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Uttrakhand

Uttarakhand which is famously referred as “Dev Bhoomi” translating to “the Abode of Gods” is stunningly beautiful state in the Himalayas of North India and shares its border with Tibet autonomous Region of China to the northeast, Nepal to the southeast, Uttar Pradesh to the south and southwest, Himachal Pradesh to the northwest. It is divided into two divisions the Garhwal in the west and the Kumaon in the east. The Garhwal has seven districts which consists of Dehradun, Haridwharidwarar, Tehri Garhwal, Pauri Garhwal, Chamoli, Uttarkashi and Rudraprayag while the Kumaon has six districts which consists of Nainital, Almora, Champawat, Bageshwar, Udham Singh Nagar and Pithoragarh. Both the divisions have their own charms. The largest city of the state, Dehradun is the winter capital, while Gairsain, a town in the Chamoli region, was designated as the summer capital in March 2020.  The state covers an area of about 53,566 square kilometres out of which a total of approximately 35,651 square kilometres of land area is covered in forests with the majority of pine and oak forests.

Garhwali and Kumaoni are the local languages of Uttarakhand whereas Hindi is the most widely spoken language. English is also spoken in some parts but is not so common.

The history of Uttarakhand dates back to the Stone Age. Here, the civilization began with the settlement of the Kol tribe which later joined forces with the Indo-Aryan khas tribe from the Northern region during the Vedic period. It was the most suitable residence for both Sadhus and Rishis. There is a legend that Pandavas from the epic Mahabharta travelled to Uttarakhand. Later, this area was ruled by a number of dynasties, including the Kunindas (2nd century BC), Naga (4th century), Gupta (7th and 14th century), Katyuri (7th and 14th century), Chandas dynasty, and others.

In the year 1791, the Nepalese Gurkha Empire conquered Almora, the seat of the Kumaon kingdom and in 1803 they also became successful in capturing the Garhwal kingdom. In the 19th century, the Britishers came to war against the Gurkhas. After the Anglo-Nepalese war,  this region was ceded to the British as part of the Treaty of Sugauli and the erstwhile Kumaon Kingdom along with the eastern region of Garhwal Kingdom was incorporated with the Ceded and Conquered Provinces. Later, the Garhwal kingdom was re-established in the form of Tehri as a princely state.

After Independence of India, the princely state of Tehri got merged back into the state of Uttar Pradesh with composition of Garhwal and Kumaon regions in Uttarakhand. After that, other political movements emerged and started clamoring for an absolutely distinct state.  As a result, Uttarakhand split off from 13 districts in northern Uttar Pradesh on November 9, 2000 to become India’s 27th state. Dehradun was designated as the state capital of Uttarakhand. The initial name of the state was Uttaranchal which was renamed to Uttarakhand in 2006. 

Uttarakhand is a culturally colourful society that distinguishes them from the rest of the throng. Its thriving culture is based on moral principles, traditional beliefs, the simplicity of human nature, and a rich mythology. The traditional dress for men is Dhoti or Churidar Pajamas with kurta, long silk overcoat, Jawahar topi or gol topi and Bhotu, while for women is Ghagra–Choli with odni, rangwali Pichora (veil) and Sarees further enhanced by Nath (the big Nose rings) and Galoband. It is also well known for wood carving, rambaan by using jute and hemp, and peeth murals.

The cultural uniqueness of Uttarakhand is also reflected in local music and dance. The state’s most famous folk dances are Langvir Nritya, Barada Nati, Chancheri and Pandav Nritya that are performed at local festivals and special occasions. Uttarakhandi celebration is incomplete without the folk songs Basanti, Mangal which is sung during the marriage ceremony, Jhumeila, Chhopati and Chounphula, which are often accompanied by musical instruments like dhol, bhankora, thali and dholki. Numerous regional fairs and festivals are celebrated by locals alongside the main fairs and festivals. Ghee Sankrant, Harela, Bhitauli, Jagars, and Pandav Nritya are a few of these celebrations. One of the festivals’ highlights is the Pandav Nritya and the Jagars. The people of Uttarakhand hold a belief in both gods and spirits (ghosts). During the Doli ceremony, many individuals have seen the gods’ might in action. Sometimes, people invoke god to find a solution to a specific issue, and to appease the gods, they also sacrifice the goats and sheep.

The dishes of Uttarakhand are simple and locally grown without being dominated by complex spices. Some of the most delicious mouth-watering specialities of Uttarakhand are Buckwheat (locally called kuttu or kotu), Dubuk, Bhatt ki Chutkani, Kadhi (Jhoi or Jholi), Kaafuli, Urad dal ke pakode, green vegetables, Tuasu, Gulgula, Bal mithai and many more.

Alpine musk deer is the state animal, Himalayan monal is the state bird and Brahma Kamal is the state flower of Uttarakhand. 

The state of Uttarakhand is surrounded with high snow-capped peaks, lakes, waterfalls, stunning natural scenery, and lovely valleys. Additionally, it is also home to the pilgrimage sites as well as two biggest and the most important rivers the Ganges and the Yamuna. The state has thirteen national parks and wildlife sanctuaries. Jim Corbett National Park, Rajaji National Park, Nanda Devi National Park, and Govind Wildlife Sanctuary are some of the well-known national parks and wildlife sanctuaries. Dehradun, Mussorrie, Rishikesh, Haridwar, Nainital, Dhanaulti and Auli are some of the famous destinations in Uttarakhand for domestic and foreign tourists. It also offers adventure tourism activities like River Rafting, Trekking, Camping, Skiing, Jeep safari and much more that make a lifelong memory.

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