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:: Culture
of Uttarakhand :: |
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The culture of Uttarakhand shows a
distinctive pattern, with the elements from each of the ethnic
groups and sub-groups that resides in this place. It can be
said that the culture of Uttarakhand is a juncture where the
different cultures of the Kumaoni-Garhwal meet. Talking about the culture of Uttarakhand, we can begin with the people of Uttarakhand.
Uttarakhand houses seven different ethnic groups, having as
many as seven different cultures. Some of the important ethnic
groups that form a part of the culture of Uttarakhand are: |
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People
of Uttarakhand: |
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this context, it can be said that the people of
Uttarakhand are also known as Garhwali or Kumaoni;
some of them are also known as Paharis. |
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Jaunsari. |
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Bhotia. |
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Buksha. |
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Tharu. |
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Raji. |
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Languages:
Hindi,
Kumaoni, Garhwali, Jaunsari, Bhotiya etc. |
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Religion:
Religion is big business in
Uttarakhand, not just because it''s one of the important
attractions for domestic tourists, but also because it''s a
vital part of daily life for the people of these hills. Large
segment of the people in Uttarakhand, especially in the upper
reaches, are heterodox Buddhists and Hindus. This is the area
which has been known as `Dev Bhoomi''- the land of the gods.
Many of Hinduism''s most important shrines lie within
Uttarakhand, tucked away in the mountains and along the rivers
of the state. Amongst these, the most sacred are the `Char
Dham''- the four shrines of Gangotri, Yamunotri, Badrinath and
Kedarnath, a pilgrimage of which is supposed to ensure instant
salvation. The sacred Ganga, on its foaming path down to the
plains, meets its tributaries at what are called the Panch
Prayag- the five sacred `sangams'' of the river at
Vishnuprayag, Nandprayag, Karnaprayag, Rudraprayag and
Devprayag. And that''s not all; Hardwar and Rishikesh are two
of Hinduism''s most prominent destinations for pilgrims, while
the historical Gurudwara of Hemkund Sahib, near the Valley of
Flowers, is an important shrine for Sikh. |
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Fairs: |
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Devidhura Mela |
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Ardh Kumbh Mela, |
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Nanda Devi Mela, |
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Kumbh Mela, |
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Purnagiri Mela, |
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Gauchar Mela, etc. |
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Festivals:
The festivals of Uttarakhand are
very colorful and distinctive and are the blend of
various social and cultural factors. The love for color
and joyous celebrations of the people of Uttarakhand is
well reflected by the elaborate rituals and the gay
abandon with which they surrender themselves to the
numerous festivals of the region. The people of
Uttarakhand with much enthusiasm and ebullience
celebrate all the major festivals of the nation. The
colorful festivals celebrated in the state therefore
curb the culture of Uttarakhand out. The festivals of
Uttarakhand have contributed to the enrichment of the
state. |
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| Pasant panchmi |
Nandadevi |
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Olgia /Ghee Sankranti |
Makar Sankranti |
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Ganga Dussehra / Dasara |
Phool Dei |
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Hill Jatra |
Bat Savitri |
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Janopunya |
Khatarua |
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Chhipla jaat |
Kumaon Holi |
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Kandali |
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Food:
The beautiful state of Uttarakhand
has a very simple, yet delicious cuisine. The food is
nutritious as well as tasty. The primary food of Uttarakhand
includes vegetables, though non-veg food is also served and
savored by many.The primary characteristics of the Uttarakhand
cuisine is that milk and milk based products is sparingly used
here.Coarse grain with high fibre content is very common in
Uttarakhand cuisines.Other food items which are famous are -
mundua (Buck wheat) in the interior regions of Kumaun, linguda,
which is grown on the borders of Tibet and Nepal.It is also a
part of the Pahari cuisine as it helps to keep the stomach in
order.Generally, either pure ghee or mustard oil is used for
the purpose of cooking food. Use of tomato is minimal in the
cuisines of Uttarakhand. Simple recipes of this state are made
interesting with the use of hash seeds as spice.Some of the
famous cuisines of Uttarakhand include the following: |
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Kafuli |
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Fannah |
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Baadi |
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Ras |
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Bhatt Ki Churdkani
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Arsa |
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Gulgula, etc. |
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Music and Dance:
Music is an integral part of the
Uttarakhand culture. the calm and serene ambiance of this
place surrounded with hills and mountains has inspired many
musicians to compose great tones. the scintillating glimpse of
streams of rivers, lush green forests and the heavenly beauty
of the hilly areas are all the natural components of the folk
music over here. they mainly include the spiritual and
socio-cultural scenes of the place. some of the popular folk
songs are `Mandals`, `panwaras` and somber `khuded`, `thadya`
and `jhoda`.these folk songs are composed on the beats and
nodes of Dhol, damoun, turri, ransingha, dholki, daur, thali,
bhankora and masakbhaja.Although with the upcoming advancement
in science and technology, the music in uttarakhand has also
gained a lot of changes over the years. |
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many musical legends
are associated with this place.meena rana who has released
multiple albums in her voice is also known as "Lata Mangeshkar
of Uttarakhand". langvir nritya is a dance form for males and
in many ways similar to gymnastic movements. Barada Nati folk
dance is another famous dance of Dehradun, which is practiced
on some religious festivals.
Music:
Chhopati, Chounphula, Jhumeila, Basanti, Mangal, Puja
Folk Songs etc.
Dance: Langvir
Nritya, Barada Nati, Pandav Nritya etc. |
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