eUttarakhand

Teelu Rauteli  (born  Tilottama Devi ) was a  Garhwali  warrior and  folk heroine  who lived in Kanda Malla village (present day Bironkhal) in  Pauri Garhwal  district  of  Uttarakhand ,  India  during the seventeenth century.   She is credited with fighting seven wars between the ages of fifteen and twenty. Rauteli was born in the latter half of the 17th century. She is probably the only female warrior in the world who fought seven wars, starting at age fifteen. She was one of the three children of Bhoop Singh (Gorla) Rawat. The others were her brothers Bhagtu and Pathwa. At age fifteen, her engagement was finalized with Bhuppa Singh Negi from Ida talla village (Near Srikotkhal) in  Pauri Garhwal district . In those days, Katyuri warriors were continuously attacking the  Garhwal Kingdom . After a few days the annual kauthig (country fair) was organised in Kanda, Rauteli wished to attend. She was u...

Kishan Mahipal (1 January 1979) A folk singer from the remote mountainous region of Uttarakhand. Seeing the melodiousness of his voice to the traditional local folk songs of Uttarakhand, today he created a different identity among the singers of Uttarakhand-cinema. Singer, lyricist, director, talented artiste Kishan Mahipal. The first favorite of the youth, Uttarakhandi has risen to the heights of music in the last few years. Kishan Mahipal is born in a Bhotia family from Indradhara village (Badrinath, Uttarakhand) . His childhood name is Ramesh. His mother Smt. Jetti Devi is a homemaker and father late. Mr. Narayan Singh was a farmer. After completing his high level studies, Kishan completed his M.Com Accounts and MA Economics from Gopeshwar Chamoli. He was also the Student Leader of PG College (JC) in the year 2003. Kishan had more interest in music since childhood, so he used to give his presentations in annual function and cultural programs.

Uttarakhand was the original name of the state, derived from the sanskrit word. It was referred to as "Uttar Khand/Kedarkhand" in Purana, as well as early Hindu scriptures. The name Uttaranchal was given by BJP when they constituted a separate State Reorganization Committee in 1998. However the name change didn't go down too well with many activists and political leaders. The bill for name change from Uttaranchal to Uttarakhand passed in 2006 and finally the name changed legally in January 2007. There was widespread support from the activists of the statehood movement. So it can be said that it was reverting back to the original name.

The spirit of gratitude is seen in abundance in the people of Uttarakhand, their fairs and festivals clearly display their thankful hearts and zeal to conserve the surroundings. In early days when the means of transport was scarce, relatives living far away from each other found fairs and festivals as an ideal opportunity to greet each other. In Uttarakhand, people welcome each season with a grateful heart and organize several large scale festivals around the state. Fairs and festivals in Uttarakhand are a way of life, the people of the state equally rejoice for small and big accomplishment, always paying respect to nature's abundance and nurturing the bond of unconditional love amongst each other. The agricultural bounty was another reason for people to celebrate; whereas, the moving of the Sun from the southern hemisphere to the north also gives the people a chance to make merry. Being the Earthly Abode for Gods; the state celebrates few festivals that are exclusive to the...

Chander Singh Rahi Ji (born Chander Singh Negi, 28 March 1942 – 10 January 2016) was a prominent folk singer, balladeer, musician, poet, storyteller, and cultural conservator from  Uttarakhand , India. In recognition of his deep devotion to the music and culture of Uttarakhand, he has been described as the " Bhishma Pitamah  of Uttarakhand folk music". Rahi Ji learned the foundations of  Pahari  music, including age-old traditional songs, musical instruments, and the cultural practices associated with the music of the  Himalayas , early in life. As a child, he accompanied his father on traditional musical instruments, including the thakuli, the damru, and the huruki. Rahi learned Indian classical music with Keshav Anuragi and his guru, Bachan Singh, much later in his adult life. Rahi Ji made his singing career debut on the  All India Radio  (AIR) Delhi station on 13 March 1963, on a program for army personnel, with the song "Par vee...

The Jaunsar-Bawar region, is a valley, spread over 1002 km² and 398 villages(villages near Sahiya market Alsi, Sakani, Kanbua and Kakadi) in villages Sakani there are living 27 family(Benan, Thanaw, Mirjan, Negan and Baliyan),  between 77.45' and 78.7'20" East to 30.31' and 31.3'3" North.  It is defined in the east, by the river  Yamuna  and by river  Tons  in the west, the northern part comprises  Uttarkashi district , and some parts of  Himachal Pradesh , the  Dehradun  tehsil forms its southern periphery. Jaunsar- Bawar was Part of Garhwal Kingdom. It is the border area of Garhwal so it was captured sometime by Sirmaur rules. But Garhwal Kings defeated Sirmaur and again Jaunsar-Bawar became part of Garhwal. We can still experience Sirmaur language words in Jaunsari. And Garhwali surname in Jaunsar. In 1829, Jaunsar-Bawar was incorporated in  Chakrata  tehsil, prior to which it had been a part of Punjab state of...

Uttrakhand is one of the most beautiful states of North India. It has been blessed with a rich and diverse culture. From beautiful traditional nathuli to elegant kundals/bali, the traditional jewellery of Uttrakhand shows the simplicity of its surrounding nature and a rich mythology. Here’s everything you need to know about the traditional jewellery of Uttrakhand. Nathuli Worn by the women of Garhwal, Kumaon and Jaunsar-Bawar region of Uttarakhand, Nathuli or Nath is the staple jewellery for Pahari women. Adorned widely by the Pahari brides, the nath or nose ring is a must-have jewellery piece in the bride’s attire. Nathuli or Nath not only showcases the rich culture of Garhwal region of Uttrakhand but it has also become a fashion statement. Nowadays, Nath is adorned by most of the Pahari and non-Pahari brides alike. The number of pearls in the Nath signifies the financial status of the bride’s family. Tehri Nath is one of the most distinguished jewellery pieces of...