Himachal Tourism documents churches and cemeteries in state

Shimla: Himachal Tourism in it’s endeavour to attract more foreign tourists into the state has printed a book listing graves and cemeteries in Himachal Pradesh.

Speaking to the media today, Dr. Arun Kumar, Directory Tourism, said the book, The Churches and Christian Cemeteries of Himachal Pradesh, lists various graves and cemeteries where many Europeans lie buried.

He said the book would be available during the Common wealth games at New Delhi. The book would also be made available in British and embassies of other European countries. Besides, the book will also be available at all Himachal Tourism information centres within and outside the state.

The book mentions details of the oldest cemetery in Shimla near Oak Over, where the burial ground was opened in 1828 and the first grave is dated 1829. The Cart Road cemetery is also mentioned in the book where Major Samuel Boileau Goad was buried. Major Samuel was one of Shimla’s most prominent residents and owned 33 of Shimla’s most valuable properties including Barne’s Court, Kennedy House, the Park and Holly Lodge.

The book also has details of memorials at Nahan, Kasauli, Kangra, Palampur, Mcleodganj, Dalhousie and Chamba besides details of cemeteries at Sanjauli, below St. Bedes, Kanlog, Jutogh, Kotgarh and Subathu etc.

The book also has a mention about a memorial to Penelope Chetwode at Khanag, near Ani in Outer Seraj of Kullu district. Penelope was the daughter of Field Marshal Baron Chedwode who had served as Commander-in-Chief. She remained in love with Himachal hills till her death in 1986 on a trek between Shimla & Kullu over the Jalori Pass.