Kwar, Himachal Pradesh, India, 17 December 2016, 1520 hours:

As soon as I stepped out of the car at Kwar, I saw a few people in the shade, standing near a fire. There was still some warmth from the sun rays and everyone was enjoying this much-needed sunbath. It is important to soak in all the warmth because the morning sun rays reach here after 9:30 a.m., and by the looks of it, the sun rays would be disappearing soon. We could already feel the chill in the air. People were now preparing for the winters by fixing roofs, collecting grass and completing other important chores before it snowed. I could well imagine how difficult it would be to live here in the winters when there would be snow all around.

View of village Kwar as we approach from the road; Photo: Abhinav Kaushal

People basking in the sun while the warm rays last; Photo: Abhinav Kaushal

Villagers fixing the roof before the snow hits these areas; Photo: Abhinav Kaushal