Jaunsari people
Ethnolinguistic group in Uttarakhand, India
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
The Jaunsari is a community found in the Jaunsar-Bawar area which is part of the larger cultural and geographical Mahasu region, mainly in south-western parts of the North Indian state of Uttarakhand. They speak the Jaunsari language which is a Western Pahari language as well as Indo-Aryan language.[2]
जौनसारी | |
|---|---|
Jaunsari men in traditional clothing | |
| Total population | |
| c. 137,000 (2011 census)[1] | |
| Regions with significant populations | |
| Mahasu region (Jaunsar-Bawar) | |
| Languages | |
| Religion | |
| Predominantly: | |
| Related ethnic groups | |
| Hattee people |
Culture
The Jaunsari community reveres ‘Mahasu Devta’ which is the principal deity of that community. Dance and music are integral part of Jaunsari culture. During festivals both men and women dance under the intoxication of the folk music. Local people perform folk dances such as Harul, Ghundiya Raso, Jhenta Raso, Jangbazi, Thoude, and many more.[3][4] Fairs like Moroj and Bissu are held which mark the harvesting period.[5]
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Clothing
As a society which resides in the harsh climate of the Himalayas, their clothing is primarily woollen oriented which would keep them warm. Their attire stands out from the rest of Uttarakhand.
Men's Clothing: Jaunsari men wear a woolen pyjama known as Jhangel (झंगेल) and on top of that they wear a woollen robe known as 'Choro (चोड़ो)', both made up of sheep wool. The Choro can be kept loose, or it can be tucked in both of the sides and can be bound at the waist with a woollen belt known as Manjan (मँजण). It can also be draped over the shoulders without tucking in the arms. As for headwear, traditionally men have been wearing Diguwa (डिगुवा) or popularly known as Gandhi Cap for a very long time, but in modern fashion men can be seen sporting a Himachali cap. During winters when it snows a lot people wear woollen shoes known as Khurshe (खुर्शे) which keeps the wearer's feet warm.
Judo (जुडो) is a local variation of the Jama (coat) which was popular during early modern times. It covers the entire body like a gown, it reaches just above the ankles. The sleeves, shoulders, chest and back portion of the dress are embroidered whereas the rest of the region remains as it is. It is accompanied by a cotton/silk Cummerbund at the waist, a white Turban on the head and a silk shawl over the shoulders. It was to be worn by everyone attending the darbar of the Sirmaur King in its capital Nahan as the official court uniform in old times. Nowadays, it is worn during festivals for performing folk dances.
Women's Clothing: Jaunsari women wear Ghagra which is usually a 6 to 7 meters long piece of cloth, stitched together to form a long skirt, it's unique due to its sharp folds/pleats known as Luria (लुड़िया), such a texture is achieved by heat-pleating the folds. The portion which divides the Ghagra from the Hem at the lower portion of the Ghagra is embroidered with floral patterns which forms a strip which is known as Phita (फिता). The Ghagra is paired with a Jhagga (झग्गा) which is Jaunsari for Kameez. It can be paired with a sleeve-less Waistcoat or it can be paired with a Kurti (कुर्ति) - which is an overcoat especially made for women, simmilar to an Angarkha. Women cover their head with a Headscarf known as Dhantu (ढाँटु) which is tied at the back of the head. For jewellery women wear Tungal (तुंगल), Bulak (बुलाक), Nāth (नाथ), Utraiyan (उतरैइयाँ), etc. A smaller Ghagra for younger girls is known as Ghaguti (घागुटि).
Notable people
- Gulab Singh, former Member of the Legislative Assembly from Chakrata.[6]
