Culture of Garhwali and Kumaoni, Uttarakhand

Uttarakhand has its own unique charm and the lifestyle of people here is very different from other parts of India. It is not just about mountains or weather it’s the way locals live here. Uttarakhand culture and traditions can be seen in how people celebrate festivals, enjoy music and dance, speak their local languages, and still follow their old customs.

This state is mainly divided into two cultural areas- Kumaon and Garhwal. Pithoragarh, Bageshwar, Almora, Champawat and Nainital are part of Kumaon. On the other hand, Garhwal includes areas like Chamoli, Pauri, Haridwar, Rudraprayag, Uttarkashi and Dehradun.Kumaon and Garhwal have their own unique traditions. Overall, Uttarakhand’s culture is friendly and welcoming. Let’s explore what makes this state truly special.

Short Intro

• Uttarakhand is full of music, fairs and colourful festivals. Each community has its own way of celebrating.
• You can explore old temples, peaceful ashrams and enjoy the beautiful mountains and valleys.
• There’s also tasty local food to try and traditional clothes to see.
• The people are kind and welcoming. Staying in villages is a great way to experience their culture closely.

Uttarakhand Famous Food

Most of the food in Uttarakhand comes from two main regions- Garhwal and Kumaon. Both have their own tasty and traditional dishes. The food is made with local ingredients and doesn’t use too many spices. Some popular delicious dishes include -

• Urad Dal ke Pakode - They’re crispy, spicy Pakoras made from a mix of lentils (Dal).
• Jhangore ki Kheer - It is a sweet dish made with Jhangora, a small grain found in the hills.
• Chainsoo - Chainsoo is a local dish cooked with Urad dal (black gram lentils).
• Chainsoo Bhang ki Chutney - The chutney tastes a little sour. It’s made by roasting bhang seeds and cumin seeds, then mixing in some lemon juice.

These are some of the popular dishes that visitors should definitely try, and they’re also a part of the local culture.

Religion in Uttarakhand

Religion plays an important part in the lives of people in Uttarakhand. Most of them follow Hinduism, but you’ll also find followers of Sikhism, Islam, Jainism, and Buddhism. Uttarakhand is called Devbhoomi, which means the land of gods. Visitors from all over the world come here because of its many temples and natural beauty. For the locals, religion is not just a tradition, it’s something they follow with deep respect and devotion.

Uttarakhand Language

People here mainly speak two languages – Kumaoni in Kumaon and Garhwali in Garhwal. Together, these are known as Pahari languages.

• Garhwali Language – Garhwali is the main language people speak, but in some areas, they speak it a little differently like Jaunsari, Marchi, Jadhi, and Sailani.
• Kumaoni Language – The people of Kumaon speak many different local languages, about 13 of them! Some of these include Kumaiya, Gangola, Soryali, Sirali, Askoti, Danpuriya, Chaugarkhyali, Majh Kumaiya, Khasparjia, Pachhai and Rauchaubhais, and Johari.

Art & Craft

Apart from tourism and agriculture, the livelihood of the people of Uttarakhand depends on creating quirky and traditional arts and crafts. You can get anything from weaved baskets, chairs, wall hangings, decorative items etc. One must make it a point to get at least one thing from here in order to show your support to the local businesses. The traditional way of making items here is now becoming a worldwide phenomenon, and people come here to admire the talent and hard work of those who make these idyllic and pretty things.

Festivals of Uttarakhand

If you're travelling to Uttarakhand, don’t miss the chance to enjoy its colourful festivals:

Kumaoni Holi

Kumaoni Holi is celebrated in three ways – Baithki Holi, Khari Holi, and Mahila Holi. Music plays a big role in all of them, which makes the celebration joyful and special.

Harela

Harela is a rainy season festival celebrated in Kumaon around July or August. A few days before the festival, women plant seeds, and when they grow, this small harvest is called Harela. It shows that the new season has started, and locals believe it brings good luck.

Jageshwar Fair

Every year, on the 15th day of Baisakh (around late March to early April), a ritual takes place at Lord Shiva’s temple in Jageshwar. People take a dip in the Brahma Kund during the fair because they believe it is holy.

Kumbh Mela

This is one of the biggest and most famous festivals of Uttarakhand. This fair goes on for three months and is held every four years, but the location changes each time between Allahabad, Haridwar, Ujjain, and Nasik. So, it happens at one place only once in 12 years.

Traditional Uttarakhand Dress

One can tell a lot about someone through the attire they are wearing, and the traditional dress and clothing of Uttarakhand does exactly that. Their clothes are made to suit the cold environment and are different for native men and women. While men wear a traditional hat teamed up with Kurta Pajama along with a warm waist coat, women on the other hand adorn themselves in colorful long skirts, enabling them to walk freely, and glittering jewellery decorating their ears and neck. The traditional clothes here set the people apart from the rest of India.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is the old name of Uttarakhand?

Ans: Uttarakhand was first named Uttaranchal when it became a separate state in 2000. Later in 2007, the name was officially changed to Uttarakhand.

2. What is famous in Uttarakhand to buy?

Ans: It is known for warm woollen clothes, handmade wooden items, tasty organic jams, local spices, silver jewellery, and Aipan art. These things are special because they show the real culture of the state.

3. Why is Uttarakhand called Devbhoomi?

Ans: Uttarakhand is called Devbhoomi, or "Land of the Gods", because many old and holy temples are found here.

Conclusion

Uttarakhand is not just known for its natural beauty, it’s also full of traditions, kindness, and a rich culture. From joyful festivals and simple local food to music, language, and handmade crafts, everything here is interesting. Whether you come to see the temples or to enjoy village life, Uttarakhand’s culture will touch your heart. To truly understand this place, spend time with the locals. The people’s kindness and simple lifestyle are what make Uttarakhand a special place.