Flowers grow with abandon amidst deserted houses at Dantu Village in Darma Valley, Uttarakhand.
Most people only get a view of Panchachuli from the western side i.e. Munsyari/Kausani/Choukori and similar hill stations. The eastern side, i.e., Darma Valley is untouched territory mostly for hiking parties. Till recently there was no road and it required a multi day trek from Tawaghat to get there.
Traditionally the villagers from the villages of Dantu and Dugtu in Darma Valley, migrates to Jauljibi in winter months along with their cattle. Once summer arrives, they go back to higher pastures for cattle to graze. However, over time due to migration of younger generation to cities, many never go back to their ancestral houses in native villages.
The houses in villages are locked and barred. And slowly nature is taking over. Few houses were occupied and most had younger generation studying or working in Pithoragarh/Haldawni/Delhi. The elders lament that they will never come back.
Denu, who walked me around that afternoon, had fond memories of this yard. Years ago, a teacher lived in this house. During summers, every afternoon he would gather a few village kids to tell them stories. A story he remembered was a man unjustly imprisoned in an island prison escapes posing as a dead body and takes revenge. Sounded so much like the “Count of Monte Cristo”. Its interesting how good stories have a way to travel around.
This picture was taken when Denu and I sat down in this yard. I was admiring the flowers against the abandoned house, while he told me of the stories he heard sitting in this yard. Sitting there I made memories of his memories.
Technical details: Pen-F + 12-40mm | F/5 | 1/50s | ISO200
Date: Oct 17, 2019 | 1551