Himalayan Nights
- Dev Chandra
- Nov 13, 2024
- 3 min read
Updated: Oct 7
From Grandmother’s Lap to the Himalayas — A Journey of Roots, Legacy, and Timeless Blessings.
The journey of Himalayan Nights began with my beloved grandmother, whose wisdom and love shaped my understanding of life, passion, and devotion. Through her stories, she revealed the beauty of culture, tradition, and the paths that connect us to our roots. She was my first guru, the finest storyteller I have ever known, and her presence continues to inspire me, from the very beginning and for all the days of my life.
My fascination with the mountains began in childhood, though for many years they remained a distant dream. Growing up near Banaras — the city revered as the abode of Lord Shiva — I was surrounded by history, devotion, and the intimate rhythm of narrow lanes. Yet, deep within, I felt an unspoken pull urging me to step beyond those familiar streets and experience the quiet majesty of the Himalayas. During my college years, financial limitations kept the dream on hold, but the desire never faded.
I promised myself that when the opportunity arrived, my first destination would be the mountains. That promise carried me forward. After completing my semester, I moved to Mumbai in search of work, and the city soon became a turning point. At the office, I met wonderful people who supported me in many ways. One of them was Laxman (LX), a colleague from the mountain region, who encouraged me greatly. After months of effort and saving, I was finally able to embark on the journey I had long envisioned.
Life in the mountains revealed itself to me in unexpected ways. From quiet balconies overlooking misty ridges to solitary trails winding through pine forests, every step offered both discovery and reflection. Encounters with local communities — their traditions, culture, and resilience — left a lasting impression, weaving themselves into the fabric of my own memories. These experiences blended with the childhood stories once narrated by my grandmother, adding depth and nostalgia to my days in the hills.
My routines there were simple, yet transformative. Days were spent exploring, while evenings drew me to high vantage points where I would sit in silence, watching the mountains dissolve into dusk. Alone in that vastness, the questions I carried seemed to answer themselves. Nights beneath starlit skies and the quiet glow of the moon became integral to my being — moments of serenity that shaped my understanding of life and of myself.
It is from this profound connection that the Himalayan Nights painting series emerged. Each canvas captures the essence of those experiences: the stillness of the night, the expansiveness of the landscape, and the quiet revelations that solitude in the mountains offers. More than visual representations, these works embody a personal journey — one that transformed silence into clarity, and vastness into belonging.
For me, Himalayan Nights is not only an artistic series but also a testament to the enduring dialogue between nature and the self. It remains one of my most intimate bodies of work, a reflection of both outer landscapes and inner horizons.
Dev Chandra
Painting Studio
Manali | Mumbai | Leh
For Art Lover
Art Practice Opportunity for Artists and Art Lovers
If you are an artist or art lover seeking a creative space or a collaborative art project, I would love to connect with you. I can recommend serene and inspiring locations where you can live, paint, write, sing, and open your heart amidst the vast green valleys. You are also welcome to use my art studio in Manali, a space designed for creativity and reflection.
For more details or inquiries, feel free to WhatsApp or call me at +91 95373 26899.
Lovely article. 😍