The beautiful Uttarakhand situated in the northern part of India is known for its mixed natural environment of Himalaya, Bhabar and Terai regions. It is also often referred to as “Devbhoomi” (literally “Land of the Gods”) due to its religious importance and the many Hindu temples and pilgrimage centers found throughout the state. Devbhoomi Uttarakhand formed in the year 2000 after being separated from the large state of Uttar Pradesh. The state borders China’s Tibet Autonomous Region to the north, Nepal’s Sudurpashim Province to the east, Uttar Pradesh to the south, and Himachal Pradesh to the northwest. The state is divided into two divisions, Garhwal and Kumaon, with a total of 13 districts.
The native inhabitants of the state are usually called Uttarakhand’s, or more specifically either Garhwali or Kumaoni from their region of origin. According to the 2011 Census of India, Uttarakhand has a population of 10,086,292, making it the 20th most populous state in India.
The state also finds mention in history as a part of the Kuru and Panchala kingdoms (Mahajanapadas) during the Vedic age. In Hindu mythology also, Uttarakhand is recognized as part of the famous Kedarkhand (now Garhwal) and Manaskhand (Kumaon). It is also believed that the famous sage Vyasa composed the epic of Mahabharata in Uttarakhand.
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The residents of Uttarakhand are known for their simple lifestyle, honesty and humility. Uttarakhand culture still revolves around its traditional morality, moral values, simplicity of nature and a rich mythology associating an honest bond with nature and gods.
The people of Uttarakhand are divided into two regions. Apart from these two major inhabitants, Kumaoni (inhabitants of Kumaon region) and Garhwali (inhabitants of Garhwal region), Uttarakhand is also home to ethnic groups such as Bhotia, Jaunsari, Tharu, Boksh and Raji. The two main languages of Uttarakhand are Kumaoni and Garhwali whose speaking style and pronunciation varies from village to village, besides Hindi, Urdu and Punjabi are also widely spoken.
People of Uttarakhand perform festivals and rituals throughout the year because of their deep collection and rich mythology with nature. Like their simple lifestyle, festivals and fairs in Uttarakhand are culturally rich as well as simple. Every season in Devbhoomi Uttarakhand is welcomed with heartfelt folk songs and dance. Worship of the ancestor spirit is important for the residents of the state. People here organize Jagar, Jaga Baisi several times a year to honour the deities and ancestors which are accompanied by full dhol, nagare, hudka (a special hill tune played to invoke the deity) to solve their problems.
Dances like Barda Nati, Bhotia dance, Chancheri, Chhapeli, Cholia dance, Jagar, Jhora, Langveer dance, Pandava dance, Ramola, Shotiya tribal folk dance, Thali-jadda and Jhanjhata are performed on various occasions in Uttarakhand. The primary role of women is seen during festivals as they are involved in preparing traditional dishes and singing folk songs. Traditionally dressed in a ghagra-choli with a rangwali (veil), these women look graceful and their beauty is further enhanced with large nose rings made of gold. Truly, every day is a day of celebration in Uttarakhand; Great and humble people take great pleasure in celebrating even a small success with a grateful heart.
Due to its unbeatable charm and natural structure, Uttarakhand is a center of attraction for all types of tourists. Although this beautiful state is visited by tourists throughout the year, but it is the best option in North India to spend the summer holidays. The Himalayan peaks, lush green meadows, huge gorges of flowers, holy rivers, world famous lakes, dense forests, attractive villages, countless wildlife and many more mesmerizing places are pleasing to every visitor in Uttarakhand. A complete holiday destination state that offers visitors high peaks to climb, thrilling rivers to enjoy water sports, dense forests for wildlife viewing, ancient temples for worship, countless sites for adventure activities and luxurious accommodation. Uttarakhand is undoubtedly a treasure trove where the deeper you dig, the more jewels you find. Chosen primarily by Hindu and Sikh devotees to undertake the pilgrimage, Uttarakhand is a must visit for an out of this world spiritual experience. Indeed, it is a place where the river Ganges washes away your sins, and Lord Shiva and Badri listen to your prayers while seated on their high thrones at Vishal Badrinath and Kedarnath. Seek out the might of the Yamuna River here at Yamunotri Dham and the sparkling Ganges at Gangotri and Devprayag. Be a part of the world’s largest human gathering at the Kumbh Mela in Haridwar and don’t forget to seek blessings as a Hindu devotee at the mysterious Paatal Bhubaneshwar; The ancient Jageshwar temple complex and Kartik Swami Temple, where you can also enjoy spectacular views of the snow-capped Himalayas.
Although the whole of Uttarakhand itself is like heaven on earth, there are some attractive places where most of the tourists visit.
Tourist places of Garhwal Division: Haridwar, Rishikesh, Mussoorie, Dhanaulti, Chamba, Chopta, Tehri Dam, Kanatal, Lansdowne, Kedar Kanth, Kedarnath, Badrinath, Joshi math and Auli.
Tourist places of Kumaon Division: Jim Corbett, Nainital, Bhimtal, Saat Tal, Naukuchia Tal, Mukteswar, Pangot, Almora, Ranikhet, Kausani, Binsar, Jageshwar, Panchachuli, Pindari Glacier, Munsiyari, Chakudi, Pithoragarh etc.
