THE CULTURE TOUR OF UTTARAKHAND CONTENT The History Of Its Origin Types Of Folk Dances Types Of Music Tourist Places To Visit : Map Painting
Done by :- JANYA HARSHA VISHAAL TEJASWINI YUVRAJ
History Behind Origin of Uttarakhand 1. Uttarakhand, formerly Uttaranchal, state of India, located in the north-western part of the country. It is bordered to the northwest by the Indian state of Himachal Pradesh, to the northeast by the Tibet Autonomous Region of China, to the southeast by Nepal, and to the south and southwest by the Indian state of Uttar Pradesh. Its capital is the north-western city of Dehra Dun.
► On November 9, 2000, the state of Uttaranchal—the 27th state of India—was carved out of Uttar Pradesh, and in January 2007 the new state changed its name to Uttarakhand, meaning “northern region,” which was the traditional name for the area. Area 19,739 square miles (51,125 square km). Pop. (2011) 10,116,752.
► Uttarakhand was the ancient Puranic term for the central stretch of the Indian Himalayas. Its peaks and valleys were well known in ancient times as the abode of gods and goddessesand source of the Ganges River. ► Around 200 B.C Khas Aryan people entered the Himalayan range all the way from Caucasus Mountains, Unlike Vedic Aryan who took southern,western,and eastern route, Khas Aryan took whole new route of walking northern route of great Himalaya from Caucasus Mountains of Europe to North-Western Himalayas. ► Today, it is often called \"the Land of the Gods\" (Devbhumi uttrakhand) because of the presence of a multitude of Hindupilgrimage spots. ► Uttarakhand is known as Devbhumi from ancient times. The Pauravas, Kushanas, Kunindas, Guptas, Katyuris, Palas, the, and Parmars or Panwars, Shahs and the British have ruled Uttarakha Chandsnd in turns.
Kumaoni Traditional Dresses The women in the Kumaon region of Uttarakhand can usually be found wearing a ghagra along with a kameez (shirt) as a blouse. This closely resembles the attire worn by many Rajasthani women. Kumaoni women also wear pichoras, a type of garment common during weddings and ceremonies. Uttarakhand or better known among the natives as Uttaranchal is famous across India for its holy places. This Devbhoomi (Land of Gods) is situated in the mountainous region of the Himalayas and is also a popular tourist destination. Uttarakhand is home to Garhwalis and Kumaonis depending on which part of Uttarakhand they belong to. It has a rich culture of which, music and dance are an integral part. Various languages are spoken here like Garhwali, Kumaoni, Bhoti and even Hindi. Silver and gold jewellery is a significant part of traditional Uttarakhand attire. If you visit Uttarakhand, you will find women wearing gold kundal (earrings) and often having multiple piercings in their ears. Uttarakhand inhabits people from different ethnic backgrounds like Rajputs, Brahmins and tribal population like Tharu, Jaunsari, Bhotia, among others. Therefore the traditional attires do have a lot of variation.
About Uttarakhand • Uttarakhand is a beautiful place which can be sub-divided into two regions majorly known as Garhwal and Kumaon. The culture identifies its people uniquely and gives them a meaning. The various traditions, religions, fairs, festivals, folk dances, music are what distinctly separate them from the rest of the crowd. The residents of Uttarakhand are proud of the culture that they follow. The beauty of the state of Uttarakhand is that it houses people belonging to several sub-groups and ethnic groups together under one roof. This article talks about the culture, beliefs and traditions which bind the people of Uttarakhand together.
Garhwali culture • Garhwal is a beautiful place marked by the tall mountains, cold weather and green valleys. People from all over the country visit the place to meditate and attain peace in a life full of so much chaos. The very ancient wood carving can be seen even today on some of the doors as well temples of Garhwal. All the places such as Ransi temple, Srinagar temple, Chandpur fort, Padukeshwar and Devalgarh temple comprise of architectural remains even today. • Garhwali is the main language spoken here. Garhwali language has a number of dialects too including Jaunsari, Marchi, Jadhi and Sailani. The Garhwali language is believed to have originated from a combination of- Sauraseni Prakrit, Sanskrit and Western or Central Pahari language. Garhwal is inhabited by people belonging to a number of ethnic groups and castes. These include Rajputs who are believed to belong to Aryan origin, Brahmins who migrated after the Rajputs or later, tribals of Garhwal who stay in the Northern tracts and comprise of Jaunsaris, Jadhs, Marchas and Van Gujars.
Kumaoni culture • Kumaon has been an interesting region since the last two decades due to the rock paintings which have been discovered in the area. Lakhu Udiyar and Lwethaap are the most famous ones amongst them. Kumaon is said to be the point of origin of Pahari Kalam which is yet another style of painting well-known across the world. The most popular art form of Kumaon, however, is known as Aipan or Alpana. In this art form, pieces of cloth, walls and papers are all decorated with geometric figures which belong to God, Goddesses and the other natural objects of nature.
Festivals of Uttrakhand Holi of Kumaon • The Holi of Kumaon is celebrated in three forms namely Baithki Holi, Khari Holi and Mahila Holi. The unique feature about this festival is that it is celebrated with a lot of music. The Baithki and Khari Holi are unique in the sense that the songs played have a different kind of texture, fun and melody to it. These songs are based on some classical ragas. During the Baithki Holi, the event begins from the temple and is accompanied by songs sung by the professional singers known as Holiyars.
• The day when Navaratris begin, women sow seven different types of grains in a basket full of soil. These grains then germinate and turn into yellow leaves known as 'Harela'. These leaves are then cut on the very last day (the tenth day) and are put on the head of the women. The month of Chaitra which is the period between March and April is when presents are sent by brothers to their sisters. These presents are known as Bhitauli. Harela is a festival which is celebrated so as to welcome the rainy season.
Kumbh ka mela • Its origin can be traced back to the time when Gods and demons entered into a pact to work together for attaining Amrita which means immortality from the milky ocean and split it equally amongst them. However, when the pot was found, it was stolen by the demons and they ran away with it. The Gods then followed them for twelve days and twelve nights and there was a huge battle which took place between both the parties. It is said that while this battle was going on, some drops of this nectar fell in all the four places mentioned i.e., Prayag, Haridwar, Ujjain and Nasik.
Folk Songs • The lives of the people of Uttarakhand are filled with a lot of music and dance. Dancing is considered to form a major part of their traditions. The people here believe that dance is not only a form of entertainment but an art through which one can please Gods.It is believed that this ritual of dancing can be dedicated to the young maidens called 'Ancheris' dancing on the sow-dwelling mountains.
Food Of Uttrakhand Yummy recipes being followed from generations Some of the most delicious mouth-watering specialities of Uttarakhand include- Urad Dal ke pakode which are spicy pakoras prepared from different pulses. Phanu which too is made from dals, Jhangore ki kheer which is a sweet dish prepared with Jhangora. Chainsoo which is made from black gram dal. Bhang ki chutney which is sour tasting chutney prepared from roasted bhang and cumin seeds mixed with lemon juice.
TYPES OF FOLK DANCES OF UTTARAKHAND:
Langvir Nritya This is one of the most popular dance forms here and is mainly performed in the Tehri Garhwal regions. This dance is primarily performed by the men of Uttarakhand and is done in an acrobatic form using a bamboo pole fixed in one place. The dancers climb up the pole and then balance himself with the help of his stomach on top. Under the pole there are various bands of musicians performing folk and traditional music and songs with the help of Dhol and Damau. Apart from the balancing act the person on top also rotates himself skillfully while also performing various acrobatic feats using their hands and feet. It is also one of the oldest and the most famous dance forms in Devbhoomi Uttarakhand.
Langvir Nritya This is one of the most popular dance forms here and is mainly performed in the Tehri Garhwal regions. This dance is primarily performed by the men of Uttarakhand and is done in an acrobatic form using a bamboo pole fixed in one place. The dancers climb up the pole and then balance himself with the help of his stomach on top. Under the pole there are various bands of musicians performing folk and traditional music and songs with the help of Dhol and Damau. Apart from the balancing act the person on top also rotates himself skillfully while also performing various acrobatic feats using their hands and feet. It is also one of the oldest and the most famous dance forms in Devbhoomi Uttarakhand.
Ramola This charming and traditional dance of this hill state is a well-preserved heritage of the Bard community – who roams from one place to another while simultaneously performing their traditional dance with Dhol. Harmonium, table etc and welcome the spring season. This cultural folk dance which is performed with great joy and happiness has a lot of mythological importance. Originating in the Kumaon regions of the state this dance marks the holi season which is later on celebrated for a whole month. In the past, this dance also used to be performed by wandering minstrels who used to go from one village to the next and announce the oncoming of the spring which is considered to be the most important time of the year to agriculturalists.
Bhotiya Tribal Dance As per the name suggests this ritual is performed by the Bhotiya tribes of Uttarakhand which is one of the ancient tribes in this state. They have managed to preserve their rituals and traditions over all these years which is an achievement in itself. The performance of this dance is connected to the death related ceremonies. According to their traditions the departed soul of the deceased individual makes the body of a goat or a sheep their home and by performing this dance their souls are believed to be liberated. The typical dances of Bhotiya tribe include ‘Dhurang’ and ‘Dhuring’. This Bhotiya dance of people from this state is quite similar with the dance styles in Himachal Pradesh or even the hunting dances of performed in Nagaland.
Chhapeli This is one of the most colorful and fun-filled dance of courtship which is performed by men and women of Uttarakhand together. The concept of this dance does not require performances by two people who are actual lovers but the actual concept of this dance was started with an aim of enhancing the bond between two people. The dance takes place in a simple swaying motion and is not at all complex where the male performers play the part of a lover while the female takes up the role of a beloved she also holds on to a colorful handkerchief in right hand and a mirror in left hand. The dance is quiet mesmerizing and the music is extremely brisk, bright and peaceful which is played with the help of a Manjira or a flute.
Barada Nati Performed during religious eves and other social functions this dance form is the most popular one among the people of Jaunsar-Bawar area in Chakrata tehsil of Dehradun. Men and women take part in this dance and do so by getting dressed up in various colorful and traditional costumes. This dance form marks the beginning of any sort of a social gathering or puja ritual. This dance form is a representation of free spirits and purity of life and encourages people to relax for a while from all the mis-happenings in life. It inspires people to look at the brighter side in life at the silver lining and is included during celebration times such as marriages and births.
Pandav Nritya Devbhoomi is also referred to as ‘the land of the Pandavas’ since they had made their way to this hill state in search of the stairway to heaven. This dance form is like an ode to these popular Mahabharat heroes where through the various dance styles the birth and death phases of the Pandav king are depicted. Different incidents of Mahabharat are showcased by the people here who dress up as these different characters. It is somewhat like Ram Lila and just like that it has also managed to keep the local folklore animated amongst the local people. It is primarily performed during the holy eve of Diwali and Dussehra in a large area with a lot of dancers performing together in unison and is a sight to behold
Jagar (Ritual) This hill folk dance is categorized in the spiritual and ghost worship which is accompanied with a regional folk song. A ritualistic dance is also performed in the form of puja ritual folk songs and is sung with an aim of honoring various gods and goddesses. This dance performance is based on 50 different ballads dedicated to not only gods and goddesses but also on spirits, ghosts and even fairies. This performance is done with music, singing and with occasional beating of the drums. The listener feels like they have been transported to a trance with these incredible sounds playing all at once. Spirits are also summoned who generally demands a goat or a bird sacrifice. Along with dancing they also put their hands in blazing fire without being harmed and perform other such incredibly surprising acts.
Chholiya The roots of this traditional dance can be dated back to almost 1000 years to the warring Kshatriyas belonging to the Kumaon regions when marriages used to take place at the tip of swords. It was also done to ward off negative spirits that were believed to be following the baraat since they target on people’s happiness. Anybody during that time performing Chholiya dance was believed to get rid of this energy. This performance where the dancers are dressed in colorful folk attire takes place to the tunes of the rhythmic beating of the drums that sound like the music depicting war like situations. Generally categorized as a sword dance nowadays it is also performed in various other processions and occasions
Jhumeila Generally popular for being a folk song, this is accompanied by a traditional Jhumela dance. This dance form is performed to mark all the major as well as minor occasions, fairs and festivals like Guru Purnima, Baisakhi, Maker Sankranti, wedding processions or any other nature related festival etc. primarily dedicated to women, men also make it a point to be a part of this dance. The steps and expressions or the message that is portrayed through this is the feeling of sadness that is experienced by newly married women who misses her happy moments that she had cherished before her marriage. Being a tribal song and dance combination it is only limited to extremely remote regions and is not well recognized in any other regions.
Thali – Jadda – Jhainta Performed primarily by the women population of Uttarakhand this graceful dance takes place during the wedding ceremonies and is also later on joined by the men as well. As per the traditions of this dance the dancer is required to balance a metal plate on top of their head and take spins simultaneously doing so. It also takes place mainly in the Kumaon regions and is performed in circles of men and women singing folk songs and playing folk music. This dance performance is a mark of happiness and joy among the people and welcomes positivity into any occasion where this dance takes place.
Jhoda / Chachari (Chanchari) Jhoda and Chachri is combination of song and dance which is performed together within the communities. Jhoda is sung by interlinking each other by the arms while moving at a slow pace yet synchronised perfectly in a circle. This song and dance is done by male as well as females in different groups. It is also related to its other names such as Jhadawa, Jhora, Jhawad etc.
TYPES OF MUSIC OF UTTARAKHAND
Here are a few folk songs from the hilly paradise state of Uttarakhand: Bajuband Sung by the village women while performing their daily chores on the fields or at home this is a collection of folk songs expressing various different emotions like love, sorrow, happiness etc. these colourful and enchanting songs are so poetic that they have been compared with the words written by the great poet William Wordsworth. The songs are generally very sweet sounding, romantic as well as mesmerizing.
Chhopati This is one of the most popular forms of song and music in Uttarakhand which is sung during celebrations, festivals, fairs, weddings etc. played with the help of Dhol, Dholki, Turri, Mandan and others, this song is performed between a man and a woman in a question answer form which is an extremely entertaining thing to watch. It comes under the category of being a ‘love song’ and is mostly sung by the people belonging to the regions of Rawain – Jaunpur in the district of Tehri Garhwal. This song is generally accompanied with a dance performance which is a very lively and fun activity to even witness
Jaguar Finding its roots in the Sanskrit word ‘Jaga’ meaning to wake, these songs are practised by both Garhwali and Kumaoni groups of people in a ritual form for the spirits of their ancestors. By chanting these songs it is said that all the local deities and gods are awakened from their dormant state. This Jagar performance is also done to seek penance or justice from the gods. The government of India has also recognised the importance of folk songs and music by awarding the only woman Jagar singer, Basanti Devi Bisht, Padma Shri award.
Basanti Basanti songs are primarily composed and sang to welcome the season change from winter to spring. Their songs sound extremely cheerful, happy and clearly represent the blooming of the flowers that occurs throughout the hills. This song is one of the most special songs here which is sung with great zealous throughout the entire hill folk. just as the hill sides get dotted with colourful high altitude flowers and plants, people individually or in groups burst out singing their favourite Basanti song.
Mangal Geet / Gaali Mangal Geet Mangal Geet or the auspicious songs are composed with an aim of being sung at weddings or during sacred ceremonies. While the song is being sung simultaneously the purohit keeps on chanting holy Sanskrit Shlokas. Gaali Mangal Geet is sang in the form of a poem while singing these songs people also include some tease language in between and since it is an age old tradition this is not considered as an offence or bad language. These are also the songs that add an element of joy making weddings a memorable event. This mostly takes place in a Garhwali wedding and is also an essential part during this auspicious event.
Chhura These folk songs are sung by the shepherd folk of the hills who sing it in the form of an advice that is being given from the older generation to the younger generation which are based on their life experiences and feel that it may come in handy for them while grazing sheep and goats and their other cattle. Men as well as women take part in this songs and it is well taken care of by the respected elders of the community.
Khuded This folks song is centred around the Garhwal division and is sang to depict the sadness and the sufferings faced by a woman which is caused when she is separated from her husband. Through the song she says how much she laments and misses the presence of her better half when he is out for work and has gone out looking for a job. She curses the circumstances which has caused both of them to be away from each other. Songs in this category are cleverly formed which completes three aims at once like the season, poverty and the separation phase. The song sounds extremely melancholic and clearly depicts what the singer is feeling.
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