Went to Dharamsala & Mcleodganj during the Diwali hols...Was the fulfilment of a long held desire....The first thing that strikes you is the totally Tibetan atmosphere once you reach Mcleodganj. This is a place where the Tibetan government in exile is residing, where the Dalai Lama is residing...There are plenty of tourists around, taking in the beautiful mountain views and the crisp mountain air...
Lady selling momos
A local lady knitting
The serene interiors of the Monastery
The serene interiors of the MonasteryI was pleasantly surprised to see that inspite of the large influx of tourists, the place and the people still are not spoilt by the 'spoils' of tourism, the ills that come along. The people still retain a sense of calmness and hapiness in the simple things.
Nightfall 
Shadowzzzz...
The prayer wheels in the Norbulingka Institute
One feels real admiration for these people, admiration for their cause - for the preservation and continuity of their culture. Inspite of being uprooted and displaced from their homes and their country by a more powerful force, their quiet and dignified struggle to ensure that their culture doesnt die out is something to be marvelled at. Inspite of all the unjusts meted out to them they dont seem to harbour any hatred. Is it because of their religious faith? Or is it their inherent nature? The place certainly is just too beautiful and pristine, with winding mountain roads, tall coniferous trees, the coolness, the clear blue mountains fading far away into the horizon....This combined with the ambience of the place and the people, just creates one of the most enchanting places. You can actually experience Silence in all its forms....
The mountains
The mountains turn a shade of red at sunset.
The path down to the monastery
Liked Shadowzzz a lot... like the ruggedness of the shadow was trying to communicate with that of the stones! :)
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