ErnestBuntine9 at 13:26, 7 May 2026

2026-05-07T13:26:35Z

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{{short description|Culture of mountainous Northern Indian state}}
[[File:A place of devotion.jpg|thumb|Dakhrain festival in Pangi village of Kinnaur district]]
{{Use dmy dates|date=April 2019}}
{{Use Indian English|date=February 2017}}

The [[North India]]n state of [[Himachal Pradesh]], also known as '''Devbhoomi''' and '''Veerbhoomi''', is a state that has remained largely uninfluenced by Western culture.<ref>{{Cite web |title=HP truly a ‘Dev Bhoomi’, says minister Chauhan |url=https://www.tribuneindia.com/news/himachal/himachal-truly-dev-bhoomi-says-industries-minister-chauhan/ |access-date=2025-12-19 |website=The Tribune |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=HMNS |date=2025-08-15 |title=Flying Lt Arshveer Singh Brings Laurels for Himachal Veerbhoomi in Operation Sindoor - HimbuMail |url=https://himbumail.com///flying-lt-arshveer-singh-brings-laurels |access-date=2025-12-19 |website=himbumail.com |language=en-gb}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=2025-05-17 |title=Kewal Singh Pathania demands formation of dedicated Himalayan Regiment for hill states - HIMACHAL HEADLINES |url=https://himachalheadlines.com/news/kewal-singh-pathania-demands-formation-of-dedicated-himalayan-regiment-for-hill-states/ |access-date=2025-12-19 |language=en}}</ref> Himachal Pradesh is a multi-religion practising, multicultural and multilingual state. Himachal Pradesh culturally has three regions, ''[[Mahasu (region)|Mahasu region]]'', that includes almost whole of the upper Himachal and the second one is the lower Himachal which includes districts of [[Una district|Una]], [[Kangra district|Kangra]], [[Hamirpur district, Himachal Pradesh|Hamirpur]], [[Bilaspur district, Himachal Pradesh|Bilaspur]], parts of lower [[Mandi district|Mandi]] and parts of [[Chamba district|Chamba]]. The third part includes districts of [[Lahaul and Spiti district|Lahaul and Spiti]], whole of the upper [[Kinnaur district|Kinnaur]] and some parts of Chamba.<ref>{{Cite news |last=PTI |date=2022-11-06 |title=BJP to win both upper and lower parts of Himachal Pradesh, says Amit Shah |url=https://www.thehindu.com/elections/himachal-pradesh-assembly/union-home-minister-amit-shah-addresses-election-rally-in-himachal-pradesh/article66103761.ece |access-date=2025-12-19 |work=The Hindu |language=en-IN |issn=0971-751X}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=A second House in Dharamshala |url=https://www.tribuneindia.com/news/archive/kaleidoscope/a-second-house-in-dharamshala-335157/ |access-date=2025-12-19 |website=The Tribune |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=2022-10-29 |title=HP polls {{!}} Regional divide, not caste, a dominant factor in hill state |url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/cities/chandigarh-news/hp-polls-regional-divide-not-caste-a-dominant-factor-in-hill-state-101666997242743.html |access-date=2025-12-19 |website=Hindustan Times |language=en}}</ref> Some of the most commonly spoken languages are [[Hindi]] and the various [[Himachali languages|Pahari]] languages.<ref name=dem2>{{cite web
|url = http://123himachal.com/himachal/info.htm
|title = The people and tribes
|access-date = 20 May 2007
|publisher = www.123himachal.com
}}</ref>

Himachal is well known for its handicrafts. The carpets, leather works, shawls, paintings, metalware and woodwork are worth appreciating. [[Kashmir shawl|Pashmina shawl]] is one of the products which is highly in demand not only in Himachal but all over the country. [[Himachali cap|Himachali caps]] are also famous artwork of its people.

[[Music of Himachal Pradesh|Local music]] and dance reflects the cultural identity of the state. Through their dance and music, they praise their gods during local festivals and other special occasions.

There are a number of fairs and festivals celebrated in Himachal Pradesh, including the temple fairs in nearly every region that are of great significance to this state.

The day-to-day food of ''Himachalis'' is very similar to the rest of the north India. They too have [[lentil]], [[broth]], [[rice]], [[vegetable]]s and [[bread]], etc. As compared to other states in north India, non-vegetarian cuisine is more preferred. Some of the specialities of Himachal include ''Manee'', ''Madeera'', ''Pateer'', ''Chouck'', ''Bhagjery'' and ''chutney'' of til.

The Annual Festival of Kasol known as Himachal Hills Festival which take place from 27 to 30 December every year in Kasol.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/travel/destinations/himachal-to-celebrate-himachal-hills-festival-from-december-30-31/as67205358.cms|title=Himachal to celebrate Himachal Hills Festival from December 30–31|website=Times of India Travel}}</ref>

Also, In 2008 the UNESCO-listed Kalka–Shimla narrow-gauge railway as part of Mountain Railways of India.

==People and culture==
[[File:Traditional dress, faces, scenery of Himachal Pradesh India.jpg|thumb|An elderly farmer wearing traditional clothing working in her fields in the [[Kullu district]]]]
Around 96% of the population of the state is [[Hindu]]s. The major communities include Brahmins, Rajputs, [[Gurjars in Himachal Pradesh|Gurjars]], Choudharies, Kanets, Rathis, [[Koli People|Kolis]], [[Gaddis]], Kinnauras, [[Tanoli]]s, Pangawals, and Lahaulis. From the alpine pasture regions to the lower regions during the cold winter season are mainly Hindus. The Kinnars are the inhabitants of Kinnaur, and they generally practice polyandry and [[polygamy]]. The Lahaulis of [[Lahaul and Spiti district|Lahaul and Spiti]] and native of spiti, Kinnaur region, mainly comprises Buddhists.<ref>[http://www.himachalpradeshindia.com/culture-of-himachal-pradesh.html Ethnicity of Himachal Pradesh] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070402192358/http://www.himachalpradeshindia.com/culture-of-himachal-pradesh.html |date=2 April 2007 }} Retrieved 27 May 2007</ref> A percentage of people are also Tibetans. Muslims, Christians, and Sikhs. The [[Gaddis]], Gurjars, Kinnauras, [[Tanoli]]s, Pangawals, and Lahaulis are tribals and Brahmin, Rajputs and Kanets are non tribal groups of the state.

Though [[Hindi]] is the state language, many people speak the various [[Western Pahari languages]]. A majority of the population is engaged in agricultural practices, however people are now also moving towards tertiary sectors.
As per the traditional dressing norms the dress of the Brahmin male includes kurta, pyjama, long traditional coat (chola), waistcoat, turban and a hand towel. But With the changing time the dress up of the people has now become a mixed one. Though the above-mentioned style is now hardly followed, people have started wearing western style of clothes.{{CN|date=February 2026}}

The typical house is constructed of [[clay]] bricks and the roofs are of [[slate]]. In some areas the slate roof is also replaced by [[timber]].{{CN|date=February 2026}}

==Arts and crafts==
{{further|Arts and crafts of Himachal Pradesh}}
The handicraft that comes out of this state are the carpets, leather works, shawls, metalware, woodwork and paintings. Pashmina shawl is the pretty product which is in high demand not only in Himachal but all over the country. Colourful Himachali caps are also famous art work of the people. A tribe namely ''Dom'' is expert in manufacturing [[bamboo]] items like [[box]]es, [[Couch|sofas]], chairs, [[basket]]s and [[Amp rack|rack]]. Metalware of the state include [[food utensil|utensils]], ritualistic [[Bowl (vessel)|vessels]], [[cult image|idols]], [[gold]] and [[silver]] [[Jewelry|jewelleries]].
[[File:Kulluvi slippers.jpg|center|thumb|kulluvi culture ]]
[[Weaving]], [[Wood carving|carving]], [[painting]], and chiselling are considered to be the part of the life of ''Himachalis''. Himachal is well known for designing shawls especially in [[Kullu]]. The [[architecture]], [[Object (philosophy)|object]]s, [[Retailing|shops]], [[museum]]s, [[art museum|galleries]] and craftsmen charm with the variety perfected through time.

Women take an active part in [[pottery]] and men in [[carpentry]]. For ages, wood is used in Himachal in the construction of homes, [[cult image|idol]]s etc.

==Music and dance==

{{further|Music of Himachal Pradesh}}
{{further|Traditional dances of Himachal Pradesh}}

Music and dance of Himachal Pradesh reflect its cultural identity. Through their dance and music, they entreat their gods during local festivals and other special occasions. There are also dances that are specific to certain regions of the state.

Some of the dance forms of Himachal are ''Losar Shona Chuksam'' (Kinnaur), ''Dangi'' (Chamba), ''Gee Dance'' and ''Burah dance'' (Sirmour), ''Naati, Kharait, Ujagjama and Chadhgebrikar'' (Kullu) and ''Shunto'' (Lahaul & Spiti). The main dance form of Himachal Pradesh is ''nati''.
People of the state generally prefer folk music. There is no classical form of music, as for the Himachal Pradesh is concerned.
Himachali dance forms are highly varied and quite complicated. These dances are a very vital part of the [[tribal]] life. It reflects the [[culture]] and the tradition of [[Himachal Pradesh]]. Hardly any festivity here is celebrated without dancing. Some of the dance forms like ''Dulshol'', ''Dharveshi'', ''Drodi'', ''Dev Naritya'', ''Rakshas Nritya'', ''Dangi'', ''Lasa'', ''Nati'' and ''Nagas'' are danced all over the region.

==Fairs and festivals==
[[File:Kullu Dussehra - main procession.jpg|thumb|Kullu Dussehra]]
Apart from the fairs and festivals that are celebrated all over India, there are number of other fairs and festivals also that are at the high point of Himachal Pradesh. These festivals are the time for the ''Himachalis'' to adorn colourful dress and accessories and get mixed up with the rest of their ''kins''. Some of these fairs and festivals in the upper regions are the [[Kullu Dussehra]], [[Shivratri]] Fair ([[Mandi, India|Mandi]]), Shoolini Mela (Solan), ''Minjar Fair'' ([[Chamba, Himachal Pradesh|Chamba]]), Mani Mahesh Chhari Yatra ([[Chamba, Himachal Pradesh|Chamba]]), [[Renuka]] fair ([[Sirmaur district|Sirmaur]]), Lavi Trade Fair ([[Rampur, Himachal Pradesh|Rampur]]), Vrajeshwari fair ([[Kangra, Himachal Pradesh|Kangra]]), Jwalamukhi Fair (Jwalamukhi), [[Holi]] Fair ([https://www.himgirihimachalgk.com/2020/08/hamirpur-himachal-pradesh.html Sujanpur Tira]), and [[Naina Devi]] Fair ([[Bilaspur, Himachal Pradesh|Bilaspur]]), Fulaich (Kinnaur valley), and Ladarcha ([[Spiti]]).<ref>{{Cite web |title=International Kullu Dussehra |url=https://utsav.gov.in/view-event/international-kullu-dussehra-1 |website=utsav.gov.in}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=International Mandi Shivratri Festival |url=https://hpmandi.nic.in/gallery/shivratri/ |website=hpmandi.nic.in}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Minjar Mela |url=https://hpchamba.nic.in/festival/minjar-mela/ |website=hpchamba.nic.in}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |last=Pandey |first=Abhimanyu |date=August 22, 2024 |title=Special gathering at Spiti: Trans-Himalayan ethos mark annual Ladarcha fair at Kaza |url=https://www.tribuneindia.com/news/himachal/special-gathering-at-spiti-trans-himalayan-ethos-mark-annual-ladarcha-fair-at-kaza/ |work=The Tribune}}</ref> In the lower regions of Himachal are temple Fairs in Una District such as the ''Peeplo'' Fair, the Bharoli Bhagaur Fair, the 'Mairi' Guruduwara Fair, the 'Chintpurni' temple Fair, the '[[Kamakhya temple]]' Fair, including the annual ''Himachal Hill Festival'' in the village ''Polian Purohitan'' during the fourth week of October. The centuries-old Sair festival<ref>{{cite web |url=https://disttmandi.com/sair-festival/ |title=Sair Festival |website=disttmandi.com |date= 17 September 2015|access-date=17 September 2018}}</ref> is celebrated mainly in [[Shimla]], [[Kangra, Himachal Pradesh|Kangra]], [[Mandi, Himachal Pradesh|Mandi]], [[Kullu]] and [[Solan]] districts every year in mid-September. It is celebrated to mark the end of the crop harvest and also the rakhi thread are removed and offered to the mother sairi.

==Food==
[[File:Pachole.jpg|thumb|Pachole]]
The day-to-day food of ''Himachalis'' is very similar to the rest of north India. They too have [[lentil]], [[broth]], [[rice]], [[vegetable]]s and [[bread]], Rajmaha, Sidhu.
[[File:Food made with lots of love and efforts.jpg|thumb|Fiddel fern a wild vegetable found naturally in Himachal Pradesh near water resources and we can eat this with rotis and rice]]

As compared to other states in north India non-vegetarian cuisine is preferred. Traditionally, Himachali cuisine is dominated by green meat and wheat bread.

Thick and rich gravy, with aromatic spices, is used in abundance(upper Shimla, Lahaul, Chamba) as the base of many dishes. '''Dham''' is the traditional food served in marriages or other functions. '''[[Siddu (bread)|Siddu]]''', [[Patrode]], '''Cheele''','''Tudkiya Bhath''' and '''Babru''' are the authentic snack dishes of the state. Now, steamed momos (dumplings) and noodles are also readily available and popular with travellers who want to graduate to Indian food slowly.<ref name="cuisine">{{cite web
|url = http://www.onetikk.com/blog/1358/himachali-cuisine-a-plesantly-suprising-fusion/
|title = Himachali Cuisine, a Pleasantly Surprising Fusion
|access-date = 31 January 2013
|publisher = www.onetikk.com
|url-status = dead
|archive-url = https://archive.today/20130216144406/http://www.onetikk.com/blog/1358/himachali-cuisine-a-plesantly-suprising-fusion/
|archive-date = 16 February 2013
|df = dmy-all
}}</ref> Some of the specialities of Himachal include ''Manee'', ''Mandra'' or "Madra", "Palda", "Redu" ''Patrode'', ''Chouck'', ''Bhagjery'' and ''chutney'' of til (sesame seeds).

==References==
<references/>

== Further reading ==
* {{cite thesis |title=Comic Folktales of Himachal: A Study of Folk Humour |last=Dogra |first=Sapna |publisher=[[Jawaharlal Nehru University]] |date=2010 |hdl=10603/658577 |type=PhD |url=https://shodhganga.inflibnet.ac.in/handle/10603/658577}}

;Folktale collections:
* {{cite book |title=Folk Tales of Lahaul |first=Manohar Singh |last=Gill |publisher=Vikas Publishing House |date=1977 |isbn=9780706905229}}
* {{cite book |title=Tales From The Hills: Lahaul's Enduring Myths and Legends |first=MANOHAR SINGH |last=GILL |publisher=Harper Collins |date=2014 |isbn=9789351363774}}

==External links==
{{commons category}}
* [https://www.hptourism.org/travel-guide/traditional-himachal-pradesh-foods/ 15 Delicious Food Items Of Himachal Pradesh.]

{{Himachal Pradesh topics|state=autocollapse}}

[[Category:Culture of Himachal Pradesh| ]]

Culture of Himachal Pradesh - Revision history

ErnestBuntine9 at 13:26, 7 May 2026