Rs 6 lakh already collected, #TandiRebuild campaign brings hope to 17 families whose houses gutted in Kullu fire

image 25

Mandi (Munish Sood)

A simple call for action under the campaign of #TandiRebuild emerged as a powerful symbol of hope for the devastated residents of Tandi village, located in the serene Banjar subdivision of Kullu district in Himachal Pradesh.
Within hours of the call, the campaign was joined by individuals, local organisations and tourists who had once been captivated by the valley’s charm, bringing much-needed relief to the 136 persons whose lives were turned upside down by an unprecedented tragedy.

Devastating fire that changed everything

On the afternoon of January 1, 2025, the tranquility of Tandi village was shattered when a fire broke out in a cowshed.
Fuelled by dry timber, stocked grass fodder and closely built houses, the fire spread rapidly, engulfing 17 traditional Kath-Kuni houses and six cowsheds.
Despite the efforts of residents and fire brigade teams, the flames reduced the historic structures to ashes, destroying not just homes but centuries of cultural heritage.

17 families left homeless, Rs 10 cr loss estimated

The inferno left 17 families homeless, caused losses estimated at Rs 10 crore and reduced to ashes the iconic Kath-Kuni architecture structures that had stood as a hallmark of Himachali tradition. The emotional toll was equally devastating, as the fire claimed livestock and irreplaceable memories tied to these ancestral homes.

Immediate relief amidst chaos

In the wake of the disaster, the local administration rushed to provide immediate relief. Families received Rs 15,000 each, along with blankets, utensils, quilts and other essential supplies. Yet, the sheer scale of the devastation called for a response far greater than what local authorities alone could offer.

Birth of #TandiRebuild campaign

Recognising the urgent need for a collective effort, local organisations and tourism groups initiated the #TandiRebuild campaign. Within days, the campaign gained momentum, fuelled by heartfelt appeals on social media and the unwavering support of organisations such as The Himalayan Travel Group, Backpackers & Travellers India (BATI), Tirthan Conservation and Development Association (TCDA), Jibhi Valley Tourism Association (JVTA) and The Himalayas Are Calling.
Within just 48 hours, over Rs 6 lakh was raised through donations from across the country. Tourists who had once explored Banjar’s Tirthan and Jibhi valleys pristine landscapes and experienced its warm hospitality were among the first to contribute.
The slogan “Himalayas Are Calling, and I Must Help” became a rallying cry, symbolising the deep connection people felt to the region and its people.

Rebuilding Hope and Heritage

The funds collected are being used not only to rebuild homes but also to revive the essence of Tandi.
Efforts are underway to reconstruct the village in a manner that preserves its cultural identity while incorporating fire-resistant designs to prevent such tragedies in the future. Experts are being consulted to ensure that the new structures honor the legacy of Kath-Kuni architecture, which holds immense historical and cultural significance.
The affected families have expressed profound gratitude to everyone who stepped forward during their darkest hours. “The fire took everything from us—our homes, our history, and our peace. But the kindness of strangers and the strength of our community have given us hope to start anew,” said Sunita Devi, one of the residents.

MUNISH SOOD

MUNISH SOOD

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *