Article Culture of Garhwal Region
Garhwal the land of gods is said to be the place which was preferred by the gods as their serene abode. The culture of Garhwal is enriched with folk art, fairs, as well as festivals which help the region in maintaining its own identity. Present day Garhwal is a mix blend of many ethnic groups like the Rajputs, Tribals, Brahmins, Bhotias, Jadhs and Jaunsaries. Rajputs arrived and settled here from the adjoining region of Himachal and Rajasthan. They opted agriculture as their means of lively hood in the earlier days but later entered into other professions.
Tribals occupying the upper tracts of the hilly region were of nomadic type but later adopted work related with the surrounding forest region. Brahmins of Garhwal are engaged in religious and priestly activities. Bhotias are supposed to be doing business in the region and are well aware of mountaineering skills as well. They are living on the borders of the state with neighbouring countries. Van Gujars are kind of nomadic Muslims and are mostly seen in the region extending from Garhwal to Kashmir. Culture of Garhwal is nothing else but a mixture of Aryan and tribal cultures and is seen to be influenced by the cultures of the people who kept on migrating to this land. Due to these additions it became rich while taking the best part of every migrant culture like their festivals, art and literature. Hospitality of Garhwal region can be seen in every aspect of life in this hilly region. The Garhwal culture is split into Tehri culture and Pauri culture. The best example of Garhwal hospitality can be experienced at the Hotels in New Tehri.
Tehri Garhwal is spread on the mountain summits and includes some of the major rivers of north India. The district is administered by New Tehri which is tucked at great heights in the vicinity of the largest Tehri dam. This district of the Garhwal region is blessed with many sightseeing places but major attraction is the biggest dam. This region observes major fairs and festivals of the region throughout the year.
Pauri Garhwal is the south western part of the state with pauri as its administrative centre and a beautiful region surrounding it having beautiful landscapes, dense forests and friendly people. It covers the most popular cities like Rishikesh, Haridwar as well as Dehradun. Pauri Garhwal which is basically a pilgrim centre attracts tourists to its tranquil location tucked on the heights of the mountains. Being located in the hilly region people in pauri garhwal find the fairs and festivals as one of the best means of coming together and exchanging complements.