Jaunsari people
Total population | |
---|---|
c. 137,000 (2011 census)[1] | |
Regions with significant populations | |
Jaunsar-Bawar, Uttarakhand | |
Languages | |
Jaunsari, Hindi | |
Religion | |
Predominantly: | |
Related ethnic groups | |
Indo-Aryan peoples |
The Jaunsari are a small community found in
Jaunsari is a generic term for many communities.
Culture
Jaunsari community reveres ‘Mahasu Devta’ which is principal deity of Jaunsari community. Dance and music are integral part of Jaunsari culture. During festivals both men and women dance under the intoxication of the folk music. Local people perform folk dances such as Harul, Ghundiya Raso, Jhenta Raso, Jangbazi, Thoude, and many more.[3][4] Fair like Moroj and Bissu are held which mark the harvesting period.[5]
Clothing
As a society which resides in the harsh climate of the Himalayas, their clothing is primarily woollen oriented which would keep them warm. Their attire stands out from the rest of Uttarakhand.
Men's Clothing: Jaunsari men wear a woolen pyjama/churidar known as Jhangel (झंगेल) and on top of that they wear a woollen coat known as Chora (चोड़ा), both made up of sheep wool. The Chora's texture is that of a karate uniform, it can be kept loose, or it can be tucked in both of the sides and can be bound with a woollen belt known as Majan (मँजण). It can also be draped over the shoulders without tucking in the arms. As for headwear, traditionally men have been wearing Diguwa (डिगुवा) or popularly known as
Women's Clothing: Jaunsari women wear 'Ghagra' which is usually a 6 to 7 meters long piece of cloth, stitched together to form a long skirt, it's unique due to its sharp folds/pleats known as Luria (लुड़िया), such a texture is achieved by heat-pleating the folds. The portion which divides the Ghagra from the fall of the Ghagra is embroidered with floral patterns which forms a strip which is known as Phita (फिता). The Ghahra is paired with a Jhagga (झअगा) which is a Choli – a short-sleeved bodice. It can be paired with a Waistcoat or it can be paired with a Kurti (कुर्ति) - which is an overcoat especially made for women. Women's version of Chora is known as Cholori (चोलोड़ी). Women cover their head with a scarf known as Dhantu (ढाँटु) which can be tied in various styles. For jewellery women wear Tungal (तुंगल), Bulak (बुलाक), Naath (नाथ), Uttrainyan (उतरैइयाँ), etc. A smaller Ghagra for younger girls is known as Ghaguti (घागुटि).
References
- ^ "Statement 1: Abstract of speakers' strength of languages and mother tongues - 2011". www.censusindia.gov.in. Office of the Registrar General & Census Commissioner, India. Retrieved 4 October 2022.
- ^ "Jaunsari". euttarakhand. Retrieved 17 January 2020.
- ^ "Jaunsari Culture: Occult and Mysticism". euttarakhand. 11 March 2016. Retrieved 17 January 2020.
- ^ "Jaunsar Mahotsav enthralls with a mix of culture & history". dailypioneer. 10 February 2020.
- ^ "For one region in Uttarakhand, Diwali is still a month away". dailyo. 20 October 2017. Retrieved 24 January 2020.