Uttarakhand Culture : Architecture, Music, Dance, Customs, etc.

Uttarakhand Culture : Architecture and Monuments

Kothi-Bagan Architecture

Uttarakhand Culture : This is a traditional construction technique in Uttarakhand that has been passed down generations. The construction considers seismic activity, climate, native materials and cultural landscape. The oldest temples are built using this technique which has led to a vernacular prototype called Kath Bagan (cator and cribbage) Architecture.

Materials Used

The primary materials used are stone (igneous), wood and slate (metamorphic). Stone like granite with good compression strength is used in foundations. Walls have alternating layers of stone and wood, with the wooden layers interlocked in the corners. Deodar/Kali wood is used for walls, flooring and roofing. Slate is used as a waterproof roofing material.

Construction Technique

Courses are laid with outer layer of rubble masonry and wood alternately. The walls are thick with a cavity inside. After each rubble masonry layer is a wooden layer interlocked using dovetail joints. The courses continue to ceiling height. The cavity is filled with smaller stones for insulation.

Applications

Commonly employed in construction of residences. Farmers would keep cattle on ground floor to heat upper floors. Next level used as granary, top floors designed as living spaces to get sunlight. Temples also showcase excellent craftsmanship and ornamental designs.

Advantages

Sustainable, uses local materials, earthquake resistant, insulated, energy efficient, employs local craftspeople.

Decline

With modern materials delivering faster construction, traditional techniques lost relevance. Also, deforestation bans made sourcing of wood difficult.

Settlement Patterns and House Types

Despite varying topography, villages follow definite patterns located on small flat lands or low valley sides safe from landslides and avalanches. Settlements are generally near springs or water holes.

Types of Settlements

Two broad types:

1. Nucleated: Community groups clustered together
2. Dispersed: Isolated farmsteads separated by hedges/walls

Some twin village settlements have houses both on valley (used in winter) and ridges (summer).

House Types

1. ‘A’ type: Larger, 2-3 storey houses of village heads and upper castes. Livestock in separate sheds.
2. ‘B’ type: Smaller 2 storey houses of lower castes. Ground floor for storage and cattle, first floor for living.
3. ‘C’ type: Single storey houses of lower castes.

The layout has no defined street pattern. Open drying areas in front called Angan. Cattle sheds near houses or on lower slopes.

Uttarakhand Culture : Music and Dance

Folk Songs

Uttarakhand Culture : Simple songs largely derived from the peaceful natural environs. Themes linked to agricultural activities, socio-economic issues like natural disasters and ill-treatment. Some narrate bravery stories and legends. Women sing these while working. Different styles performed in groups, sometimes with dances like “Jhoda” and “Thadya”.

Folk Dances

Mainly for entertainment, praise of deities. Performed in groups, named after songs they’re set to.

Religious dances like that of ‘Pashwa’ who carries local deity’s power, dances to ‘Jagari’ songs.

Social group dances like ‘Thadiya’, ‘Chauffulla’, ‘Holi’ etc. have rich social traditions and joys. ‘Thadiya’ has dancers tied together dancing in a semi-circle. ‘Chauffulla’ shows life’s balance of joy and hardship.

Local Customs and Traditions

Pahari Culture

The locals are known as Paharis, meaning hill folk. Their culture is shaped by the geography and history. They are known to be simple, brave and honest. Family ties are strong.

Cuisine

Food is simple yet nourishing to suit the hilly terrain. Mainly vegetables, lentils and some meat. Lot of use of milk and milk products.

Clothing

Traditional clothing for women is ghagra/pichora, kurta/choli and odhni. Men wear kurta-dhoti/pyjama and long coats. Woolens extensively used to beat the cold.

Fairs & Festivals

Fairs and festivals allow social and cultural mingling. People make pilgrimage to holy shrines and temples. Mythological tales and folklores come alive through folk theater and songs.

Sports & Martial Arts

Locals actively practice martial arts like Thangta and archery. Village youth participate in sports like kabaddi, kho-kho, volleyball.

Uttarakhand Culture : Fairs and Festivals

1. Bhitauli and Harela
   • Harela marks the start of the monsoon season, celebrating the wedding of Lord Shiva and Parvati.
   • Followed by Bhitauli in the month of Chaitra, focusing on farming rituals and the exchange of gifts between brothers and sisters.
2. Phool Dei
   • Celebrating the harvest season, Phool Dei involves making ceremonial puddings and adorning homes with blossoms.
3. Kandali
   • Honoring the defeat of Zorawar Singh’s army, this festival is celebrated by the Rung tribe every 12 years with folk music and dances.
4. Bissu
   • A week-long celebration by the Jaunsari tribe, expressing gratitude for a bountiful harvest, accompanied by folk music and traditional garments.
5. Egaas
   • Celebrated 11 days after Diwali, Egaas involves indulgences, folk dances, and illuminating homes, symbolizing Lord Rama’s return.
6. Harela Festival
   • Celebrated in Chaitra (March) to welcome Spring season. People prepare yellow rice with aromatic herbs and sprouted seeds.
7. Nanda Devi Raj Jat
   • The region’s biggest religious event held once every 12 years. Nanda Devi, patron goddess of Uttarakhand is worshipped.
8. Gauchar Fair
   • One of Asia’s biggest cattle fairs held in November. Apart from trade, there’s cultural programs like folk songs and dances.
9. Phool Dei
   • Falls on first day of Chaitra (March). People decorate their houses with flowers and flora. Special sweetmeats are made.

Cuisine

Uttarakhand Culture : The cuisine of Uttarakhand is suitable for its cold climate and mountainous region. It uses a lot of dairy products, vegetables and some meat. The flavourful food prepared from fresh ingredients is simple yet very nourishing.

Common Food Items

• Kafuli – A preparation of spinach and fenugreek leaves
• Aloo ke Gutke – A gravy dish made from potatoes
• Bhatt ki Churkani – Black soyabean dish
• Phaanu – Black chickpeas cooked with yoghurt/tomatoes
• Dubuk – A dish made from tender bamboo shoots
• Jholi – Lentils cooked with rice
• Bal Mithai – A sweet fudge-like confectionery
• Singori – Sweetened fresh cheese dumplings in syrup

The cuisine also has many types of breads like Gehat ki Roti, Mandua ki Roti etc. as well as pickles and chutneys. Beverages like Chaas (buttermilk), Bhang (made from cannabis) and alcoholic drinks like Sura and Jhingora are quite popular.