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Kinnaur
About Kinnaur

Kinnaur is one of twelve administrative districts in the Indian state of Himachal Pradesh, India. The district is divided into three administrative areas – Pooh, Kalpa, and Nichar – and has five tehsils (counties). The administrative headquarters of Kinnaur district is at Reckong Peo. From here Kinnaur Kailash, considered to be the abode of Lord Shiva, can be viewed. As of 2011 it is the second least crowded district of Himachal Pradesh out of 12 after Lahaul and Spiti. There are nine vital languages which are spoken in the district.

As the region was unreachable there used to be very little interaction with people from the plains and, therefore, the ancient Hindu texts considered spiritual Kinnars as halfway between humans and gods! According to the 2011 census Kinnaur district has a population of 84,298.

Kinnaur is surrounded by the Tibet to the east, it is in the northeast corner of Himachal Pradesh, about 235 km from the state capital, Shimla. It has three high mountains ranges, namely, Himalayas, Zanskar and Dhauldhar that surround valleys of Spiti, Sutlej, Baspa and their tributaries. The slopes are covered with orchards, thick wood, fields and pretty villages. The religious Shivling lies at the peak of Kinnaur Kailash mountain. The district was opened for the outsiders in 1989. The old Hindustan-Tibet Road passes through the Kinnaur valley along the bank of river Sutlej and finally enters Tibet at Shipki La pass.

It is not only the scenic beauty which appeals to the young and old alike but also the life styles of the people, their heritage, culture, customs and traditions. The people have strong culture and beliefs, generally follow Hinduism and Buddhism, believing the Pandavas came and resided in the land while in the exile. Thousands-year-old monasteries still exist in the area. Buddhists and Hindus live in harmony symbolizing the traditional friendship and brotherhood of the people of both the faiths. Apples, chilgoza (chestnut) and other dry fruits are grown here. The high landscape here facilitates adventures and sports. Trekking routes include the 'Parikarma of Kinnaur Kailash'.

 
History of Kinnaur

Little is known about the history of Kinnaur, except for the fact that it was once known as Kanaurra or Kinnaura. However there are legends and myths among the inhabitants. It is known that the area was placed under the control of the Magadha kingdom, followed by the Mauryan Empire during the 6th century BCE, which was then occupied mainly by the Panasika, Valhika, Kamboja, and Kirata. Kinnaur also came under the influence of the Guge kingdom of Tibet between the 9th and 12th centuries.

Kinnaur was later divided into seven parts, known as Sat Khund. Conflicts in the region finally gave rise to the formation of many small chiefdoms, which fought amongst one another for power. These struggles also included the neighbouring Bhotes. Several forts from this time, including Moorang, Kamru and Labrang serve as evidence of the region's history of conflict, which lasted until Emperor Akbar conquered the area. Akbar's conquest resulted in the incorporation of the Kinnaur valley into the Mughal Empire.

After the collapse of the Mughal Empire, the Kinnaur valley, then known as Chini Tehsil, played an influential role. When its dominant role in the region lapsed, it was merged to form part of the Mahasu district. By 1960, political, ethnic, and cultural considerations led to the area being reorganised, forming the present Kinnaur district. In 1975 an earthquake struck the region.

Culture of Kinnaur is Tribal and fraternal polyandry is still present. This practice of polyandry was introduced in old times to balance survival as cultivated land is less and family planning was unheard. But with change of time and impact of education, now it is found it traces.

 
Geography of Kinnaur

A mountainous area, ranging in altitude from 2,320 to 6,816 metres (7,610 to 22,362 ft), Kinnaur is one of the smallest districts in India by population. It is famous for the Kinnaur Kailash, a mountain sacred to Hindus, close to the Tibetan border.

Flora and fauna
Portions of Kinnaur are situated high in the Himalaya, where vegetation is thin and consists primarily of hardy grasses. Alpine species such as pine, fir, juniper, rhododendron and cypress can be found at elevations between 3,500 and 5,000 metres, mainly in Middle Kinnaur. At lower altitudes, temperate-climate trees are found, including maple, magnolia, oak, chestnut, birch, alder, apple, andapricot. Dzos and Yaks are reared by local farmers in the higher areas. Scattered populations of the Himalayan black bear and small ponies may also be found.

Climate of Kinnaur

Most of Kinnaur enjoys a temperate climate due to its high elevation, with long winters from October to May (the snowy season), and short summers from June to September due to the Geographical conditions. From April to May is Spring and September to October is Autumn. Only the Baspa valley, lower region of the Satluj valley and the area south of the Great Himalaya receives monsoon rains, while in the upper areas monsoon showers progressively decreases.

Adventure Tourism in Kinnaur

Kinnaur has tremendous scope of adventure tourism. There are many trekking routes in the district. Ski slopes are available at Kalpa and rock climbing can also be started in this district. Walking has been a means of leisure and physical fitness. Trekking is essentially walking. In ancient times people walked through the dense, untouched forests and they walked across unknown passes and mountains in search of grazing grounds and game. Numerous passes connect the two valleys across the range. These passes have legends and even today they are mysterious, illuminating and challenging to the world. The valleys have some of the most interesting view points, lakes, meadows and lush green pastures to add to its mystery and beauty.

People of Kinnaur

Kinnaur district may be classified into three territorial units. Lower Kinnaur comprise area between Chora at the boundary of the Kinnaur district with Rampur Bushahr and Kalpa including Nichar and Sangla valleys. The people of Lower Kinnaur are primarily of the Mediterranean physical type. It is difficult to distinguish them from the people residing in the adjoining Shimla district with whom they have some similarity. The people of lower Kinnaur are mostly Hindus though the ethno-historical factors have resulted in growing Buddhist influence.

The middle Kinnaur is the area between Kalpa and Kanam including Moorang tehsil. The people of middle Kinnaur are of mixed ethnic strain. Some have marked Mongoloid and others marked Mediterranean features. In some cases there is an admixture of the above two in varying degrees. The inhabitants are Buddhist as well as Hindus. Many people have faith in both the religions. It is very common to see Buddhist flag in most houses.

The upper Kinnaur comprises remaining north-eastern part of the district i.e. the area between Poo (town) and Hangrang valley extending up to international border with Tibet. The predominant physical type of upper Kinnaur is the Mongoloid though a few persons with Mediterranean features are also seen in the area around Poo. Some persons show the blending of Mediterrean and Mongoloid elements in varying degrees. However the people of Hangrang valley are almost universally Mongoloids. They mostly follow Mahayana Buddhist religion. The Kannaurs are very fond of music, dance and singing.

Religion

The people of lower Kinnaur are mostly Hindu. Their most important gods and goddess are Durga (Chandi), Bhairon, Usha (Ukha), Narayan, Vishnu, Badrinath and Bhimakali. The Chamang and Domang have their favorite deities such as Nag Devta. In addition, each village has its presiding deity.

The inhabitants of middle Kinnaur are Buddhist as well as Hindu. The important Hindu deities of middle Kinnaur include Chandi, Gauri Shankar, Kansa and Narayanjee. Dabla, the local god of Kanam village, has certain features traditionally associated with the Bon religion.

The religion of upper Kinnaur is mostly Tibetan Buddhist. Almost every village has a monastery with monks recruited from amongst the (Kanet).Hinduism is the main religions in the district followed by Tibetan Buddhism, although Bön is also practised. These three religions have undergone religious mixing, along with some indigenous shamanistic practices.

The Kinnaur Kailash is the most sacred mountain for most Kinners. Every year it is visited by thousands of locals on religious pilgrimages known as Yatra, Hindu and Buddhist alike.

Lifestyle

Generally, Kinner houses have storerooms for keeping grain and dried fruits, and separate wooden grain-storage structures, called kathar. Pakpa, a piece of sheepskin or yakskin, is often placed on the khayarcha mat.Traditionally Kinners use utensils made of brass and bronze. Modern influences have included the introduction of Chinese crockery, and utensils made of stainless steel and aluminum.

Clothes are mainly of wool. The thepang, a grey woollen cap, is worn with a white velvet band. The Tibetan chhuba, a long woollen coat which resembles an achkan, is worn as well, with a sleeveless woollen jacket. While men wear woollen churidhar pajamas, and tailored woollen shirts such as the chamn kurti, the women wrap themselves up in a dohru. The first wrap of the dohru is based on the back, with embellished borders displayed throughout its length, which extends to the heels. Darker shades of colours are preferred for the Dohru, although other beautifully coloured shawls may be worn, usually draped over the shoulders. A choli, another type of full sleeved blouse worn by women, may serve as a decorative lining as well.

 
Best Time to Visit Kinnaur

Kinnaur is a beautiful district to visit. Great natural scenes, high mountains, valleys, rivers, lakes and green pastures creates an exciting scenes for tourists. Best time to visit the district is from April to October.

How To Reach Kinnaur

By Rail
There is no Rail service to Kinnaur and the nearest Railway Station at Shimla is connected by a narrow gauge line from Kalka which is about 96 Km from shimla.

By Road
Reckong Peo, the District Headquarters of Kinnaur is 235 Kms from Shimla. National Highways -22 is the most convenient communication network to Kinnaur. For those who can afford it, jeep and taxies are the best way to go to Kinnaur.

By Air
There is no direct flight to Kinnaur and the nearest Airport is Shimla which can be reached from Delhi.

 
 


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