Culture and Traditions Of Uttarakhand - Dress, Festivals, Costumes, Cuisines

Popular all over the world for its scenic landscapes and awe-inspiring Spiritualism, Devbhoomi Uttarakhand is one of the most loved tourist destinations for tourists not only in India but also from abroad. The entire hilly terrain is dotted with lush greenery, temples dating back to the ancient ages, and the opportunity to experience some top-notch, thrilling, and adrenaline-pumping sports. Replete with a rich historical and mythological background Uttarakhand has always been the place where people come from far and wide to experience the unparalleled natural beauty and the spirituality it has to offer. The state has a history of being ruled by numerous Pahadi rulers and kings making the cultural ethos of the Pahadi population extremely heterogeneous and colorful.  

Here is a more in-depth look at the customs, traditions, and belief that has shaped this magnificent land of Uttarakhand:

Origin and Ethnicity

The entire state of Uttarakhand can be divided into two different sects of people known as Kumaoni and Garhwali among other notable ethnic groups like – the Bhotiyas, the Jaunsaries, the Tharus etc. Along with Hinduism the people of Uttarakhand also speak Kumaoni and Garhwali languages as well as Nepali and Punjabi. The state is occupied by populations of Hindus, Muslims, Sikhs, Buddhists, Jains, and Christians. The ethnicity of the Uttarakhandi people can be traced back to the Indo-Aryans Descent, Mongoloid, Dravidian, and Nordic races as well as a few nomadic communities.

Customs and Traditions

The local population of Uttarakhand believes in the worship of the ancestral spirit. Their belief lies in pleasing and waking up the gods, goddesses, and other local deities to solve their problems and shower them with their blessings and love. This is done so in order to achieve a divine sense of justice. All this is done through a medium of some upbeat and energetic musical numbers which are sung in local languages along with some local musical instruments. This singing is done with the help of a singer locally known as Jagariya. Pahadi people have a deep-rooted sense of faith and superstition and they follow age-old beliefs and superstitions.

Festivals

Celebrating fairs and festivals in Uttarakhand is a way of life for the cheerful and happy-go-lucky people of Uttarakhand. From welcoming the harvest season with great zeal to being thankful to nature for its bounties and abundance every aspect of this hilly terrain is celebrated with great vigor. Since the main occupation of the Pahadi population here is agricultural activities, people also celebrate fairs and festivals marking the movement of the sun. being the Devbhoomi and home to numerous ancient temples and shrines dedicated to various gods, goddesses, and local deities, Uttarakhand springs to life and celebrates festivities during some popular and mainstream festivals. Here are a few festivals of Uttarakhand during which you can plan your visit in case you want to experience the colorful festivities – Baikunth Mela, Harela, Hiljatra, Kumaon Holi, Nanda Raj Jat, Sharadotsav, Ghuian Ekadashi, etc.   

Culture

The identities of the people of Uttarakhand are divided into two major sects – Kumaoni and Garhwali. However, a common thread of religions, fairs, festivals, and traditions binds them together into one colorful culture. The culture of Uttarakhand can be easily witnessed in their temple and home architecture. The local people here are peace-loving and respect nature since their lives are completely shaped around the act of god. From worshipping the sun deity to being thankful for nature the culture of these simple and humble hill folks has attracted a number of tourists, who are curious to learn about their culture, from around the world.

Costumes

The women adorn themselves with a colorful Ghaghra and Choli which is in the form of a long skirt and pans out like an umbrella towards the base. Decorated in various mirror works and different colors a usual Ghaghra goes down till just above the ankle because of which the leg accessory or the jewelry is made visible. A married woman in Uttarakhand adorns herself in a black beaded necklace. Rangwalis or muslin veils in various different shades of yellow are also made available for the women of Uttarakhand. The men here wear a simple Pyjama or a dhoti as their lower garment piece along with a comfortable Kurta as their upper piece. Another interesting part about their unique attire is the presence of a certain headgear that resembles a turban.

Arts and Crafts

The state of Uttarakhand is known for its exquisite form of arts and crafts making it a hub for some of the finest items. They have managed to keep their age-old and rich heritage intact through their artifacts and architectural marvels. There are numerous handicrafts created out of wood carvings, candle making, jewelry making, and traditional painting. All these artifacts and examples of pristine art work and expert craftsmanship can be observed on the walls of the temples, doors, and other display items. The artistic brilliance of this place can be seen and experienced through their impressive works in murals, paintings, and other wood carvings. The practice of creating memorable and unique arts and crafts has been carefully preserved over centuries.

Cuisines

The local food available in Uttarakhand carries a high nutritious value since the produce here is unadulterated and pure in nature. They generally consume certain grains like Mandua (ragi) in the higher hill regions. People in the lower regions of Uttarakhand consume dishes made out of black Garam Dal, grains like wheat, lentils, and rice, etc. the cuisines made here are known for their tangy taste along with being spicy and flavorful. Accompaniments like chutneys are made out of sesame seeds, hemp seeds, etc. some of the most popular desserts here are – Baal Mithai and Singodi which are made out of coconut and Khoya.

Lifestyle

The Pahadi population of Uttarakhand believes in simple living and working hard. The women here can be observed taking care of the household as well as a few outdoor activities like milking cows and milking the cows along with other domestic chores while the men here can be witnessed performing outdoor activities like - farming, agricultural activities, gathering woods and other such activities. People live in traditional homes made out of stone, mud, and other thatched items. In these parts people follow a more matriarchal society i.e. the major household decisions are made by women.