The Land of Gods: Uttarakhand, India
Uttarakhand, known as the “Land of the Gods” (Devbhumi), is a Himalayan state in North India, carved out from Uttar Pradesh. Renowned for its untouched chardham yatra natural beauty and spiritual significance, the state offers breathtaking views of the Himalayas and reflects a cultural ethos harmoniously intertwined with nature.
Pilgrimage Sites
Uttarakhand is a prominent pilgrimage destination as the source of the sacred rivers Ganga and Yamuna. It is home to the Char Dhams—Gangotri, Yamunotri, Kedarnath, and Badrinath—which are revered by Hindus. chardham tour packages Thousands of pilgrims visit these holy sites annually to pay homage.
Natural Beauty
The landscape is adorned with oaks, birches, silver firs, and rhododendrons, creating a pristine and idyllic environment.
Major Festivals
Uttarakhand’s festivals are vibrant and colorful:
- Basant Panchami: Celebrates the onset of spring, with devotees wearing yellow and worshipping Goddess Saraswati.
- Makar Sankranti: Marked by holy dips in rivers, Uttarayani fairs, and the celebration of Ghughutia or Kale Kauva.
- Kumbh Mela: A massive Hindu pilgrimage held in Haridwar, where millions gather to bathe in the Ganga.
- Nanda Devi Festival: Held in September, featuring processions of Goddess Nanda Devi.
- Phool Dei: A festival chardham yatra package where young girls offer good wishes for household prosperity.
- Other festivals include Purnagiri Mela, Syalde Bhikhauti Mela, Uttarakhandi Holi, Harela and Bhitauli Festival, Hill Jatra, Kangdali Festival, Bissu Mela, and Magh Mela.
Adventure Activities
The state’s location at the foothills of the Himalayas makes it ideal for adventure activities:
- Water Sports: Rivers offer opportunities for activities like rafting.
- Skiing: Winter snowfall provides excellent skiing conditions.
- Trekking: Popular routes include Dodital, Kedarnath, Kauri Pass, Bedni Bugyal, and Roop Kund.
- Paragliding: Best spots include Mukteswar and Ranikhet.
- River Rafting and Bungee Jumping: Especially in Rishikesh.
- Camping: Sites include Bhimtal, Chokuri, and Corbett National Park.
- Other activities: Zip-lining, canoeing, and kayaking.
Major Airports
- Jolly Grant Airport: Located 22 km southeast of Dehradun, it is the major airport in the state.
- Pant Nagar Airport: In the Kumaon region, handling domestic flights.
- Chakrata Air Force Base: Mainly used by the air force.
Traditional Dress
- Women: Long skirts (Ghagri) with a choli or odhni, and bridal gowns (Ghaghra Lehenga, Choli, and Pichora Ghaghra) adorned with silver and gold tatting. Married women often wear a black necklace (Chareu).
- Men: Typically wear kurta-dhoti or kurta-pajamas, with a turban as part of their traditional attire.
Local People
Uttarakhand’s people are warm and welcoming. The prominent ethnic groups include the Bhotias, Jaunsaries, Tharus, Bokshas, and Rajis. They speak Pahari, with Hindi also widely understood. Religion is integral to daily life, chardham yatra from haridwar with a mix of Buddhists and Hindus. Traditional dances such as Langvir Nritya, Dhurang, Pandav Nritya, Chholiya, Hurka Baul, and Jharva are popular, especially during fairs and festivals. The region is known for wood carving, Kumaoni and Garhwali art, handcrafted jewelry, basketry, woolen shawls, scarves, and rugs.
History
Uttarakhand, often called Dev Bhoomi, has been ruled by various dynasties including the Kushanas, Kudinas, Kanishka, Samudra Guptas, Pauravas, Katuris, Palas, Chandras, Pawaras, and the British. After India’s independence, the Tehri princely state was merged into Uttar Pradesh, with Uttarakhand comprising the Garhwal and Kumaon divisions. Agitations for a separate state led to the creation of Uttarakhand in 2000. The term “Uttaranchal” was briefly used but “Uttarakhand” remained the popular name.
Landscape
Uttarakhand is bordered by Nepal, Tibet, Uttar Pradesh, and Himachal Pradesh. The Nanda Devi Mountains divide the state into Kumaon and Garhwal regions, each offering stunning scenery. The state capital is Dehradun, the largest city. Prominent Himalayan peaks in Uttarakhand include Kedarnath, Trishul, and Bandarpunch. Major rivers such as the Ganga, Yamuna, Ramganga, and Sharada flow through the state.
Uttarakhand remains a place of divine beauty and spiritual tranquility, attracting nature lovers and pilgrims alike.