Village tour to India takes the tourist up-close to the indigenous cultures that are radiant for so many years. Community of travelers and truth seekers is seeking a place to get a real feel of India must visit its ancient villages that even today give a glimpse of age-old culture and traditions. The country boasts many villages, which cater a wonderful vacation in the paramount serenity and it’s an un-spoilt virgin beauty of Mother Nature you would perhaps get nowhere else…!!!
“The future of India lies in its villages” – by Mahatma Gandhi
They say the heart of India lies in their villages. In this journey, one would get an experience of the authentic village life of Jaunsar-Bawar (Uttarakhand); an opportunity to get engaged and interact with the locals and gain a rare insight into their way of life.
Detail Tour Program:
- Upon arrival, meet and greet at the airport and proceed to the hotel.
Check-in at the hotel.
Overnight stay at hotel.
- After light breakfast, proceed to railway station to board the Shatabdi train for Dehradun.
- Dep. Delhi at 06h45
- Arr. Dehradun at 12h50
- Upon arrival, meet at the railway station and proceed to Devalok guest house (It’s any Tibetan guest house, under the premises and supervision of Buddha monastery).
- Upon arrival, check-in at guest house.
- Lunch at guest house.
- Post evening experience the unique Buddha Temple with local Buddhist monks.
- Buddha Temple is a highly celebrated Tibetan religious site. Kochen Rinpoche and a few other monks built this temple in late 1965. The aim was to protect religious and cultural understanding of Buddhism. It is a replica of the original temple monastery in Tibet. They built it as one of the four Tibetan religion schools and named it “Nyingma” or the Old Translation School. The other three schools are Sakya, Kagy & Geluk. Mindrolling Monastery boasts a uniquely Japanese style of architecture. People believe that 50 artists made the unique design of the temple and paintings. They took about three years to complete it. It has five floors that enshrine the idols of Lord Buddha and Guru Padmasambhava. The first three floors are decorated with intricate gold colour wall paintings. The fourth floor consists of an open platform, offering a panoramic view of the Dehradun valley. Buddha Temple is regarded as one of the largest Buddhist centers in India. Buddhists have built it with the motive to preserve and promote Tibetan culture in India.
There are many tiny shops and cafes that align with the temple complex. You can slurp some delicious Tibetan cuisine. One can also buy some fancy clothes from the clothing stores situated here.
If you are an avid reader then you can handpick some spiritual and Tibetan books. These are available at the bookstores.
Seize some beautiful shots of the temple’s architecture and cherish the Tibetan culture. - Overnight stay at guest house. (Please note you will be served Tibetan Cuisine in the guest house)
- After breakfast at the hotel proceed to Jakhol en route visit Lakhamandal.
- Lakhamandal is an ancient Hindu temple complex, situated in the Jaunsar-Bawar region of Dehradun district in the state of Uttarakhand. The temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva. This temple is popular among the Shakti Cult, who believe that a visit to this temple shrine will end their misfortunes. According to the local people, this temple and the adjoining area are believed to be where the Duryodhana of Mahabharata episode conspired to burn alive the Bhaskar in the Lakshyagriha house, constructed with wax. Twin statues of Danav and Manav are located beside the main shrine. The statues are its dwarpals (doormen). Some people believe these statues to be those of the Pandava brothers Bhima and Arjuna. They also resemble Jai and Vijay, the doormen of Lord Vishnu. When someone was dying or had just died, an appearance in front of these statues returns them briefly to life before finally expiring.[citation needed] The power of Manav kept the person alive, while Danav took the person’s soul to Lord Vishnu’s abode.
- Upon arrival, traditional welcome by family members of the house and then check-in.
- Jakhol village – located at a distance of 19 km from Netwar, the entry gate to Govind National Park, Jakhol Village lies in the Mori block of Uttarkashi district of Uttarakhand. A picturesque hamlet surrounded by the Garhwal Himalayas, Jakhol village will make your heart stop a beat. The Traditional wooden carved houses are surrounded by rugged terrain, lush greenery, apple trees, and a cool breeze. The largest village in the region, Jakhol has a rich cultural heritage and age-old traditions. Agriculture and cattle rearing is the primary occupation of the people. Jakhol is famous for the “Duryodhan temple” dedicated to the eldest of the Kauravas, Duryodhan. The villagers believe Kauravas to be their ancestors and worship them.
Marvel yourself with the scenic beauty of the place. - Dinner & Overnight stay at a homestay.
- Homemade breakfast.
- Enjoy the chat-up with locals and know about the rich culture of Jakhol. In the evening enjoy the Arti in Someshwar Mahadev Temple.
- Later evening experience live performance of “Harul Nritya” (Harul dance) – The dance in which the villagers stand shoulder to shoulder in a circle, holding each other, has characteristic criss-cross movements of the legs, with occasional knee jerks whilst bending forward. Harul Dance is an important folk dance in Jaunsar-Bawar. It is performed in honour of eminent persons for their works and also in the honour of gods.
- Later night enjoy the glistening night sky.
- Dinner & Overnight stay at a homestay.
- After homemade breakfast trek to Saturi village.
- Upon arrival, welcomed by family members followed by check-in formalities.
- Later visit of Binaasu temple (goddess of the forest) – Goddess is the reflection of the power of Someshwar Mahadev. Just walk around the village for a peaceful evening.
- Dinner & Overnight stay at a homestay.
- After homemade breakfast trek to Panw village.
- Upon arrival, welcomed by family members followed by check-in formalities.
- Walk around the village – This place has immense religious significance & faith in that region. The villagers believe that this is the place where the idol of Someshwar Mahadev appeared naturally and during Jan-Feb whole region is covered with snow through the whole valley if blossoms by Daffodils flower (another name is Narcissus flower) and the local name of this flower is Nagarasu. This flower is offered to gods & goddesses during ritual puja (worship) in the local temples.
- Dinner & Overnight stay at a homestay.
- After homemade breakfast, trek to Sirga – a village that stands near the mountain top in a way that will make your jaw drop. Sirga was built in this way so that villagers can maximize their harvest – by getting sunlight early. Sirga village is named after Rishi Shring.
- Upon arrival, welcomed by family members followed by check-in formalities.
- Walk to Leka top(2800 mtrs) where you will have 360 Himalayan views, a bird’s eye view of the entire sankri and saur village, snowcapped peaks.
- Dinner & Overnight stay at a homestay.
- After homemade breakfast, 03 km trek & then drive to Saud village – this village gives us a close look into the life, culture, and traditions of the local inhabitants.
- Upon arrival, welcomed by family members followed by check-in formalities.
- Traditional meal at a local home.
- Just walk around the village to experience village life.
- Later evening Experience live performance of Jagar. Jagar is performed to offered offerings and seek the blessings of the deity in solving the difficulties. In the `jagar’, the spirit of a personality from the Mahabharata is invoked in a medium.
- Dinner & Overnight stay at a homestay.
- After homemade breakfast, drive to Dewara village – Visit ancient Karan temple.
- After a visit drive to Naitwar village – visit ancient Pokhu Devta temple – Known as “God of Justice”. The ancient temple of Pokhu Devta is situated in the village of Naitwar in Mori block, bordering Himachal Pradesh, 160 km from Uttarkashi. He is considered the king of this region. The deity is worshiped in every village of the region in the form of sickle and knives. It is said that the mouth of the deity is on the floor and the upper part of the waist is on the earth. They are inverted and in infancy. It is rude to see them in this condition. That is why people turn their backs and worship them. People also worship Pokhu Deity as justice. With these characteristics, the temple of Pokhu Devta is famous as a shrine, which remains a center of attraction for tourists. It is believed that Pokhu Devta was considered the representative of Karna and the servant of Lord Shiva. Whose nature was scary and harsh towards his followers. For this reason, people are still afraid of committing theft and cruel crimes in the area.
- Later proceed to Hanol.
- Upon arrival, check-in at the hotel.
- Later visit Mahasu Devta temple – the ancient village of Hanol is primarily famous for the temple of Mahasu Devta who is the prime deity of the entire Jaunpur-Jaunsaar region. Known for his furious justice, Mahasu Devta is one incarnation of Lord Shiva who has come all the way from Kashmir to get people rid of evil spirits that haunted the region. The beautiful temple architecture resembles the trans-Himalayan style and is still in good shape. The temple complex, protected by the Archaeological Survey of India, stands next to the Tons River.
- Dinner & Overnight stay at a homestay.
- After breakfast at the hotel proceed to Rishikesh – it is known as the “Gateway to the Garhwal Himalayas” and “Yoga Capital of the World”.
- Upon arrival, check-in at the hotel.
- Experience the Ganga Arti in Triveni ghat. Also called the Maha Aarti, is an evening prayer performed on the banks of the River Ganga. As the river Ganga is believed to have powers to remove the pains and sufferings of people, thousands of devotees come to Rishikesh to experience the spiritual Ganga Aarti. The lighting of the lamps along with the recitation of sacred chants provides truly an unforgettable spiritual experience!! The aarti is accompanied by chanting of bhajans, beating drums, and bells. People lit oil diyas, put them on flower-filled leaf boats, and release them in the holy waters of the river. These illuminated lamps in the evening provide a beautiful view.
- Dinner & Overnight stay at the Ashram.
- Organizing a ritual ceremony or private puja performed by ritual Hindu priests near River Ganga. A fire may be lit in honor of the deity Agni, without an idol or image present. . Puja is a prayer ritual performed by Hindus of devotional worship to one or more deities, or to host and honor a guest, or one to spiritually celebrate an event.
- After breakfast at ashram or hotel proceed for the visit of Rishikesh – tour starts by walk from Laxman Jhula and after crossing the Laxman jhula visit Trimbakeshwar temple – Located near Laxman Jhula, Trayambakeshwar is one of the important holy shrines in Rishikesh. The temple is a 13-storied building with different Hindu deities inside. Mainly the shrine is considered as the abode of Lord Shiva as the name Trayambakeshwar means the same, ‘The Abode Of Three-Eyed’. The temple is believed to be one among the twelve Jyotirlingas of Lord Shiva. There are many sections in the temple that comprise Vedic and religious works.
- Experience a local jeep ride from Laxman jhula to the Beatles ashram – It is a popular destination that lets you experience the legendary ashram where The Beatles had spent a great number of days to find internal peace and happiness. the Beatles, one of the most popular bands of the 60′s worldwide, visited Rishikesh in 1968. The band came to Rishikesh to partake in the Transcendental Meditation advanced training session. Maharishi Mahesh Yogi’s ashram conducted this session. The band’s stay at the ashram was considered their most productive time, with media eyes constantly on them. After the Beatles adopted the Maharishi as their guru, it was found that the Western world changed its opinion about Indian Spirituality, giving rise to Transcendental Meditation there. A lot of graffiti, murals of band members, and paintings were done by visitors can be seen on the walls and façade of the ashram.
- After lunch at the local ashram or hotel proceeds for the visit of Geeta ashram Swargashram. This is one of the main ancient shrine complexes in Rishikesh. The walls of the shrine bear the writings from the well-known epics Mahabharata and Ramayana. There is a meditation hall in the complex where the devotees assemble to say their prayers. The Ayurvedic department over here is prepares medicines using herbs from the Himalayas and water from River Ganga. Parmarth Niketan Ashram is positioned near Swargashram. Its president is Swami Chidanand Saraswatiji Maharaj. Ganga Aarti performed here every evening is worth watching and calms down one’s senses and mind. There is also a Gurukul (a school) run by an ashram for teaching Yoga, Meditation, and other Hindu sacred ceremonies. ‘International Yoga Festival’ is organized by ashram every year in the month of February, in which people from all over the world participate.
- Witness the everyday evening ceremony of Ganga Aarti at Parmarth Niketan, it is organized and performed by ashram residents, particularly the children who are studying the Vedas there. The ceremony commences with the singing of bhajans, prayers, and a purifying and sacred ritual that takes place around a fire, with the offerings made to Agni, the fire god. The lamps are lit and the aarti takes place as the final part of the ceremony. The children sing along with the spiritual head of the ashram, in sweet, haunting voices. A huge statue of Lord Shiva overlooks the proceedings. Everyone present for the aarti was engaged likewise. Thus, innumerable floating lamps adorned the rapid current of the Ganga. The starry night sky seemed to be a reflection of the river below. The river, revered as a mother, looked dazzling, clad in a sari embroidered in flickering flames of gold. Rishikesh was heaven in divinity’s lap.
- After aarti proceeds for the visit of Ram jhula by walk. After crossing Ram Jhula, board the transport for the hotel.
- Overnight stay at a hotel or Ashram (Subject to availability).
- Proceed for Vasishta Gufa for meditation and Yoga – The Vasishta Gufa is a hugely popular place for devotees who are interested in the art of meditation. Situated on the banks of the holy Ganga River, the Vasishta Gufa (cave) is at a distance of 22 km from Rishikesh. It is believed that many sages, Siddhas, and saints who lived in the cave added to the holiness, spiritual vibrations, and glory of the sacred place. The cave is a natural formation of 60 feet deep that has a Shiva Linga inclined vertically into the Vasishta cave opening. Previously, the cave would extend for another 20 kms inside till Ghanta Karna Mandir, before the passage was locked a few years back.
- Packed lunch in Vasishta Gufa.
Later proceed to explore Haridwar – The Gateway to Gods!!
Haridwar is the destination where people from across India visit for pilgrimage and to take a holy dip into the holy river Ganges. Haridwar city is ancient and it is one of the most sacred cities in India. The diverse nature of the Hindu religion has attracted foreign visitors from all around the world. Foreigners are always attracted to Haridwar because here they can closely experience India’s complex culture, various Hindu rituals, and the ancient civilization.- Visit of Har-Ki-Pauri, scared ghat of Haridwar – Har Ki Pauri is one of the most sacred Ghats in Haridwar and the only place where all the spiritual activities take place. The ghat is reckoned to have been built by King Vikramaditya in memory of his brother Brithari in the 1st century BC. The literal meaning of the term ‘Har Ki Pauri’- “Har” means “Lord Shiva”, Ki” means “of” and “Pauri” means “steps”. Priest of the nearby temples says that during the Vedic times, Lord Shiva and Lord Vishnu were believed to have visited Brahmakund in Har Ki Pauri. The Ghat got its name from the foot imprint of the Lord Vishnu, the imprints of the same are present on one of the stones of the Ghat. In geographical terms, Haridwar is the place where the river Ganges descends from the Gangotri glacier to the Indo-Gangetic plains of North India. Har Ki Pauri remains busy during the Ardh Kumbh Mela, Vaisakhi festival, Kanwar Yatra, and Magh Mela. Also, it is one of the four incredible sites in India that hosts the Kumbh Mela, during which millions bathe in the Ganga River.
- Experience the Ganga Aarti in Har-Ki-Pauri, is a magnificent event that attracts around 3,000 to 30,000 tourists every evening. The number of tourists can even touch a lakh during times of important festivals. The evening ritual commences with the bringing of an idol of Ganga from a small temple that is located nearby.
- Back to Rishikesh.
- Overnight stay at hotel or Ashram or hotel.
- Early morning proceed to Haridwar to board the Janshatabdi exp for New Delhi (Packed cold breakfast from the hotel).
- Dep. Haridwar at 06h30
- Arr. Delhi at 11h15
- Upon arrival, meet at the railway station and proceed for the orientation tour of Delhi.
- Lunch at a local restaurant.
- Later, proceed to the hotel where a few rooms shall be provided for wash/change room followed by dinner.
- On-time proceed to the airport to board the return international flight.
Departure Delhi.
End of our services
Insight into Jaunsar Bawar Village
Jaunsari is a small community of people who primarily live in the foothills of western Himalayas. 85 km from Mussoorie, in Chakrata tehsil, in Dehradun district, it represents the geographical place inhabited through the Jaunsaris and Bawaris. Another name of Uttaranchal was Panchaldesh so named after the Pandavas. According to local village lore, the Pandavas and Kauravas figure in the anthropology of the Tons valley and some families claim to be direct descendents of the two clans. The Jaunsaris claim to be descendants of the Pandavas, while the Bawaris are from the Kauravas or Duryodhana’s clan. The dialect of Jaunsari community is also known as Jaunsari and their culture is slightly different from Garhwali and Kumaoni community of Uttarakhand. This region has been in controls of many rulers & Kings such as Sirmaur dynasty, Jubbal, Ashok (Kalsi) and Pandavas as per mythology. The two cultures usually do not mix, and it is a rare occurrence to see the two cultures mix in terms of marriage or social custom.
Who are Jaunsari people:
Jaunsar is a region of Uttarakhand also known as Jaunsar-Bawar ( Jaunsar for lower Himalayan region and Bawar for snow-clad region) which is situated on the western part of Yamuna river along with the Tons river. The people who live here are known as Jaunsari. Their dialect is also Jaunsari and their customs are also different from the rest of the parts of Uttarakhand. Most of the Jausari villages are in Dehradun in Chakrata tehsil, but border areas of Dehradun like some villages of Uttarkashi & Tehri(rawai-Jaunpur) also follow Jaunsari culture.
Why they are not similar to Garhwali and Kumaoni People:
Actually, it’s all about the region, in the Himalayan region traveling from one region to another was very difficult in an ancient era so the variety of rituals and traditions is very different after crossing 20–30 miles. Jaunsar is the region where Uttarakhand shares its border with Himachal Pradesh so they are very similar to Himachali traditions and also Yamuna river separates the western tradition from the eastern one.
Customs and Dances:
The villagers fashion themselves in colorful traditional clothes; depicting the rich culture of Jaunsar, They wear their customs like ‘Thalka’ or ‘Lohiya’, which is a long coat. The local people perform folk dances like Barada Nati, Harul and Raso at festivals, fairs and poojas ( worship of God).
The Jaunsari caste system has only three categories: landowners, servants (those involved in a service occupation or art), and Brahmins (Hindu priests). One’s “assignment” to a caste is determined by birth.
What are their lives like:
Most of the Jaunsari are farmers. They cultivate terraces on hillsides which produce only meager crops twice a year. Their principal crops are potatoes and rice, and a variety of other vegetables are also grown. Fertilizer is used, as well as a system of plot rotation in which the ground is allowed to lie fallow. Wet rice is grown during the monsoon season, whereas dry rice, maize, millet, and wheat are raised on drier land during the summer and winter months. Most of the farmers raise buffalo and goats for meat and cows for milk. The villagers live on a simple diet of milk, lentils, a few vegetables, a little fruit, and occasionally meat.
The Jaunsari live in extended families in villages that consist of loosely grouped homes surrounded by farmland. The villages are generally situated near rivers or springs, and the homes are connected by footpaths. Sometimes the paths meet together near a large tree that is used as a meeting place for the villagers as well as a resting place for travelers.
The houses are rectangular in shape with stone and mortar walls. The roofs are made of slate, wood, or thatch. Doors, windows, and door frames are often ornately carved and painted. The houses usually have two or more stories, with the people living on the second floor and the animals roaming freely on the ground floor.
Like most Hindus, the Jaunsari are required to marry within the same caste. Children, whether born to landowners or to servants, are generally treated well. Breast-feeding may continue until a child is two or three years old. There are many rites of passage for children such as the first rice feeding and the first haircut. Also, girls go through puberty rites and boys go through initiations known as sacred thread ceremonies. When they are about eight years old, the children begin doing domestic chores. Girls help care for the younger children, haul water, and carry food for the animals. Boys usually tend the animals.
Among the landowners, both the men and women share the farming duties. Men use the animals to plow and sow seed, while the women prepare manure for fertilizer, and sift and grind the grain. They also care for the children, cook, keep the house, and tend to the animals, while their husbands are responsible for building the homes, as well as trading goods outside the villages. In families of the lower caste, the men work at a specified occupation.
What are their beliefs:
Virtually all of the Jaunsari are Hindus; however, they are not as strict as most Hindus. They believe in ghosts and demons that haunt the crossroads and rivers and regularly try to appease them with offerings. The Brahmins (Hindu scholars and priests) perform important domestic rituals and teachings for the people.
The most revered deity in Jaunsar Bawar region is Mahasu Devta. Almost every village has its own Mahasu Devta temple, Part of the Mahasu family deities are Botha Mahasu, Pabasik Mahasu, Basik Mahasu, and Chalda Mahasu. These all are four sacred brothers like Pandavaas. It is believed that Mahasu is an avatar of Lord Shiva.
Fragments of Pandavas and Panchali can be seen in the culture of Jaunsar:
Jaunsaris trace their ethnic origin from Pandavas of the mythological tale ‘Mahabharata’ who married ‘Draupadi’ also known as ‘Panchali’ as she was the only wife of the five Pandava brothers. Since then the practice of polygamy and polyandry has been prevailing in Jaunsar-Bawar. Jaunsaris claim to be descendants of the Pandavas while the Bawaris are from the Kauravas or Duryodhana’s clan.
The practice of ‘Polygamy’ and ‘Polyandry’:
Jaunsari Culture – A woman with her five husbands. (Culture of Polyandry).
In Jaunsar the practice of polygamy and polyandry was prevalent. The richer tribesmen practiced polygamy while the poor counterparts practiced polyandry which can also be called ‘Fraternal Polyandry’ in which two or more brothers choose to share a wife. Though, anthropology studies done in the 1990s states that these practices were fast phasing out which were further replaced by monogamy. Whereas, recent studies have found that such practices do not exist at present.
Bride Price – A unique custom followed by Jaunsari tribe:
Another unique custom followed by Jaunsaris is the concept of bride price. The custom is based on the logic that parents spend a significant amount on raising, educating, and nurturing their daughters. Which in turn is an asset to the family as she does all the household work, takes care of the family, and works on the farmland. If a man desires to marry her, then he must pay a fair price for her as he is taking away an asset of the family. Another interesting attribute of Jaunsari culture is that divorce is not considered taboo and divorced women are not ostracized from society. However, if a woman decides to go back to her paternal home after a divorce then her family must return back the bride price to the man’s family. In case, if a woman divorces her husband to marry another man, the second man must pay a higher bride price to the first man’s family.
Culture and Festivity:
Maroj Festival in Jaunsar-Bawar.
During Magh Mela villagers sacrifice ‘Maroj’ an ogre to their deity as according to a local legend it is believed that Maroj haunted in the valley for years.
Dance and music are also an integral part of the culture of Jaunsari community. During festivals, both men and women dance to the rhythm of melodious folk music.
From what we hear, there is much more to this beautiful culture than what we’ve written here. Come & explore with us the rich cultural heritage of Jaunsar – Bawar region..!!
