Some Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) of Chamba, Himachal Pradesh
Question 1: What is famous in Chamba or Why is Chamba famous?
Answer 1: The beautiful Chamba Valley is rich in snow-capped high mountain ranges, dense forests, rivers, beautiful lakes, waterfalls, ancient temples and monuments, and amazing art and architecture. Chamba has a permanent place on the art map of the world and thus attracts tourists and scholars not only from India but also from abroad.
Question 2: What is the old name of Chamba?
Answer 2: Raja Sahil Varman established Chamba in 920 AD. He named the city of Chamba after his beloved daughter Champavati. Its ancient capital was Brahmapur (Vairatpattan) which is nowadays known as Bharmour.
Question 3: Is Chamba worth seeing?
Answer 3: Absolutely! Chamba is worth seeing. Chamba also includes Dalhousie, Khajjiar (Mini Switzerland), Pangi, Chamba Town, Bharmour, The Church of Scotland and Bhuri Singh Museum, and other philosophical tourist destinations. Chamba is popularly known for its arts and crafts including handicrafts and textiles.
Question 4: What are the attractions of the Bhuri Singh Museum Chamba?
Answer 4: Attractions near Bhuri Singh Museum: Laxmi Narayan temple, Chamba Chaugan, Rang Mahal, Chhataradi Temple, Upper Bakrota, Chamunda Devi Temple, Champawati Temple, Katasan Devi Temple
Question 5: What is the total area of Chamba?
Answer 5: The total area of Chamba is 6522 square kilometers.
Question 6: How many rivers are there in Chamba?
Answer 6: Chamba is traversed by two rivers - Ravi and Chenab.
Question 7: Who is the founder of Chamba?
Answer 7: The founder of Chamba was Raja Sahil Varman, who established Chamba in 920 AD.
Question 8: How do you reach Manimahesh lake from Chamba?
Answer 8: To reach Manimahesh Lake from Chamba, first, you need to reach Bharmour. You can travel to Bharmour by bus or your private vehicle. From Bharmour, the trek to Manimahesh Lake starts, and after covering a distance of 13 kilometers, you will reach the sacred lake situated at a height of 13,500 feet.
Question 9: How can I reach Manimahesh from Chandigarh?
Answer 9: To reach Manimahesh from Chandigarh, you have multiple options. You can take a flight to Gaggal Airport in Kangra and then proceed to Chamba by bus or private vehicle. From Chamba, you can start the trek to Manimahesh Lake via Bharmour, covering a distance of 13 kilometers, and finally reach the sacred lake situated at an altitude of 13,500 feet.
Question 10: What is Manimahesh's story?
Answer 10: According to scholars, Manimahesh is believed to be the abode of Lord Shiva. It is said that Lord Shiva is seated as Sheshnag (the divine serpent) on top of the mountain, and his presence is visible to devotees in this form. The locals have immense reverence and belief for the sacred mountain, which is also known as the "Chosen Abode of Shiva."
Question 11: Where is Manimahesh located?
Answer 11: Manimahesh is located in Bharmour, which is in the Chamba district of Himachal Pradesh, India.
Question 12: How far is Chamba from Pathankot?
Answer 12: The distance between Chamba and Pathankot is approximately 103 kilometers.
Question 13: How far is Chamba from Shimla?
Answer 13: The distance from Chamba to Shimla is about 342.2 kilometers via NH205 and NH103, and about 369.7 kilometers via NH 503.
Question 14: Does Khajjiar have snow?
Answer 14: Yes, Khajjiar experiences heavy snowfall during the winter season.
Question 15: What is Minjar or What is the meaning of Minjar?
Answer 15: Minjar refers to the earrings made from maize, wheat, paddy, barley, etc. During the Minjar fair, people wear Minjar made from zari or knot on their shirts as a traditional custom. At the conclusion of the fair, these Minjars are immersed in the Ravi River along with other offerings.
Question 16: Why Minjar Fair is celebrated?
Answer 16: Minjar Fair is celebrated to mark the victory of the King of Chamba over the ruler of Trigarta (Kangra). When the king returned victorious, the local people celebrated him by presenting gifts of wheat, maize, paddy, and seasonal fruits. This fair is held in honor of the king's success and is dedicated to the deity Raghuveer.
Question 17: When is Minjar fair celebrated?
Answer 17: Minjar fair starts on the second Sunday of the Hindu month of Shravan and continues throughout the week. According to folklore, the tradition of Minjar fair began in the year 935 AD.
Question 18: What is the main event during the Minjar fair?
Answer 18: The main event during the Minjar fair is the Minjar Visarjan ceremony. It starts with a grand procession from the first Raghunath temple situated in the Akhand Chandi Palace of the king of Chamba. Furnished palanquins of deities, including Raghuveer, are brought from the palace to the immersion site with traditional customs. Thousands of devotees and people dressed in traditional costumes participate in the procession. During the ceremony, the chief guests offer Minjar, one rupee, coconut, coach, and flowers to the river as an offering to the rain god. This marks the end of the Minjar fair, and the statues of the deities and the royal flag are brought back to the Akhand Chandi Mahal. Cultural programs, sports competitions, and developmental exhibitions are also organized during this week-long international fair, attracting a large number of visitors from the state and other states.
Question 19: Where is the Minjar fair held?
Answer 19: The Minjar fair in Chamba district is celebrated in a traditional manner in the historic and green Chaugan plain of Chamba, starting from the last Sunday of July. The Chaugan ground is the main venue for various cultural events and activities held during the fair.
Question 20: What is famous in Khajjiar?
Answer 20: Khajjiar is famous for its picturesque landscape, often referred to as the "Mini Switzerland of India." The place is surrounded by green grasslands, dense forests, and attractive temples. One of the popular attractions in Khajjiar is the Khajji Nag Temple, dedicated to the serpent god. Additionally, there is a huge 85-foot statue of Lord Shiva, which is one of the tallest in Himachal Pradesh, located about 1 km from Khajjiar.
Question 21: Which place in India is called Mini Switzerland or which city is known as Mini Switzerland of India?
Answer 21: Khajjiar, located near Dalhousie in the Chamba district of Himachal Pradesh, is often referred to as the "Mini Switzerland of India." The place's natural beauty, with its lush green meadows, dense forests, and picturesque landscape, resembles the stunning scenery of Switzerland, earning it the nickname "Mini Switzerland."
Question 22: Does Chamba have snow?
Answer 22: Yes, Chamba experiences snowfall, especially during the winter months. The higher regions of Chamba, including some of its famous hill stations like Dalhousie and Khajjiar, often get covered in snow, creating a beautiful winter wonderland.
Question 23: What is the best time to visit Khajjiar?
Answer 23: Khajjiar can be visited throughout the year due to its pleasant climate and scenic beauty. However, the best time to visit Khajjiar is during the summer months from March to June when the weather is mild and perfect for sightseeing and outdoor activities. The monsoon season from July to September brings heavy rainfall, making it less suitable for tourism. Winter months from December to February offer a magical experience with snow-covered landscapes, ideal for snow lovers and winter sports enthusiasts.
Question 24: Is there snow in Khajjiar in May?
Answer 24: No, May is part of the summer season in Khajjiar, and snowfall is not expected during this time. The weather during May is pleasant and suitable for tourists to explore the scenic beauty and indulge in various outdoor activities available in and around Khajjiar.
Question 25: Why is Khajjiar called Mini Switzerland?
Answer 25: Khajjiar is also one of the 160 'mini Switzerland' in the world. Seeing the beauty of Khajjiyar, the title of 'Mini Switzerland' was given.
Question 26: Why do people love Himachal?
Answer 26: There are a lot of excellent reasons to consider visiting Himachal Pradesh. Its breathtaking snow-covered peaks, lush pine woods, raging rivers, and winding roads are gifts from Mother Nature. The British Raj gave these hill stations a holiday-like environment, and their heritage charms the locals
Question 27: Why Himachal is famous?
Answer 27: Its majestic national parks and wildlife refuges species like musk deer, black bear, brown bear, leopards, and sambhars, among other species. Thick forests with lush green climate provide tourists with a fun experience. Trekking in Himachal is the best way to discover its wild side.
Question 28: Who named Himachal?
Answer 28: Hima means snow in Sanskrit, and the literal meaning of the state's name is in the lap of the Himalayas. It was named by Acharya Diwakar Datt Sharma, one of the most eminent Sanskrit scholars of Himachal Pradesh.
Question 29: What is the old name of Himachal?
Answer 29: Himachal Pradesh is also known as Dev Bhoomi, meaning 'Land of Gods' and Veer Bhoomi which means 'Land of the Brave'.
Question 30: Which is the oldest village in Himachal Pradesh?
Answer 30: Malana is considered one of the oldest villages in Himachal Pradesh. Nestled in the Parvati Valley, Malana is renowned for its unique customs, culture, and distinct social structure. The village is famous for its ancient democracy and self-isolation from the outside world. The people of Malana, known as Malanis, believe that they are descendants of Alexander the Great and have their own language and traditions, making it a fascinating destination for curious travelers and anthropologists.
