Breaking Barriers- Hosting Shoba Banga 2023 Memorable Journey to Naggar

The lush valleys of Himachal Pradesh once again became the backdrop for Shobla Bana, the flagship annual cultural and community festival organized by the Chap Foundation. After the success of Shobla Bana2022, anticipation was high for the 2023 edition. Chap had been doing fantastic work, training and upskilling women artisans and creating livelihood opportunities. Along with weekend classes for young students to enhance their digital literacy with the help of passionate tourists. Led by the indefatigable Aparna, the Chap Foundation team, with local advisor Sheru Babaji, worked tirelessly to bring Shobla Bana2023 to life. Once again, I was fortunate to witness firsthand this celebration of community spirit, creativity, and inclusivity. The Journey Begins My adventure to Shobla Bana 2023 (held on 20th-21st May, 2023) began on the morning of May 18th. Accompanied by Aparna’s parents, Dr. Shashi Agrawal and Mr. B. K. Agrawal, and my personal assistant, Gayasuddin, we embarked on a road trip from Gurugram to Naggar, Kullu. The 12-hour journey was filled with scenic views and intermittent stops that added to the excitement. We arrived at Alliance Homestays, our lodging for the event at around 10 PM, greeted warmly by Aparna. Setting the stage Our stay at Alliance Homestays was nothing short of delightful. Comfortable stay, nice people, great food. Team meetings were frequent, and we had a chance to tour the festival venue at the Tripura Sundari Temple grounds. This year the festival was a part of a seven-day local religious-cum-community festival, a move aimed at deeper community integration. The lunch on the 19th May terrace of Alliance Homestay, with panoramic views of the surrounding hills, was particularly memorable. A Festival Of Tradition And Innovation Shobla Bana2023 retained the beloved activities from the previous year- Knitting and crochet competitions for women artisans, painting competition for children, and a fashion walk featuring traditional Himachali attire. These activities not only showcased local talent but also fostered a sense of pride and unity within the community. This year, the festival added new dimensions that enriched the overall experience of the audiences. Over 350 women and children participated in various competitions, and the cultural walk, with the locals dressed in vibrant traditional attire, was a visual feast. An Odissi dance performance, focusing on co-existence and biodiversity really took the breath away. The students of the Liberation and Educational Welfare Society performed a poignant skit on promoting intoxication-free tourism, highlighting the importance of responsible tourism. Embracing Inclusivity A remarkable feature of Shobla Bana2023 was its focus on inclusivity. The Chap Foundation invited the students from the National Association for the Blind (NAB) in Kullu, and members of Radio Udaan (India’s first online radio station run by visually impaired individuals) from Delhi. Their performances including a Natti dance (traditional form of Kullu dance) and a group Kawalli by the NAB children and melodious songs and well-performed skit by Radio Udaan members, were some of the highlights of the event, according to me. A heartwarming session where Naresh and Mohit, two Radio Udaan members, shared their life stories, left a profound impact on everyone. The festival emphasized the importance of making travel and tourism accessible to all, a cause championed passionately by Aparna, and the Chap team. A Special Retreat A special evening at the Baragarh Resort and Spa, a Taj Group property, was organized for individuals with disabilities. These serene setting hosted sessions of yoga, meditation, and massage, providing a healing retreat amidst nature. The Radio Udaan friends were also treated to guided tours Naggar Castle and the Roerich Art Gallery, enhancing their cultural experience. Shobla Bazar: A Marketplace For Local Artisans One of the highlights of the festival was the inauguration of Shobla Bazar by the Deputy Commissioner of Kullu, Sri Ashutosh Garg, the chief guest on the second day of the festival. This marketplace provided the local artisans with a platform to sell their products directly to tourists, fostering economic empowerment. To be organized from hereon on every Sunday at the Roerich Art Gallery, Shobla Bazar is a testament to Chap Foundation’s commitment to sustainable community development. Celebrating Cultural Heritage The festival also featured a Pattu wearing competition, celebrating the traditional dress of Kullu women, and an exhibition of Pulle slippers made from natural grass. These activities highlighted the rich cultural heritage of the region and the inherent value of nature’s offerings. Esteemed Guests And Community Support Shobla Bana2023 was graced by esteemed personalities from Himachal Pradesh. The festival was inaugurated by Sri Nakul Khullar, Director & Owner of Baragarh Resort & Spa, who emphasized the significance of such events in providing opportunities for local women and youth. The presence and encouragement of Mr. Ashutosh Garg, DC Kullu, further uplifted the spirits of participants and organizers. The festival’s success was made possible by the support of numerous organizations including Fairfest Media Ltd., Handihimachal Therapy Center, Liberation Computer Center, Milap Publications, Kids Chaupal, Alliance Homestays, ICRT India Foundation, and Baragarh Resort & Spa, IHCL Seleqtions, Taj Group, Naggar. Their contributions, along with efforts of individual friends and volunteers (would especially like to mention Mr. Ashu Goel- UOR CARES Foundation), played a crucial role in making Shobla Bana2023 a memorable event. Reflecting On The Experience As the festival drew to a close, a sense of fulfilment pervaded. Over 1,500 locals and tourists had participated, celebrating culture, creativity, and community congregation. A post-event celebration with Radio Udaan friends marked a joyful end to the festival before their departure to Delhi. With a heart full of gratitude and memories, I left Naggar the following morning with Dr. Shashi Agrawal, Mr. B. K. Agrawal, and Gayasuddin. The journey back to Delhi was comfortable and filled with reflections on the impactful experience. Shobla Bana2023 not only brought personal joy but also reinforced the importance of inclusive and sustainable tourism. As I look forward to the next edition, I carry with me the smiles and stories of the local friends whose lives were touched this remarkable festival. Sandeep Singh Co-Founder and Public Relationship Officer CivicHelp And Progress Foundation