Almora : The City of Fine Wood Craft Houses

Walking in the bazaar of Almora is always a great fun for me. Approximately 1.5 to 2 kms long lane bazaar was once known to have stone slates on the path but now all stone slates have been replaced by new type tiles…

Wonderful old wood carved houses all along the pathway, with shops on the ground floor and houses on the 1st floor...

Unfortunately many of these old houses have been replaced with concrete stuffs but some older houses still exist, to show off the amazing wood craft work...

Unique Celebration of Dushara Festival in Almora

Almora is a cultural city of Uttarakhand, India. In Almora, Dushara festival celebrate in a different way which I heard many time but could not be a part of it. So this time I decided to be a part of this celebration…

When I reach Almora, I could feel the essence of festival all over. Everybody was in mood of fiesta. When I walk through the cramp market of city I saw many half complete effigies of demons relate to Ravan’s family. In one place huge body of demon is laying on earth to get dressed...

Some Mohalla are relating demons with today’s problem which also should have to be burn…  

Children are also fully involved in the celebration and making their own effigy. When I look at them they give me pose which means a silent order to take a picture…

Almora has different Mohllas (Societies) and all participate in the festival donating one effigy.  By the afternoon every Mohallas (Societies) get ready to go for final parade of effigies.  These huge effigies are wheeled on huge makeshift stage through the market with blowing trumpets and drums.  This is the uniqueness of Almora Dushahra that not only Ravan but other devils also burn…

By the evening every place of city swelled by the people and echoes with religious slogan which make place full of energy. Accompanied with music and crowed all effigies are lined up to the final point…

Almora This Time For Muharram

This time I again got chance to go to Almora. Reason was Muharram, The 10^th day of Muharram is known as Ashura all over the world. Muslims highly respect the significance of this day and commemorate the death of Imam Hussain in Battle of Karbala by the army of the tyrant Yazid.  My friend told me – On this occasion, Taziyas, an effigy of Imam Hussain’s mausoleum, made in Almora, are very special, decorative and beautiful. 

I reached Almora by 12 noon. After some rest, I moved to market.  Almora is a historical place and very rich for its wooden architect work, which I always love to see. When I was strolling in the city, I saw so many houses with wooden architect. Some of them are still intact and maintained but many of them are now going to destroy.

I was strolling and taking pictures.  I noticed many people were indulging in playing cards, which is very favorite time-pass here.  There was not very much hustle-bustle in market because of Sunday. 

I came across with first Taziya. Taziya artist were giving it final touch. When I saw it I got excited to see them in night because I came to know that they illuminated when it becomes dark. After this I saw 3 more Taziya all were about to ready for the evening parade. 

Here not only Muslims but Hindus Also participates in this procession.  Even many Hindu take parts in making of Taziya also. Taziya made from paper and wood and can be different in shape and size but every Taziya should have a Tomb, Which I came to know from school going girl Shaheen.

Each Taziya takes atleast one month to get complete and each Taziya cost almost 25 thousand rupees.  By the 5.30 it became chaotic and every Taziya were collecting in one place. Taziyas were illuminating in night, which were looking very beautiful. 

Wooden Architect  

Destroying Now

Time Pass with Cards

Final Touch to Taziya

Evening Parade

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