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Kumaon Division

In northern Uttarakhand, the Kumaon Division stands out for its rich culture and diverse geography, attracting visitors with its beautiful scenery, historical depth, and lively traditions. Kumaon lies next to Nepal in the east, Tibet (China) in the north, Kumaon also shares boundaries with Garhwal to the west and Uttar Pradesh to the south, making it strategically and culturally unique.

Kumaon Division 2
Kumaon Division 1
Kumaon Division

History and the Kumaon Kingdom

Different dynasties ruled the region, including the Kunindas, Katyuris, and Chand rulers. The Katyuri dynasty, which thrived from the 7th to the 11th centuries, was one of the first major powers, with Baijnath as its capital. After their decline, the Chand dynasty became prominent in the 11th century and established Almora as the center of Kumaon in the 16th century. During the Chand rule, especially under Raja Rudra Chand, Kumaon experienced notable advancements in architecture, trade, and military defense.

In the 18th century, the region faced invasions by the Gurkhas from Nepal, leading to a brief period of Gurkha rule. In 1815, the British annexed Kumaon, incorporating it into the United Provinces, which is now Uttar Pradesh. It was not until 2000 that Kumaon became part of the newly created state of Uttarakhand.

Kumaon Division border
Kumaon Division history

Districts of Kumaon

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Kumaon Division
3:03 am, Nov 19, 2024
temperature icon 7°
clear sky
Humidity 71 %
Pressure 1018 mb
Wind 3 mph
Wind Gust Wind Gust 2 mph
Clouds Clouds 0%
Visibility Visibility 10 km
Sunrise Sunrise 6:38 am
Sunset Sunset 5:14 pm
Weather from OpenWeatherMap
DistrictPopulation (2011)District Code
Almora621,972AL
Bageshwar259,840BA
Champawat259,315CP
Nainital955,128NA
Pithoragarh485,993PI
Udham Singh Nagar1,648,367US

Cultural Heritage and Festivals

Kumaon’s culture is closely tied to its indigenous roots, showcasing distinct traditions, festivals, and art forms. Festivals such as Holi are celebrated uniquely through musical styles known as “Baithki Holi” and “Khadi Holi.” The month-long Kumaoni Dashera features Ramleela performances and has gained recognition from UNESCO as a unique cultural expression that combines local art with the mythology of Lord Rama. Traditional folk dances, like Chholiya—a sword dance performed during weddings—and songs that reflect Kumaoni folklore, further enhance the region’s cultural identity.

In addition to its vibrant festivals and dances, Kumaon is recognized for its traditional attire. Women often wear Pichaura (पिछोङा), a beautiful garment that adds to their cultural expression, while Kumaoni men typically don a black Kumaoni cap, a symbol of their heritage.

The area is also known for its talented folk musicians and artists, including Mohan Upreti and Sumitranandan Pant, who have played important roles in preserving and promoting Kumaoni traditions and literature.

Languages

The main language spoken in the Kumaon Division is Kumaoni, part of the Central Pahari group within the Indo-Aryan language family. It has various dialects that reflect the region’s diversity, including those from Almora, Nainital, and Pithoragarh. Approximately 2 million people speak Kumaoni.

However, the use of Kumaoni has declined in recent years, especially among younger generations who are increasingly using Hindi as their primary language due to its growing presence in education and urban life.

Kumaoni is rich with proverbs, folk songs, and oral traditions that are vital to the cultural identity of the region. Traditional songs such as Jhora, Chanchari, and Bair are sung in Kumaoni, helping to maintain its connection to local heritage.

Languages of Kumaon

The People and Lifestyle

Kumaonis are known for their warm hospitality and strong sense of community. The local economy mainly relies on agriculture, with rice, wheat, and millets as the main crops. Although many people have migrated to cities, they often keep close connections to their roots, maintaining traditional customs and supporting local festivals and temples.

With the rise of tourism and eco-friendly businesses, the Kumaon Division has begun focusing on sustainable practices. This includes promoting homestays and rural tourism, which helps boost the local economy and share Kumaon’s rich culture with visitors.