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Tradition of Uttarakhand

Uttarakhand is one of the most beautiful and enchanting region located on the northern part of India on the valley of Himalayas. Nature has endowed this land with so much beauty and spiritual bliss that it is also known as Dev Bhoomi the Land of Gods. Ganga, Yamuna and scores of other rivers originate in Uttarakhand. Among them Ganga is the most holy and prominent as she represents the soul of India - her rich culture, history and civilization.

The Culture of Uttarakhand has its roots in pre-history and has passed through the millennia, assimilating the influences of the waves upon waves of settlers that have sought sanctuary in the mountains. The essence of the past, however, has remained unchanged, with reverence for Nature and the celebration of life being its fundamental creed. The arts, crafts, dance and music remain centered to this day on the many gods and goddesses, as well as the seasonal cycles. Irrespective of the sect or religion, the entire community participates in the festivals associated with religious or natural events. Of late, other events associated with history, the freedom struggle and national life have also begun to be celebrated. The Culture of Uttarakhand finds manifestation in the lifestyle of its people.

Uttarakhand has a cultured and colourful society. Uttarakhand has every thing that any tourist could want. The most significant donor for giving mass appeal to tourism in Uttarakhand is the state’s rich culture, an excellent intermingling of exoticism as well as the way of life. Frequently thought-out to be the belt of Hindu culture, the Uttarakhand’s culture is beyond doubt one of the most vital tourist attractions of Uttarakhand.

The highlights of the Uttarakhandi culture should be its history, people, religion and dances. All of them are a beautiful amalgamation of different influences from all the races and dynasties it has been ruled by. Its history is chequered in comparison to the arts culture but still interesting enough to hold a person’s consideration. Its dances are connected to life and human existence and exhibit myriad human emotions. Any trip to this tranquil will be incomplete unless you explore the wonderful culture and lifestyle of the local people.The religious, social and cultural urges of the people of Uttarakhand find an expression in various fairs and festivals, which are in turn closely linked to the social and economic activities of the region.

Uttarakhand Society and Culture contains a significant cultural divide based on the two regions of the state including the Himalayan region of Garhwal and the hilly region of Kumaon. However, the state as a whole portrays a varied cultural heritage.

the Society and Culture of Uttarakhand's Kumaon region can said to be a blend of influences from the native population as well as from the immigrants that have come and settled in the region. And this is depicted in the dialects, languages, festivals, and fairs of the region.

The religious, social and cultural urges of the people of Uttarakhand help in forming a colourfulsociety and culture of Uttarakhand.

The rich cultural heritage of the state is, in fact, one of the major contributors in popularizing tourism in Uttarakhand, along with its exotic beauty and pilgrim centers. Any trip to this tranquil state will be incomplete unless you explore the wonderful culture and lifestyle of the local people.

Cultural History of Uttarakhand -: Cultural History of Uttarakhand is an out-come of many years of keen observation of the linguistic and cultural phenomena of the whole Himalayan region, right from Ladakh in the west to Bhutan in the east and an intensive study of ancient Indian literature and of the historical incidents that have taken place in these Central Himalayan regions, particularly in the land termed as Uttarakhand. The history and culture of the inhabitants of Uttarakhand, including various ancient and modern tribes and races, right from Tons and Yamuna in the west to Mahakali/Sarada in the east, and from Bhotantic Himalayan regions in the north to Tarai-Bhabar area in the south, considered to be a ‘Cultural Area’ of Uttarakhand, have been taken into account for this study, in which an effort has been made to unfold various layers of the history of this land in a comprehensive way. As such, this volume on the Cultural History of Uttarakhand is supposed to provide a rare opportunity to students, as well as to readers in general, to have an intimate knowledge of various aspects of the cultural history of various tribes and races inhabiting Uttarakhand from pre-historic periods.The beautiful state of Uttarakhand, specially the region of Kumaon hills is rich in folk and the various folk tales.

AIPAN -: Aipan is one of the traditional art of Kumaon. It has great social, cultural and religious significance. Aipans are known by different names and is in popular in many parts of India with larger variations. In Uttarakhand, aipan are popularly drawn at places of worship, houses, and main entry doors of house and in front courtyard. Some of these artistic creations have great religious importance and these are drawn during particular religious ceremonies or auspicious occasions such as marriages, Threading ceremony, naming ceremony etc. to perform rituals while others are for particular God / Goddess and a few for aesthetic look.

Rangwali Pichhaura :– Rangwali Pichhaura is a garment worn at ceremonial occasions in Uttarakhand. From bride to great grandmother, every women in the family wear it on occasions be it namkarna or marriage, upanayan or mundon. It has a special significance and mandatory for all married women in the family or close relation. Another salient feature of Rangwali Pichhora is that it can be put on by widows also, those as per social traditions, they are not supposed to wear colourful garments. In the center, a ‘Swastik’ is drawn and in four quadrant of swastik, Sun, Shankh (Cronch shell), A Bell with ‘Om’ and Goddess are drawn. The swastik is made by drawing some geometrical drawings or leaves and flowers and then surrounded by small dots. Then dots of larger size are printed all over. This printing is surrounded by a beautiful border. After border, lace and kinari or jhalar is stitched to make is more colourful, attractive and lively. Theses sketches drawn in the pichhora has religious significance also. The Swastik represents al the gods and goddesses. It is drawn in some form or the other at all the religious rituals. It denotes the ‘karmyoga’. Its four arms pointing forward inspire to move ahead. The center of swastik is ‘Om’ which has great importance in meditation and spirituality.