Uttaranchal
is one of the most beautiful and enchanting region located on the northern part
of India on the valley of Himalayas. The State, which was curved out of Uttar Pradesh got the statehood in the year 2001. Ganga, Yamuna and scores of other
rivers originate in Uttaranchal. Among them Ganga is the most holy and prominent
as she represents the soul of India - her rich culture, history and
civilization. In Sanskrit the name 'Himalaya' means Abode of Snow, truly
characterizing the vast permanent snow fields above the snow line. In the heart
of these majestic mountains lies the state of 'Uttaranchal' with Kumaon region
in its east and Garhwal in the west. The Corbett National Park and Tiger Reserve
and the nearby hill-stations of Nainital, Mussoorie, Almora and Ranikhet being
among the most frequented destinations of India. To this region, long called
"abode of the gods" (Devbhoomi), also belong some of the holiest Hindu shrines,
and for more than a thousand years, pilgrims
have been visiting the temples at Haridwar, Badrinath, Kedarnath and Jageshwar in the hope of salvation and
purification from sin. Rishikesh near Haridwar has the major spiritual and yoga
centers of India. Gangotri and Yamunotri, the sources of both the Ganges and
Yamuna also fall in this region and are revered by many. Besides these most
popular pilgrim centres, the state has an abundance of temples and shrines,
references to most of which can be found in Hindu scriptures and legends. The
architecture of most of these temples is typical of the region and slightly
different from other parts of India, the ancient temples at Jageshwar being the
most prominent for their distinct architectural features.
Art
of Uttranchal
Art and Architecture of Uttaranchal is the first ever comprehensive study on the
art and arachitectural legacy of the newly formed hill state of Uttaranchal.
This mountainous state can proudly beast of being that part of the subcontinent
wherefrom the Indian Civilisation development and proliferated to the pan-Indian
demension. In fact, the Kadarkhand, the classical identity of this region,
formed an integral part of the Aryavart of the Bharat. Since the first
settlement of the Indo-Aryans in the Gangetic Plains, the snow-clad Himalayan
ranges of Ka\edarkhand have been the source of perpetual attraction and
inspiration to the multitude of humanity the world over. This region has been
the grand repository of diverse cultures since the Khaha and Kirati cultures
intermingled here ages ago. And, as the wheels of time rolled by innumerable
ethno-cultural milieus developed, frlourished and vanished here. The imprpints
of all those past identities are still buried under the substratum o
Culture of Uttranchal
Every day at Parmarth Niketan there are numerous yoga and meditation classes.
These range from hatha yoga to Yoga Nidra to special
meditation classes. Some of the classes are in English, for our frequent Western
guests and others are others are in Hindi. Details are given in the schedule of
events, Also there are frequent yoga camps and meditation camps, including.
Uttaranchal is one of the most beautiful and enchanting region located on the
northern part of India on the valley of Himalayas. The State, which was curved
out of Uttar Pradesh got the statehood in the year 2001. Nature has endowed this
land with so much beauty and spiritual bliss that it is also known as Dev Bhoomi
the Land of Gods. Ganga, Yamuna and scores of other rivers originate in
Uttaranchal. Among them Ganga is the most holy and prominent as she represents
the soul of India - her rich culture, history and civilization. In Sanskrit the
name 'Himalaya' means Abode of Snow, truly characterizing the vast Deoli
permanent
snow fields above the snow line. In the heart of these majestic mountains lies
the state of 'Uttaranchal' with Kumaon region in its east and Garhwal in the
west. Culture of Uttaranchal The Culture of Uttaranchal has its roots in
pre-history and has passed through the millennia, assimilating the influences of
the waves upon waves of settlers that have sought sanctuary in the mountains.
The essence of the past, however, has remained unchanged, with reverence for
Nature and the celebration of life being its fundamental creed. The arts,
crafts, dance and music remain centered to this day on the many gods and
goddesses, as well as the seasonal cycles. Irrespective of the sect or religion,
the entire community participates in the festivals associated with religious or
natural events. Of late, other events associated with history, the freedom
struggle and national life have also begun to be celebrated. The Culture of
Uttaranchal finds manifestation in the lifestyle of its people.
Music
and Dance
The Himalayas have inspired generations of singers, dancers, and musicians
throughout the ages. The natural beauty of the mountains—which inspires a deep
spirituality—and the harshness of life—which darkens the heart with adversity
and anguish—have invigorated Uttarakhandi music, heightening its poignancy and
enriching its lyrical texture. The Grahwal and Kumaonese are fond of music, folk
dance, and songs accompanied by local musical instruments. They go from place to
place narrating folklores, dancing and singing the praise of their gods and
goddesses. During fairs and festivals and at harvest time, the Kumaonese often
dance the Jharva, Chandhur Chhapalior, and many other forms of folk dances.
Major dance forms of the Garhwal region are Langvir Nritya, Barada Nati folk
dance, Pandava Nritya, Dhurang, Dhuring and Chhura, Chapeli (folk dances).
Fairs and
Festivals of Uttaranchal
The
religious, social and cultural urges of the people of Uttaranchal find an
expression in various fairs, which are in turn closely linked to the economic
activities of the region. Various folk songs and dances have been kept alive
because of these fairs. In older times, when means of transport were not so good
these fairs were an opportunity for friends and relatives to meet regularly.
Inspite of all the changes in our society, the tradition of fairs has been kept
up by the people. The fairs of Jauljibi, Thal and Bageshwar have been closely
linked with the trading activities of the people of this region, while the fairs
at Dwarahat, Syalde and Devidhura are important from the religious and cultural
point of view.
The
fairs and folk festivals of Uttaranchal are very colourful and distinctive, and
are the blend of various natural, social and cultural factors. The people of
Uttaranchal also celebrate all the major Indian festivals. Basant Panchami,
Bhitauli, Harela, Phooldei, Batsavitri, Ganga Dusshera, Dikar Puja, Olgi or Ghee
Sankranti, Khatarua, Ghuian Ekadashi and Ghughutia are some of the major
festivals of Uttaranchal.
The
daily lives of Uttaranchali women are crowded with a never-ending succession of
festivals, most of them involving fasts and the preparation of special foods.
Uttranchal Adventure Sports
Uttranchal is a paradise for adventure sports. The Sheer varity ranging from
mountaineering ( Bhagirathi, Chowkhamba, Nanda Devi, Sahastrataal, Khatling,
Gaumukh), Trekking, Skiing ( Auli,Dyara Bugyal, Mundali),
Skating, Water Sports ( in all the lakes and rivers in Garhwal) to aero sports
like Hang Gliding, Para Gliding (Jolly Grant, Pauri, Mussoorie) make Garhwal one
of the most attractive destinations for adventure sports not only in the india
but the world over.
Uttranchal
Wild Life
Travel to Uttaranchal, the land abundant with some of the rare species of flora
and fauna. Uttaranchal boasts of quite a few national parks and sanctuaries. All
of them have been bestowed by nature with its bounty. Come, explore the
exquisite forest life of Uttaranchal with us. The range of animal species found
here are just immense. One can find here species from the plains, alpine region,
aquatic region, etc. all at the same place. One can see numerous rare species
like snow leopard, yak, Himalayan tahr, Himalayan black bear, Himalayan musk
deer, etc. which are rare to find elsewhere in India. Travel to the wildlife
reserves of Corbett and Nanda Devi and observe them in the natural habitats.
There are major Park in uttaranchal
· Corbet National Park
· Nanda Devi National Park
· Raja Ji National Park
Uttaranchal
is one of the most beautiful and enchanting region located on the northern part
of India on the valley of Himalayas. The State, which was curved out of Uttar Pradesh got the statehood in the year 2001. Ganga, Yamuna and scores of other
rivers originate in Uttaranchal. Among them Ganga is the most holy and prominent
as she represents the soul of India - her rich culture, history and
civilization. In Sanskrit the name 'Himalaya' means Abode of Snow, truly
characterizing the vast permanent snow fields above the snow line. In the heart
of these majestic mountains lies the state of 'Uttaranchal' with Kumaon region
in its east and Garhwal in the west. The Corbett National Park and Tiger Reserve
and the nearby hill-stations of Nainital, Mussoorie, Almora and Ranikhet being
among the most frequented destinations of India. To this region, long called
"abode of the gods" (Devbhoomi), also belong some of the holiest Hindu shrines,
and for more than a thousand years, pilgrims
have been visiting the temples at Haridwar, Badrinath, Kedarnath and Jageshwar in the hope of salvation and
purification from sin. Rishikesh near Haridwar has the major spiritual and yoga
centers of India. Gangotri and Yamunotri, the sources of both the Ganges and
Yamuna also fall in this region and are revered by many. Besides these most
popular pilgrim centres, the state has an abundance of temples and shrines,
references to most of which can be found in Hindu scriptures and legends. The
architecture of most of these temples is typical of the region and slightly
different from other parts of India, the ancient temples at Jageshwar being the
most prominent for their distinct architectural features.
Art
of Uttranchal
meditation classes. Some of the classes are in English, for our frequent Western
guests and others are others are in Hindi. Details are given in the schedule of
events, Also there are frequent yoga camps and meditation camps, including. 
Music
and Dance 
Uttranchal
Wild Life
