uttarakhand

The culture in Uttarakhand basically is a blend of its people’s traditional ethics, moral values, simplicity of nature and the region’s rich mythology, and ancient, roots. The locals here are divided into 2 main regions and are better recognized as either Kumaoni (Inhabitants of Kumaon region cities and towns) or Garhwali (Inhabitants of Garhwal region cities and towns).

A large part of the population follows Hinduism here, and so most of the pilgrimage sites and devotional centres are Hindu worship places. Folk dance and folk music are sabundant here, especially during Hindu festivals. Uttarakhand’s popular folk-dance forms include: Barada Nati, Bhotiya Dance, Chancheri, Chhapeli, Choliya Dance, Jagars, Jhora, Langvir Dance, Langvir Nritya, Pandav Nritya, Ramola, Shotiya Tribal Folk Dances, Thali-Jadda, and Jhainta which are performed on various occasions in the state, along with local folk music.   

Hindi is the official language of Uttarakhand – It is spoken natively by more than 40% of the population and but is also understood throughout the state.

Sanskrit, additionally, was declared a second official language as Uttarakhand has many devotional sites to which this historic and classical language is special.

Other regional languages spoken in Uttarakhand are Garhwali (in the western part of the state) and Kumaoni (in the western part of the state).