Uttarakhand

UTTARAKHAND


Uttarakhand  formerly known as Uttaranchal,is a state in the northern part of India. It is often referred to as the Devbhumi (literally "Land of the Gods") due to a large number of Hindu temples and pilgrimage centres found throughout the state. Uttarakhand is known for the natural environment of the Himalayas, the Bhabhar and the Terai. On 9 November 2000, Uttarakhand became the 27th state of the Republic of India, being created from the Himalayan and adjoining northwestern districts of Uttar Pradesh.It borders Tibet to the north; the Province No. 7 of Nepal to the east; and the Indian states of Uttar Pradesh to the south and Himachal Pradesh to the west and north-west as well as Haryana on its south-western corner. The state is divided into two divisions, Garhwal and Kumaon, with a total of 13 districts. The interim capital of Uttarakhand is Dehradun, the largest city of the state, which is a railhead. The High Court of the state is located in Nainital.

 The people and lifestyle of Uttaranchal is determined by the climate as well as the topographical situation of the state. Popularly referred as 'Pahari', which means hill persons, the people of Uttaranchal can be divided into two distinct tribes – Garhwali and Kumaoni. Other tribes that also exist in Uttaranchal are Jadh, Marcha, Tolcha, Shauka, Buksha, Tharu, Jaunsari, Bhotia, Raji and Gujjar.As far as casteism is concerned the people of Uttaranchal can be divided into Kol-Doms, Khasi Rajput, Khasi Brahmin, immigrant Rajput, migrant Brahmin and Bhotias. The prime occupation of people of Uttaranchal is agriculture. Uttaranchal culture is rich and full of exoticism as well as philanthropy. Take up cultural tours of Uttaranchal to see the myriad land where about 90% of the total population is Hindu.


Culture and Language of the Pharais
The 'Paharis' or the people of mountains can be easily identified by their soft spoken dialects of Garhawlas or Kumaon. Other important language of the state are Jaunsari and Bhotiya dialects, while Hindi seems to be taking the primary lead. But the most fascinating facet of Uttaranchal culture is that, it is so very deep rooted that in almost every part of the state, you will find a different local dialect. Culture tourism in Uttaranchal promotes all the fairs and festivals of the state that has helped in shaping up the colorful culture of the state.
The people and lifestyle of Uttaranchal, can be catagorized as primitive. Though certain cities have seen development, but most of the areas of the state has still remain undiscovered. It is this reason that draws people to enjoy holidays in Uttaranchal. The untouched and original culture of the people lives in the rural destinations of Uttaranchal.

Uttarakhand culture
Uttarakhand is a culturally colourful society which is divided into two major regions of Garhwal and Kumaon. 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.





Popular Food in Uttarakhand

AALOO KE GUTKE  
 One of the basic and most popular dishes in Uttarakhand, Aaloo (Potatoes) ke Gutke is a simple preparation where dry spices are roasted and used. Aaloo ke Gutke are best served with Puri and  Kheerein ka Raita (Cucumber and Curd preparation). This dish is seen mostly served on festivals.


KAFULI/KAPAA
A delicious dish that is best enjoyed in the winter season, Kafuli or Kapaa is made by using spinach, lai ( the alternative of mustard leaf) and fenugreek leafs. The vegetable/s is cooked in an iron kadhai (utensil) and is then served with steaming rice.

UTTARAKHAND-THE LAND OF GODS

India has been referred to as one of the most significant tourist sensation all over the world. Due to the pleasant climate and its unity in diversity tourism has increased to a greater extent. Different states have their own languages, customs, traditions, festivals and the culture. Uttarakhand is one of the mesmerizing states of India which has its own specialty related to the culture, tourist spots, education and the most important it has been referred to as THE LAND OF GOD (DEV BHUMI) due to the presence of many holy temples in its vicinity. The name uttarakhand has been derived from the Sanskrit words uttarakhandam, uttara meaning north and khandam meaning country or part of a country.The judicious capital of uttarakhand is dehradun featuring holy temples, beautiful mountains, suitable climate and lots more.

FAMOUS TEMPLES

- Haridwar

- Baleshwar

- Neelkanth temple 

- Baijnath temples

- Badrinath temples

- Garjia devi temple

- Sri kranteshwar mahadev

- Narasingha temple

- Sri venkateswara

- Gangotri

- Kedarnath

- Kaalimath

- Kailash niketan

- Koteshwar mahadev

- Jwalaji

- Kyunkaleshwar

- Omkareshwar shiva

- Rudranath

- Yamunotri



Haridwar

Haridwar is the famous by the name "the gateway to gods". Accordindg to hindus, Haridwar is considered to be one of the seven holiest places. They stand in sacred water there praying for the salvation of their ancestors. It is situated in the haridwar district of uttarakhand. It is an important pilgrimage city. It is the largest city of uttarakhand. People call it by various other names like mayapuri, kapila and gangadwar. 

BALESHWAR 

The baleshwar temple is at a certain distance from the in the champawat town of of uttarakhand. The reason behind the popularity of baleshwar temple lies in its history. These are believed to be built by the kings of the chand dynasty. These temples contain the idols of tobaleshwar, ratneshwar and champawati durga.

Neelkanth temple

Neelkanth temple is situated in the pauri garhwal district of uttarakhand. This temple is dedicated to LORD SHIVA. The beauty of this temples is mainly in its location in dense forests and its adjacency to the mountain ranges of nar-narayan.according to the hindu mythology this is the sacred place where LORD SHIVA consumed the poison halahala that originated from the sea. The name of this temple is kept after the lord shiva. The lord shiva is also known as neelkanth, meaning one having blue throat. 

BAIJNATH TEMPLES


 Baijnath temple is located in the bageshwar district of uttarakhand. This temple hold special significance because it is believed that lord shiva and parvati were married at that place. This temple is actually built by the katyuri kings many years ago. It consist of the idols of idols of lord Shiva,lord ganesh, goddess parvati, chandika, kuber, lord bramha.
Garjia Devi Temple

Garjia devi temple is the main beauty of the lands of uttarakhand. It is specially dedicated to goddess parvati. This small temple is situated at a short distance from ramnagar. The speciality of this temple is that it is famous for its faith and is built beautifully over a beautiful hill . Mostly people visit this place on the occasion of vasant panchami .The temple contains many idols of goddess parvati, lord shiva, lord ganesha and goddess saraswati.

BADRINATH TEMPLES
It is situated along the alaknanda river in the badrinath town of uttarakhand. It is believed that it was built in 9th centuary CE. Here one of the famous legend is said to be occurred at this place that lord Vishnu came to the area called "badri-van" for meditation. It is considered one of the four pilgrimage (char dham) sites. This temple is open only for 6 months in a yea that is from end of april to the beginning of November.

GANGOTRI
The origin of the river ganges is said to be gangotri. The river is called Bhagirathi at its origin and then takes the name ganga from devprayag onwards upto alaknanda. It is also one of the sites of char dham pilgrimage circuit. It is situated in the uttarkashi district of Uttaranchal. It is at a height of 3100m from the sea level which makes it very special.

KEDARNATH

It is also one of the holiest places if hindus dedicated to lord shiva. We can't reach the temple by any means of transport. it has to be reached 14 km uphill on feet fron gaurikund. It is located in kedarnath city. The climate here is very soothing all over the year. 


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