Culture of Himachal Pradesh
The
Himachal is well known for its handicrafts. The carpets, leather works, shawls, paintings, metalware and woodwork are worth appreciating. Pashmina shawl is one of the products which is highly in demand not only in Himachal but all over the country. Himachali caps are also famous artwork of its people.
Local music and dance reflects the cultural identity of the state. Through their dance and music, they praise their gods during local festivals and other special occasions.
There are a number of fairs and festivals celebrated in Himachal Pradesh, including the temple fairs in nearly every region that are of great significance to this state.
The day-to-day food of Himachalis is very similar to the rest of the north India. They too have lentil, broth, rice, vegetables and bread, etc. As compared to other states in north India, non-vegetarian cuisine is more preferred. Some of the specialities of Himachal include Manee, Madeera, Pateer, Chouck, Bhagjery and chutney of til.
The Annual Festival of Kasol known as Himachal Hills Festival which take place from 27 to 30 December every year in Kasol.[3]
People and culture
Around 96% of the population of the state is of
Though
The typical house is constructed of
Arts and crafts
The handicraft that comes out of this state are the carpets, leather works, shawls, metalware, woodwork and paintings. Pashmina shawl is the pretty product which is in high demand not only in Himachal but all over the country. Colourful Himachali caps are also famous art work of the people. A tribe namely Dom is expert in manufacturing
Women take an active part in pottery and men in carpentry. For ages, wood is used in Himachal in the construction of homes, idols etc.
Music and dance
Music and dance of Himachal Pradesh reflects its cultural identity. Through their dance and music, they entreat their gods during local festivals and other special occasions. There are also dances that are specific to certain regions of the state.
Some of the dance forms of Himachal are Losar Shona Chuksam (Kinnaur), Dangi (Chamba), Gee Dance and Burah dance, (Sirmour), Naati, Kharait, Ujagjama and Chadhgebrikar (Kullu) and Shunto (Lahaul & Spiti). The main dance form of Himachal Pradesh is nati. People of the state generally prefer folk music. There is no classical form of music, as for the Himachal Pradesh is concerned. Himachali dance forms are highly varied and quite complicated. These dances are a very vital part of the
Fairs and festivals
Apart from the fairs and festivals that are celebrated all over India, there are number of other fairs and festivals also that are at the high point of Himachal Pradesh. These festivals are the time for the Himachalis to adorn colourful dress and accessories and get mixed up with the rest of their kins. Some of these fairs and festivals in the upper regions are the
Food
The day-to-day food of Himachalis is very similar to the rest of north India. They too have lentil, broth, rice, vegetables and bread, Rajmaha, Sidhu. As compared to other states in north India non-vegetarian cuisine is preferred. Traditionally, Himachali cuisine is dominated by green meat and wheat bread. Thick and rich gravy, with aromatic spices, is used in abundance as the base of many dishes. Dham is the traditional food served in marriages or other functions. Siddu, Patrode, Cheele,Tudkiya Bhath and Babru are the authentic snack dishes of the state. Now, steamed momos (dumplings) and noodles are also readily available and popular with travellers who want to graduate to Indian food slowly.[6] Some of the specialities of Himachal include Manee, Mandra or "Madra", "Palda", "Redu" Patrode, Chouck, Bhagjery and chutney of til (sesame seeds).
References
- ^ "The people and tribes". www.123himachal.com. Retrieved 20 May 2007.
- ^ "Culture of Himachal Pradesh". Indialine (2007). Archived from the original on 20 August 2011. Retrieved 3 May 2007.
- ^ "Himachal to celebrate Himachal Hills Festival from December 30–31". Times of India Travel.
- ^ Ethnicity of Himachal Pradesh Archived 2 April 2007 at the Wayback Machine Retrieved 27 May 2007
- ^ "Sair Festival". disttmandi.com. 17 September 2015. Retrieved 17 September 2018.
- ^ "Himachali Cuisine, a Pleasantly Surprising Fusion". www.onetikk.com. Archived from the original on 16 February 2013. Retrieved 31 January 2013.