CULTURE

Tradition of Uttrakhand-AIPAN

Aipan is one of the traditional art (painting form) of Kumaon. It has great social, cultural and religious significance. Aipans are known by different names and is in popular in many parts of India with larger variations. It is called Alpana in Bengal, Satiya in Gujrat, Rangoli in Maharashtra, Chowk pooran in UP, Kolam in south India, Madne in Rajasthan, Arichan in Bihar and Bhuggul in Andhra.
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 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. Our younger generation, born and brought up in cities outside Uttarakhand might not be familiar with it. As a humble attempt to spread awareness of our cultural heritage does not get eliminated in the wind of modernization, I have collected information from various sources and posted here for the benefit of everyone.
Traditional Aipan The traditional aipan of Kumaon are drawn in linear art, geometrical designs, Flowers or imprints. These are mostly drawn for decorative purpose.

Aipan of Door Steps

Doorsteps of the house are decorated with this kind of aipan. 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).
Vasudhaara

Pooja Vedika, door steps of house, Place of worship, Tulsi (A structure made around the Tulsi Plant) etc. are decorated with vasudhara. Without Vasudhara, Aipan are considered incomplete. These are made y painting the place with ‘Geru’ (filtered red colour soil) and thereafter making vertical lines by dripping ‘Bishwar’ (soaked rice powder). The dripping of ‘biswar is carried out by Anamika (Ring finger?). These are drawn in the blocks consisting lines in odd numbers like 5, 7, 9 or 11.

Swastik

Swastik has great significance in Aipan. It is drawn in some form or other during most of the religious rituals as swastik in Hindu mythology represents all Gods and Goddess’, known or unknown. If someone does not have the knowledge of the occasion specific Aipan, Swastik is religiously accepted as substitute. Swastik represent the creation and progress. All four arms of swastik inspire to move forward. Thus swastik is the symbol of marching ahead for success, towards success with success.
Different lines joining at rectangle representd ifferent religions. These all lines join each other at the center which is the place for ‘Omkar’. The lines are surrounded by dots, which too have a special significance. Any Aipan without dots are considered incomplete and inauspicious. During drawing the Aipan, one have to take care that the group or block of lines in traditional Aipan should end with the dots.
Aipan without dots are drawn on the 12th day of some ones death (Peepal Pani or Shanti Path). On third day, these Aipan without dots are removed and fresh aipan with dots are drawn showing end ofm ourning period. Astadal Kamal

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. Lakshmi Padchinha

On Deepawali day, footprints of Goddess Lakshi are drawn from main entrance of the house to place of worship. Lakshmi Peeth

This aipan is drawn at the poojasthal (place of worship) wherew orship of Goddess Lakshi, the goddess of wealth and prosperity, is performed on particularly on Diwali day. Bhuiyan

Bhuiyan refers to the negative & harmful powers or bad omen. This is drawn on outer side of a ‘Soop’ which is generally a very ugly and bad looking sketch of a demon. On the inner side of the ‘soop’ Lakshi-Naranyan are drawn. On a particular day, this ‘soop’ is beaten with a sugarcane stick at every room and corner of the house. This refers to ousting of bad omen, ill fate or negative powers andw elcome of Lord Vishnu and goddess Lakshi, the God / Goddess of happiness and prosperity. Dhuliarghya Var Chauka

At the time of Dhuliarghya, the bridegroom is made to stand on the Chauka when introduction and welcome of bridegroom is performed by chantingv edik mantra. Acharya Chauka

Acharya, ‘the kulguru’ who performs the marriage rituals from bridegroom’s side stands on this chauka at the time of dhuliarghya. Janeo

At the place of ‘Janeo’ or threading ceremony, drawing this aipan is mandatory. This drawing has 15 dots in the center. Traditional it is also drawn at the place where men change their ‘janeo’ on Raksha Bandhan day. 

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.

 

Theses sketches drawn in the pichhora has religious significance also. The Swastik represents al the gods and goddesses. It is drawn in some form or the other at all the religious  rituals. It denotes the ‘karmyoga’. Its four arms pointing forward inspire to move ahead. The center of swastik is ‘Om’ which has great importance in meditation and spirituality.

The first quadrant of swastik houses Sun, the god with great power. Sun is worshiped for well being of sons. Second quadrant houses Goddess for prosperity and well being of all nears and dears,  third quadrant has a ‘Shankha’ (Cronch shell) which is blown during worship and all the ill omen are understood to fear this sound and not dare to harm anyone around. The last quadrant has a Bell which is also used in worship.

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.

In later years, some businessmen started printing it with Rapid colours. 

courtesy-http://www.uttaranchal.org.uk/culture.php

CUISINES

The recipes given below are selected specialties of Uttarakhand. You are advised to taste these Recipes and carry for your Family, Friends and of course for you.

Kumaon has its own distinct, impressive culture, traditions and more so over its exquisite, mouthwatering dishes. Having visited the enchanting mountain land, what you won't miss here is its cuisine's, the delicious, appetizing 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.

Lesu:->

This is a local preparation, which is served in Breakfast, Lunch or Dinner. This bread is eaten with a lot of Butter or Ghee. It can also be eaten with Curd and Mango Pickle or Mixed Pickle.

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.

<-Gahat Ki Dal:

This is commonly prepared in every house in Kumaon. It is like curry and taken with rice.

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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 the“jurkiya” 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.

Kumaoni Jhora-The popular folk songs of Kumaon and Garhwal include Jhora Chanchari, Chappeli, Chhopati, Basanti, Bajuband, Mangal. The Jagars have a special place in the whole Kumaoni and Garhwali community across Uttarakhand. 

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. These songs are essentially based on classical ragas. No wonder then the Baithki Holi is also known as Nirvan Ki Holi.
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.Kumaonis are very particular about the time when the songs based on ragas should be sung. For instance, at noon the songs based on Peelu, Bhimpalasi and Sarang ragas are sung while evening is reserved for the songs based on the ragas like Kalyan, Shyamkalyan and Yaman etc. 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.

Source-http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kumaon_division