CM Sukhu Picks Kaza Village In Spiti For 'Himachal Day' Event, To Reach Today

Ask a native of Spiti: “Do you feel the isolation when the cold deserts of Kaza or this high-altitude land remains under heavy snow for five to six months in the year?” The answer can surprise anyone, even if they have travelled to Spiti merely on an adventure trip.

“Winters offer us a great solace. It’s time to celebrate, sing and dance or even worship. Every village hosts cultural events and serves traditional cuisines to guests – who come in festive attires. Our rich customs and traditions come fully alive,” says Tsering Bodh Sakya, a social activist and hotelier.

Seventy-five years after Himachal Pradesh came into existence, following the merger of 28 princely states in 1948, Chief Minister Sukhwinder Singh Sukhu has chosen to celebrate his first ‘Himachal Day’ function with the Spitians in Kaza on April 15.

Also known as the ‘Land of Lamas’ — Spiti has many firsts. The world’s highest motorable village Komic, situated at an altitude of 15,500 feet, has scored 100 per cent vaccination much before the state did. The village also reported 100 per cent polling during the state assembly poll.

In Spiti Valley, the first snowfall of the season is always reported as monks at the Komic monastery take the opportunity to share video footage on social media showing a panoramic view of the Komic Lake. Komic also boasts of the world’s highest post office which is functional throughout the year.

“Yet, the Spitians never had the privilege to host state-level functions for the last 75 years. I will unfurl the national flag on April 15 on the occasion of Himachal Day at Kaza for the first time to make the people of Spiti take pride in the state's formation and its development journey,” the chief minister said here.

Sukhu will fly to Kaza on Thursday afternoon – a day before the Himachal Day celebrations.

“I wanted to be with the people of Spiti on the very first function of Himachal Day since I have taken over the reins of the state. Because they live in tough conditions, very next to the international borders with China. This is the reason I have a special regard for the people of this remote region who have boldly faced the socio-economic changes since the re-organisation of the state, 1966 onwards,” he says.

What makes Spiti really incredible is Buddhist culture, Gompas and monasteries. It has at least five to six big monasteries, including the famous Tabo Monastery, Dhankar, Key, Lalung, Kaumik and Kungri.

Tabo Monastery, an ancient landmark protected by the archaeological survey of India (ASI), is a more than 1000-year-old monument.
Spiti is also home to Asia’s highest bridge – Chicham Bridge, an astounding spectacle at a height of 13,596 feet. The bridge connects two villages named Chicham and Kibber.

“Look down this one and you will find yourself gaping below, at a 1,000 ft deep gorge! The gorge below is known by the name of Samba Lamba Nallah,” says Ajay Banyal, an assistant Public Relations Officer who was posted at Kaza till recently.

Chicham Bridge took 15 years to be completed, mainly because of the limited working period in Spiti where the temperature drops as low as minus 30 degrees Celcius in the winter.

Kibber village in Spiti has Tibetan-style homes with stone and adobe bricks. The locals of Kibber mainly depend on agriculture, weaving, animal husbandry and tourism for their livelihood.

The Chief Minister, during his three-day visit, is expected to visit some of the key places and also take stock of the development needs of the tribals.

Kaza also faces serious drinking water problems as a lot of homestays and hotels have become an attraction for tourists, travellers and adventure seekers.

“I am happy to learn that there is no human-wildlife conflict as the number of snow leopards has also increased in the area, besides Ibex and Blue sheep. I have learnt that the people love to capture the snow leopards on their camera without disturbing them as much,” Sukhu told Outlook.

Earlier known for growing peas and seed potatoes, Spiti farmers are producing the best varieties of apples now – which have the highest demand in the markets – even as transportation remains a big issue, Kaza being almost 435 km from Shimla connected by a highly mountainous road through Kinnaur and Sumdo, close to international borders.