Uttarakhand is a beautiful place and is a hilly state in the northern part of India which can be sub-divided into two regions majorly known as Garhwal and Kumaon either one can say that the heritage of Uttarakhand is composed of a combination of Kumaoni and Garhwali cultures. Mountainous regions have their own distinct traditions. As Devbhoomi here you can find a Majority of Temples, Spiritual Tourism. The culture identifies its people uniquely and gives them a meaning. The colourful and vibrant Uttarakhandi culture is made up of local people called commonly as ‘Pahadis’, meaning ‘people of the mountains. The various traditions, religions, fairs, festivals, folk dances, music are what distinctly separate them from the rest of the crowd. The residents of Uttarakhand are proud of the culture that they follow.The beauty of the state of Uttarakhand is that it houses people belonging to several sub-groups and ethnic groups together under one roof. This article talks about the culture and traditions which bind the people of Uttarakhand together. Here are some of the wonderful facets of lifestyle in the state that you and your kids can learn about during your family vacations in this enchanting region
Kumaoni Culture
Pithoragarh, Bageshwar, Jageshwer, Champawat, Nainital and Almora which are form the Kumaon division. The people living in this region are called Kumaoni and so is the language of Kumaon.
The most popular art form of Kumaon, however, is known as Aipan or Alpana. In this art form, pieces of cloth, walls and papers are all decorated with geometric figures which belong to God, Goddesses and the other natural objects of nature. Alpana is a very important art form of Kumaon which can easily be spotted in the homes of this region.
Garhwali Culture
Uttarkashi, Chamoli, Rudraprayag, Tehri Garhwal, Dehradun, Pauri and Haridwar which are form the Garhwal division. Garhwal is a beautiful place marked by the tall mountains, cold weather and green valleys. People from all over the country visit the place to meditate and attain peace in a life full of so much chaos.
Garhwali is the main language spoken here.
People of Uttarakhand
Uttarakhand is home to multiple ethnic groups, each having its own culture. These groups include the Jaunsari, Bhotia, Buxa, Tharu, and Raji. Sometimes, the people of this state are called “Paharis.”
Traditional Dresses Of Uttarakhand
Traditional Costumes Of Men
Men like to wear simple outfit in the hilly areas such as kurta or shirt with pyjama, a round cap and sadri (a type of jacket). Traditional Garhwali Kumaoni traditional Topi (cap) is made of fine black clothe and traditionally worn by men across the hill state.
Traditional Costumes Of Women
Women usually wear saree, Angra (a type of jacket) and woollen clothing due to cold weather. Woollen jackets are also famous in the winters
Rangwali Pichora is a traditional garment that is worn in most traditional occasions and weddings in uttarakhand. Rangwali Pichora has a special significance as it symbolises family prosperity, fertility and the happiness in a woman.
Food Of Uttarakhand
Some of the most delicious
mouth-watering specialities of Uttarakhand include-
Urad Dal ke pakode which are spicy pakoras prepared from
different pulses.
Phanu which too is made 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 sour tasting chutney
prepared from roasted bhang and cumin seeds mixed with lemon juice.
Dubuk which is made from pahadi bhatt dal
Kumaoni Raita which is made from cucumber
Bal Mithai- Uttarakhand is also known for its wonderful collection of sweet dish preparations which include Bal Mithai of Almora, Singodi and so much more which are made from desiccated coconut and sweet Khoya.
Festivals Celebrated
Some of the majorly celebrated festivals of Uttarakhand include
Holi of Kumaon
The Holi of Kumaon 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. People also make the traditional gujiya, and fried potatoes called aloo gutuk which are served with a Himalayan spice called jamboo.
Harela
People belonging to the Kumaon community celebrate this festival during the month of Shravana, i.e., July-August. The day when Navaratris begin, women sow seven different types of grains in a basket full of soil. These grains then germinate and turn into yellow leaves known as ‘Harela’. These leaves are then cut on the very last day (the tenth day) and are put on the head of the women.
Fair of Jageshwar
This 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. The people also worship Lord Shiva on this day.
