Uttarakhand : A Northern Gem

Located in northern India, Uttarakhand shares borders with Himachal Pradesh to the northwest, Tibet (China) to the northeast, Nepal to the southeast, and Uttar Pradesh to the south.

On November 9, 2000, the state was carved out of Uttar Pradesh and became India's 27th state, initially named Uttaranchal. Later, its name was changed to Uttarakhand, derived from:

Uttara (उत्तर) = North
Khand (खण्ड) = Division or Region

Thus, Uttarakhand means "Northern Region" or "Northern Division."







The state is divided into two main administrative regions:

  1. Kumaon Region
  2. Garhwal Region

This blog focuses on Garhwal, which comprises seven districts:

  • Chamoli
  • Dehradun
  • Haridwar
  • Pauri Garhwal
  • Rudraprayag
  • Tehri Garhwal
  • Uttarkashi





The people of Garhwal are known as Garhwalis, speaking the Garhwali language. This region is also revered as Kedarkhand, meaning "Land of Gods," due to its rich mythology and Puranic heritage.

Geography of Garhwal



Garhwal, a region in Uttarakhand, comprises rugged mountain ranges, narrow valleys, and fertile lands. It spans an area of 5,629 square miles.


Etymology and Mythology



The name "Garhwal" is derived from:


- Garh (गढ़) - Fort/Stronghold
- Wal (वाल) - Valley/Region


Meaning: Fortified Valley or Country of Forts


According to mythological stories, Garhwal is also known as:



- Kedar Khand (Skanda Purana)
- Land of Gods
- Land of Shiva


Legend has it that the Pandavas passed through Garhwal in search of the gate of heaven. The door of heaven (Swarga) is believed to be situated in Garhwal, where Yudhishthira, the youngest Pandava, alone reached heaven.


Rivers of Garhwal



Here are 11 famous rivers in the Garhwal region:



  1. Alaknanda
  2. Bhagirathi
  3. Ganga
  4. Mandakini & Nandakini
  5. Gori & Kali Ganga
  6. Pindar
  7. Saryu
  8. Ramganga
  9. Tons
  10. Yamuna
  11. Dhauliganga


History and Dynasties



Garhwal was ruled by three dynasties:



1. Katyuri Dynasty
2. Chand Dynasty
3. Shah Dynasty


British Era



After the Anglo-Nepalese War:


  • Treaty of Sugauli (1816)
  • Kumaon Commissionary established
  • District information and development initiatives

Cultural Festivals of Garhwal



Garhwal, a region in Uttarakhand, is renowned for its vibrant cultural heritage. The Garhwali people, known for their innocence and devotion to Hinduism, celebrate numerous festivals throughout the year. Here are some of the most famous and well-known festivals:



  • Makar Sankranti (Ghee Sankranti or Gendi Kauthik) : Celebrated on January 14th, this festival marks the beginning of the sun's journey towards the northern hemisphere.
  • Kumbh Mela : A globally recognized festival, Kumbh Mela is a massive gathering of devotees, sadhus, and tourists.
  • Pandav Leela : This festival reenacts the mythological story of the Pandavas through amateur dance, singing, and drama.
  • Nanda Devi Raj Jat : A significant yatra (pilgrimage) dedicated to Goddess Parvati, where devotees escort the goddess back to Kailash Parvat.
  • Basant Panchami (Panchami Mela): Celebrated with kite-flying and traditional sweets like jalebi.
  • Harela (Bhitauli or Festival of Greenery): A celebration of nature's renewal.



Garhwali Cuisine



Garhwal's diverse cuisine reflects its rich cultural heritage. Some must-try dishes include:



  • Aalu ke Gutke : A spicy potato dish.
  • Kandeli ka Saag : A leafy green curry.
  • Dhabdi : A traditional Garhwali flatbread.
  • Baadi : A type of fermented rice cake.
  • Jholi Bhaat : A flavorful rice dish.



Historical Temples in Garhwal



Garhwal is home to numerous ancient temples, including:



  • Tarkeshwar Temple
  • Jwalpa Devi Temple
  • Sidhbali Temple
  • Ekeshwar Temple
  • Dhari Devi Temple
  • Badrinath
  • Kedarnath
  • Gangotri
  • Yamunotri
  • Hemkunt Sahib

Garhwali Flora and Fauna



Garhwal is home to a diverse range of flora and fauna, including:



  • Trees : Deodar, Pine, Oak, Khair, and Babul.
  • Flowers : Buransh, Brahmakamal, Marigold, and Daisies.
  • Wildlife : Leopard, Black Bear, Musk Deer, Himalayan Black Bear, and Elephants.
  • Birds : Monal, Peacock, and various species, with 570 bird species found in the Kalagarh and Corbett reserves.



Traditional Music and Dance



Music and dance are integral to Garhwal's cultural identity:


  1. Jagar : Traditional folk song and dance, sung by Jagari, telling tales of Uttarakhand's gods like Narsingha, Bherav, and Sidha.
  1. Langvir Nritya : Stick dance performed during festivals.
  1. Chhapeli : Folk dance performed during weddings.
  1. Mangal : Famous wedding song.
  1. Dhol Damau : Traditional Garhwali music played on special occasions and festivals.



Historical Sites



Some notable historical sites in Garhwal include:


  • Lansdowne
  • Pauri
  • Tehri Garhwal
  • Chopta
  • Gopeshwar
  • Deoria Tal
  • Mussoorie



Famous Treks



Garhwal offers numerous trekking routes:



  • Rupin Pass
  • Valley of Flowers Trek
  • Bedni Bugyal Trek
  • Kedarnath Trek
  • Gangotri Gomukh Tapovan Trek
  • Satopanth Lake Trek
  • Nanda Devi Trek
  • Har Ki Dun Valley Trek

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