Uttrakhand

A Brief Introduction of About Uttrakhand

Introduction

Uttarakhand is a state in India, formerly known as Uttaranchal, initially located in the northern part of India, and recognized as "Devbhoomi" (Land of the Gods). The capital of Uttarakhand in winter is Dehradun and in summer is Uttarakhand.

History

According to Hindu literature, the Pandavas had come to Devbhoomi and the Mahabharata and Ramayana were held here. During the Vedic period, the Uttarakuru region was formed and the first dynasty of Kumaon was the Kuninda dynasty in the 2nd century BCE. During the medieval period, Katyuri rulers ruled in the Kurmanchal Kingdom. Furthermore, it was separated into Garhwal and Kumaon due to the fall of the Katyuri rulers. Modern Uttarakhand was sacrificed to the British under the Treaty of Sugauli.

Festivals and Fairs

The feelings of gratitude are reflected in the richness of the people of the state, their festivals and fairs display the feeling of love and respect for the god. The various festivals and fairs are Purnagiri Mela, Uttarayani Mela, Magh Mela, Nanda Devi Mela, Syalde Bikhauti Mela, Bissu Mela, Harela and Bhitauli festival, Phool Dei festival, hill Jatra, Uttarakhandi Holi, Ganga Dussehra festival, Kanwar yatra, ghee Sankranti, international yoga festival,  Kangdali festival, Nanda Devi raj jat and Kumbh Mela.

Geography

Uttarakhand has covered 53,483 km² of which 86% has been covered with mountains and 65% by forest. It is located in the northwest part of Uttar Pradesh. The northern part of Uttarakhand has been covered by glaciers and high ranges of Himalayan. The Ganga and the Yamuna originate from the glaciers. Nanda Devi has 25,643 feet of altitude.

Demographics

The citizens of Uttarakhand are known as Uttarakhandi and are also called either Garhwali or Kumaoni. Overall, it depends on the region of the state. According to the 2011 census, the total population of Uttarakhand is 10,086,292. 69.77% are residing in rural areas and 88% of the population are Hindus, while the remaining percentage of the population are minority groups. Muslims have the highest coverage population among minority groups.

Culture

The state is traditionally cultured and enriched by music, dance, art, cuisine, festivals, fairs, and much more. The major local crafts are wood carving, often seen in ornate temples of Uttarakhand.

Languages

Language reflects the identity of the individual and the state. The Uttarakhand is can speak Hindi, Jaunsari, Kumaoni, Bhotiya, and Garhwali.

Tourism

Uttarakhand has various tourist places such as 12 national parks and wildlife sanctuaries, Vasudhara waterfall, and temples in Kedarnath, Badrinath, and Haridwar. Jim Corbett national park is the oldest national park in the Indian subcontinent, and Auli and Munsiyari are famous skiing resorts. There have been various adventurous forms of tourism such as rock climbing, hiking, rafting, climbing, camping, rock climbing, skiing, trekking, and paragliding. 

Education

According to the 2011 census, the literacy rate of the state was 78.82% of which 87.4% are males and 70% are females. In 2010, there were 15,331 primary schools, 1,040,139 students and 22,118 working teachers. Although, there are colleges of IIT, IIM, and AIIMS.

Dance and Music

The state has various folk dances and music in its culture which attract spiritual and social scenarios such as Hurkiya Baul, Pavada, bara masa, Pandav, Saiddhali songs, Bhatia dance, Chholia, and Chamfuli. Badra Nati is a dance that is usually performed during religious occasions.

Cuisine 

The foremost cuisine of the state is vegetables with wheat. Their food is cooked with locally grown ingredients. The cuisines are divided into Garhwali cuisines and Kumaoni cuisines. The popular Pahari dishes are Kafuli, Fannah, ras, Gulgula, Bhatt ki Churdkani, and Arsa.