Culture of Tehri Garhwal District in Uttarakhand
Culture of Tehri Garhwal
Culture of Tehri Garhwal : Languages and Dialects
Garhwali Language
Culture of Tehri Garhwal : Garhwali language is the main language spoken in Tehri Garhwal district. It is an Indo-Aryan language, belonging to the Central Pahari subgroup. Some key features of Garhwali language:
- Derived from Sanskrit and has been influenced by Hindi over time
- Written in the Devanagari script
- Main dialects spoken in the district are Jaunpuriya, Gangapariya, Nagpuriya, Dasolya etc.
Jaunpuriya – Spoken in regions close to Kumaun region. Has heavy Kumauni influences.
Gangapariya – Spoken in Tehri Garhwal district along the Bhagirathi river valley.
Nagpuriya – Spoken in Nagpur patti of Chamoli district, adjoining Tehri Garhwal.
Dasolya – Spoken in Dasoli patti, near Nagpur patti.
The Uttarakhand government has taken various measures to promote Sanskrit education in the state. Sanskrit is the second official language of the state. There are over 90 Sanskrit schools/colleges in the state.
Folk Music and Dance Forms
Culture of Tehri Garhwal : Tehri Garhwal has a vibrant culture, reflected in its folk music and dance. Some prominent folk music and dance forms are:
Music
Jagar – A unique form of devotional folk music, dedicated to local deities and spirits. Involves all-night singing and dancing.
Jhumeila – Lively folk songs sung during festivals like Harela, Bhitauli, Bhai-Behan Ka Mela. Performed by groups.
Basanti – Songs celebrating the arrival of spring season.
Mangal – Auspicious songs sung during marriages and other ceremonies.
Khuded – Melancholic songs reflecting the pain of separation of lovers.
Dance
Chanchari – A traditional folk dance performed by women wearing long colorful skirts.
Jhainta – Dance performed by men during Holi festival using swords and shields.
Thadya – A ceremonial folk dance performed during weddings and festivals.
Bhotiya Dance – Performed by tribal Bhotiya community wearing colorful costumes.
Pandav Nritya – A folk dance-drama tracing origins to Mahabharata legends.
Ramola – Energetic dance performed by singers dressed as clowns during festivals.
The music and dances depict the cultural ethos of the simple hill folk. The costumes and themes often highlight local deities, spirits, flora and fauna.
Cuisine
Culture of Tehri Garhwal : The Garhwali cuisine is simple yet nutritious, shaped by the terrain, climate and locally available ingredients. Some signature dishes are:
Aaloo Ke Gutke – A spicy potato curry tempered with red chili and coriander.
Kaapa – A preparation made from colocasia leaves found abundantly in hills.
Bhaang Chutney – Chutney made from bhang/hemp seeds and mint.
Kandalee Ka Saag – Delicious spinach curry made with local hill garlic.
Phaanu – A sweet dish made by roasting flour or rice flour in ghee.
Dubuk, Mangodi, Thhatwani – Snacks for tea made with black beans or moong/urad dal.
Bal Mithai – A fudge-like sweet made from roasted khoya and coated with sugar balls.
The cuisine makes abundant use of milk, curd and ghee along with local spices like jimbu (hill onion) and herbs. The food is simple yet rejuvenating for the hilly terrain.
Fairs and Festivals
Culture of Tehri Garhwal : The district has a vibrant culture reflected in the numerous fairs and festivals celebrated with enthusiasm:
Harela – Marking arrival of monsoons and greenery. People plant saplings and enjoy cultural programs.
Ganga Dusshera – Celebrating the descent of Ganga river. Special aarti offered at temples.
Nanda Devi Raj Jat Yatra – Celebrating Nanda Devi, the patron goddess of Uttarakhand once in 12 years.
Phool Dei – Marking the beginning of spring. People decorate doors with flowers and enjoy festive foods.
Bissu Fair – At Agastyamuni temple. Celebrates folk hero Bissu Veer who fought tyranny.
Magh Mela – At Triyuginarayan temple. Commemorates Lord Shiva and Parvati’s marriage.
Holi – The colorful spring festival celebrated with great pomp. People sing, dance and make merry.
The lively festivals showcase the cultural and spiritual ethos of the simple hill folk. They provide a vivid glimpse into enduring traditions.
Arts and Crafts
Culture of Tehri Garhwal : Tehri Garhwal is renowned for its vibrant tradition of arts and crafts, passed down generations. Some signature handicrafts are:
Wood Carving – Intricate wood work on items like boxes, jewelry, frames using walnut, pine and deodar wood.
Basket Weaving – Colorful hand-woven baskets called Dokos, Tokris etc. made from ringal bamboo.
Metal Craft – Articles made by skilled craftsmen from brass, copper and iron. Items like vessels, jewelry, decorative pieces.
Woolen Crafts – Luxurious hand-knitted woolens like shawls, caps, socks, jackets. Made from sheep wool.
Paintings – Pahari miniature style paintings depicting deities, nature scenes made on paper and cloth.
Stone Craft – Beautiful stone idols of deities, jewelry boxes, coasters made from soft soapstone.
Textiles – Bright handloom fabrics like woolen pankhis, blankets, tweeds made on traditional looms.
The wide repertoire of arts and crafts bear testimony to the creative spirit of the district’s skilled artisans. Their ingenious creations have won global recognition.
Conclusion of Culture of Tehri Garhwal
Culture of Tehri Garhwal : The remote Himalayan district of Tehri Garhwal has a unique culture – simple yet vibrant. Its enduring traditions, arts, music and warm hospitality showcase the essence of authentic Garhwali culture. The hardy hill folk have not only adapted their lifestyles to the terrain but also infused vibrancy in their cultural traditions. Their festivals, food, music and handicrafts provide a fascinating glimpse into Garhwali culture. Despite modern influences, the folk retain deep pride in their cultural roots. The lively culture promises to thrive and sustain its unique identity.
FAQs of Culture of Tehri Garhwal
Q: What languages are spoken in Tehri Garhwal district?
A: The main language spoken is Garhwali. Sanskrit is also promoted in the state. Local dialects include Jaunpuriya, Gangapariya, Nagpuriya and Dasolya.
Q: What kind of folk music and dances originate from Tehri Garhwal?
A: Prominent folk music forms are Jagar, Jhumeila, Basanti, Mangal and Khuded. Famous dances are Chanchari, Jhainta, Thadya, Bhotiya Dance and Pandav Nritya.
Q: What are some signature Garhwali cuisine dishes from the district?
A: Signature dishes are Aaloo Ke Gutke, Kaapa made with colocasia leaves, Bhaang Chutney, Kandalee Ka Saag made from local hill garlic and sweet dish Phaanu.
Q: What are the major fairs and festivals of Tehri Garhwal?
A: Major festivals celebrated are Harela, Ganga Dusshera, Nanda Devi Raj Jat Yatra, Phool Dei, Bissu Fair at Agastyamuni temple and Magh Mela at Triyuginarayan.
Q: What handicrafts is Tehri Garhwal district famous for?
A: Tehri Garhwal is renowned for wood carving, basket weaving, metal craft, woolen crafts, Pahari miniature style paintings and soft soapstone craft.
