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About
Himachal |
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History of Himachal
After independence of India,
Himachal was declared as Union territory but later on its status was raised to
part 'C' state till 1966 when some hilly areas of Punjab were merged in this due
to re-organization of Punjab state. However, it was declared a full-fledged
state on 25.1.71 with 12 districts. It is larger in area than Punjab, Haryana
and Kerala. It is located in the north-west of India |
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in the lap of
Himalaya.
Geography of Himachal |
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Capital Shimla is the capital of
Himachal Pradesh, which has been the summer capital of the government of India
during English rule.
Area 55,673 Sq. Kms
Population 5.11 Millions
(Male : 2.56 millions, Females : 2.55 millions)
Languages English, Hindi, Urdu, Punjabi and local dialects known as Pahari, are
understood and spoken by different by different people in different places. |
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Festival of Himachal
Himachal is
the land inhabited by simple, god fearing and colorful people who are great
believers in the powers and blessings of their local deities. They bring their
deities to the fairs to celebrate the occasions. They dance, enjoy wearing
colorful dresses and ornaments on these fairs. In addition they make purchases
and take the required articles back to their homes. |
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Handicraft of
Himachal
Isolated as they are, due to the high
altitudes, the people of Himachal Pradesh are by and large, self contained and
have developed through the years a rich tradition of handicrafts, totally
original and distinctive. These range from wood-work to leather embroidery,
metal wares to carpets and woolen textiles. New designs are being added to the
traditional ones and new markets, both in India and abroad, are being
discovered. |
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Language of Himachal
Hindi is the state language but people mostly converse in 'Pahari'.
This language has various dialects or sub-languages. Grierson in his linguistic
survey had called it 'Western Pahari' and had demarcated its area from Jainsar
Bawar in the Uttar Pradesh hills (near Dehra Dun) to Bhadarwah in Jammu and
Kashmir.
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Wild Life in Himachal
Himachal Pradesh has a varied topography, climate and
forest cover and is endowed with a vast variety of flora
and fauna. From times immemorial, this tract is known
for its wilderness, landscapes, beautiful forests and
wildlife. In Himachal Pradesh, out of the total
geographical area of 55,670 sqkm, the forest area as per
legal classification is 37,691 sqkm. At present there
are 32 Sanctuaries, 2 National Parks and 3 Games
Reserves. |
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Temples of Himachal
Himachal Pradesh a land of God and Godess. it is also called
"Devabhoomi". There are many temples in Himachal Pradesh.
There are more than 2000 religious places scattered and
temples all over Himachal Pradesh. Many of these are quite
well-known and attract thousands of devotees throughout the
year. Temples of Himachal Pradesh are also the main tourist
attraction. Mostly public of Himachal is Hindu. There are
many temples in Himachal Pradesh like Bhootnath Temple,
Syamakall Temple, Raghunath Temple, and Bijli Mahadev
Temple. |
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Cusines in Himachal
Cuisine of Himachal might not be as rich and varied as
many other Indian states yet it definitely has a uniqueness
of its own. Influence of Punjab and Tibet can be clearly
seen in the Himachal cuisine. Moreover, the geographical and
climatic conditions of the state have also had an impact on
the way and kind of dishes prepared in the state. |
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Passes in Himachal
As per
dictionary definition a pass is "a way, such as a narrow gap
between mountains, that affords passage around, over, or
through a barrier". The state of Himachal Pradesh is
dominated by three main mountain ranges that spread over the
entire area. These ranges are the Dhauladhar Range
(4500-5000 m), Pir Pinjal Range (5000m ) and the Great
Himalayan Range (over 6000 m). As such the presence of
passes in Himachal is quiet obvious. |
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Valleys in Himachal
The valleys
of Himachal Pradesh are abode of natural beauty and cultural
richness. Passing through these valleys, you will feel as if
you have stepped into an altogether new world. The
surroundings, people, their customs and traditions will
leave you completely awestruck.
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Monestries in Himachal
The
monasteries of Himachal Pradesh are highly significant and
revered by the people of all religion. These monasteries do
not just preserve the rich Buddhist culture in the state,
but also make for an attractive tourists destination. Quiet
a few of these monasteries have gained fame on international
level, while many others are popular just locally. |
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Museum & Art Gallery of Himachal
A number of
Museums and Art Gallery dot the land of Himachal Pradesh.
These Museums and Art Galleries preserve the rich historical
and cultural heritage of the state with utmost sincerity and
take care that the rich legacy of past is not washed away
with the tides of time. A visit to these Museums and Art
Galleries will introduce you to this past that has shaped up
the present state of Himachal. |
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Tribes of Himachal |
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Tribes
Himachal Pradesh has a considerable percentage of tribal
population in the state. These tribal include the Kinners or
Kinnaure, the Lahules, the Spitians, the Pangwalas, the
Gaddis and the Gujjars. By nature, these people are highly
sociable and like to make friends. This is despite the fact
that they do not stay at one place and continue to move
around. The tribal population of Himachal Pradesh follow
their own set of traditions and customs. |
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