Culture of Pahad A growing record of the culture of Uttarakhand’s pahad. Arts and CraftsAipanAipan is the ritual art of Kumaon — geometric and figurative designs drawn in white rice paste on red ochre, each pattern tied to a specific occasion, practiced on floors, walls, and doorsteps.FaithGolu DevtaGolu Devta is the god of justice of Kumaon. Devotees write their grievances on paper — even court stamp paper — and tie them at his temples, promising a brass bell when justice is delivered.FestivalsHarelaHarela is a festival of Kumaon, held on the first day of the month of Saavan (Shravan) — the start of the monsoon, and of the sowing season.Flora and FaunaBuranshBuransh, the state tree of Uttarakhand, is an evergreen Himalayan tree whose flowers bloom in a deep red color in early spring.FoodBal MithaiBal mithai, Almora's dark brown khoya sweet coated in white sugar balls — its history since 1865, how it is made, and where it stands today.Music and DanceChholiyaChholiya is the sword dance of Kumaon. The dancers dress as the hill soldiers of an earlier time and fight staged duels with real swords and brass shields.
