A delightful holiday at Dhangal

At Devidanda with Dig Uncle

In the last fortnight of December during the long awaited winter vacation, we visited Dhangal , a small village located on the edge of the Rajaji National Park. On the way we passed by Yamkeshwar ( Yam = God of death) temple located on a lonely cliff. Spirits are said to frequent it , especially after sundown and before sunrise. People come here only in groups. Maybe there is some truth in that- because both the times we passed by it, I could not spot a single soul going or returning from the temple. You too please study the picture below and see carefully if you spot someone.

Yamkeshwar temple

 Now, coming back to Dhangal. It was grown quite dark by the time we reached Bhrigukhal where 2 persons sent by Digambar Uncle ( our host in Dhangal) were waiting to guide us. The last 2 kms was a full rocky drive on a  mud track and through deserted farmlands. We crossed a small river bed and the ride ( on 4 wheels) ended besides a deserted building. The last half km to the house was an uphill trek on a stony path, through bushes (which seemed like jungles in the dark) and glow of fireflies ( which seemed like animal eyes). We walked quietly and heaved a sigh of relief as we reached Digambar Uncle's house.

Dhangal is a very small village with a handful of houses. Digambar Uncle's family owns the most of them. Behind the village, a densely forested hill rises steeply.  All the houses are laid in one long row with a courtyard in front ( see the pic below) where leopards at times prowl in the dead of night. The toilet is in the courtyard, so going there to answer nature's call deep in the night could be quite an adventure. My mother's students have been staying in the house for some days ( for doing measure drawing) and I asked them if any of them had seen anything at night, I was deeply disappointed when all of said NO.

Lunch in the sunny courtyard 

Dig Uncle has a very charming personality and I enjoyed his company  a lot.  I spent major part of the evening talking and listening to him. That night after dinner there was a camp fire with local songs and a bit of drums. A local person sang the songs while I played the drums and later joined Vikas  bhaiya in dance. I think we created enough ruckus to scare away the leopards for that night.

 Next morning Dig Uncle took all of us to Devidanda,  a temple located on a hill top . I walked up with Dig Uncle, conversing with him all the way up. My mother''s four students too were on their own, enjoying and taking pictures. I sat with Dig Uncle on the hill top, soaking in the splendid views and enjoying his company immensely.

After returning from Devi Danda, it was time to pack up and head home once again with golden memories of the last two days well spent in the company of Dig Uncle. Oh yes, he also gave me 500 rupees as a parting gift, just like my own uncles. I am looking forward to meeting him again.

To Devi Danda with Dig Uncle