In the Heart of Bharmaur: A Village Where Time Stands Still..
Ghared, Bharmaur (Chamba) – Tucked away in the remote folds of Bharmaur, Chamba, lies the little-known village of Ghared, where life moves at its own rhythm, untouched by modern connectivity.
No roads, no mobile networks, and no written communication—yet, the villagers thrive, deeply rooted in their traditions and nature’s embrace.
For generations, the people of Ghared have shaped their lives around the land, braving the challenges of remoteness. Livelihood opportunities are scarce, and survival here is nothing short of an adventure.
Yet, the villagers remain content, their resilience woven into the fabric of their daily existence.
The Lost Art of Communication
With no mobile phones or postal services to rely on, the villagers have preserved an ancient oral messaging system.
Messages are sent through designated individuals, known as pranju, carrying verbal communications called paranj from one family to another.
For shorter distances, an intriguing system called daah is used—shouts echo across the hills, summoning people for meals at noon, a time known as kaalar.
Another fascinating practice is Lamaan, a wellness message exchanged in the village. Most touching is the farewell ritual during weddings.
Until the 1970s, when the bride’s family left after the ceremonial feast (dham or pritibhoj), the bride would continue calling out heartfelt goodbyes—"go safely, take care, do come again"—until her relatives disappeared from view. This emotional farewell, known as Lamaan, remains a poignant part of their traditions.
Surviving Against the Odds
With no visible means of income, the people of Ghared sustain themselves through traditional agriculture, livestock rearing, and an unyielding spirit. Their strength lies in their ability to walk for miles across treacherous terrain, relying on their ancestral wisdom for survival.
While the rest of the world races ahead with technology, Ghared stands still—living proof that even in the harshest conditions, human endurance and community bonds can triumph over modern-day challenges.
