Crafts, Culture, Cuisine : Experiences of Life

  The Tree Rose - RHODODENDRON  Standing in front of a beautiful Rhododendron tree at Indian Institute of Advance Studies Complex  The beautiful Primrose Jasmine grove in the Advance Studies Complex  The blooming blossoms of apples at Narkanda  My first visit to Shimla was in April 1993 and I travelled from a small town of Himachal called Bilaspur. As I neared the Summer Hills (where Shimla University is housed) I was completely taken over by the beauty of tall trees on both the sides of the road laden with absolutely beautiful red flowers looking like small rose shaped jewels. I was so fascinated that I asked the driver to stop the car, I got down to see them from close. Obviously it was not easy as they were tall trees but I picked up one fallen flower and smelled it. Not much scent, but my driver said that I can taste it if I wish and I did – it was tangy and fresh. To me the trees with red flowers looked surreal and fascinating then and even now. Every year I wait for spring season

                           A Kullvi Look  It is always a pleasure to get connected with tradition and heritage - and dressing up in a traditional dress is a pleasure no woman can resist. Himachal is a beautiful hill state of India -  rich in its distinct culture, with unique colorful dresses adorned mostly with silver jewelry heavily influenced by tribal style. A dear friend of mine, Shruti Sharma, offered to dress me up in the her traditional dress and jewelry of Kullu and I was delighted at the offer - dressed up and clicked some pictures.  The dress has many important components as described below starting with Pattoo -  “PATTOO” - is basically a longish shawl which is thicker and heavier than normal ones, with bright coloured weaving on a khaddi (hand loom). The price is according to the amount and intricacy of weaving done - it’s counted by the flowers weaved - as is visible in the dress. The weaved Flowers on the Pattoo - its worn to showcase it at the back Women d