Uttarakhand was carved out of the huge Uttar Pradesh and formed as a separate state on 9th November 2000. The name Uttarakhand draws its roots from the word Uttaranchal- Uttar + Anchal, means “a part of North”. Later with a tussle and bustle involving lots of politics, it was given the name- Uttarakhand, which is widely popular. The state is also known as Dev Bhoomi- the land of deity!
Uttarakhand is largely made up of valleys, water bodies and large lands covering forest. Dehradun, the capital city, is the hub of education and jobs in Uttarakhand.
There are three major reasons which had made the state a common name at the national and international levels, first and the foremost is, tourism, the state has lavish green, beautiful scenic places for camping, trekking and other adventure activities, it brings home International crowd for Yoga and others from across the borders for religious trips like Char Dham Yatra and Nanda Devi Raj Jat Yatra.
Secondly the fact that the state has best of educational bodies like IMA, IIT, IIM, NIT, AIIMS, G.B. Pant University of Agriculture and Technology, Kumaun University, Uttarakhand Sanskrit University, Doon University, Uttarakhand Open University, Uttarakhand Technical University, Uttarakhand Ayurveda University, Uttarakhand University of Horticulture and Forestry (two campuses), Sri Dev Suman Uttarakhand University and H. N. B. Uttarakhand Medical Education University.
Thirdly, jobs the state has to offer to the high level of literate and skilled workers of Uttarakhand. The three major projects of SIDCUL, SIDA and SIDCUL SMART CITY offers best of opportunities for job seekers in the state. The integrated industrial estates under SIDCUL are IT Park, Dehradun, Pharmacy Selaqui, IIE Haridwar, IIE Pantnagar, ESIPL Sitarganj, SIDCUL phase 2, etc. Other major industries in Uttarakhand are m/s Doiwala Sugar Co. Ltd, Flex Foods Ltd, m/s Sara Services and Oilfield engineers, m/s Videocon industries Ltd, Birla Yamaha Ltd, etc.
Other than these large industries, there are medium scale and small scale industries in Uttarakhand. Rudra Prayag, Pithoragarh, Nainital, Udham Singh Nagar, Almora, Pauri, Haridwar and Dehradun are the major cities offering best of job opportunities.
With a bunch of interactive, easy going, satisfied senior citizens, combines the ever hard working and skilled middle aged men and women of the state. The youth of Uttarakhand is believed to be enthusiastic, energetic and updated. One can see a lot of adventure activities, high end motorbikes and other such traces which speaks a lot about the youth here.
Being a dynamic amalgamation of Garhwal and Kumaon in culture, the prolific mix of the traditions is the real culture of the state. The culture is largely influenced by immigrants in cities like Dehradun, Haridwar and Rudraprayag. Other major districts uphold the authentic culture of the soil as it is primarily filled up with Garhwali and Kumaoni people.
Beginning with the influence of the main population and culture of the city, the primary ingredients of the food is milk and related items.
A lot of kitchen garden vegetables are preferably used by most of the household here. As well as coarse grain along with high fibre content is commonly used in Uttarakhand food.
Other than these the - mundua (Buck wheat) is famous in the interior regions of Kumaun and other main stream Pahari cuisine, it is believed that it keeps the stomach in order. Most of the recipes involve a lot of vegetables, hash seeds are used as a spice which makes the flavour altogether different. There are many different food items available in Uttarakhand like:
As a state Garhwali and Kumaoni food is eaten in most of the parts, but as inflow of tourists is high here, many South Indian and typical North Indian cuisines are also popular. Even Tibetian food is also available in a few of the food outlets, especially in Dehradun.
Sweets are not really people’s choice here, localites are particular about the choice of sweets but Bal Mitahi is one such sweet which is popular here, found best in these parts of India. The basic ingredients are Khoya, cane sugar and white sugar, looks like a chocolate been wrapped up by small round white balls.
The state is ultimate destination for all the festivities and celebration. When it comes to being attached to culture, Uttarakhand is closest to the authenticity of its customs and related celebrations. The fairs are the trademark of how closely knit culture is to the everyday lives of people in Uttarakhand. There are a many festivals singular to the state like Basant panchmi, Nandadevi, Olgia /Ghee Sankranti, Makar Sankranti, Ganga Dussehra / Dasara, Phool Dei, Hill Jatra, Bat Savitri, Janopunya, Khatarua,Chhipla jaat, Kumaon Holi and Kandali. Attached to these are many fairs held across the year attracting a large number of tourists. Some of the prominenet fairs are Fair of Jaulibi, Thal Mela, Bageshwar Mela, Fair at Dwarahat, Fair at Syalde, Devidhura Mela. The crucial ones are:-
Some other are Uttaraini Mela, Gauchar Mela, Nanda Devi Mela , Nanda Devi Raj Jat Yatra and Peeran-e-Keliyar
Uttarakhand in whole is divided into 13 main districts:
The largest of all the districts in terms of area is Chamoli. Bagheshwar is the smallest among all in terms of area. Haridwar is the most populated district. All the places have distinct features, one thing which binds them together is the scenic beauty of all these places.
The state Uttarakhand has been one of the preferred states for tourism, but with the onset of prestigious educational institutions, business ventures and industries pouring into the state, attracted by its proper climate and ultimate availability of natural plus human resources, the state has seen a large development in terms of jobs and the economy.
When it comes to tourism there are many less known areas here like Askot (Pithoragarh), Khati village (Bageshwar), Kanatal (near Mussoorie), Chaukori (Pithoragarh) and Khirsu (Pauri Garhwal). There is infinite information related to the state. There is a lot you can do in here other than sports, tourism, jobs and education. People here are grounded, satisfied and welcome you with a homely warmth.
The Tour and Travel list is long for Uttarakhand, with lots of variety in it, from Adventure sports spots to religious spots, serene scenic spots and areas like national parks and sanctuaries spread all over the state.
The state is an epicentre of tourism in the nation. After being carved out of the state, Uttar Pradesh, the new Government of Uttarakhand focused on the upliftment of tourism. There are many adventure sports held in different part of the state at nominal rates. The thrill and excitement associated with the various adventure sports engulf many national as well International tourists round the year. The various adventure sports popular here are:
There are many religious spots in Uttarkhand, some places are actually called the “the place of god” in the state. From the presence of Holy city Haridwar to the pristine Char Dham places the Uttarakhand state is flooded by pilgrims from across the world for various holy spots, yatras and fairs.
Other than the commonly known religious places, some are less explored but equally important and holy in nature, like Chitai, Jageshwar are few to name. One of the most crucial in terms of trekking and religious destination is Gurudwara Shri Hemkunt Saheb located at the high altitude of 15,210 ft above sea level.
Uttarakhand is a store house of beautiful lush grren, mountain terrains, valleys, lakes and forests. You may find which will give you goosebumps when you will see the beauty, exceptional look some places have, they are commendable pieaces of art from mother nature. To name some Auli, Bhowali, Binsar, Chakrata, Chimba, Chaukori, Chopta, Dharchula, Didihat, Kanatal, Kausani, Khirsu, Lansdowne, Mukteshwar, Munsiyari, Ramgarh and Sattal are top ones.
There are many special places in the state where one can view wildlife closely. If you are in love with the nature and are interested in spending times with it then you must see the list of national parks and sanctuaries in the state:
Uttarkhandis are famous for their strength and stamina to walk miles and miles. They are one of the strongest community in the nation, they can really toil for crop, get water from mile away and live a tough life with a spurring smile hanging on!!
THE STATE OF PROSPERITY, WISDOM AND NATURE!