Garhwali people

Garhwali people are an Indo-Aryan ethnic group native to the Garhwal region in the Indian state of Uttarakhand. They are also known as Garhwali and speak the Garhwali language, which is a Central Pahari language belonging to the Northern Zone of Indo-Aryan languages.

History

The history of the Garhwali people is closely tied to the history of the Garhwal region itself. The region was traditionally divided into several small principalities, which were unified into the Kingdom of Garhwal in the 15th century. The Garhwali people have a rich history of resistance against external invasions, including those by the Gurkhas and the British Raj.

Culture

The culture of the Garhwali people is a blend of indigenous traditions and influences from the various cultures that have interacted with the region over the centuries. This is reflected in their language, cuisine, music, dance, and festivals. The traditional Garhwali dance forms include Chholiya, which is performed during weddings, and Barada Nati, a folk dance performed during festivals. The Garhwali people also celebrate a number of festivals, including Makar Sankranti, Basant Panchami, and Ganga Dussehra.

Cuisine

The cuisine of the Garhwali people is simple yet nutritious, making use of the locally available ingredients. Some of the popular dishes include Mandua ki Roti (a type of bread made from finger millet), Phaanu (a lentil dish), and Kafuli (a spinach dish). The Garhwali people also have a tradition of brewing alcoholic beverages, with Raksi being a popular traditional liquor.

Religion

The majority of the Garhwali people follow Hinduism, with a significant minority following Buddhism. They have a rich tradition of folklore and mythology, with a number of local deities and spirits being worshipped alongside the major Hindu gods. The Garhwali people also have a tradition of pilgrimage, with the Char Dham pilgrimage being one of the most important.

See also

• Garhwal Kingdom
• Garhwali language
• Culture of Uttarakhand