Lall Bazaar: A Living Archive Article
Eastern Himalayas
Displaying 1 - 10 of 11
The diverse handloom and handicraft practices of Sikkim and its neighbouring regions have evolved through processes of ecological adaptation, migration, cultural exchange, and patronage. Among these traditions, weaving occupies a significant place — not merely as a craft practice but as a material…
in Article
From the outside, Lall Bazaar looms as a striking landmark in Gangtok, its facade decked in red tiles that immediately catch the eye. Contrary to popular belief, the "Lall" derives not from the Hindi word for red, but actually refers to a dewan (minister) of the Chogyal (king) of aeons past,…
in Article
Having travelled from lands across Jaipur, Nepal, and into Sikkim, the sarangi sits in the hands of a man drawing his bow across its strings on the packed Tharo Line in Gangtok. In front of him lies a scarf with a few scattered notes of ten, twenty, and fifty rupees. He is playing various…
in Article
If one does not take their time gazing through the endless movement of people and many concrete buildings standing atop what is colloquially called the “New Market”, a stretch of area adjacent to the popular MG Marg that constitutes a large pedestrian section and a one-way road for cars passing…
in Article
A long time ago, ltbu-moo, Mother Creator, created Kongchen Kongchlo, i.e. Mount Khangchendzonga, the world's third highest mountain peak. To complement this glorious creation, she then created lakes and rivers. But something seemed amiss. Then, she created Fudongthing, the first man, and gave him…
in Article
How long has been your association with photography? When did you start as a photographer?
I started with a Kodak box camera in 1949. A few years later, I acquired a Voigtlander Bessa I of the 120 format. Eventually, I went on to several models of Canon 35 mm. After Kodachrome stopped…
in Interview
Vajrayana—the ‘Diamond Path’—the most commonly practised form of Buddhism in the Himalayan region is essentially esoteric and very hard for anyone from the outside to access. The range and the variety of images alone are staggering, writes Prof. B.N. Goswamy. Colour, direction, stance, weapons,…
in Article
Mingyur Rinpoche traces the life of Guru Padmasambhava, starting with his journey in India and about his impact in different parts of Asia, especially the pivotal role he had in bringing Buddhism to Tibet. Rinpoche talks about how Padmasambhava manifested himself in different forms to benefit…
in Video
Buddhism was introduced to Sikkim in the form of termas or hidden teachings. The teachings prophesied that certain Buddhist masters would discover these ‘treasures’ in the very locations where they had been concealed by Guru Padmasambhava. Therefore, Sikkim is also known as the land of terma. To…
in Article
Namaste and my respects to everyone. It is very special that we are gathered here today and talking, at this conference, about the life of Padmasambhava. The life of Padmasambhava is actually very vast. It is difficult to talk about it in a very short period of time, but we have to try. I …
in Article