Himachal Pradesh

I got to celebrate Diwali with the Herr family in Bir -- a small town in the foothills of the Indian Himalaya. From left to right: Miri Herr, (myself), Lovely Herr, and a family friend of the Herr's. Rangoli are aesthetic patters created on the… — I got to celebrate Diwali with the Herr family in Bir -- a small town in the foothills of the Indian Himalaya. From left to right: Miri Herr, (myself), Lovely Herr, and a family friend of the Herr's. Rangoli are aesthetic patters created on the floor for the purpose of attracting good fortune.

An Intimate Diwali

December 19, 2016 in Travel

The Diwali festival is a one of India’s most widely known and celebrated events. The festival is an auspicious observance, celebrating new beginnings and the triumph of good over evil represented as light over darkness...

Adobe bricks drying in the sun. I spent a week learning about earthen building and sustainability at the Dharmalaya Institute in northern Indian.

Lessons in Mind and Matter at the Dharmalaya Institute

December 17, 2016 in Travel

The Dharmalaya Institute was founded in 2008 by an international team. According to its website, Dharmalaya is “devoted to education and empowerment for compassionate living, with a practical focus on sustainable village development, contemplative service-learning, and immersive ecotourism.” I attended a week-long Earthen Architecture and Sustainability Workshop held at Dharmalaya’s eco-campus located in the bucolic Himalayan foothills near the town of Bir...