Why Uttarakhand known as "Dev Bhumi"?

Uttarakhand Uttarakhand is a state formed in 9 November 2000, situated in northern India crossed by the Himalayas, known as " Dev Bhumi...

Uttarakhand

Uttarakhand is a state formed in 9 November 2000, situated in northern India crossed by the Himalayas, known as "Dev Bhumi"(Land of the Gods). Uttarakhand is famous for its Hindu pilgrimage sites in all over world. This state is one of the most beautiful northern states of India. Uttarakhand is divided into two divisions, Garhwal and Kumaon. The state consist the number of 13 districts. Dehradun is the largest city and the winter capital of the state. The summer capital of the state is Gairsain, a town in Chamoli district. The state has its High Court in Nainital.

Culture

The culture of Uttarakhand is very unique and special as it still follow its traditional ethics, moral values and show respect towards nature. The majority of people in Uttarakhand are Hindus, the state maintains it secular value with significant number of people belonging to other religions like Islam, Sikhism, Buddhism and Christianity.

 The people of state are divided in two regions, better recognized as Kumaoni who lived in Kumaon Region and Garhwali who lived in Garhwal Region. Hindi is the official language of  Uttarakhand and most speaking language of the state. After Hindi, there are three mostly spoken language in the state is Garhwali, Kumaoni  and Jaunsari. The state have both Hilly and Plain area that differ the lifestyle of the state. The area of the hills that are remote and difficult to access where the lifestyle is entirely different as compare to urban area like Dehradun, Nainital, Haridwar that have the access of most of the facilities like school, hotels, shopping etc.

Traditional Dresses

1. Garhwali Traditional Dresses.

The traditional dress of the women of  Garhwal Region is saree known as Sarang but likely different from the regular saree. The women also wear a big nath (nose ring) and other silver  jewellery. The men of that region wear Kurta and Dhoti and wear traditional topi. Men also wear big woollen jackets.

2. Kumaoni Traditional Dresses

 The traditional dress of the women of Kumaoni Region is Ghagra along with Kameez(shirt) as a blouse. This dress is similar like Rajasthani dress. Kumaoni women also wear Pichoras. It is a type of garment wear during the weddings and ceremonies. The men wear kurta pajama along with turban or topi. They also wear a traditional kumaoni jewellery on their hand and neck.

3. Jaunsari Traditional Dresses.

Jaunsaris claim themselves to be the descendants of  Pandavas of Mahabharat. The women wear Ghagra, woollen coat and dhantu (scarf).They also wear Thalka or Lohiya (a long coat) during festivals. The men wear traditional caps called digwa made from woollen cloth and also wear the jewellery like earrings, kadas, necklaces, etc.

Uttarakhand is the state where we found the real beauty of the nature. The state is known for its popular Destinations and pilgrimage sites. so here we discuss about the famous Destinations, varieties of food and the festivals of  Dev Bhumi Uttarakhand.

Popular Destinations

1. Kedarnath Temple. 

Kedarnath Temple is an ancient Hindu temple dedicated to lord Shiva. It is located in the Garhwal Himalayan range near the Mandakini river. The temple was  built by the Pandavas  and it is one of the twelve Jyotirlingas, the holiest Hindu shrines of lord Shiva. The temple is the part of the India's Chota Char Dham pilgrimage of Northern Himalayas. The beauty of the temple is not defined in words as we find the beautiful views, holy nature and the cold weather around the temple. Because of the extreme weather condition of  Kedarnath, the temple remain open from the end of April to the begining of november. 

2. Rishikesh.

Rishikesh is located in the Tehri Garhwal region on the banks of the Ganga River, the holiest river of India. Rishikesh is know as the centre of yoga, spiritual studies and meditation. You can enjoy the rafting experience in Rishikesh and the scenic beauty of the city attracts  visitors the most. There are many temple you visit in Rishikesh are Neelkanth Mahadev Mandir, Raghunath temple or the 13-storey Trimbakeshwar Temple. The twin Ram and Lakshman Jhulas are famous at worldwide. the best time to visit Rishikesh is recorded in between August to January.

3. Mussoorie.

Mussoorie is a popular hill station, located at the height of almost 1900 meters from the sea level. This Hill station has become a paradise for the tourists with the passage of time. Mussoorie was discovered by Sir Frederick Young, the Irish Army Officer. you will enjoy the weather and capture the scenic beauty of place.The best time to visit Mussoorie is recorded in between June to August and November to Febuary. There are many places to visit in Mussoorie like:-

1.  Mall Road 
2. Kempty Fall
3.  George Everest
4.  Mussoorie Lake,
5.  Bhatta Fall
6.  Clouds End

 And more... 

4. Dehradun.

Dehradun is the winter capital of Uttarakhand is known for its beautiful climate and the lovely landscapes. One of the interesting fact about this place is that it is one of the most important education hub in India, provides a quality of education. This city is famous for its weather and of the most visited place in Uttarakhand. There are many place to visit in this city which shows the beauty and pleasent weather are:-

1.  Forest Research Institute
2. Guchhu Pani
3. Sahastradhara
4. Dehradun zoo
5. Tapkeshwer Temple

And more...

There are many place left to define but when you visit Uttarakhand, you explore the scenic beauty and the holy places of the state. This state have an uncountable places to visit . So now lets discuss about the traditional food of the Dev Bhumi Uttarakhand.

Traditional Food

1. Kafuli / Kapaa.

Kafuli is the popular dish of Uttarakhand and best enjoyed in the winter season. Kafuli is a dish made by using spinach, lai and the fenugreek leafs. The dish is cooked in the iron Kadai (untensil) and then served with steamed rice.

2.Phaanu.

Phaanu is the famous dish of Uttarakhand . It is originated from Garhwal region. This making process of this dish is very complicated but also good in taste. To make this dish , lentils includes the native Gahat Dal are soaked in water and left overnight. then cooked in a pot and served in the lunchtime.

3. Dubuk / Dubke.

It is a popular dish originated from the Kumaoni Region of Uttarakhand. It is prepared by local pulses like Gahat and Bhatt are soaked overnight and then cooked with the some traditional spices in iron pot. Dubke gives the unique and smooth taste and most consuming in the winter season 

4. Jhangore Ki Kheer.

It is the popular dessert of Garhwal Region of Uttarakhand. This dish is made up of using a millet called Jhangore that is coked with a number of dry fruits. This dish gives a smooth and rich sweet texture which gives a pleasent unforgettable taste.

There are more this dishes like Sisunaak Sag, Chudkani, Thhatwani, Chainsoo and Baadi which gives a unforgettable taste. When to try these traditional dishes you will experience the variety of food found in Uttarakhand.

Traditional Festivals

1. Nanda Devi Mela.

Nanda Devi Mela is one of the famous religous fair celebrated in the Kumaon Region of Uttarakhand. It is organised in the places like Almora, Nainital and Bageshwar. This fair is organised in the month of september every year. Nanda Devi Mela is a way to revere the much- loved Goddess of the state and it is a perfect venue to feel the glimpse of rural traditional art & craft.

2. Bissu Mela.

Bissu Mela is one of the famous fair celebrated by the Jaunsaris of Chakrata Tehsil to pay gratitude for the good harvest season. People of the different villages came together and pray to their dieties and offer flowers  to them. Men and the women wear traditional dresses , sing traditional songs and dance on it.

3. Ganga Dussehra.

Ganga Dussehra is the popular festival celebrated in the state of  Uttarakhand in the month of May- June every year. As per Hindu believes, on this day River Ganga descended from heaven to earth. During the festival , devotees take a dip in the holy water of the river Ganga to cleanse their soul and all their sins. In the evening, Arti take place and reverential melodies are sung by the devotees.

4. Harela and Bhitauli Festival.

It is the popular festival celebrated four times in a year in the Kumaon Region of Uttarakhand. it is celebrated during the both navratris , Chaitra in the month of march/april and the Sharad Navratri in the month of Ashwin. On this day, women fill soil in the basket and sow 7 types of seeds in them. People put the blades of freshly cut Harela's on their heads and also send it to their friends and relatives.

These are the factors that show the vast culture of the Dev Bhumi Uttarakhand. I hope you will feel the beauty and holiestic value of the state when you visit it. If you like and appriciate my work , please share this to your friends. By which they also get information about this beautiful state.