Uttarakhand-Tradition and Culture

Uttarakhand is a Himalayan state where people are blessed with the qualities of determination, will power, simplicity, honesty, and hard work under the institution of the super power - 'Nature'. The rich culture and tradition of the state with ethnic diversities is a proof of soulful living of the Indian Pahadi people. The Women are so strong and determined that they set perfect example of the women power or girl power as they can be seen handling their families and households with a very tough everyday schedule. Life is not easy in the hilly areas but for these people who belong to such places, nature is the mother and nature is the teacher.
Let's see what are some of their traditional aspects which describe the living and lifestyle of the state and beautify them even more :

TRADITIONAL FOLK DANCES
Uttarakhand is divided into two main divisions- Garhwal Mandal and Kumaon Mandal which are further divided into other ethnic diversities like Jaunsar Bawar, Bhotiya tribe etc. Different folk dances are practised by different regional people some of which are Jhumeila, Chhopati, Langvir Nritya, Pandav Nritya, etc. Dances and Songs of Uttarakhand are more than just fun or a form of art and are basically performed as a way of devotion or communication, prayer to God.

TRADITIONAL FOLK SONGS
One of the most famous folk songs include Jagar which is a kind of God worship. Another is Mangal Geet which is sung during marriage ceremonies. Instruments play a major role in the folk music of the state. Some of them are Turahi, Ransingha, Dholak etc.

TRADITIONAL DRESSES
The traditional dresses of  Uttarakhand are something to admire about. The people look so beautiful wearing them especially when it is seen during occasions when they perform traditional dances and ceremonies. A big nose ring is a special attire of the dress of the women in Uttarakhand.

PM Modi in the DEVBHOOMI in the traditional attire of Jaunsar Bawar of Uttarakhand.

TRADITIONAL FOOD
The food here includes meshed potato soup, spinach soup, rice (jhangora), arse (a special sweet dish made of jaggery and rice), rotane and so on. These foods though look simple but with the native recipes taste awesome and are highly nutritious.

LANGUAGES SPOKEN
Languages spoken are basically Hindi, Garhwali, Kumaoni and Jaunsari. There is also some Urdu speaking population in the state. Sanskrit though is not popular today but is taught in textbooks. So, it is a multilingual state.


So,this was a brief  description of the culture of the state. People here have great faith on God and thus, the DEVBHOOMI is also blessed with a rich history devoted to God. The great Hindu epic MAHABHARAT seems to have its presence deeply rooted in the state, of which the KEDARNATH temple is the biggest proof.