Turmeric Man of Himachal Pradesh

Img src. : The tribune

Chamba’s unparalleled natural beauty and rich cultural heritage took center stage at the 6th Himalayan Orange Tourism Festival in Kolkata. The festival, a premier event promoting sustainable tourism across India’s northeastern states, Nepal, and Bhutan, served as the perfect platform for unveiling Chamba’s “Chalo Chamba” campaign. This initiative, led by the district administration in collaboration with Not On Map—an organisation dedicated to sustainable tourism—highlighted Chamba’s untapped tourism potential to a diverse audience of domestic and international visitors.

“Chalo Chamba”: A Campaign for Sustainable Tourism

Launched in 2021, the “Chalo Chamba” campaign aims to position Chamba as a leading destination for culturally immersive and eco-friendly tourism. The campaign focuses on:

• Promoting Hidden Gems: Highlighting lesser-known tourist destinations alongside popular ones, ensuring a balanced tourism influx.
• Showcasing Traditional Products: Promoting indigenous crafts such as the Chamba Rumal and Chamba Thal, both symbolic of the region’s artistic legacy.
• Fostering Community Development: Empowering local communities by creating opportunities in tourism and related sectors.
• Ensuring Sustainability: Advocating for environmentally sustainable tourism practices and the preservation of cultural heritage.

The campaign also emphasizes Chamba’s diverse cultural heritage through activities like heritage walks in Chamba and Dalhousie. The lifestyle, cuisine, festivals, and fairs of the district, all rooted in historical significance, add a unique charm to its tourism offerings.

Exploring Chamba’s Rich Destinations

The “Chalo Chamba” campaign identifies and promotes various destinations and activities that cater to different aspects of tourism, including:

• Natural Tourism: High mountains, glaciers, and pristine lakes like Dal Lake.
• Religious Tourism: Numerous historical temples and pilgrimage sites.
• Adventure Tourism: Tracks and routes for trekking enthusiasts.
• Cultural and Tribal Heritage: Beautiful valleys inhabited by different tribes with rich traditions and heritage.

Some of the prominent valleys highlighted include:

• Chamba Valley
• Saal Valley
• Churah Valley
• Bhandal-Salooni Valley
• Dalhousie-Khajjiar
• Bharmour Valley
• Holi Valley
• Pangi Valley

Each of these destinations offers a unique blend of natural beauty, adventure, and cultural immersion, making Chamba a haven for all types of travelers.

The Himalayan Orange Tourism Festival: A Platform for Collaboration

The Himalayan Orange Festival, established in 2010, has grown into an annual event that celebrates sustainable tourism, cultural exchange, and community empowerment. It brings together participants from Northeast India, Nepal, and Bhutan to:

• Empower Women: Highlighting the contributions of women in tourism and traditional crafts.
• Preserve Tribal Traditions: Showcasing the rich tribal heritage and promoting its preservation.
• Support Organic Farming: Encouraging eco-friendly agricultural practices as part of sustainable tourism.
• Facilitate Cultural Exchange: Providing a platform for sharing traditions, art, and cuisine.

This year, the festival’s collaboration with Chamba’s tourism stakeholders added a new dimension by spotlighting Himachal Pradesh’s unique offerings.

Chamba’s Representation at the Festival

Representatives from Chamba, including Manuj Sharma, co-founder of Not On Map, along with Magandeep, Jyoti, Rajesh, and Admaya Singh, played a pivotal role in showcasing the district’s cultural and natural assets. Among the highlights were:

• Traditional Crafts: Exquisite Chamba Rumals and intricately designed Chamba Thals captured the attention of visitors, emphasizing the region’s artistic excellence.
• Natural Beauty: Presentations on Chamba’s pristine landscapes and eco-tourism potential drew interest from environmentalists and travelers alike.
• Sustainable Tourism Initiatives: Information sessions educated attendees about ongoing efforts to establish Chamba as an eco-friendly travel hub.

A Bright Future for Chamba Tourism

With efforts like the “Chalo Chamba” campaign, Chamba is poised to emerge as a premier destination for travelers seeking immersive cultural experiences and sustainable tourism. The campaign not only aims to attract tourists but also focuses on empowering local communities, preserving heritage, and ensuring environmental sustainability.

As the 6th Himalayan Orange Tourism Festival concluded, it became evident that Chamba’s participation had opened new avenues for tourism development. The district administration’s proactive approach, combined with collaborations with organizations like Not On Map, promises a bright and sustainable future for Chamba’s tourism sector. By bringing its hidden treasures to the forefront, Chamba is well on its way to becoming a jewel in India’s tourism crown.