Religious customs, a richness of wildlife heritage, exotic mountains makes Uttarakhand a perfect representation of Indian cultural tradition. Uttarakhand has a cultured and colourful society. Uttarakhand has everything that any tourist could want.
The Uttarakhand culture is its history, people, religion and dances. All of them are a beautiful amalgamation of different influences from all the races and dynasties it has been ruled by. Its history is chequered in comparison to the arts culture but still interesting enough to hold a person’s consideration. Its dances are connected to life and human existence and exhibit myriad human emotions. Any trip to this tranquil will be incomplete unless you explore the wonderful culture and lifestyle of the local people. The religious, social and cultural urges of the people of Uttarakhand find an expression in various fairs and festivals, which are in turn closely linked to the social and economic activities of the region.
Kumaon:
The word Kumaon is believed to have been derived from "Kurmanchal," meaning land of the Kurmavatar (the tortoise incarnation of Lord Vishnu, Preserver of the Hindu Trinity). The region extends from the northern end of the Gangetic plains right up to Tibet. The snow-clad mountains, crystal-clear lakes, and the plethora of flora and fauna not only enable one to constantly think about the Himalayas but to behold their pristine magnificence time and again.
Kumaon hills provide a vast attraction for the tourists, trekkers, and pilgrims. The beautiful scenery and the colourful cultural life of Pithoragarh, Mukteshwar, Chaukori, Binsar, Kausani, Sitalakhet, Champawat, besides many other popular hill stations, are waiting to be discovered.
Music and Dance:
Music is integrated to every nook of Uttarakhand society. The aura of this mountainous region is such that it had inspired musicians to compose wonderful tunes. Mighty streams of rivers, the lushness of the pine forests, rugged mountain peaks, celestial beauties of hill stations-all these became themes of numerous musicals composition. The folk music primarily is related to the various festivals, religious traditions, folk stories and simple life of the people of Uttarakhand.
Food and Dining:
Generally, the people of Uttarakhand are very simple and gentle as well as they have very simple, yet delicious cuisines. The food from Uttarakhand is known to be healthy and nutritious. It is a high protein diet that makes heavy use of pulses, soybeans and vegetables. The food is nutritious as well as tasty. Uttarakhand cuisines suit the high-energy necessities of the cold and tough mountainous region. The primary food of Uttarakhand includes vegetables, though the non-veg food is also served and savoured by many. The primary characteristics of the Uttarakhand cuisine is milk. Many Milk-based products are sparingly used here. Culture and Tradition of Uttarakhand develops a big impact on food and dining here.
Festivals:
The Uttarakhand grab every opportunity to celebrate almost all the festivals of India in the same way as the rest of Indian states do. Women especially participate in this gaga of the festivals: fasting, cuing the festival processions, cooking foods etc stimulates the excitement of the festive seasons. Holi, Diwali, Navratri, Christmas, Durgotsav are the time of gala celebrations for the people of this region.
Arts and Crafts:
Beautiful art and craft of Uttarakhand have been being embellished for many centuries. This state is also an excellent hub to witness some of the finest items of art and craft. The variety of these items is a testimony to the state’s rich cultural traditions. While on a Uttarakhand tour to the cities and towns of Uttarakhand, you can also plan to have a peek into the exemplary craftsmanship, which one of the key features of the state. By exploring these art and craft items, you’ll be able to experience the artistic inclination of the people of the state. The beautiful Culture and tradition of Uttarakhand are being cherished by various arts and crafts like painting, wood carving, jewellery making, candle making and decorative temples etc.