Uttarakhand — Culture,
Heritage & Language
Char Dham, Rishikesh, Valley of Flowers
Introduction
Uttarakhand, the 'Devbhoomi' or Land of the Gods, holds the sources of the Ganga and Yamuna and four of Hinduism's holiest shrines — the Char Dham. Snow peaks, alpine meadows and yoga capitals define this Himalayan state.
Quick Facts
Capital
Dehradun (winter), Gairsain (summer)
Largest City
Dehradun
Official Language
Hindi
Formation Date
9 November 2000
Area
53,483 sq km
Population
11,000,000+
Region
North
Type
State
Language
Hindi is official, with Sanskrit as a second official language. Garhwali, Kumaoni and Jaunsari are widely spoken regional languages.
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Traditional Dress
Men wear kurta-pyjama with a woollen coat and Pahari topi; women wear ghagra, angra and pichhauda — a traditional yellow-and-red veil for ceremonies.
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Festivals
Kumbh Mela at Haridwar (every 12 years), Kanwar Yatra, Nanda Devi Raj Jat, Phool Dei, Harela and Ganga Dussehra are key observances.
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Cuisine
Hill-grown grains and pulses: Kafuli, Aloo Ke Gutke, Bhang ki Chutney, Kandali Saag, Bal Mithai, Singori and Jhangora ki Kheer.
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Literature
Garhwali and Kumaoni folk songs, Sumitranandan Pant, Shivani and Shekhar Joshi anchor the state's literary identity.
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Art Forms
Aipan ritual painting, Pahari miniatures, Chholiya sword dance, Jagar musical traditions and copper craft of Almora.
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Historical Importance
Carved from Uttar Pradesh in 2000 after a long statehood movement; historic kingdoms of Garhwal and Kumaon, the 1962 war frontier and the Chipko environmental movement shape its modern history.
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