ART & CULTURE
ABOUT UTTARANCHAL
Uttaranchal is one of the most beautiful and enchanting region located on
the northern part of India on the valley of Himalayas. The State, which was
curved out of Uttar Pradesh got the statehood in the year 2001. Nature has
endowed this land with so much beauty and spiritual bliss that it is also
known as Dev Bhoomi the Land of Gods. Ganga, Yamuna and scores of other
rivers originate in Uttaranchal. Among them Ganga is the most holy and
prominent as she represents the soul of India - her rich culture, history
and civilization. In Sanskrit the name 'Himalaya' means Abode of Snow, truly
characterizing the vast permanent snow fields above the snow line. In the
heart of these majestic mountains lies the state of 'Uttaranchal' with
Kumaon region in its east and Garhwal in the west.
ART OF UTTARANCHAL
Art and Architecture of Uttaranchal is the first ever comprehensive study
on the art and arachitectural legacy of the newly formed hill state of
Uttaranchal. This mountainous state can proudly beast of being that part of
the subcontinent wherefrom the Indian Civilisation development and
proliferated to the pan-Indian demension. In fact, the Kadarkhand, the
classical identity of this region, formed an integral part of the Aryavart
of the Bharat. Since the first settlement of the Indo-Aryans in the Gangetic
Plains, the snow-clad Himalayan ranges of Ka\edarkhand have been the source
of perpetual attraction and inspiration to the multitude of humanity the
world over. This region has been the grand repository of diverse cultures
since the Khaha and Kirati cultures intermingled here ages ago. And, as the
wheels of time rolled by innumerable ethno-cultural milieus developed,
frlourished and vanished here. The imprpints of all those past identities
are still buried under the substratum o
CULTURE OF UTTARANCHAL
Every day at Parmarth Niketan there are numerous yoga and meditation
classes. These range from hatha yoga to Yoga Nidra to special meditation
classes. Some of the classes are in English, for our frequent Western guests
and others are others are in Hindi. Details are given in the schedule of
events, Also there are frequent yoga camps and meditation camps, including.
Uttaranchal is one of the most beautiful and enchanting region located on
the northern part of India on the valley of Himalayas. The State, which was
curved out of Uttar Pradesh got the statehood in the year 2001. Nature has
endowed this land with so much beauty and spiritual bliss that it is also
known as Dev Bhoomi the Land of Gods. Ganga, Yamuna and scores of other
rivers originate in Uttaranchal. Among them Ganga is the most holy and
prominent as she represents the soul of India - her rich culture, history
and civilization. In Sanskrit the name 'Himalaya' means Abode of Snow, truly
characterizing the vast permanent snow fields above the snow line. In the
heart of these majestic mountains lies the state of 'Uttaranchal' with
Kumaon region in its east and Garhwal in the west. Culture of Uttaranchal
The Culture of Uttaranchal has its roots in pre-history and has passed
through the millennia, assimilating the influences of the waves upon waves
of settlers that have sought sanctuary in the mountains. The essence of the
past, however, has remained unchanged, with reverence for Nature and the
celebration of life being its fundamental creed. The arts, crafts, dance and
music remain centered to this day on the many gods and goddesses, as well as
the seasonal cycles. Irrespective of the sect or religion, the entire
community participates in the festivals associated with religious or natural
events. Of late, other events associated with history, the freedom struggle
and national life have also begun to be celebrated. The Culture of
Uttaranchal finds manifestation in the lifestyle of its people.
Music and Dance
The Himalayas have inspired generations of singers, dancers, and musicians
throughout the ages. The natural beauty of the mountains—which inspires
a deep spirituality—and the harshness of life—which darkens the
heart with adversity and anguish—have invigorated Uttarakhandi music,
heightening its poignancy and enriching its lyrical texture. The Grahwal and
Kumaonese are fond of music, folk dance, and songs accompanied by local
musical instruments. They go from place to place narrating folklores,
dancing and singing the praise of their gods and goddesses. During fairs and
festivals and at harvest time, the Kumaonese often dance the Jharva,
Chandhur Chhapalior, and many other forms of folk dances. Major dance forms
of the Garhwal region are Langvir Nritya, Barada Nati folk dance, Pandava
Nritya, Dhurang, Dhuring and Chhura, Chapeli (folk dances).
Chhura
Chhura dance is very popular among the people and is in a way of an old
experienced man teaching a young Shepherd the tricks of his trade. Both men
and women participate in this dance.
Chapeli
It is a very famous and fast dance of Kumaun. The theme of the dance is
love and it is very romantic. Both men and women participate in this dance
and the costume is very colourful.
Jhodha
Jhodha dance is the most famous folk dance of Kumaon. People belonging to
different caste or creed, perform this dance, irrespective of any
discrimination, in almost all festivals.
Chanchi
Chanchi is also one of the famous folk dance of Kumaon. It takes place only
in fairs. Mostly this dance is based on religious songs, something related
to nature etc.
Cholia
Cholia is one of the famous folk dance of Kumaon which is as old as 1000
years. Swords are being used by dancers in this dance.
