Uttrakhand

Art & Culture

Uttarakhand is known for its beautiful Garhwali and Kumaoni culture. The various traditions, religions, fairs, festivals, folk dances, music are what distinctly separate them.

Garhwali Culture

Garhwali is the main language spoken here that has a number of dialects too including Jaunsari, Marchi, Jadhi and Sailani. Garhwal is inhabited by people belonging to a number of ethnic groups and castes. These include Rajputs who are believed to belong to the Aryan origin, Brahmins who migrated after the Rajputs or later, tribals of Garhwal who stay in the Northern tracts and comprise of Jaunsaris, Jadhs, Marchas and Van Gujars.

Kumaoni Culture

The people of Kumaon speak 13 dialects including Kumaiya, Gangola, Soryali, Sirali, Askoti, Danpuriya, Johari, Chaugarkhyali, Majh Kumaiya, Khasparjia, Pachhai and Rauchaubhaisi. This group of languages is known as the group of Central Pahari languages. Kumaon is also rich in its folk literature which comprises myths, heroes, heroines, bravery, Gods, Goddesses and the characters drawn from Ramayana and Mahabharatha. The most popular dance form of Kumaon is known as Chhalaria and it is related to the martial traditions of the region. All the festivals are celebrated with a lot of enthusiasm and witness such traditional dance forms even today.

Folk Dances of Uttarakhand

The lives of the people of Uttarakhand are filled with a lot of music and dance. Dancing is considered to form a major part of their traditions. Some of the folk dances include:

Barada Nati is the popular dance of Jaunsar Bhawar area in Dehradun district.
Langvir Nritya is an acrobatic dance form performed by the men.
Pandav Nritya is the narration of Mahabharatha in the form of music and dance.
Dhurang & Dhuring are popular folk dances of the bhotiya tribals.

Barada Nati

Langvir Nritya

Pandav Nritya

Folk Songs of Uttarakhand

Basanti is composed to welcome the spring season.
Mangal is sung during the marriage ceremonies.
Jagars is used during the worship of ghosts.
Bajuband talks about the love and sacrifice of the shepherds.
Khuded talks about the suffering of a woman who gets separated from her husband.
Chhura talks about the experience of the shepherds and the advice passed on by them to the younger generation.

Traditional Dresses Of Uttarakhand

Residents of Garhwal Hills have their own pattern of wearing clothes due to the cold weather of the place as a result of which, wool obtained from sheep or goat is used to prepare woollen clothes.

Traditional Dress Of Men-Almost everyone follows a similar dressing style. The most commonly worn lower garment is either a Dhoti or a Lungi. Various coloured Kurtas are worn as the upper garment. In addition, headgear or a turban is a must add-on to complete this traditional costume. Kurta-Pyjama is another very famous alternative for the men of Uttarakhand. Women, as well as men, wear woollen jackets as well as sweaters in the winter season.

Traditional Dress Of Women-Ghagri is a long skirt that is worn by mostly all the women of Uttarakhand. It is complemented with a beautiful coloured Choli which is an Indian blouse and a cloth covering the head i.e., an Orni. This Orni is generally fixed firmly to the waist. This is the traditional dress of the women of both Garhwalis as well as Kumaonis. Ghagra-Pichora is the traditional bridal costume of the Kumaoni women which is similar to the Ghagra Lehenga-Choli. Pichora is a Kumaoni covering (more like a veil) that is decorated with gold and silver embroidery.

Paintings of Uttarakhand

the state of Uttarakhand also has a rich tradition of various art forms like jewellery making, wood carvings, painting, decorative temples and many more. Needless to say, most of the arts of Uttarakhand and the local artists derive inspiration from nature. Whether you are artistically inclined or not, knowing about the rich history and significance of beautiful art forms of Uttarakhand will leave you intrigued and stunned. Let us look at some of the best art forms of Uttarakhand:

Miniature Painting- The miniature painting of Uttarakhand is one of the major and important schools of miniature painting in India. It has a rich history, and it dates back to the Mughal era. The Mughal Prince, Sulaiman Sukoh, who was attracted by the natural beauty of the region, came to Uttarakhand during his years of exile to spend time in the laps of the mighty Himalayas. He brought with him his painters who first started miniature painting in the region. Inspired by the natural beauty of the land, the Prince’s painters created many stunning artworks during the era, which continue to inspire many generations of new artists till date. Over the years, the miniature painting artform in Uttarakhand has evolved significantly and has developed a distinct style. However, the majority of the artworks are still inspired by the beauty of the land.

Aipen- An indigenous Uttarakhand folk art form, Aipen is one of the traditional forms of Rangoli that is practised everywhere in the state. This art has cultural and religious implications in the life of the Kumano community. Like the different forms of Rangoli practised in India, Aipen involves drawing various repetitive geometric patterns and motifs. There are no strict rules in terms of composition, and the artists have full freedom to express themselves and follow their instincts in creating different styles and patterns. Another unique thing about this folk art of Uttarakhand is the material used for making Aipen. Unlike other parts of India, where people use colourful powders for making Rangoli, Aipen is used using finely grounded rice that is made into a paste with water. And, the patterns are made with bare hands, against a dark background.

Wall Paintings- Wall paintings are a famous art form of Uttarakhand that has been an integral part of the local history and culture since years of anonymity. It is omnipresent in Uttarakhand, and is widely appreciated by the art lovers worldwide because of the aesthetic value and its splendour. The wall paintings are most prominent in the Kumaon and Garhwal regions, and they have a rich tradition which were not known to the world until recently when the art connoisseurs of the world took note of this brilliant art form and its exquisite finesse.

Miniature Painting

Aipen

Wall Paintings

Cinema Of Uttarakhand

After years of struggle, the state (Uttarakhand) cinema finally sawn at the end of tunnel when First Garhwali Feature Film "JAGWAL" (Wait) produced by Parashar Gaur released on May the 4th 1983 at Mavalankar Hall In Delhi. Jagwal is a brain child of Parashar Gaur who has spent a sizeable chunk of his life in promoting Garhwali culture. The film attracted a large number of people from and around the neighborhood of the capital with several travelling all the way from places as far as Sharanpur, Meerut and Modi Nagar. The response was tremendous. It appeared that the entire Garhwali population had descended on the theatre. The Tickets priced at Rs 5 were sold for 50 and a few even went for whopping 100.

After "Jagwal", there is a long series of films that have been released so far. Among them are Kabhi Sukh-Kabhi Dukh (producd by Bindesh Naudiyal). Ghar-Jawain, (produced by Nautiyal) Kauthik (produced by Sheel choudhry). Udnkar (Produced by Mrs Bisht), Pyaru Rumal (Dubbed from' Kusmo Rumal 'Nepali) Samlaon, Phulee, Madhulee, Bantwaroo, Jeetu Bagdwal, Chakarchaal, Chwati Bwari. In Kumaoni. Only a film has been released "Megha Aa" (Produced by Jivan Bisht).

Food & Cuisine

The food of Uttarakhand is dominated by Garhwali cuisine and Kumaoni cuisine, two of its main regions. The dishes are simple and locally grown without being dominated by complex spices. Some of the most famous dishes of Uttarakhand are cooked over a slow fire and consists of lentils. Some of the most delicious mouth-watering specialities of Uttarakhand include-

Urad Dal ke pakode are spicy pakoras prepared from different pulses.
Phanu from dals.
Jhangore ki kheer which is a sweet dish prepared with Jhangora.
Chainsoo which is made from black gram dal.
Bhang ki chutney which is a sour-tasting chutney prepared from roasted bhang and cumin seeds mixed with lemon juice.

Urad Dal ke pakode

Phanu

Jhangore ki kheer

Festivals

Uttarakhand is a religious state with immense beauty. The people of Uttarakhand celebrate all festivals while there are numerous fairs organised here. The traditional rituals and folks songs of Uttarakhand have been kept alive by these fairs in festivals. Here is a list of Festivals of Uttarakhand which the people in full zeal celebrate:

Kumaoni Holi is celebrated in three forms namely Baithki Holi, Khari Holi and Mahila Holi. The unique feature about this festival is that it is celebrated with a lot of music.
Harela is a festival that marks the beginning of the rainy season or monsoon. The people belonging to the Kumaon community celebrate this festival during the month of Shravana, i.e., July-August. This festival is followed by Bhitauli, which is celebrated in the month of Chaitra, i.e., March - April. It revolves around agriculture where women sow seeds in the soil and by the end of the festival they reap the harvest which is called harela.
Jageshwar fair is carried out in the temple of Lord Shiva in Jageshwar on the fifteenth day of Baisakh month which is the period extending from late March to early April. People take a dip in the pool known as Brahma Kund as a kind of belief during the fair.
Kumbh Mela is one of the biggest and the most popular festival of Uttarakhand. This mela is a 3-month long festival and takes place once in every four years rotating between Allahabad, Haridwar, Ujjain, and Nasik, i.e., only once in 12 years in any one place.

Kumaoni Holi

Harela

Kumbh Mela

Nature & Wildlife

The oldest National Park in India, Jim Corbett National Park was established in 1936 as Hailey National Park and is home to the critically endangered species of the Royal Bengal Tiger

The state is home to about 102 species of mammals, 623 types of avifauna, 124 varieties of fish, 19 types of amphibians and 69 categories of reptiles. Some of the highly endangered faunae you can find in Uttarakhand are Asian elephant, snow leopard, tiger, musk deer, Himalayan monal, king cobra, bharal, etc.

Uttarakhand has a highly varied topography, with snow-covered peaks, glaciers, deep canyons, roaring streams, beautiful lakes, and a few patches of dusty plains in the south. Some of the highest mountains in the world are found in Uttarakhand.

Tiger Reserve and sanctuaries in Uttarakhand- The best way to explore the Uttarakhand are wildlife spotting beautiful nature make up for ideal holiday destinations and valley flower national park, lake and more.

Jim Corbett Tiger Reserve- Nainital District, Ramnagar	Kalagarh Tiger Reserve- Division Lansdowne, Dugadda Range, Pauri Garhwal	Rajaji Tiger Reserve- Near Cheela Dam, Haridwar to Rishikesh Road Cheela Colony, Haridwar
Nandhaur Wildlife Sanctuary- Nandhaur Range	Nanda Devi National Park- Joshimath	Binsar Wildlife Sanctuary- Binsar, Uttarakhand

Lakes- Uttarakhand is home to some of the beautiful and enchanting natural lakes in India attracts a large number of tourists. Crystal clear water lakes both small and big are dotted throughout Uttarakhand with lavish surroundings. Uttarakhand concludes a priceless treasure of lakes glittering in eyes of the tourists. Some of the lakes are so beautiful added by surrounding natural charm that they should be captured as a photographic memory ever. These sapphire-hued lakes perfectly complement the scenic landscape of verdant hills, floral meadows, and snow-clad Himalayan peaks. At higher elevations, glacial lakes are a common sight for trekkers and mountaineers.

Bhimtal Lake	Chenab Lake	Kedartal Lake
Mussoorie Lake	Naini Lake	Tehri Lake

Hill Stations- Dotted with long mountain ranges and glittering jewels in the world map, Uttarakhand is well-known for its glorious hill stations having all the ingredients for perfect love-making holidays. Majestic views of surrounding mountains, snow-capped Himalayas, unpolluted natural charm, meandering slopes, and up-down pathways sided by lush greenery.

Almora	Auli	Chamba
Chakrata	Dhanaulti	Mussoorie
Nainital	Pithoragarh	Ranikhet

Resources & Minerals

Minerals are inorganic substances, which contain one or more elements. Rocks consist of minerals. It is a common believe that Himalaya as a whole are rich in mineral wealth. During the last eighty years or so, a number of geoscientists have been carrying out surveys and prospecting work in different parts of Garhwal hills and besides the metal ores which were already known to common people (Copper, Lead, Zinc, Silver, Gold, Iron ore etc.), a number of new minerals of utility have been located. The widening gap between the presence of minerals at a place and their local non-utilization due to various reasons is the greatest problem in developing the mineral industry in Garhwal hills.

Geologically the Nayyar catchments comprise three main litho-tectonic units first as Almora crystalline in the north & northeastern parts covering parts of Thalisain, Bironkhal, Pabo and Pauri, second as Sedimentary belt of Jaunsar, Krol-Tal sequence in Rikhnikhal, Bironkhal and Jahrikhal blocks and third as Shivalik belt. From economic point of view, the Krol limestone is quarried for sugar industry, lime and some refractory. While a few pockets of gypsum are seen in the Krol Limestone. The Phyllites and slates are used as roof tiles and quartzites as building and road materials. A locality of lead and zinc mineralisation is seen in Bironkhal and Thalisain area. River Sand, gravels and bajri are used in building constructions. A few mica flakes are quite large in dimension with in the Almora crystalline and some times excavated by the local people.

Weather

The climate of Uttarakhand is temperate, marked by seasonal variations in temperature but also affected by tropical monsoons. January is the coldest month, with daily high temperatures averaging below freezing in the north and near 70 °F (21 °C) in the southeast. In the north, July is the hottest month, with temperatures typically rising from the mid-40s F (about 7 °C) to about 70 °F daily. In the southeast, May is the warmest month, with daily temperatures normally reaching the low 100s F (about 38 °C) from a low around 80 °F (27 °C). Most of the state’s roughly 60 inches (1,500 mm) of annual precipitation is brought by the southwest monsoon, which blows from July through September. Floods and landslides are problems during the rainy season in the lower stretches of the valleys. In the northern parts of the state, 10 to 15 feet (3 to 5 metres) of snowfall is common between December and March.

Temperature
17°C to 35°C Summer (April to Mid-June)	15°C to 30°C Monsoon (Mid-June to September)	12°C to 0°C Winter (October to March)

Languages

The official language of Uttarakhand is Hindi, which is spoken natively by 43% of the population, and also used throughout the state as a common language. Additionally, the classical language Sanskrit has been declared a second official language by the Govt. of Uttarakhand.

The other major regional languages of Uttarakhand are Garhwali, which is spoken by 23% of the population mostly in the western half of the state also called the Garhwal Division.

Kumaoni, spoken in the eastern half mostly Kumaon Region and native to 20%, and Jaunsari, whose speakers are concentrated in the Dehradun district in the southwest and makeup 1.3% of the state’s population.

There are also sizeable populations of speakers of Urdu (4.2%) and Punjabi (2.6%), both mostly found in the southern districts, Bengali (1.5%) and Bhojpuri (0.95%), both mainly present in Udham Singh Nagar districts in the south-east, and Nepali (1.1%, found throughout the state, but most notably in Dehradun and Uttarkashi).

Destinations

Interested in visiting places in Uttarakhand? Here is a list of the best places to visit in Uttarakhand for a unique experience and a fun-filled vacay amidt the snow-capped mountains and the serene landscape. Experience heaven as we bring you the best places to visit in this piece of paradise nestled in Northern India. Take a look at the best Uttarakhand tourist places!

Rishikesh	Haridwar	Dehradun
Valley Of Flowers	Kedarnath	Badrinath
Gangotri	Yamunotri	Rudraprayag
Devprayag	Joshimath	Kanatal

Heritages

Uttarakhand is well renowned for its fabulous natural beauty that draws a lot of tourists from different parts of the world. Another reason to visit Uttarakhand is to experience the rich cultural heritage as there were many places in this state which served as summer retreats during the colonial times. The best way to explore these famous monuments in Uttarakhand is through a road trip which also provides an opportunity to explore the green or snowcapped hills along the way. Here are some of the best road trips to cover the fabulous and refreshing heritage sites in Uttarakhand:

Katarmal Sun Temple	Baijnath Temple	Dwarahat
Bageshwar	Narendra Nagar	Patal Bhuvaneshwar Cave
Mukhteshwar Temple- Nainital	Pithoragarh Fort	Vanasur Ka Kila
Timpli Pass- Kalsi	The Ashokan Rock Edict- Kalsi	Chaukhutia