Dehradun is a quiet place under the bosom of the Himalayas and the charm that the city has is quite different as the visitors can never leave the city without taking much from it. This beautiful city in the state of Uttarakhand in India is a wonderful collage of traditions, music, food, and artistry. Due to its heritage reflecting the history and natural landscape of the place, the cultural fabric of Dehradun comprises a perfect mix of Garhwali and Kumaoni heritage with a modern touch. From lively festivals and age-old dances to delicious food and amazing crafts; Dehradun’s culture is a brilliant amalgam of the past and the present, compelling curiosity and enjoyment.
Normal Day in Dehradun
The typical day in Dehradun is as melodious as the sun rises in the mountains. It is the smell of tea and the noise of the city coming alive that wake people up. They go for walks in public gardens, shop in busy streets, and visit temples or mosques. The delightful taste of local dishes such as Kafuli and Phaanu stands out at lunchtime. Afternoons are reserved for resting in parks or touring the nearby points of interest. In the evening there are relaxing walks along Rajpur Road or the calmness of Sahastradhara. In the night, the city goes into slumber, leaving peacefully under the vast sky showering stars, thus closing the perfect day in Dehradun.
People of Dehradun
Dehradun consists of a diverse and friendly population of various cultures and backgrounds. They are proud of their traditions but still enjoy the benefits of modern times. Most are Garhwali or Kumaoni, but you’ll see people from all over India and even visitors from foreign countries. They are steadfast, compassionate, and love nature and most often get involved in activities aimed at preserving the natural environment. They value their education, with most having gone to good schools and colleges in the town. All in all, they are a colourful and hospitable society that contributes to the appeal of Dehradun.
In Dehradun, Women’s customary outfit includes Bandhani, Ghagra Choli, Lehengas, Sarongs, Burka, Saris, and Long Skirts while Men usually wear Dhotis, Lungis, Kurta Pajamas, and Turbans.
Language of Dehradun
As a significant component of the Garhwal Region, the city of Dehradun has also been greatly influenced by the Garhwali Culture. The spirit of the ancient Garhwal Rule is still reflected in Dehradun. Apart from Garhwali, which is the lingua franca in Dehradun, English, Hindi, Punjabi, Nepali, Tibetan, and Kumaoni languages are spoken commonly across the city.
Religion of Dehradun
The religious composition in Dehradun is much diversified and therefore, the people come from different backgrounds. Hinduism is the predominant faith in Dehradun; more than 60% of the population is Hindu. The other major religions observed in the city country include Sikhism, Islam, and Jainism.
Food Culture of Dehradun
The delicious food in Dehradun is very much renowned for its special taste. In a nod to its Garhwali heritage, the cuisine here is defined by simplicity and the use of indigenous produce. The famous food in this region includes Kandalee Ka Saag, Kulath Phanu, Bal Mithai, Kaafli, Gulgula, Singodi, Arsa, and Sani Hui Muli. These dishes belong to the local culture and are enjoyed by all.
As you make your way down the busy roads, numerous tempting street food offerings are waiting around every corner; a variety of savory samosas and Kachodis, to Unsavory Aloo Tikki and Golgappas. Momos, the cherished Tibetan dumplings, have also staked their claim in Dehradun’s gourmet space, providing a mouthwatering mix of tastes. It is mandatory to treat your sweet taste buds with some of the specialties like Bal Mithai, Singodi, and Rusk.
Festivals of Dehradun
The Kumaoni culture has a very special ritual of decorating Aanchal clothes with beautifully colored designs. On special occasions, such as marriages or festivals, a woman wears a cloth known as Pichora or Rangwali. This material is approximately 3 meters long and 1.5 meters wide, yellow-dyed, and decorated with red patterns, such as Swastika, sun, moon, bell, and conch shell symbols.
Women use rice paste mixed with ochre to decorate the floors and walls of their homes not only for festivals and ceremonies but also for making beautiful patterns. The flooring of the worship area and seats of Gods and Goddess are decorated by a special form of patterns called Peeth or Yantra that look like diagrams depicting the dwelling place of the deities.
As a result, in the events of naming ceremonies, designs manifested on wooden seats show symbols such as the sun and moon. Seats at the wedding may feature designs that depict a large water jug, indicating the water from which the world originated. These traditions bring about colour and significance to major occurrences in the Kumaoni culture.
