Rudraprayag | Uttarakhand State PSC (UKPSC): Preparation - UKPSC (Uttarakhand) PDF Download

 Page 1


Rudraprayag
Rudraprayag district was established on 16
th
 September 1997. It lies at the
confluence of two rivers Alkananda and Mandakini. Rudraprayag is one of
the Panch Prayags or five confluences of Alaknanda River. The district was
carved out from the following areas of three adjoining districts- Whole of
Augustmuni & Ukhimath block and part of Pokhri & Karnprayag block from
Chamoli District.Part of Jakholi and Kirtinagar block from Tehri District.Part
of Khirsu block from Pauri District.latitude: 30° North, longitude:78° degree
East Internationally Known Shri Kedarnath Temple is at North,
Madmaheshwar at East, Nagrasu at Southern East and Shrinagar at extreme
South. The holy Mandakini originated from Kedarnath is the main river of
the district.
Geography
Geology- The section of the range in the district is deeply cut into by the
headwaters of the Alaknanda river, this trunk stream seeming to have reached
a latter stage of development than its tributaries. This much, however, is
known that there has been intense metamorphosis. In some parts uplift has
been considerable since the mid-pleistocene period, in others there are great
stretches of high but subdued topography and elsewhere there are the deepest
gorges.
Climate-As the elevation of the district ranges from 800 mts. to 8000 mts
above see level the climate of the district very largely depend on altitude. The
winter season is from about mid November to March. As most of the region
is situated on the southern slops of the outer Himalayas, monsoon currents
can enter through the valley, the rainfall being heaviest in the monsoon from
June to September.
Rainfall –Most of the rainfall occur during the period June to September
when 70 to 80 percent of the annual precipitation is accounted for in the
southern half of the district and 55 to 65 percent in the northern half.
Temperature – The details of temperature recorded at the meteorological
observatories in the district show that the highest temperature was 340C and
lowest 00C. January is the coldest month after which the temperature begin to
Page 2


Rudraprayag
Rudraprayag district was established on 16
th
 September 1997. It lies at the
confluence of two rivers Alkananda and Mandakini. Rudraprayag is one of
the Panch Prayags or five confluences of Alaknanda River. The district was
carved out from the following areas of three adjoining districts- Whole of
Augustmuni & Ukhimath block and part of Pokhri & Karnprayag block from
Chamoli District.Part of Jakholi and Kirtinagar block from Tehri District.Part
of Khirsu block from Pauri District.latitude: 30° North, longitude:78° degree
East Internationally Known Shri Kedarnath Temple is at North,
Madmaheshwar at East, Nagrasu at Southern East and Shrinagar at extreme
South. The holy Mandakini originated from Kedarnath is the main river of
the district.
Geography
Geology- The section of the range in the district is deeply cut into by the
headwaters of the Alaknanda river, this trunk stream seeming to have reached
a latter stage of development than its tributaries. This much, however, is
known that there has been intense metamorphosis. In some parts uplift has
been considerable since the mid-pleistocene period, in others there are great
stretches of high but subdued topography and elsewhere there are the deepest
gorges.
Climate-As the elevation of the district ranges from 800 mts. to 8000 mts
above see level the climate of the district very largely depend on altitude. The
winter season is from about mid November to March. As most of the region
is situated on the southern slops of the outer Himalayas, monsoon currents
can enter through the valley, the rainfall being heaviest in the monsoon from
June to September.
Rainfall –Most of the rainfall occur during the period June to September
when 70 to 80 percent of the annual precipitation is accounted for in the
southern half of the district and 55 to 65 percent in the northern half.
Temperature – The details of temperature recorded at the meteorological
observatories in the district show that the highest temperature was 340C and
lowest 00C. January is the coldest month after which the temperature begin to
rise till June or July. temperature vary with elevation. During the winter cold
waves in the wake of western disturbances may cause temperature to fall
appreciably. Snow accumulation in valleys is considerable.
Humidity – The relative humidity is high during monsoon season,
generally exceeding 70% on the average. The driest part of the year is the pre
monsoon period when the humidity may drop to 35% during the afternoon.
During the winter months humidity increases toward the afternoon at certain
high stations.
Cloudiness – Skies are heavily clouded during the monsoon months and
for short spells when the region is affected by the passage of western
disturbances. During the rest of the year the skies are generally clear to
lightly clouded.
Minerals
The minerals that are found in the district are the following-
Asbestos-This is of the amosite variety and can be used for the production
of asbestos, cement bricks, laboratory asbestos sheet and paper, but is not
considered to be of economic importance.
Magnestic-This is of an average quality is crystalline in nature, and is
found associated with crystalline dolomites and sometimes with soapstone.
The Magnesium carbonate found here is also of average quality and its
mineralisation has also been reported to occur in the district.
Copper –The copper mines in the district are extensive and of reputed
during the period of Hindus and The Gorkhas rules. All the rich mines have
since being exhausted and at present they do not offer a fair field for the
employment of capital.
Iron-Small and sporadic occurrence of iron are known to occur in several
parts of district but are of hardly any economic important. Iron ore, rich in
haematite, and magnetic ore, with haematite and siderite, also occur in the
district.
Graphite –In the past this mineral, also known as plumbago, found mostly
in patti Lohba, was used as a dye but no large deposits have been noticed for
a long time.
Gypsum –This mineral is found on the bank of some river and was used in
the past for the manufacture of saucers and bowls. when ground to a fine
powder it is known as Plaster of Paris and can be used for a number of
Page 3


Rudraprayag
Rudraprayag district was established on 16
th
 September 1997. It lies at the
confluence of two rivers Alkananda and Mandakini. Rudraprayag is one of
the Panch Prayags or five confluences of Alaknanda River. The district was
carved out from the following areas of three adjoining districts- Whole of
Augustmuni & Ukhimath block and part of Pokhri & Karnprayag block from
Chamoli District.Part of Jakholi and Kirtinagar block from Tehri District.Part
of Khirsu block from Pauri District.latitude: 30° North, longitude:78° degree
East Internationally Known Shri Kedarnath Temple is at North,
Madmaheshwar at East, Nagrasu at Southern East and Shrinagar at extreme
South. The holy Mandakini originated from Kedarnath is the main river of
the district.
Geography
Geology- The section of the range in the district is deeply cut into by the
headwaters of the Alaknanda river, this trunk stream seeming to have reached
a latter stage of development than its tributaries. This much, however, is
known that there has been intense metamorphosis. In some parts uplift has
been considerable since the mid-pleistocene period, in others there are great
stretches of high but subdued topography and elsewhere there are the deepest
gorges.
Climate-As the elevation of the district ranges from 800 mts. to 8000 mts
above see level the climate of the district very largely depend on altitude. The
winter season is from about mid November to March. As most of the region
is situated on the southern slops of the outer Himalayas, monsoon currents
can enter through the valley, the rainfall being heaviest in the monsoon from
June to September.
Rainfall –Most of the rainfall occur during the period June to September
when 70 to 80 percent of the annual precipitation is accounted for in the
southern half of the district and 55 to 65 percent in the northern half.
Temperature – The details of temperature recorded at the meteorological
observatories in the district show that the highest temperature was 340C and
lowest 00C. January is the coldest month after which the temperature begin to
rise till June or July. temperature vary with elevation. During the winter cold
waves in the wake of western disturbances may cause temperature to fall
appreciably. Snow accumulation in valleys is considerable.
Humidity – The relative humidity is high during monsoon season,
generally exceeding 70% on the average. The driest part of the year is the pre
monsoon period when the humidity may drop to 35% during the afternoon.
During the winter months humidity increases toward the afternoon at certain
high stations.
Cloudiness – Skies are heavily clouded during the monsoon months and
for short spells when the region is affected by the passage of western
disturbances. During the rest of the year the skies are generally clear to
lightly clouded.
Minerals
The minerals that are found in the district are the following-
Asbestos-This is of the amosite variety and can be used for the production
of asbestos, cement bricks, laboratory asbestos sheet and paper, but is not
considered to be of economic importance.
Magnestic-This is of an average quality is crystalline in nature, and is
found associated with crystalline dolomites and sometimes with soapstone.
The Magnesium carbonate found here is also of average quality and its
mineralisation has also been reported to occur in the district.
Copper –The copper mines in the district are extensive and of reputed
during the period of Hindus and The Gorkhas rules. All the rich mines have
since being exhausted and at present they do not offer a fair field for the
employment of capital.
Iron-Small and sporadic occurrence of iron are known to occur in several
parts of district but are of hardly any economic important. Iron ore, rich in
haematite, and magnetic ore, with haematite and siderite, also occur in the
district.
Graphite –In the past this mineral, also known as plumbago, found mostly
in patti Lohba, was used as a dye but no large deposits have been noticed for
a long time.
Gypsum –This mineral is found on the bank of some river and was used in
the past for the manufacture of saucers and bowls. when ground to a fine
powder it is known as Plaster of Paris and can be used for a number of
purposes.
Lead –Deposits of this metal were fairly numerous in the past but it is
found in somewhat inaccessible places and has long since ceased to be
worked.
Building Stone –Stone which can be used for building purposes is
available in most parts of the district. Sand stone is found in abundance in the
lower hills. Gneiss and chlorite schists which are available throughout the
district are frequently used for building purposes.
River System
Mandakini-The river Mandakini, which is the most important river coming
down from the slopes of Kedarnath peak, joins the Alaknanda at
Rudraprayag. The river actually originates from the springs fed by melting
snow of Charabari glacier about one km above Kedarnath temple.
Alaknanda-The origin of this river is the alkapuri glacier and it
confluences with Mandakini river at Rudraprayag district.Rudraprayag
district is situated on the confluence of these two holy rivers.
Vasuki Ganga-The source of the Vasuki Ganga River is the Vasuki Tal.It
is a tributary of the Mandakini River.
Forest & environments
Wildlife and Environment-In Garhwal Himalaya Kedarnath Kasturi Devi
Vihar (Century) situated at Mandakini Valley is spread over 967 km.
Mandakini valley is a desolate place for many deer, in which musk deer,
reindeer, chital, Swam deer, Thar Goral, Bharhel, Himalayan fox, mountain
goat. Wild pig, bears. Snow beer, wild cat etc. is the main area of the district.
Different species of birds reside in the district, including rabies, Kingfisher,
Koyal, Chakore, Snokok, Wood Pigeon etc. are prominent
Dhyan Gufa
This Gufa has been developed near Kedarnath temple, by Nehru
Moutaineering instituete, in Pahari style of houses, at the cost of Rs. 8
lakh and being operated by GMVN. This came into prominence when on
18
th
 May, 2019 Hon. Prime Minister Narendra Modi, spent a day for
Page 4


Rudraprayag
Rudraprayag district was established on 16
th
 September 1997. It lies at the
confluence of two rivers Alkananda and Mandakini. Rudraprayag is one of
the Panch Prayags or five confluences of Alaknanda River. The district was
carved out from the following areas of three adjoining districts- Whole of
Augustmuni & Ukhimath block and part of Pokhri & Karnprayag block from
Chamoli District.Part of Jakholi and Kirtinagar block from Tehri District.Part
of Khirsu block from Pauri District.latitude: 30° North, longitude:78° degree
East Internationally Known Shri Kedarnath Temple is at North,
Madmaheshwar at East, Nagrasu at Southern East and Shrinagar at extreme
South. The holy Mandakini originated from Kedarnath is the main river of
the district.
Geography
Geology- The section of the range in the district is deeply cut into by the
headwaters of the Alaknanda river, this trunk stream seeming to have reached
a latter stage of development than its tributaries. This much, however, is
known that there has been intense metamorphosis. In some parts uplift has
been considerable since the mid-pleistocene period, in others there are great
stretches of high but subdued topography and elsewhere there are the deepest
gorges.
Climate-As the elevation of the district ranges from 800 mts. to 8000 mts
above see level the climate of the district very largely depend on altitude. The
winter season is from about mid November to March. As most of the region
is situated on the southern slops of the outer Himalayas, monsoon currents
can enter through the valley, the rainfall being heaviest in the monsoon from
June to September.
Rainfall –Most of the rainfall occur during the period June to September
when 70 to 80 percent of the annual precipitation is accounted for in the
southern half of the district and 55 to 65 percent in the northern half.
Temperature – The details of temperature recorded at the meteorological
observatories in the district show that the highest temperature was 340C and
lowest 00C. January is the coldest month after which the temperature begin to
rise till June or July. temperature vary with elevation. During the winter cold
waves in the wake of western disturbances may cause temperature to fall
appreciably. Snow accumulation in valleys is considerable.
Humidity – The relative humidity is high during monsoon season,
generally exceeding 70% on the average. The driest part of the year is the pre
monsoon period when the humidity may drop to 35% during the afternoon.
During the winter months humidity increases toward the afternoon at certain
high stations.
Cloudiness – Skies are heavily clouded during the monsoon months and
for short spells when the region is affected by the passage of western
disturbances. During the rest of the year the skies are generally clear to
lightly clouded.
Minerals
The minerals that are found in the district are the following-
Asbestos-This is of the amosite variety and can be used for the production
of asbestos, cement bricks, laboratory asbestos sheet and paper, but is not
considered to be of economic importance.
Magnestic-This is of an average quality is crystalline in nature, and is
found associated with crystalline dolomites and sometimes with soapstone.
The Magnesium carbonate found here is also of average quality and its
mineralisation has also been reported to occur in the district.
Copper –The copper mines in the district are extensive and of reputed
during the period of Hindus and The Gorkhas rules. All the rich mines have
since being exhausted and at present they do not offer a fair field for the
employment of capital.
Iron-Small and sporadic occurrence of iron are known to occur in several
parts of district but are of hardly any economic important. Iron ore, rich in
haematite, and magnetic ore, with haematite and siderite, also occur in the
district.
Graphite –In the past this mineral, also known as plumbago, found mostly
in patti Lohba, was used as a dye but no large deposits have been noticed for
a long time.
Gypsum –This mineral is found on the bank of some river and was used in
the past for the manufacture of saucers and bowls. when ground to a fine
powder it is known as Plaster of Paris and can be used for a number of
purposes.
Lead –Deposits of this metal were fairly numerous in the past but it is
found in somewhat inaccessible places and has long since ceased to be
worked.
Building Stone –Stone which can be used for building purposes is
available in most parts of the district. Sand stone is found in abundance in the
lower hills. Gneiss and chlorite schists which are available throughout the
district are frequently used for building purposes.
River System
Mandakini-The river Mandakini, which is the most important river coming
down from the slopes of Kedarnath peak, joins the Alaknanda at
Rudraprayag. The river actually originates from the springs fed by melting
snow of Charabari glacier about one km above Kedarnath temple.
Alaknanda-The origin of this river is the alkapuri glacier and it
confluences with Mandakini river at Rudraprayag district.Rudraprayag
district is situated on the confluence of these two holy rivers.
Vasuki Ganga-The source of the Vasuki Ganga River is the Vasuki Tal.It
is a tributary of the Mandakini River.
Forest & environments
Wildlife and Environment-In Garhwal Himalaya Kedarnath Kasturi Devi
Vihar (Century) situated at Mandakini Valley is spread over 967 km.
Mandakini valley is a desolate place for many deer, in which musk deer,
reindeer, chital, Swam deer, Thar Goral, Bharhel, Himalayan fox, mountain
goat. Wild pig, bears. Snow beer, wild cat etc. is the main area of the district.
Different species of birds reside in the district, including rabies, Kingfisher,
Koyal, Chakore, Snokok, Wood Pigeon etc. are prominent
Dhyan Gufa
This Gufa has been developed near Kedarnath temple, by Nehru
Moutaineering instituete, in Pahari style of houses, at the cost of Rs. 8
lakh and being operated by GMVN. This came into prominence when on
18
th
 May, 2019 Hon. Prime Minister Narendra Modi, spent a day for
meditation here. A peaceful and lonely place, attracting tourists
immensely, is getting advance bookings.
 
Flower-The Mandakini valley has innumerable flowers, flowers, trees, which
are full of various colours and fragrances. The Brahma Kamal, which
flourishes in the high Himalayan regions of the district, is the state flower of
Uttarakhand state. Trees covered with buransh, foliae flowers attract
everyone’s mind. Semel, Sarasu, Dhak, Briquette, baanj, Chid, Cedar,
Khadik, Tun, Surai, Kail, Papadi, Mauru, Angu, reetha, Walnut, Imarati
bheemal, bedu, gainthi, timla, hariz, painya, kattha, kachnar etc, trees found
in the district.
Medicinal Plants-Atisas, kutki, vajradanti, daruhladi, cinnamon, salam
panja. Buzz, Hatzodi, Kapoor, Kachari, Doloo, Massi, aaracha, Sweet poison,
Satabari, grit kawar, Hard, Amla, kadi patta, Latjira, Amhaldi. Kadvi, Chora
Jatmasi, Dhup, Salam, Misri etc. Major herbal varieties are available in
abundance in mountain peaks and forests. Other forest produce is found in
Jhulla ghas, Lisa, Kingora, Hinsar, Bhamora, Kaphal, Farad, Chora etc.
Tehsil - 1- Rudraprayag, 2-Jakholi, 3-Ukhimath, 4-Basukedar
Subdivision - 1-Rudraprayag, 2-Jakholi, 3-Ukhimath
Blocks:- 1-Agustyamuni, 2-Jakholi, 3-Ukhimath
Culture & Heritage
Fairs-
Hariyali Devi Mela: Held every year during the months of Navratra
(September-October) at Hariyali Devi Temple. The temple has an ornate of
the Goddess on a lion’s back.
Baishakhi Fair – On 13-14 of the month of April, it is celebrated in the
Mandakini valley with great curiosity in places like Augustamuni, Phegu,
Talatoli etc. On this day the Sun enters the Aries Rashi.
Madhameshwar Mela: Madhameshwar Mela is organized at Ukhimath
Block headquarters. Second Kedar Lord Madheshwar’s Doli, reaches the
Omkareshwar temple, Ukhimath after the winter migration, from
Madhameshwar Dham. On this occasion, a grand ceremony of the
Page 5


Rudraprayag
Rudraprayag district was established on 16
th
 September 1997. It lies at the
confluence of two rivers Alkananda and Mandakini. Rudraprayag is one of
the Panch Prayags or five confluences of Alaknanda River. The district was
carved out from the following areas of three adjoining districts- Whole of
Augustmuni & Ukhimath block and part of Pokhri & Karnprayag block from
Chamoli District.Part of Jakholi and Kirtinagar block from Tehri District.Part
of Khirsu block from Pauri District.latitude: 30° North, longitude:78° degree
East Internationally Known Shri Kedarnath Temple is at North,
Madmaheshwar at East, Nagrasu at Southern East and Shrinagar at extreme
South. The holy Mandakini originated from Kedarnath is the main river of
the district.
Geography
Geology- The section of the range in the district is deeply cut into by the
headwaters of the Alaknanda river, this trunk stream seeming to have reached
a latter stage of development than its tributaries. This much, however, is
known that there has been intense metamorphosis. In some parts uplift has
been considerable since the mid-pleistocene period, in others there are great
stretches of high but subdued topography and elsewhere there are the deepest
gorges.
Climate-As the elevation of the district ranges from 800 mts. to 8000 mts
above see level the climate of the district very largely depend on altitude. The
winter season is from about mid November to March. As most of the region
is situated on the southern slops of the outer Himalayas, monsoon currents
can enter through the valley, the rainfall being heaviest in the monsoon from
June to September.
Rainfall –Most of the rainfall occur during the period June to September
when 70 to 80 percent of the annual precipitation is accounted for in the
southern half of the district and 55 to 65 percent in the northern half.
Temperature – The details of temperature recorded at the meteorological
observatories in the district show that the highest temperature was 340C and
lowest 00C. January is the coldest month after which the temperature begin to
rise till June or July. temperature vary with elevation. During the winter cold
waves in the wake of western disturbances may cause temperature to fall
appreciably. Snow accumulation in valleys is considerable.
Humidity – The relative humidity is high during monsoon season,
generally exceeding 70% on the average. The driest part of the year is the pre
monsoon period when the humidity may drop to 35% during the afternoon.
During the winter months humidity increases toward the afternoon at certain
high stations.
Cloudiness – Skies are heavily clouded during the monsoon months and
for short spells when the region is affected by the passage of western
disturbances. During the rest of the year the skies are generally clear to
lightly clouded.
Minerals
The minerals that are found in the district are the following-
Asbestos-This is of the amosite variety and can be used for the production
of asbestos, cement bricks, laboratory asbestos sheet and paper, but is not
considered to be of economic importance.
Magnestic-This is of an average quality is crystalline in nature, and is
found associated with crystalline dolomites and sometimes with soapstone.
The Magnesium carbonate found here is also of average quality and its
mineralisation has also been reported to occur in the district.
Copper –The copper mines in the district are extensive and of reputed
during the period of Hindus and The Gorkhas rules. All the rich mines have
since being exhausted and at present they do not offer a fair field for the
employment of capital.
Iron-Small and sporadic occurrence of iron are known to occur in several
parts of district but are of hardly any economic important. Iron ore, rich in
haematite, and magnetic ore, with haematite and siderite, also occur in the
district.
Graphite –In the past this mineral, also known as plumbago, found mostly
in patti Lohba, was used as a dye but no large deposits have been noticed for
a long time.
Gypsum –This mineral is found on the bank of some river and was used in
the past for the manufacture of saucers and bowls. when ground to a fine
powder it is known as Plaster of Paris and can be used for a number of
purposes.
Lead –Deposits of this metal were fairly numerous in the past but it is
found in somewhat inaccessible places and has long since ceased to be
worked.
Building Stone –Stone which can be used for building purposes is
available in most parts of the district. Sand stone is found in abundance in the
lower hills. Gneiss and chlorite schists which are available throughout the
district are frequently used for building purposes.
River System
Mandakini-The river Mandakini, which is the most important river coming
down from the slopes of Kedarnath peak, joins the Alaknanda at
Rudraprayag. The river actually originates from the springs fed by melting
snow of Charabari glacier about one km above Kedarnath temple.
Alaknanda-The origin of this river is the alkapuri glacier and it
confluences with Mandakini river at Rudraprayag district.Rudraprayag
district is situated on the confluence of these two holy rivers.
Vasuki Ganga-The source of the Vasuki Ganga River is the Vasuki Tal.It
is a tributary of the Mandakini River.
Forest & environments
Wildlife and Environment-In Garhwal Himalaya Kedarnath Kasturi Devi
Vihar (Century) situated at Mandakini Valley is spread over 967 km.
Mandakini valley is a desolate place for many deer, in which musk deer,
reindeer, chital, Swam deer, Thar Goral, Bharhel, Himalayan fox, mountain
goat. Wild pig, bears. Snow beer, wild cat etc. is the main area of the district.
Different species of birds reside in the district, including rabies, Kingfisher,
Koyal, Chakore, Snokok, Wood Pigeon etc. are prominent
Dhyan Gufa
This Gufa has been developed near Kedarnath temple, by Nehru
Moutaineering instituete, in Pahari style of houses, at the cost of Rs. 8
lakh and being operated by GMVN. This came into prominence when on
18
th
 May, 2019 Hon. Prime Minister Narendra Modi, spent a day for
meditation here. A peaceful and lonely place, attracting tourists
immensely, is getting advance bookings.
 
Flower-The Mandakini valley has innumerable flowers, flowers, trees, which
are full of various colours and fragrances. The Brahma Kamal, which
flourishes in the high Himalayan regions of the district, is the state flower of
Uttarakhand state. Trees covered with buransh, foliae flowers attract
everyone’s mind. Semel, Sarasu, Dhak, Briquette, baanj, Chid, Cedar,
Khadik, Tun, Surai, Kail, Papadi, Mauru, Angu, reetha, Walnut, Imarati
bheemal, bedu, gainthi, timla, hariz, painya, kattha, kachnar etc, trees found
in the district.
Medicinal Plants-Atisas, kutki, vajradanti, daruhladi, cinnamon, salam
panja. Buzz, Hatzodi, Kapoor, Kachari, Doloo, Massi, aaracha, Sweet poison,
Satabari, grit kawar, Hard, Amla, kadi patta, Latjira, Amhaldi. Kadvi, Chora
Jatmasi, Dhup, Salam, Misri etc. Major herbal varieties are available in
abundance in mountain peaks and forests. Other forest produce is found in
Jhulla ghas, Lisa, Kingora, Hinsar, Bhamora, Kaphal, Farad, Chora etc.
Tehsil - 1- Rudraprayag, 2-Jakholi, 3-Ukhimath, 4-Basukedar
Subdivision - 1-Rudraprayag, 2-Jakholi, 3-Ukhimath
Blocks:- 1-Agustyamuni, 2-Jakholi, 3-Ukhimath
Culture & Heritage
Fairs-
Hariyali Devi Mela: Held every year during the months of Navratra
(September-October) at Hariyali Devi Temple. The temple has an ornate of
the Goddess on a lion’s back.
Baishakhi Fair – On 13-14 of the month of April, it is celebrated in the
Mandakini valley with great curiosity in places like Augustamuni, Phegu,
Talatoli etc. On this day the Sun enters the Aries Rashi.
Madhameshwar Mela: Madhameshwar Mela is organized at Ukhimath
Block headquarters. Second Kedar Lord Madheshwar’s Doli, reaches the
Omkareshwar temple, Ukhimath after the winter migration, from
Madhameshwar Dham. On this occasion, a grand ceremony of the
Madhameshwar fair is organized.
Pandava Dance–Pandava dance is very popular in the district
Rudraprayag. Pandava dance is based on the dance and music of the
Kaurava-Pandavas described in the Mahabharata. It is believed that after
Kurukshetra war, to get rid of sin of death of Guru and gotra Pandav had
come to this part for praise of the Lord Shiv. In memory of Pandav still today
the Pandav Leela is celebrated in this region.
Festivals
Ramnavami: It is celebrated on the auspicious day of Sri Ram’s birthday;
Ramnavami takes place on the ninth day of Chaitra month. From singing
‘Bhajans’ to worshipping Lord Rama with incense sticks, the devotees
dedicated themselves to Lord Rama for this day.
Holi: The festival of colours is celebrated with fun. Apart from playing
with colours, the people of Rudraprayag dance around bonfires and drinks
Thandai.
Shivaratri: A festival arranged to honour the mighty Lord Shiva; the
temples of Lord Shiva are decorated during Shivaratri. Devotinal songs are
sung and rituals are followed on this day. Even fairs are arranged.
Nagpanchmi: A day celebrated for thanking the Nagas or serpent gods,
Nagpanchami is celebrated on the fifth day of Sravana. The Nagas are offered
milk and figures of snake are made.
Raksha Bandhan, Janmashtami, Diwali, and Dussehra are among the major
festivals that are celebrated with great pomp and show in the region. Folk
dances and spirit dances are a part of festivities and culture of the land,
Important Places
Ukhimath-This is the winter seat of Lord Kedarnath and worship is done
here during the winters when the temples of Kedarnath remain closed. The
temples of Usha and Aniruddha, Lord Shiva and Parvati are worth visiting.
Ukimath 41 km. from Rudraprayag is at an elevation of 1311 mt.
Chopta-Situated on the Gopeshwar – Ukhimath road, about 40 km. from
Gopeshwar at an altitude of about 2900 mt., Chopta is one of the most
picturesque places in the entire Garhwal region. It provides a breathtaking
view of the Himalayan ranges and surrounding areas. Guptkashi-Guptkashi
has a great importance quite like that of Kashi. The ancient Vishwanath