In the valleys of Uttarakhand, far from the clutter of city life, lie two rather quaint villages Parvada and Peora, where the traditional way of life and modernity peacefully co-exist. While the brunt of globalisation has taken over most parts of this hill state, the simplicity of life can still be experienced in these two villages.
Mules carrying the freshly harvested cabbage to wholesale markets
"The monkey menace has increased manifolds now. They damage all my crops," shares a local
Locals of the Peora village carry loads on their shoulders till date
A local woman carrying loads of freshly cut harvest from her field
Many homes in Peora still cook on Choolha (earthen stove)
Kids heading to the their school early in the morning
Kunti Devi owns a homestay in Peora. Even though she doesn't know how to speak in Hindi and English, but makes it a point to welcome all her guests with a warm smile
Saraswati, 73, a farmer all through her life, had many stories to share
"Veeri (the baby cow) is my best friend. She is too naive and friendly," shares Deepak
Locals greeting the guests with a warm smile
There are many women like Deepti who walk up and down the hills even today, carrying water from the pristine water bodies in Parvada
"I take my goats out for a walk every day after school," shares Jeevan from Peora who wants to join army in the future
The local farmers of Parvada grow many crops like Rajma (kidney beans) in their polyhouses
A local plant used for the preparation of laddoos (an Indian dessert) during festivity
"I was married off early and thus couldn't complete my education. I regret it till date. However, I made my daughter study till graduation. I am so proud of her," shares Munni, 37
Cabbage is one of the most commonly grown vegetable crop in Parvada
Rani Devi is a local farmer in a small cabbage farm
"Earlier there were no proper roads or transportation. Even wild animals used to roam freely on the pathways. I myself had encountered leopard many a times when I was young," shares Bhim Singh, 93
The locals here believe in the Atithi Devo Bhava (guest is equivalent to god) ideology and welcome all the tourists with a smile and warmth
As one enters the Parvada, many smiling faces welcome you to this quaint place