Kumaon or Kumaun is one of the two regions and administrative divisions of Uttarakhand, a

mountainous state of northern India, the other being Garhwal. It includes the districts
of Almora, Bageshwar,Champawat, Nainital, Pithoragarh, and Udham Singh Nagar. It is bounded on the
north by Tibet, on the east by Nepal, on the south by the state of Uttar Pradesh, and on the west by
the Garhwal region. The people of Kumaon are known as Kumaonis and speak the Kumaoni language.
It is home to a famous Indian Army regiment, the Kumaon Regiment.
Important towns of Kumaon
are Haldwani, Nainital, Almora, Pithoragarh, Rudrapur, Kashipur, Pantnagar, Mukteshwarand Ranikhet. N
ainital is the administrative centre of Kumaon Division and this is where the Uttarakhand high court is
located.[1]
Kumauni or Kumaoni are people from the Kumaon region of Uttarakhand, India living in the eight districts
of Almora, Bageshwar,Champawat, Pithoragarh, Nainital, Dehradun, Udham Singh Nagar and Pauri.
Kumaoni language[edit]
Their Kumaoni language forms the Central subgroup of the Pahari languages.
Kumaoni is one of the 325 recognized Indian languages, and is spoken by over 2,360,000 (1998) people.
Amongst its dialects, the Central Kumauni is spoken in Almora and northern Nainital, North-eastern
Kumauni is in Pithoragarh, South-eastern Kumauni is in South-eastern Nainital, Western Kumauni is west
of Almora and Nainital.
UNESCOs Atlas of the World's Languages in Danger designates Kumaoni as language in the unsafe
category and which requires consistent conservation efforts.
Dialects of Kumaon region
In all, there are 20 dialects spoken in the Kumaon region, including, Johari, Majh Kumaiya, Danpuriya,
Askoti, Sirali, Soryali, Chaugarkhyali, Kumaiya, Gangoli, Khasparjia, Phaldakoti, Pachhai, and
Rauchaubhaisi.
Scholars also consider the heavy influence of Kumaoni on the Palpa language of Nepal.
Tibeto-Burman (NOT dialects of Kumaoni; these non-Indo-European languages are indeed spoken in
Kumaon)

Culture
Tradition of Uttrakhand-AIPAN

Aipan is one of the traditional art (painting form) of Kumaon. It has great social, cultural and religious
significance. The traditional aipan of Kumaon are drawn in linear art, geometrical designs, Flowers or
imprints. These are mostly drawn for decorative purpose.
Aipans are known by different names and is in popular in many parts of India with larger variations.
In Uttarakhand, aipan are popularly drawn at places of worship, houses, and main entry doors of house
and in front courtyard. Some of these artistic creations have great religious importance and these are
drawn during particular religious ceremonies or auspicious occasions such as marriages, Threading
ceremony, naming ceremony etc. to perform rituals while others are for particular God / Goddess and a
few for aesthetic look. This aipan is drawn at the place where Havan is performed. It is an octagonal
geometry with lotus petals and a swastik is drawn at the center.
These are beautifully designed decorative aipan with great aesthetic value. The door steps are
decorated with this type of aipan in combination with Vasudhara the vertical lines made by dripping
the biswar (Rice floor solution made by soaking the rice and then grinding it which is used for drawing
aipan).
This art is carried over generation by generations and mothers pass it on to their daughters and
daughter in laws. However, with the wind of modernization blowing, this art is depleting fast.
Rangwali Pichhora
Rangwali Pichhaura is a garment worn at ceremonial occasions in Uttarakhand. From bride to great
grandmother, every women in the family wear it on occasions be it namkarna or marriage, upanayan or
mundon. It has a special significance and mandatory for all married women in the family or close
relation. Another salient feature of Rangwali Pichhora is that it can be put on by widows also, those as
per social traditions, they are not supposed to wear colourful garments.
In the center, a Swastik is drawn and in four quadrant of swastik, Sun, Shankh (Cronch shell), A Bell
with Om and Goddess are drawn. The swastik is made by drawing some geometrical drawings or
leaves and flowers and then surrounded by small dots. Then dots of larger size are printed all over.
This printing is surrounded by a beautiful border. After border, lace and kinari or jhalar is stitched to
make is more colourful, attractive and lively.
In olden days, it was made at home. A few meters of white cloth was washed and dyed first in yellow
colour and then dots were printed with the help of a coin wrapped in cloth. Common colours available
in market were used for it earlier but now Rapid colours are being used. The homemade pichhora were
printed with ordinary colours, which used to spread on getting moist. The process of drawing / printing
by hand was very tiresome and sometime the results were also not so good.
CUISINES
Kumaon has its own distinct, impressive culture, traditions and more so over its exquisite,
mouthwatering dishes.
Sweet Dishes
Jhangora ki Kheer:
Jhangora is a cereal that is only found in Uttrakhand hills. Being sweet in taste it is a favorite dish if
localities. It is prepared with milk, sugar, dry fruits and Jhangora.
Bal Mithai:->
It is a very popular sweet dish of this fascinating region. It is high on taste as well as nutritious. It is a
favorite dish and like by everyone.
<-Singori:

Another testy sweet which is a specialty of Kumaon and is prepared from Khoya (Condensed Milk) and
coconut. A special feature of this sweet is that is requires a leaf named 'Molu" which is found in the hills
of Uttrakhand.
Singal:->
It is a high calorie sweet. Its specially is that it is only prepared during festivals. It is local sweet snack.
Banana is also used in this dish.
Different Type of Breads
<-Mandua ki Roti:
It is a Chappati made of Mandua Flour, which is a local cereal and very high in fiber which makes it very
nutritious.
APPETIZER
Kumaoni Raita:
Raita in Kumaon is prepared in a very special way unlike Raita' made in other parts. It is mainly served
at lunchtime and highly enriched with cucumber, mustard seeds, green chilies, coriander etc.
Sani Hui Mooli and Nimbu-> (Radish and Lemon with Spices)
Wow! Mouth waters the moment you have a flavor of this refreshing and tempting mixture of radish,
lemon, curd and paste of bhang seeds. It is usually eaten during winter seasons.
Bhaang Ki Khatai (Sour Chutney)
This is very tasty sour Chutney, which is served with snacks and is also eaten with certain meals.
Mixed Dal Salad->
Mixed Dal salad is taken as an appetizer. It is very delicious and nutritious too. It is serve before meals
as it enhance hungry.
Some Green Vegetables
Sisunak Saag:
Sisunak saag is enhanced by high nutritious value. The leaves from where this saag is prepared
are locally known as "Bichhu Ghas". It is a green leafy vegetables dish and is liked by everyone.
Kaapa:->
This is a green curry that is served in lunch or dinner and is eaten with Bread, Pita, Roti & Boiled Rice.
This is a dish, which is very sumptuous as well as nutritious since it is a special preparation of Spinach.
<-Alu ke Gutke:
Alu ke gutke is a typical Kumaon snacks and is enjoyed by all. The most exciting thing of this dish is the
way of serving. Red fried chilies, coriander leaves and some time with tomatoes garnish it also. It is
very spicy.
Dishes of various ingredients
Rus->
Rus is a typical delicacy of Kumaon. It consists of a number of Dals. It gives the tasty flavor of every
ingredient used and is a favorite dish of Kumaon people

**********************

Fairs and Festivals

Doonagiri mela Doonagiri, noted for its ancient Durga Temple, is a pilgrim spot that attracts a
large of pilgrims, during the fair days at Navratri in October. Kasar Devi Mela A fair is held twice
a year, during winter and summer moths, in the picturesque and older part of the town. The
fact that the great Swami Vivekananda came to Almora and gained enlightenment in a small
cave at Kasar Devi adds the trivia to give a lot more significance to the place. Shrawan Mela,
Jageshwar fair in July & August, Gananath Mela in October-November and Dwarahat Mela held
in April are some other important festivities of the region. Chitai Temple This sacred temple,
built in the memory of Gollu Devta, is situated 6kms from Almora at a place called Chitai.
Sacrifices of goats are offered to the deity which was, at one time, a sort-of law court, that
decided several pleas received from the distressed people of the region. Doonagiri Doonagiri is
extremely rich in historical and religious significance and has many myths attached to it.
According to one, when Hanuman was carrying the Sanjiwani booty to save Lakshman, a piece
fell at this place and since that day, this place is known as Doonagiri. A temple of Vaishno Devi,
the famous cave Goddess, is situated here. Doonagiri is abuzz with activity in Chait and Ashwin
months of Navaratris as many festivals are celebrated around that time. Pandukholi Situated
10kms. from Doonagiri, the temple is famous for the caves built here by the Pandavas. Apart
from these, many other places are worth visiting around Almora like Kosi temple, Gananath and
Jageshwar.

Music and Dance

Kumaonis are fond of music, folk dance, and songs accompanied by local musical instruments
like murli, bina, and hurka. The hurka is played by thejurkiya and the dancer accompanying him,
known as hurkiyari, is usually his wife or daughter. They go from place to place narrating folklores,
singing the praise of their gods and goddesses. During fairs and festivals and at harvest time, they often
dance the Jharva, Chandhur Chhapalior,and many other forms of folk dances. The popular folk songs
are Malushahi, Bair, and Hurkiya Bol. Folk music of Uttarakhand refers to the traditional and
contemporary songs of Kumaon and Garhwal regions in the foothills of Himalayas and has its root in the
lap of nature. The pure and blessed music have the feel and the touch of nature and subjects related to
nature. The folk music primarily is related to the various festivals, religious traditions, folk stories and
simple life of the people of Uttarakhand. Thus the songs of Uttarakhand are a true reflection of the
Cultural Heritage and the way people live their lives in the Himalayas. The Music and its development
have seen various phases of growth and have undergone lots of transformation during the course of time.
There are many kinds of folk songs from the area, including ceremonial mandals, martial panwaras and
melancholy khuded, thadya and jhoda. The turi ( ), nagphani () and ransing ( ) belonging
to the brass instrument family are traditional instruments of the Kumaon division, were earlier used in
battles to increase the morale of the troops, are used.
Percussion instruments like dhol (), damau () which are also native to Kumaun are played by
professional musicians known as dholies.
Masakbeen() or Bagpipe introduced by the British in Kumaun as instruments played in marching
bands were assimilated into the wide range of instruments played.
Woodwind instruments like the nausuriya muruli ( ) (lit. the nine note flute) akind of flute
and jyonya () (lit. twin flute) a type of double flute native to Kumaun is also played. [5]

Festivals
Kumaoni Holi

The uniqueness of the Kumaoni Holi lies in its being a musical affair, whichever may be its form, be it
the Baithki Holi, the Khari Holi or the Mahila Holi.The Baithki Holi and Khari Holi are unique in that the
songs on which they are based have touch of melody, fun and spiritualism.
The Baithki Holi begins from the premises of temples, where Holiyars (the professional singers of Holi
songs) as also the people gather to sing songs to the accompaniment of classical music. The Khari
Holi is mostly celebrated in the rural areas of Kumaon. The songs of the Khari Holi are sung by the
people, who sporting traditional white churidar payajama and kurta, dance in groups to the tune of
ethnic musical instruments.
Harela and Bhitauli
On the first day of the navaratris (nine day holy period) of the month of Chaitra women fill baskets
with soil and sow seven types of grains in them. The grains germinate symbolizing the future harvest.
These yellow leaves, called Harela, are cut on the tenth day and people put them on their heads and
behind their ears. During the month of Chaitra (March-April) brothers send presents to their sisters and
parents to their daughters. These presents are called Bhitauli.
However, the more popular Harela is the one that is celebrated in the month of Shravan to
commemorate the wedding of Lord Shiva and Parvati and to welcome the rainy season and the new
harvest. On this day people make Dikaras or clay statues of Gauri, Maheshwar, Ganesh etc. and worship
them. Even the overworked bullocks are given a rest on the occasion of Harela. People put the blades
of freshly cut Harela on their heads and send them to their relatives and friends as well.
The Makar Sankranti festival that is observed on January 15, 2016 in India is famous for a unique ritual
in Uttarakhand.Makar Sankranti is known as Ghughutia, or Kale Kauva, welcomes birds back from the
winter migration. In fact Ghughuti itself is the name of a bird exclusive to Uttarakhand.
Makar Sankranti is also known as Kale Kauva means black crow. People make Deep-fried sweets from
sweetened flour (flour and gur) and shape them like drums, pomegranates, knives, swords and are
strung into a necklace.
On the morning of Ghughutia, or Kale Kauva, children wear the deep fried sweets as necklaces and sing
a folk song associated with Kale Kauva to attract black crows and other birds and offer them pieces of
the deep fried sweets.
This is to welcome the birds back from their migration.

Chholiya (Kumaoni-) is a dance form practised in the Kumaun region of Uttarakhand. It is

Bedupako, the first global radio of Uttarakhand recently telecast the significance, history and
contemporary scenario of Chholiya dance, offline radio description can be tuned at [2]
Apart from its origins in the martial traditions of the people of Kumaun, it also has religious significance.
This art form is mainly performed by the Rajput community in their marriage processions. [4] Chholiya is
performed in marriages and is believed to be auspicious as it provides protection from evil spirits and
demons.
Donning the traditional Kumauni attire white churidar payajama, the taanka on their heads, the chola, face
covered with sandal wood paste as if ready for battle equipped withtulwar swords and brass shields. Their
costume resembles the costume of the ancient martial warriors that inhabited Kumaun. [6]