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Diwali in Mandi!

This was a complete unplanned trip! We got around 4-5 days off for Diwali and most of us girls decided to stay and sulk in hostel, except the ones staying in Himachal. Friday morning, Vidisha shakes me up from my sleep and says, " Pack your bags! We are going to Mandi!" I was half asleep when she dragged me down to the office to get the outpass form( I didn't even brush!) We came back, did all the morning chores, and started packing. Our bus left at 12:30. We reached just in time, one minute late and we would have missed it. And what a journey it was! It took 5 hours to reach Mandi, with me gasping the entire time seeing the picturesque hills and valleys. The step(or terrace) farming they do in hilly terrains look so beautiful, you just can't take your eyes off them!

view on the way to Mandi

Mandi is situated in a valley through which the river Beas flows. The town in situated on either side of the peaceful river. Mandi has 81 temples which also gives it another name-Chhoti Kashi. The time constraint prevented me from visiting even a single temple. I just got an outer glimpse of a few. Well this was just the first visit, there are going to be a lot more!

 the Beas river meandering through the valley

Vidisha's family was welcoming. Seeing them all together I missed my own family but the love and care I received from them never made me miss mine so much. They treated me as their own and I'll always be grateful to them. Aunty made such yummy delicacies, makke ki roti and sarso ka saag, muli ka paratha, then the usual curry and rice...yummm

with Vidisha :)

We also made diwali rangolis :) Lighted lamps and ate too many barfis! 

Vidisha made this one. It looked beautiful as is visible. 
And we used rice! Mixed color in rice and made it! 
Never knew it could come out so well! :)

the one that I made.

Then we went to the main bazaar area in Mandi and Vidisha was pointing out all the famous shops and hangout places. And the way she was describing them, such an excited manner with that twinkle in her eyes like a child with pink cheeks. :) She took me to the Victoria bridge that connects the purani(old) Mandi to the new one. Its a very old bridge. We could literally feel it shaking when vehicles passed by!

at the Victoria Bridge.


Had a nice "family time" with the Barwals I would say! :) Truly a memorable trip...

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