Know Himachal

Himachal Pradesh is a state having number of races, communities and cultures intermingled together. The cultures of the society in hills have initially been formulated before the Aryan invasion and the Khasa occupation. It was only due to their early foundations, that the ideologies of Aryan and Khasa of Himachal Pradesh reflect their god fearing and religious nature. Bulk of the population is Hindus i.e. 95.77 % following the Muslims which mainly reside in Chamba, Kangra and Simaur Valleys. There is around 1% Buddhist population and they live in Trans Himalayan areas of Lahaul & Spiti and Kinnaur areas. Sikhs are also sprinkled here and there in some parts of Himachal Pradesh.

Hindi is the state language but mostly people converse in Pahari. There are various dialects of Pahari which is spoken in different regions like in Manali,Manali is the language, likewise Kulavi in Kullu, Kehluri in Bilaspur, Hinduri in Malagarh, Mihasvi in Mahasu region and Pangwati in Pangi region. These all languages are of Sanskrit origin. The Rajputs are majority in Himachal Pradesh followed by Khasia, then the Brahmins who were the priest of Rajputs, next in number are the Ghirats, then the Mahajans and Soods.

Culture

The cultural roots of the people of Himachal Pradesh can be found in very ancient historical periods. It was not isolated from the cultural events of the plains of India. It was and has always been a centre of commercial activities due to the trade routes passing through it and connecting it with Tibet, China and central Asia. The different tribes of the state find mention in the 'Vedas', the 'Puranas', the 'Ramayana' and the 'Mahabharata'. Certain Sanskrit literature and authors mention the region and its tribes during their time. The people of Himachal Pradesh are humble, sensitive and hardworking. They carry with them touches of the Vedic culture.

The people of north, especially Lahaul-Spiti and areas of the northwest, are mixtures of Buddhist, Vedic and Islamic culture. These are people with Mongol eyes, prominent cheekbones. The rest of the Himachali's are fair and have angular faces. The legends call the people of Kinnaur as "Kinner's" the minstrels of the gods. Though most of the people here are Hindus and Buddhists, it is the Tantric Shiva Shakti cult that is most predominant. A number of temples dedicated to the goddess Durga or 'Devi' can be found in the state. The main languages spoken in Himachal are Hindi, Punjabi and a vast number of tribal dialects as well as Urdu and English. The people here are quite fond of dancing and singing. The flute is their favorite instrument.

The dance is performed in groups of men and women, and the occasions can be marriages, births and the festivals, which continue throughout the year. Being spiritual minded, these people revere all things and always make an offering to the gods. They are quite good at making things and the shawls, blankets, rugs, carpets. Jewelry, painting, especially miniature paintings are found through the entire state. One can buy beautiful pieces at the local fairs at festival times. The Buddhists of the northern region too have their own distinctive crafts and arts. Another distinctive feature of the people of the mountains is their fondness for locally prepared alcohol. The different tribes of Himachal Pradesh have their own unique and slightly varied styles of dressing, eating, handicrafts, dialects and customs. Even so, they all share the same legends and folklore as well as similar rituals and ceremonies.

There are some parts of the state where the social system has accepted different ways of running their society. In some places, polyandry is a common sight where as in other places smoking and drinking by women does not raise any questions. Once the people of the state were quite poor, but today a thriving tourism business and orchard plantations with fruits, dry fruits all in great demand, have given these people a new lease on life.

Know Shimla

Know Kullu and Manali

Know Dharamshala

Know Chamba

Know Kinnaur and Spiti

Know Leh and Laddakh