Dehradun Culture
Dehradun, a part of ‘Garhwal Region’ is predominantly inhabited by Garhwali people. This Himalayan city mainly portrays the pure influence of Garhwali tradition and customs. The chief languages spoken in Dehradun include Garhwali, Gorkhali, Punjabi, Sindhi, Kumaoni, Urdu, English and Hindi. Apart from the Garhwali People, other folks belonging to differing religions and backgrounds dwell here peacefully and harmoniously. Adding to this, Dehradun being a leading tourist destination registers the torrents of most colorful population.
As the city is perched at the high altitude, the weather remains chiefly cold and windy all round the year. Due to that, people always wear woolen blankets and other woolen coverings. The traditional attire of women in Dehradun is saris with full sleeved blouses covered with a kind of jacket called Angra. Young girls wear full skirts and cover their head and shoulders with scarves. Men folk of Dehradun traditionally wear Dhoti, Langoti and Angarkha. The style of wearing this Dhoti differs according to their background, cast and status. The people belonging to lower strata of social hierarchy wear short Dhotis and those belonging to higher classes wear long Dhotis. These days under the influence of modernism, the civilians of Dehradun have also adopted the modern attire of shirts, trousers, denims, kurta-pyjamas etc.
The economy of Dehradun, apart from tourism is mainly supported by agriculture. Moreover, people also serve in military, undertake different kinds of business and work in the field of education. Dehradun is famous countrywide for its Basmati Rice which is exported all over the country in a great amount. The typical cuisine of Dehradun includes Singal, Aloo Ke Gutke, Gahat Ki Dal, Jhangora Ki Kheer, Kumaoni Raita, Sani Hui Muli, Nimbu, Kandalee Ka Saag, Singodi, Kaafli, Arsa, Bal Mithai, Kulath Phanu, Gulgula, Rus, Chicken Korma, Kesar Halwa, Sei, Bhatt, Tibetan Momos and various Milk Products.
After being appointed as the state capital, Dehradun has recorded an accelerated development in every possible area. Other than being a principle tourist hub of the state, Dehradun has also made up a mark in the educational field as well. This city is a proud harbor of some of the preeminent educational institutes of the country such as Forest Research Institute, Indian Military Academy and a number of highly reputed boarding schools. Dehradun is also a home to several national foundations namely Indian Institute of Petroleum, Oil and Natural Gas Corporation, Wildlife Institute of India, Indian Institute of Petroleum and so on.
Dehradun is particularly famous for its Basmati Rice, Chakarata Rajma, Khukris (Traditional Knives), Hand Woven Shawls, Sweaters, Cardigans, Stoles, Scarves and Other Items of Wool, Eri Silk and Pashmina Colored With Natural Dyes, Books, Crafts and Furniture made from Bamboo, Wood, Handcrafted Copper, Natural Fibers, Woodcrafts, Artifacts made out of Wood, Bamboo and Cane, Local Paintings, Ornaments, Carpets, etc and tourists make it a point to take these souvenirs along.
The people of Dehradun are fun loving and convivial. They celebrate various kinds of fairs and festivals through out the year. Apart from the traditional festivals such as Holi, Diwali, Dussera, Janmashtami and so on, special festivals of Dehradun include, Jhanda Mela, Magh Mela, Tapkeshwar Mela, Laxman Sidhha Mela, Bissu Mela, Mahasu Devta’s Mela, Saheed Veer Kesri Chandra Fair, Lakhawar Fair etc.
Jhanda Mela, the most important festival of the year is celebrated on the fifth day after Holi in the month of March. This fair commemorates the arrival of the Sikh Guru Ram Rai to Dehradun who had alighted here on the same day in 1699 AD. The fair commences with the unfurling of a new flag at the Jhanda Chowk.
Tapkeshwar Mela is held at the famous Tapkeshwar Temple of Dehradun at the time of Mahashivratri. Devotees of Lord Shiva from different corners of the state assemble at the temple to pay homage at the feet of the deity.
Laxman Sidhha Mela is organized in the honor of the four Siddhapeethas located around Dehradun. People gather in a large number and make offerings at the Samadhi at the time of Laxman Sidhha Mela.
Bissu Mela is celebrated at the Jhanda ground which marks the beginning of the harvesting season. Moreover, the cultural heritage and the tradition of the Jaunsari tribe are also celebrated at the time of Bissu Mela.
Mahasu Devta’s Mela is an annual festival held in the month of August at Hanol. At the time of this three days festival a grand procession of the Goddess Mahasu is carried when the procession is accompanied by constant musical prayers that go on for 3 days and nights without break.
Saheed Veer Kesri Chandra Fair is organized at the memorial dedicated to a great freedom fighter of this region Veer Kesri Chandra.
Lakhawar Fair celebrated at a village named Lakhawar is held during the months of September or October every year. This fair is marked with the performances of dance, music, cultural activities and other sports competitions. This is a traditional festival of native Garhwali tribes of Dehradun.
5 Must Try Street Food In Dehradun
1. Bun Tikki
More popular than burgers, Dehradun’s own dabeli or vadapav, the Bun Tikki, is a exactly what it claims to be: a tikki or patti made with potato and channa dal, flavored with spices, served in a lightly-toasted bun along with tamarind chutney and other condiments.
If you are around EC Road, you can try the best example of this tasty local treat at a stall simply named after the snack.
Where: Bun Tikkiwala, EC Road, Dwarka Store Chowk
2. Chhole Poori
What could be more satisfying than a bowl of piping-hot chhole and crispy pooris? This spicy chickpea gravy, or chhole, is a common sight at many roadside vendors all across the city and as such has become one of the more popular street food dishes to make a mini meal of on the go.
If you have a craving for some superb chhole poori while in Dehradun, then you need to head to Chetan Poori Wala at Hanuman Chowk. It is the best in the city and they have been featured on a few food shows, too.
Where: Hanuman Chowk
Another well-loved noodle dish served all over Dehradun is none other than Maggi. The packet noodles are a hit all over the nation amongst not only the young but all age groups.
Definitely considered comfort food to many, you have got to visit Shivalik Maggi Point on the way to Mussoorie where you can find a variety of combinations of this inexpensive familiar food in a beautiful surrounding, making the experience invaluable.
Where: Mussoorie Road.
4. Baal Mithaai
The serene, tranquil beauty of Uttarakhand and the snowcapped mountains between which it lies, offers solace and peace to everyone. The chirping of birds, breath of fresh air, breathtaking surroundings, and the clear blue sky—astounds and astonishes all of us. However, Uttarakhand is not only about its natural beauty. It is also known for its rustic yet scrumptious food and offers a wide range of cuisines and specialties. One such delicacy that is mainly found in Uttarakhand only is the humble but luscious ‘Bal Mithai’.
Bal Mithai is a brown chocolate like fudgy and gooey sweet delight. It is made with roasted ‘khoa’ (dried whole milk) and is coated in white sugar balls. It is a popular and most sought after sweet from Almora district of Uttarakhand. It is one of the most favourite sweet of common people and the people living there.
The momo has always been a popular local roadside snack all over the city and around. Made with all sorts of delicious fillings, both vegetarian as well as non-vegetarian, wrapped in a thin sheet of dough, steamed or fried, and served with a spicy dipping sauce, these little dumplings can go down fast!
K.C. Momos a little ahead from Silver City is famous for these scrumptious morsels, as well as their soups. Head here for absolutely the best mutton momos in the city.
Where: K.C. Momos, Rajpur Road
Things to do in Dehradun
1. Trekking at Har Ki dun
Located away from the chaos of the main city, this beautiful valley is situated at height of 3,566 meters above the sea level. This is one of the most accessible places to trek in Dehradun.
Here you will be treated to the sights of lush pine forests as well as rolling mountain peaks. You can also spot local villages along the way which offer great insight into the culture of the area.
2. Picnic at Lacchiwalla
This is one of the most popular picnic spots in Dehradun but still it manages to retain its natural beauty. It’s a great getaway for the whole family, where you can sit back and enjoy the lush greenery.
There are a number of cottages and hotels you can stay at here. With fruit orchards and good weather all year, make sure to add this to your itinerary.
3. Paragliding over Dehradun
If you’re looking to satiate your adventurous streak, then you must try your hand at paragliding while visiting. Here you can enjoy a bird’s eye view of Dehradun, Mussoorie, Chakrata ,Tehri and Rishikesh.
Some of the best places you can book a session include National Adventure Sports Academy and The Great Himalayan Adventures.
4. Family fun at Fun Valley
This is the ultimate entertainment zone for you and your family when visiting Dehradun. This amusement park has a lot to offer including a vast interior complex, multi-cuisine restaurant and kiosks.
There are thrilling rides in an exciting water park, deluxe rooms and a motel. It gets a little crowded on the weekend, so if you can try to visit during the week.
5. Nightlife in Dehradun
Dehradun is home to a large range of clubs, lounges and bars where you and your friends can grab a few drinks and enjoy a night out. The nightlife has really picked up here and there are number of places you can visit.
Some of the most popular places include Vibezz The Lounge, Maacozy, Hill’s Queen Bar & Restaurant, Club Sheesha, Dehradun Club and Pirates.
There you have it, a list of things you must do when you visit this beautiful place. Dehradun offers a real mix of activities for tourists; have you picked the places you want to go? Do let us know about your holiday in the comments section below.
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