Chamoli District is a district of pilgrimage importance, located in the north Indian state of Uttarakhand. Chamoli District is an outstanding spot filled with comprehensive qualities of nature that adds to its glory and splendour.
The majestic panoramic view of the lofty Great Himalayan ranges in Chamoli District, coated with white sheets of snow is just an eye soothing and awe-inspiring view. The lush green mountains, gushing rivers, holy pilgrimage centers of significant importance, and grandeur of locales, all these and many more add to the beauty of Chamoli District. Chamoli District is also adored for its shrines and temples of significant importance and this is the birthplace of the Chipko Movement.
History of Chamoli District
Chamoli District is known as the Land of Paradise. This district is flooded with thriving natural beauty and is of major historical significance. Chamoli District was earlier a part of Pauri Garhwal of Garhwal Division but in the year 1960, it was established with its headquarters at Gopeshwar. Chamoli District is mentioned in the Taleshwar Copper Plate Grant, which the Katyuri Dynasty brought and established during their rule that extended from 3rd century A.D. after the Gupta Dynasty to 14th century A.D. when the Chand Dynasty raised to power. One of the Copper Plate explores that the ancient city of Brahampura had one of its administrative centers at Chamoli District. There are many mythological legends that are popular amidst the local inhabitants, amongst which one says that Lord Hanuman found the Sanjeevani Buti here to revive the unconscious Laxmana, younger brother of Lord Rama. Also, it is conceived that Ved Vyas composed the legendary mythological epic Mahabharata here. This land has granted ideas and the feelings of creativity to legendary great poet Kalidasa of Gupta era.
Geography of Chamoli District
Chamoli District has the administrative headquarters located at Gopeshwar. The modern day Chamoli District is bounded by the Tibet region to the north and by the Uttarakhand districts of Pithoragarh and Bageshwar to the east, Almora to the south, Garhwal to the southwest, Rudraprayag to the west, and Uttarkashi to the northwest. Tibetans of the Bhotiya ethnic group who adhere to Hinduism largely populate Chamoli District.
Demography of Chamoli District
According to the Population census in the year 2011, Chamoli District had a population of 391,605. Out of which the male and the female were 193,991 and 197,614 respectively. In the population census in the year 2011, Chamoli District has the recorded increase of 13.87 percent to its population compared to 1991.
Culture of Chamoli District
Here the culture is enhanced by the folk songs, festivals and the cuisines. People here used to eat wheat, rice, maize, mandua and jhanjora. The culture of Chamoli district is reflected in their ethnic dress and tribal costumes. The usual dress for men is Kurta or shirt, Pyjama, Sadri, a cap and a knee-length coat. Women often wear sari and full sleeved shirt or Angra. People here also enjoy several fairs and festivals. Ram Navami, Nag Panchmi, Raksha-Bandhan, Janmastami, Dushera, Diwali, Makar Sankranti and Holi are the popular festivals celebrated here.
Administration of Chamoli District
The administration of Chamoli district is completely dependent on the District Collector and the regions of assemble constituencies. Chamoli District has three constituencies like Badrinath, Karnprayag and Tharali.
Economy of Chamoli District
Chamoli district is economically dependent on agriculture, handloom and tourism. Here the wheat, rice and maize are produced in the remote villages of Chamoli District.
Tourism of Chamoli District
Chamoli District is reputed for its shrines and temples. This region in Uttarakhand is significant as the birthplace of the `Chipko Movement. Chamoli District is indeed the most spectacular places laced with natural scenery, water-edges, floristic varieties and fizzy forests and wildlife. It is blessed with the entire natural splendors like Kedarnath Wildlife Sanctuary, Mana Pass, Nanda Devi National Park, Joshimath, Auli and the Valley of Flowers. Here the temples like Gopeshwar, Badrinath Temple, Tapta Kund and Hemkund Sahib attract huge amount of population throughout the year. Auli is considered as the adventure tourism destination.
Visiting Information
The nearest airport for reaching Chamoli District is Jolly Grant Airport in Dehradun, which is located at a distance of 221kms. The nearest railway station is Rishikesh sited at a distance of about 202kms. Chamoli District is well linked to major parts of this state and all the cities of India by road.
