Uttarakhand is a northern hilly state of India which celebrates its Foundation Day annually on 9th November as the state was formed on this day in 2000 by carving it out from Uttar Pradesh state.
Earlier the state was called Uttaranchal but it was renamed to Uttarakhand in 2007. The state is located in the northern region and is covered with the mountains of the Himalayan range. It is a relatively small state of India in terms of population and area but is filled with abundance of nature and culture.
Also, known as the 'Land of Gods', the state has very rich natural resources including glaciers, rivers, dense forests, and snow-clad mountain peaks. It also has the four most sacred and revered Hindu temples also known as Char Dham of Uttarakhand - Badrinath, Kedarnath, Gangotri and Yamunotri.
| Event | Uttarakhand Foundation Day |
|---|---|
| Date | November 9, 2022 |
| Day | Wednesday |
| Significance | The day commemorates the establishment of Uttarakhand |
| Observed by | India |
Uttarakhand Foundation Day History:
The region now known as Uttarakhand is recorded to be first settled by the Kol people, who speak Munda language. They later joined Indo-Aryan tribes who arrived by the Vedic period. At that time, present-day Uttarakhand was also reportedly inhabited by rishis and sadhus. It is believed that the rishi (sage) Vyasa wrote the Mahabharata there, since the Pandavas are believed to have traveled (and camped) in the region. Among the first major dynasties of the Garhwal and Kumaon Kingdoms were the Kunindas in the 2nd century BC, who practiced an early form of Shaivism of Hinduism and traded salt and other things with western Tibet.
Following the independence of India, the Himalayan districts of erstwhile United Provinces began to receive significant attention in the regional literature. In 1949, the Princely State of Tehri Garhwal acceded to the Union of India. With the adoption of Constitution of India in 1950, the United Provinces was renamed Uttar Pradesh and became a state of India. Even after the decades of independence, the Government of Uttar Pradesh couldn't meet the expectation to address the interests of the people in the Himalayan region.
Unemployment, poverty, lack of adequate infrastructure, general underdevelopment and the migration of native (Pahari-speaking) people from the hills in search of better opportunities ultimately led to the popular demand for the creation of a separate hill state. This led to the formation of Uttarakhand Kranti Dal for the purpose of achieving statehood, protests gathered momentum and took a form of widespread statehood movement across the region in 1990s.
The statehood activists continued their agitation for the next several years and consequently the state of Uttarakhand was formed as Uttaranchal on 9 November 2000 by the Uttar Pradesh Reorganisation Act, 2000, bifurcating the erstwhile state of Uttar Pradesh. On 1 January 2007, Uttaranchal was renamed Uttarakhand, reclaiming the name by which the region had been known prior to statehood. That's how we today have the state of Uttarakhand which seems to be doing quite well when compared to the state of Uttar Pradesh.
Uttarakhand Foundation Day Significance:
Located at the foothills of the Himalayan mountain ranges, Uttarakhand is largely a hilly State, having international boundaries with China (Tibet) in the north and Nepal in the east. On its north-west lies Himachal Pradesh, while on the south is Uttar Pradesh. It is rich in natural resources especially water and forests with many glaciers, rivers, dense forests and snow-clad mountain peaks. Char-dhams, the four most sacred and revered Hindu temples of Badrinath,Kedarnath, Gangotri and Yamunotri are nestled in the mighty mountains. It is truly God's Land (Dev Bhoomi). Dehradun is the Capital of Uttarakhand.
Ever since the separation of the state from Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand has emerged as a significant destination for investments in manufacturing industry, tourism and infrastructure. With emphasis is being put on stimulating all three sectors of its economy (agriculture, industry and services),to their fullest potential in tandem with the geographic profile of the state. Today, the state of Uttarakhand is moving forward although still today it faces many challenges ahead in it's way but we can say that formation of this state was the need of the hour which needs to be celebrated.
This day celebrates the Uttarakhandi indentity which consists of the two main Pahari people group of the state which are the Garhwali and Kumaoni, the state is also divided into two geographic regions Garhwal and Kumaon where these two people group makes the predominant population of the respective regions. Although the official language of the state is Hindi but Garhwali and Kumaoni are also widely spoken and these pahari languages are also considered as a dialect of Hindi according to the Indian constitution. Overall this day gives a chance to the people of Uttarakhand to proudly celebrate their culture and heritage.
Uttarakhand Foundation Day Celebrations:
There are several functions organised by the state government to celebrate the Foundation Day including police parades and cultural programs. The Chief Minister also inaugurates several beneficial policies and funds for the people followed by paying tribute to the martyrs of the Uttarakhand movement at the Martyr's Memorial, Dehradun.
Grand programs will be organized in Nainital on the occasion of 22nd Foundation Day of Uttarakhand. Like previous years, this time also Sailing Rigada will be organized at Naini Lake. Along with this, a food festival will be organized on the flats ground in collaboration with the Hotel Association. In which locals and tourists will be able to enjoy food made from mountain products.
Two days before this, a large-scale cleanliness campaign will be conducted across the district. On which senior students of schools as well as cadets of NCC, NSS will also be involved. Stalls will also be set up in the flats to give information about products and government schemes from government departments and self-help groups and on the occasion of Foundation Day, all government and semi-government buildings would be decorated with electric lights.
Most Searched FAQs on Uttarakhand Foundation Day:
1. When is Uttarakhand Foundation Day celebrated?
Uttarakhand Foundation Day is annually celebrated on 9th November in Uttarakhand, India.
2. Why is Uttarakhand called as the land of God?
Uttarakhand is known as devbhoomi, or "land of the gods," since it is home to several Hindu holy sites. Furthermore, Uttarakhand has been known as 'Devbhoomi' throughout ancient times.
3. What is the best time to visit Uttarakhand?
March to April and September to October are considered as the best time to visit Uttarakhand. The state has wonderful weather all through the year. Trekking, Paragliding and The Char Dham Yatra are the most popular activities during Summer, which is also the Peak Season in Uttarakhand.