Presenting to you 'The Dzomsa' at Tieedi.

Ever since we started nurturing the forest we realised that all trails of the forest finally converged at this point. A sort of a crossroad / chauthara that connected the snaking trails of the forest. We decided to name this high energy, focal point as Dzomsa, which in Ladhaki language means 'the meeting point'.

For a long while it was just an open space that also doubled up as a crackling bonfire hotspot during those starry starry nights. This year we decided to add some more character to Dzomsa and after a lot of agreements, disagreements and crazy experiments that left us 'bamboo'zled at times, here we are today. :)

Our Dzomsa!

-> It now houses a cosy bonfire space where the rising wisps of smoke is harvested to treat our Bamboo works. (Permaculture Stacking Function principle inspired!)

-> The open space doubles up as an open classroom for our workshops. It's also our creative zone where we let our imaginations fly (Ah! No wonder it took the shape of a soaring kite.).

-> Ah! And the nights are special here. The design offers an unrestricted view of the mountain vistas and the stars glitter as you raise your head to follow the rising facade created by the overarching bamboos.

Designed in collaboration with @sourabh.gujar12. ( It's been crazy fun working with you man! )

So folks, next time you are in Tieedi, you know where to find us if we say... "See you at Dzomsa". ;)

#RegenerativeArchitecture
#BuildLikeYouGiveADamn
#Dzomsa
#TieediDzomsa
#DarjeelingPermaculture ... See more

When we first set out to regenerate the forest and the river at Tieedi, we realised that despite our best intentions our resources were limited. We ran out of our savings pretty quickly and we were at the edge more than a couple times, where we considered heading back to the city...back to the plush corporate jobs that awaited both of us.

A local shaman spoke to us one day and said "Hey! the place around your Earthy Dwelling has a special energy. There is a deity of the forest who has a spiritual presence right there. To welcome him/her, might be good for you".

The shaman's words rang a bell now every time we walked around our Earthy Dwelling. Just next to the hut is this interesting space where two gigantic boulders (where did they come from?) shield the entry and create a facade of an open cave. Everytime we walked in there, there was a perceptible shift in the energy. Once you entered this special zone, you would notice that even the birds chirping from the treetops, that tower around the place, sang an orchestrated symphony.

We had found the spiritual center of our forest.

We nurtured the place without really building anything new and slowly it evolved into a space that drew folks in a meditative trance. We are more pagan in our religious beliefs than anything else and this forest temple where the five elements of nature are respected and worshipped suited us perfectly well.

Since then...

-> The river, that caresses the temple and gurgles through our forest, also started getting cleaner by the day as folks stopped dumping their waste in the river.

-> Travellers loved staying in the Earthy Dwelling making us the No. 1 ranked Speciality Lodging in Darjeeling.

-> Volunteers from different corners of the world started streaming in to lend their shoulders, plant trees, pick up trash...

-> Friends started chipping in their own quiet but impactful ways to help us spread our wings.

Things changed rapidly.

Did we get help from above? We don't know but the wind that carries a lot of prayers is definitely blowing right through the forest temple at Tieedi. :)

#Repost @rudre.malik
・・・
So which way is the wind blowing? And what does your heart say? ... See more

❤️ ❤️ ❤️ February, the month of love...they say. ❤️ ❤️ ❤️

💘 Cupid has conspired and we also have love birds choosing to stay in our Earthy Dwelling most days of this month. Away from all the humdrum of the city and tucked away snugly in our forest.

Falling (and staying!) in love is a wonderful state of being. This overpowering cupid-struck feeling and the urge to shower our loved one with gifts on Valentine's Day makes us an easy prey for marketing gimmicks and reckless single-use consumerism.

Your green choices would not just help in protecting the environment but also leave the two of you with that good fuzzy feeling of being a foot soldier, fighting to protect this incredibly beautiful place called Earth, that is home for all of us.

Say No to flowers! Say Yes to Plants. Why gift something that is dead when you have the option of gifting something that is bursting with life?

🌱 🌱 🌱 🌱 🌱

Say No to packaged, plastic goods that usually has very little after-life and value. Get creative! Think of ways in which you can go natural, organic and also support local artisans and craftsman.

Story of this picture: S connected with us a few months and requested us to customise a special Valentine week for his beloved. One of his requests was a huge good looking banner. We convinced him about the environmental hazards of those 'easy to print' flex banners and he readily agreed to our suggestion of supporting an aspiring artist to paint his vision on a canvas for N. It was then framed with our local bamboo. And Lo and behold when S took N out for a (pre-planned) forest walk, and she discovered this special gift near our Tieedi Waterfall, she....

Well, that's their sweet little private story so we will stop at that. :)

So here's wishing joy, warm cuddles and happiness in this month of love to everyone. Go serenade your loved ones naturally, organically and locally.

💚 💚 💚 💚 💚 💚 💚
#ValentinesDay
#ValentinesDay2019
#GoLocal
#TieediExperiences

Art Credit: @antoniasibold ... See more

Here's a shout-out to all our volunteers who have helped Ankit achieve a stellar result in his 6th standard final exams.

We don't believe in the ranking system but it is gratifying to know that our alternative approach to education has also helped him achieve distinction in the mainstream school that he attends. From being an average student a year ago (according to their ranking system) he has shot up the ranks and has stood 3rd in his class this year.

#TieediForestSchool is our social outreach project where apart from hosting day and residential experiential learning workshop for students, our volunteers also help the village children in their school curriculum. The focus is also on introducing subjects like waste management, composting and permaculture to them that unfortunately is not part of the mainstream education system.

There is still a lot of ground to cover and lot many kids who need our help. If you are interested to volunteer and know more about this project pls feel free to DM us!

For now, all you wonderful folks out there who have volunteered with us and brought joy and happiness to Ankit, wherever you are...do give a pat on your back. You have made all the difference!

#DarjeelingPermaculture
#ExperientialLearning
#TieediVolunteers ... See more