My pictures with their little stories

Tabo monastery, Spiti Tabo Monastery in Spiti Valley , Himachal Pradesh was established in the year 996. It is the oldest continuously operating Buddhist enclave in both India and th e Himalayas. Loved it for the rustic and simplistic approach apart from the wonderful textural quality of its surfaces. This picture of Tabo monastery will be on display at my show at Nehru Centre, Worli, Mumbai from Tuesday 16th August to Monday 22nd August 2016. Experience it at my show.

At Tabo monastery, Spiti Being an ancient and important Buddhist monastery, I expected Tabo to have grandeur befitting its status. It turned out that the monastery was unpretentious. There was a serene and mystical beauty in the simplicity at Tabo. (Tabo monastery, Spiti, 2011)

Tabo monastery entrance The feeling is of sheer awe when you are entering a structure which was established more than a thousand years ago and is in continuous operation. Visiting ruins dating back to few thousand years is one thing but entering Tabo monastery established in 996 was a different feeling altogether. Tabo is the oldest continuously operating Buddhist monastery in both India and the Himalayas . ( Spiti , 2013)

Prayer wheel at Dhangkar monastery, Spiti Prayer wheels at monasteries is a fascinating sight. Usually there is line of prayer wheels and the visitors make it a point to touch each and every wheel. This prayer wheel at Dhangkar monastery in Spiti looked as old as the monastery itself and it was a different feeling to touch the prayer wheel as well as the wall around. It had a deep cold feel to it almost as if connecting with its ancient past.

Windows from Spiti Spiti is majestic and it is stark. The windows in the entire region were similar, must be Buddhist architectural influence. Very basic and simple yet beautiful. The region is hardly prosperous so the houses are basic. The windows follow a similar pattern in the entire region.

Remote village in Spiti Villages such as Langza and Gomic in Spiti are tiny and remote. They are inaccessible when it snows. Despite harsh conditions, the spirit of the people is indomitable. 

Save Dhangkar campaign poster at Dhangkar monastery Save Dhangkar is an initiative of concerned citizens which includes architects, photographers, geologists and others who through their collective efforts have done remarkable work in ensuring that this 1000+ year old monastery in Spiti does not wither away due to toll of the natural forces and human intervention.

On top of Dhangkar monastery, Spiti While the experience of feeling the 1000 year tradition of worship and meditation inside Dhangkar monastery was humbling,  the nature opened up the vision when we went atop the monastery. The quiet of the mountains and snow coexisted with the sound of the wind.