Culture of Uttarakhand

The `Hindi film-bhangra pop-chhola bhatura’ ethos which has permeated much of northern India is present in Uttarakhand’s cities and towns too, but not as much as in some other states. And in the villages and smaller towns, Garhwali and Kumaoni culture haven’t succumbed to the onslaught of the mundane. Here, for instance, daily meals often use the same ingredients and the same cooking styles which have been used for centuries; age-old religious rites and rituals are followed; and wandering folk singers and dancers still provide some of the most wholesome entertainment around. Dances like the Langvir Nritya, Dhurang, Pandav Nritya, Chholiya, Hurka Baul and Jharva are popular, particularly during fairs and festivals. These dances are usually accompanied by folksy tunes performed on local instruments like the murli (a flute), the dhol and the hurka, both traditional drums.

Both Kumaon and Garhwal are a rich repository of traditional literature. Originally in the form of lyrical ballads and folklore chanted by itinerant singers, the tales of this region are now considered part of Hindi literature’s best works.

Among the prominent local crafts is wood carving, which appears most frequently in the ornately decorated temples of Uttarakhand. Intricately carved designs- of floral patterns, deities and geometrical motifs- also decorate the doors, windows, ceilings and walls of village houses. Beautifully worked paintings and murals are used to decorate both homes as well as temples. Kumaoni art often is geometrical in nature, while Garhwali art has long been known for its closeness to the Mughal style of painting- a style which was introduced centuries ago and became very popular. Other crafts of Uttarakhand include handcrafted jewellery- usually of gold; basketry from Garhwal; woollen shawls and scarves and rugs. The latter are mainly produced by the Bhotias of northern Uttarakhand.