Kumaoni folk Chalia Dance

Chholiya Dance has its origins in the warring Khasiya Kingdom of Khasdesh, when marriages were performed at the point of the swords. They were united by the Chand kings who arrived' on the scene in the 10th century. In Nepal, the word Khasa is still a synonym for Kashatrya, and in Khasdesh too, they took on the customs of the Rajputs, who were themselves honorary Kashatryas.

Keeping the old tradition alive, the Rajputs dance this at their weddings as a part of the marriage procession itself, led by the male dancers who go on dancing till they reach the bride's house.

Performed by the Rajputs with sword and shield in pairs, the drummers are usually Harijans called Dholies, while the Turi and Ransing are played by Bairagis, Jogis or Gosains.

Want to know more??? visit http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chholiya_dance

Gharat

Water mills - popularly known as 'Gharats' have been playing a vital role in the day to day life of people of Uttaranchal for the last several decades although in recent times...................

Ghrat - outer view

Pithoragarh Town

Haat Kalika Mandir

'Haat Kalika Mandir' was chosen by Sankaracharya for installation of Mahakali Shaktipeeth. It is believed that the Original Goddes Kalika Mata, which supposed to be in West Bangal , shifted her place form Bangal to Gangolihat. This Temple is very famous all over the India , specially among Indian Army Forces.

Dharchula

Dharchula is a remote town surrounded by mountains. An ancient trading town for the trans-Himalayan trade routes, it is covered by high mountains and is situated on the banks of the river Kali. Dharchula is about 90 km from Pithoragarh and it lies on the route to the Kailash-Mansarovar pilgrimage tour. The town is called Dharchula perhaps for the reason that this small valley resembles a stove (Chula in Hindi) with various peaks (Dhar in Hindi) which complete the word Dharchula.


The town is very cold during winters as any hill station would ( but it does not snow in this valley ), however during summers it is as hot as in plains. The town also has a Nepalese counterpart to it, named Darchula . The split between the two towns is just virtual as the traditions, culture, lifestyle etc. of the people living across both the regions are quite similar.The area has a mixture of kumaouni and dotiyali language, traditions and culture.

Pithoragarh @ deepawali night

View of pithoragarh @ deepawali night

Deepawali

View of pithoragarh @ deepawali night

Gurna mata mandir

Gurna mata mandir 10 kilometers form pithoragarh.