8/13/2019 HIMACHAL PRADESH THE SNOW ABODE Himachal was one of the few states that had remained largely untouched by external customs, largely due to its difficult terrain. It

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HIMACHAL PRADESHTHE SNOW ABODE

8/13/2019 HIMACHAL PRADESH THE SNOW ABODE Himachal was one of the few states that had remained largely untouched by external customs, largely due to its difficult terrain. It

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FEW FACTS ABOUT HIMACHAL PRADESH

It is spread over 21,495 sq mi (55,673 km), and isbordered by the Indian states of Jammu and Kashmir onthe north, Punjab on the west and south-west, Haryanaand Uttar Pradesh on the south, Uttarakhand on the

south-east and by the Tibet autonomous region on theeast. The literal meaning of Himachal Pradesh is Regionof snowy mountains.

Himachal Pradesh has one of the highest per capitaincomes of any state in India.

According to a 2005 Transparency International survey,Himachal Pradesh is ranked the second-least corrupt

state in the country after Kerala.

8/13/2019 HIMACHAL PRADESH THE SNOW ABODE Himachal was one of the few states that had remained largely untouched by external customs, largely due to its difficult terrain. It

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CULTURE OF HIMACHAL PRADESH

Himachal was one of the few states that had remainedlargely untouched by external customs, largely due to itsdifficult terrain. It is a multireligional, multicultural aswell as multilingual state like other Indian states. Someof the most commonly spoken languagesare Hindi, Punjabi,Pahari, Dogri, Mandialli Kangri, GojriKinnauri.

The Hindu caste communities residing in Himachalinclude the Brahmins, Rajputs, Gujjars, Gaddis, Grith(choudhary), Rathis and Kolis. There are also tribal

population in the state which mainly comprise, Kinnars,Pangawals, Sulehria, and Lahaulis.

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8/13/2019 HIMACHAL PRADESH THE SNOW ABODE Himachal was one of the few states that had remained largely untouched by external customs, largely due to its difficult terrain. It

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The state is well known for its handicrafts. The carpets,

leather works, shawls, metalware, woodwork andpaintings are worth appreciating. Pashmina shawl isone of the product which is highly in demand not only inHimachal but all over the country.

Himachali caps are also famous art work of the people.

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HIMACHALI DHAM (A MEAL OF SPECIAL OCCASIONS)

Amongst festive food, the traditional meal, Dham(Lunch servedin traditional marriages of Himachal Pradesh) finds instantmention. Dhamis prepared by botis only who are Brahmin chefsand have been in this profession for generations. The utensils usedfor cooking the food are normally copper ones. The preparations for

Dham begin a night before, and when ready, it is served in coursesto people who sit on floor. Pattals or leaf plates are utilized to servethe food. And as for the dishes themselves, they include rice,Madra(Sepu badi/Mukund badi, Rajmah etc), Palda(a curd baseddish or curry), mustard based raita, pulses and Meethe chawal(sweet rice) or Mithdee(made of boondi, Bread crumbs etc).

Dishes vary from one district to another as per local culture.

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A VIEW OF HIMACHALI DHAM

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folk dance in traditional dress Himachali girl in traditionalornaments

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Tourism in Himachal Pradesh

Himachal Pradesh is famous for its Himalayan landscapesand popular hill-stations. Many outdoor activities suchas rock climbing, mountain biking, paragliding, ice-skating are popular tourist attractions in Himachal

Pradesh.Shimla, the state capital, is very popular amongtourists. The Kalka-Shimla Railway is a Mountain railwaywhich is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Shimla is also afamous skiing attraction in India. Other popular hillstations include Manali and Kasauli.

Dharamshala, home of the Dalai Lama, is known for itsTibetan monasteries and Buddhist temples.Many trekking expeditions also begins from here.

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Today, Himachal Pradesh is one of the most importanttravel destinations in India. The high hills of Himalayas

attract the travelers from all over the world. HimachalPradesh has plenty of hill resorts, pilgrimage centers,adventure sports destinations and wildlife that attracts awide range of tourists all across the globe.

A view of prashar lake (mandi).