Uttarakhand is mainly known for its tribes, hilly regions, and cultural heritage. The tribal population, known as Jaunsar, which was spread all over the state of Uttarakhand, made a special contribution to the fame of the culture and traditions of the city.
The Jaunsari tribesmen belong to the hilly Jaunsar-Bawar region of Uttarakhand in the Dehradun district. This tribe has a rich cultural legacy, unique customs, and vibrant festivals. Nature has presented them with mountains and forests surrounding their communities. Their mode of livelihood, music, dance, and folklore offer an interesting window into the rich tribal culture of Uttarakhand.
<h2 dir="ltr">Historical and Geographical Context</h2>
Origin&nbsp;
The Jaunsari tribes of Uttarakhand have roots in the ancient Jausnar-Bawar region. Mythologically, it is often said that they are linked with the Padavas from the Mahabharata. Over the centuries, the tribe developed a unique identity in society by its isolation from the mainstream plains culture, resulting in unique customs, rituals, and social norms.&nbsp;
Previously, Jaunsar-Bawar was always a remote region under the Kingdoms of Garhwal and, after that, the British, which allowed the community to protect their tradition and polyandry practices (now rare).
The Jaunsari tribes of Uttarakhand culture show the beautiful blend of Himalayan heritage and adaptive mountain living, which makes Jaunsar different from others.
Geographically
The Jaunsar-Bawar region lies in the lower Himalayas of Uttarakhand, mainly in the Chakrata area of Dehradun district. Surrounded by forests of pine, deodar, and oak. The region is divided into two cultural parts: Jaunsar, the lower belt with gentler slopes and more settlements, and Bawat, the higher, colder, and more remote zone that stays mostly snow in winter.&nbsp;
Crisscrossed by streams and fed by the Tons River, the landscape shapes everything &mdash; from the tribe&rsquo;s architecture and agriculture to their clothing and lifestyle. The isolation created by these mountains helped the Jaunsari people preserve their traditions for centuries, turning the region into one of the most culturally distinct pockets of the western Himalayas.
<h2 dir="ltr">Lifestyle of the Jaunsari Tribe of Uttarakhand</h2>
Art and culture
The art and culture of the Jaunsari tribes of Uttarakhand brust with colour, life, and deep symbolism drawn from their Himalayan surroundings. Their folk dances are Barada Nati, which is performed by both men and women during festivals and celebrations with traditional instruments. Handicrafts like wood carvings, woollen garments, and intricate jewellery also reflect their close connection to nature and age-old craftsmanship.
In terms of culture, the Jaunsaris are renowned for their close-knit communities, clan-based customs, and storytelling via songs honouring gods, heroes, and seasons. Here, music serves as more than just amusement; it is a living record of their beliefs and history.
Religion
In the Jaunsari culture, their deity is Mahasu Devta, from whom wealth and protection are sought. Males and females participate in folk dances like Harul, Jhenta Raso, and Ghundiya Raso, where each dance tells a story about their lives and the past. Music and dance feature throughout the festivals of this community.
Festival
The Jaunsari tribes of Uttarakhand celebrate the Moroj, Bissu and Magh Mela festivals. Moroj and Bissu are marks of changing seasons and harvest cycles.
Magh Mela is considered the most important festival of the Jaunsari tribe and includes rituals like animal sacrifice to celebrate the killing of the ogre 'Maroj'.
Language
The Jaunsari community speaks the Jaunsari language, an Indo-aryan language from the Western Pahari group. Mostly in verbal, they protect through folk songs and stories.
Traditional Clothing and Ornaments
Basically, their traditional attire is simple but unique. Males typically wear woollen pyjamas, short coats, and turbans, whereas females wear colourful ghaghras, blouses, and shawls. Silver jewellery is a bigger part of their dress, wearing naths, bangles, necklaces, and anklets.
<h2 dir="ltr">Challenges Faced by the Community Today</h2>
The Jaunsari community faces struggles such as limited job opportunities, which push younger people to migrate from villages to cities. Traditional farming is becoming less sustainable, and modern influences are declining in cultural practices and traditional art. Jausar also faces uneven access to education, healthcare, and infrastructure, making development slower compared to other areas.
<h2 dir="ltr">Government Initiatives and Tribal Welfare</h2>
The welfare measures are managed by the Social Welfare Department of the Uttarakhand Government and various Central Ministries.
<h3 dir="ltr">Statutory Status and Regional Focus</h3>
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Scheduled Tribe (ST) Status: The Janusari community was officially declared a Scheduled Tribe in 1967.
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Scheduled Area Declaration: The Jaunsar-Bawar area (parts of Chakrata and Kalsi) is declared a Scheduled Area
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<h3 dir="ltr">Livelihood and Economic Development</h3>
The initiatives aim to move the community beyond subsistence agriculture by promoting self-employment and skill development.
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Livelihood Opportunity Promotion Scheme (Scheduled Tribes): This scheme basically provides financial assistance, loans for an ST individual to set up self-employment.
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Van Dhan Yojana (TRIFED): This central scheme focuses on the value addition and marketing of Minor Forest Produce (MFP). Tribal members form Van Dhan Vikas Kendras (VDVKs), which receive funding for skills training and processing facilities, particularly benefiting Jaunsari women engaged in collecting medicinal herbs or making traditional woollen items.
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<h2 dir="ltr">Conclusion</h2>
The Jaunsari tribes of Uttarakhand stand as one of the most culturally vibrant and historically rich. From their deep mythological roots to their unique tradition, music, and age-old craftsmanship, the Jaunsaris have preserved a heritage that feels both ancient and alive. Despite facing migration, limited living, and reduced access to basic services, the community holds their identity with pride.
Now, the state and central government initiatives, such as the tribal welfare scheme and cultural preservation efforts, are steadily helping the region move towards growth while safeguarding its traditions. As Uttarakhand evolves, the story of the Jaunsari people remains a powerful reminder of the state&rsquo;s diverse cultural soul&mdash;one where mountains, music, and heritage continue to shape an unforgettable way of life.

Learn about the Jaunsari tribes of Uttarakhand, their origin, customs, food and culture in a beginner-friendly explanation.

Jaunsari tribes of Uttarakhand: Origin, Life & Culture