The one place that has become our regular getaway destination, and which we visit once every two years, is Andretta, a small village situated about 250 kilometres from our hometown, Patiala. During the six-hour journey by road, the changing landscape from the plains to the hills is a feast for the eyes and a spirit-lifting experience for the heart. As we leave the noise and snarling traffic jams of the plains behind, what welcomes us are the labyrinthine zigzag hill roads, with the high mountains smiling at us from their lofty heights, tugging at the heart at every turn. Passing through the verdant tea gardens, as we reach Panchrukhi, a place just five miles away from our destination, my heart beats faster with the anticipation of the ecstatic experience awaiting us.
Situated about 14 kilometres away from Palampur in Himachal Pradesh, Andretta is ensconced between the high snow-covered Dhauladar mountain range and the dense foliage and bamboo groves of the Shivaliks.
Andretta is called the artists’ colony, and this is what attracts tourists to this small, peaceful place. It was Norah Richards, an Irish actress and theatre artist, who established the artist’s colony in 1920, where she promoted Punjabi theatre, inviting local artists to perform. Later, when the government gave her 15 acres of land, she established the artists’ colony. She made a Kangra-style mud-house for herself called Chameli Niwas, and the village came to be called ‘Mem da pind.’
In later years, Punjabi University Patiala made her a Fellow, and after her death, Norah Richards Centre for the Arts was adopted by the Punjabi University. Today, the area consists of her mud house, her grave, an open-air theatre, and a guest house. The University holds art workshops here, and every year in October on Norah Richard’s birth anniversary, the students of the Department of Theatre and Television join with their theatrical presentations.
Sobha Singh Art Gallery
Besides Norah Richards, the world-renowned painter, Padam Shri Sobha Singh made Andretta his home, and most of his paintings on the Sikh religion and culture were painted here. The Sobha Singh Art Gallery and his house are big tourist attractions, where his original paintings adorn the walls, and the black-and-white photos from his life speak of his simplicity and humility.
Andretta Pottery Centre
The third artist is Gurucharan Singh, the famous potter who shifted to Andretta and established the Andretta Pottery and Craft Society. Today, his son and daughter-in-law, both noted potters, manage the centre where potters from all over the world come to attend pottery courses. The pottery studio and shop are worth visiting.
Once at Andretta, there are many more places around that one shouldn’t miss visiting, including the Baijnath Temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva, and the Jwalamukhi Temple, one of the 51 Shaktipeeths of India. Another attraction is McLeodganj, the abode of the Dalai Lama and the Tibetan Government-in-exile.
A visit to Andretta is always rejuvenating, and I always carry many pleasant memories with me.
Narinder Jit Kaur
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