feet tall idol of Maitreya Buddha (Future Buddha). Today James
provided us the information. There was temple on its opposite side; we had to
climb a floor to visit it.
The scenic beauty was awesome; mountains and the
flowing river Shyok towards the Turtuk village. Everyone got into clicking
photos and selfies. Sitting on a bench, Vedika started with her sketching of
the idol. We did see her sketches of the Shey Palace, places we visited so far.
She is an excellent sketcher; would start her second year in Engineering post
this trip.
On our
journey, we halted at Milkha ATV Riding Point at 09:40am. We went for the ATV
rides in pairs: I teamed up with Supriya Agashe. At start the road was full of
small pebbles, then the sand road started. It was a rollicking experience while
riding on the up and down sand dunes; similar to the Essel World Hot Wheels.
Eyes were watery since sand was in the air; also the sand was in the hair and on shoes and clothes. While returning the road sand pattern was such that it gave vibrations
to the vehicle.
Maximum did ride the ATV including our tour managers (the ride
was a gift for them from the youngest at heart Sarojini Pandit). There were
cute doggies near by, we did play with them.
After having a juice break, we
left for our journey ahead to the zigzag roads and the parallel running water streams.
We reached
Hotel Kanishka at 2pm and had our lunch. The evening program was discussed and
the dress code was black. We got our room keys; many got different room. Mayuri
and me got the same room no 205 with the construction view; but it was ok. We
took a quick nap, then hurried to get ready and came down at 04:30pm for tea
break. At 05:30pm, all the beauties in black were welcomed at Hotel Grand
Chubi. The way to the hotel was through a narrow road and in the depth of the
hotel range.
The
evening was all set for watching the wonderful folk dances by the local
Ladakhis where we got to know more about their culture. Chairs were arranged at
one side and there was open space for the performers. The programme started at 6pm. One of the troupe members
did explain about the culture and detailed on each type of dance before the performance.
Lharna
As every
auspicious program starts with a song of Ganapati Bappa; here in Ladakh every
auspicious occasion begins with Lharna to make offering of music to God. There
are 360 beats in this instrumental piece of music played with Daman and Surna.
Daman is a pair of drums made of copper in a bowl shape, and its open end is
covered with an animal hide. These drums are played with two sticks. Surna is a
long pipe like flute made up of a willow tree, the upper layer pierced with
seven holes.
Spao
It is a
warrior dance dedicated to the famous epic hero Gyalam Kesar. The male
performers use actual swords to show their skills. Click here to view the video
Shondol
This dance
form used to be performed by "Takshosma", women dancers of the royal
court to praise and greet the King. Since then this dance form has been
maintained and is now performed by the female artists in traditional dress
decorated with heavy sets of jewellery; a perfect presentation of beauty and
elegance. Click here to view the video
Chabskyan
This dance
is performed by men with brass jugs filled with Chang, balanced on their heads
to entertain the King and ministers. A skillful dancer would pour Chang into
the cups without holding the jug while performing the dance with elegance. Click here to view the video
Tukhstanmo
Its the
seasonal dance of Zanskar Valley. Click here to view the video
Jabro
Changthang
people perform this dance during festive occasions including Losar (Tibetan New
Year). This dance is characterized by rhythmic thumping of feet on a melodious
song and music of Daman. Click here to view the video
Then there
were a few instrumental music pieces played on Daman and Surna. I could
recognize only three songs: Saare Jahaan Se Achcha, Mere Desh Ki Dharti and
Gori Tera Gaon Bada Pyaara.
There was
a dance performance signifying the union of Ladakh and Himachal Pradesh
culture. It was a Ladakhi song, performed by dressing up in Himachal attire. Click here to view the video
Chartses
This dance
signifies the arrival of migratory birds, which is considered auspicious in
Ladakh. It is performed by females choreographed with movements like birds. Click here to view the video
Tashispa
This dance
is performed at the end of every cultural gathering. The idea is to conclude
the celebrations on a happy note. Even we joined the troupe in the end. Click here to view the video
We had
snacks and photo shoot. Next day's program was explained by Sarvesh. We would
be en routing Chang La pass. We got back to Hotel Kanishka and had our dinner. We
had to pack our bags for a day; now this was an easy task. I slept dreaming of
an amazing road ride tomorrow and yes the Pangong lake. Co-travelers do put in your experience of the day in the comments below.
Read next: My First Solo Travelogue: Part Five
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