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{{Short description|Town in Uttarakhand, India}} | |||
{{About|the municipality in Uttarakhand, India|its namesake district|Pithoragarh district}} | {{About|the municipality in Uttarakhand, India|its namesake district|Pithoragarh district}} | ||
{{Use dmy dates|date=July 2017}} | {{Use dmy dates|date=July 2017}} | ||
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<!-- See [[Wikipedia:WikiProject Indian cities]] for details --> | <!-- See [[Wikipedia:WikiProject Indian cities]] for details --> | ||
{{Infobox settlement | {{Infobox settlement | ||
| name | | name = Pithoragarh | ||
| native_name | | native_name = | ||
| native_name_lang | | native_name_lang = Kumaoni | ||
| other_name | | other_name = | ||
| nickname | | nickname = | ||
| settlement_type | | settlement_type = [[Town]] | ||
| image_skyline | | image_skyline = Pithoragarh Sunrise.jpg | ||
| image_alt | | image_alt = | ||
| image_caption | | image_caption = View of Pithoragarh city, Uttarakhand during Sunrise | ||
| pushpin_map | | pushpin_map = India Uttarakhand#India | ||
| pushpin_label_position | | pushpin_label_position = | ||
| pushpin_map_alt | | pushpin_map_alt = | ||
| pushpin_map_caption | | pushpin_map_caption = Location in Uttarakhand, India | ||
| coordinates | | pushpin_relief = yes | ||
| subdivision_type | | coordinates = {{coord|29.58|N|80.22|E|display=inline,title}} | ||
| subdivision_name | | subdivision_type = Country | ||
| subdivision_type1 | | subdivision_name = {{flag|India}} | ||
| subdivision_name1 | | subdivision_type1 = [[States and territories of India|State]] | ||
| subdivision_type2 | | subdivision_name1 = [[Uttarakhand]] | ||
| subdivision_name2 | | subdivision_type2 = [[List of districts of India|District]] | ||
| established_title | | subdivision_name2 = [[Pithoragarh district|Pithoragarh]] | ||
| named_for | | established_title = <!-- Established --> | ||
| government_type | | named_for = | ||
| governing_body | | government_type = | ||
| unit_pref | | governing_body = | ||
| area_footnotes | | unit_pref = Metric | ||
| area_rank | | area_footnotes = | ||
| area_total_km2 | | area_rank = | ||
| elevation_footnotes | | area_total_km2 = | ||
| elevation_m | | elevation_footnotes = | ||
| elevation_m = 1627 | |||
| population_total = 56,044 | | population_total = 56,044 | ||
| population_as_of | | population_as_of = 2011 | ||
| population_rank | | population_rank = | ||
| population_density_km2 | | population_density_km2 = auto | ||
| population_demonym | | population_demonym = Pithoragarhiya (Kumaoni) | ||
| population_footnotes = <ref name="2011 census data">{{cite web|title=Census of India Search details |url=http://www.censusindia.gov.in/pca/SearchDetails.aspx?Id=56255|publisher=censusindia.gov.in|access-date=10 May 2015}}</ref> | | population_footnotes = <ref name="2011 census data">{{cite web|title=Census of India Search details |url=http://www.censusindia.gov.in/pca/SearchDetails.aspx?Id=56255|publisher=censusindia.gov.in|access-date=10 May 2015}}</ref> | ||
| demographics1_title1 | | demographics1_title1 = Official | ||
| demographics1_info1 | | demographics1_info1 = [[Hindi language|Hindi]], [[Kumaoni (pahadi) language|Kumauni]] | ||
| timezone1 | | timezone1 = [[Indian Standard Time|IST]] | ||
| utc_offset1 | | utc_offset1 = +5:30 | ||
| postal_code_type | | postal_code_type = [[Postal Index Number|PIN]] | ||
| postal_code | | postal_code = 262501 | ||
| area_code_type | | area_code_type = Telephone code | ||
| area_code | | area_code = 915964 | ||
| registration_plate | | registration_plate = UK-05 | ||
| website | | website = {{URL|pithoragarh.nic.in}} | ||
| footnotes | | footnotes = | ||
| leader_title = [[District collector]] | |||
| leader_name = Reena Joshi, [[Indian Administrative Service|IAS]]<ref>{{Cite web |title=सीमांत जिले पिथौरागढ़ में पहली बार महिला जिलाधिकारी तैनात, बागेश्वर में भी महिला डीएम, देखें किसे मिली कमान |url=https://www.jagran.com/uttarakhand/nainital-for-the-first-time-a-woman-dm-posted-in-pithoragarh-and-in-bageshwar-also-a-woman-dm-23169115.html |access-date=2022-10-29 |website=Dainik Jagran |language=hi}}</ref> | |||
}} | }} | ||
'''Pithoragarh''' ([[Kumaoni language|Kumaoni]]: ''Pithor' | '''Pithoragarh''' ([[Kumaoni language|Kumaoni]]: ''Pithor'garh'') is a Himalayan town with a Municipal Board in [[Pithoragarh district]] in the Indian [[States and territories of India|state]] of [[Uttarakhand]]. It is the largest and unplanned town in Kumaon hills. It is an education hub of the hilly region as the town has Laxman Singh Mahar Govt.P.G.College, Seemant Institute of Technology, now known as Nanhi Pari Seemant Engineering Institute and a nursing college. | ||
== Etymology == | == Etymology == | ||
"The district is named after its headquarters town, Pithoragarh. Tradition has it that during the reign of the [[Chand kings|Chand Rajas]] of [[Kumaon division|Kumaon]], one Piru, also called Prithvi Gosain, built a fort here and named it Prithvigarh which, in the course of time, got changed to Pithoragarh."<ref name=gazetteer /> | "The district is named after its headquarters town, Pithoragarh. Tradition has it that during the reign of the [[Chand kings|Chand Rajas]] of [[Kumaon division|Kumaon]], one Piru, also called Prithvi Gosain, built a fort here and named it Prithvigarh which, in the course of time, got changed to Pithoragarh."<ref name=gazetteer /> | ||
[[File:Pithoragarh Fort.jpg|thumb|A view of Pithoragarh town from the Pithoragarh Fort (also known as London Fort)]] | [[File:Pithoragarh Fort.jpg|thumb|A view of Pithoragarh town from the Pithoragarh Fort (also known as London Fort)]] | ||
== History == | == History == | ||
Pithoragarh city and its surrounding areas were part of the [[Manaskhand]] region, which extended from the [[Kailash Mountain]] in the north to [[Bhabar]] & [[Terai]] in the south, as mentioned in the [[Skanda Purana]].<ref name="Gazetteer 1979">{{cite book |title=Uttar Pradesh District Gazetteers: Pithoragarh |date=1979 |publisher=Government of Uttar Pradesh |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=EAJDAAAAYAAJ |access-date=21 February 2020 |language=en}}</ref>{{rp|12}} The [[Asura]]s and [[Nāga|Naga]]s appear to be the earliest inhabitants of the region, who were later superseded by the [[Kirata]]s, [[Khas people|Khasa]]s and the [[Kuninda Kingdom|Kuninda]]s.<ref name="Gazetteer 1979" />{{rp|13}} The Kuninda Kings of the region may have become the feudatories of The [[Kushan Empire|Kushana]] Kings, who held their sway over the region in the last quarter of the 1st century AD.<ref name="Gazetteer 1979" />{{rp|16}} The region subsequently came under the [[Katyuri kings|Kurmanchal kingdom]], which had its capital first at [[Jyotirmath]] and then at Karikeyapura (Modern day [[Baijnath, Uttarakhand|Baijnath]]) in the Katyur Valley.<ref>{{Cite book| | Pithoragarh city and its surrounding areas were part of the [[Manaskhand]] region, which extended from the [[Kailash Mountain]] in the north to [[Bhabar]] & [[Terai]] in the south, as mentioned in the [[Skanda Purana]].<ref name="Gazetteer 1979">{{cite book |title=Uttar Pradesh District Gazetteers: Pithoragarh |date=1979 |publisher=Government of Uttar Pradesh |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=EAJDAAAAYAAJ |access-date=21 February 2020 |language=en}}</ref>{{rp|12}} The [[Asura]]s and [[Nāga|Naga]]s appear to be the earliest inhabitants of the region, who were later superseded by the [[Kirata]]s, [[Khas people|Khasa]]s and the [[Kuninda Kingdom|Kuninda]]s.<ref name="Gazetteer 1979" />{{rp|13}} The Kuninda Kings of the region may have become the feudatories of The [[Kushan Empire|Kushana]] Kings, who held their sway over the region in the last quarter of the 1st century AD.<ref name="Gazetteer 1979" />{{rp|16}} The region subsequently came under the [[Katyuri kings|Kurmanchal kingdom]], which had its capital first at [[Jyotirmath]] and then at Karikeyapura (Modern day [[Baijnath, Uttarakhand|Baijnath]]) in the Katyur Valley.<ref>{{Cite book |author=Kaṭhoca, Yaśavanta Siṃha |title=Uttarākhaṇḍa kā navīna itihāsa |year=2010 |isbn=978-81-86844-91-5 |oclc=948116582}}</ref> | ||
Upon the disintegration of the Katyuris and fall of kingdom in 13th century, Pithoragarh came under the rule of Bam kings of [[Saur Valley|Saur]]. The Bam kings were feudal to the Raikas of [[Doti]] and was a branch of katyuri kings, and had their capital at Udaipur near Pithoragarh, However, the Rajas used to come down to Rameshwar and Bailorkol during the winter months.<ref name="Gazetteer 1979" />{{rp|24}} The Bam kings, who ruled over Saur | Upon the disintegration of the Katyuris and fall of kingdom in 13th century, Pithoragarh came under the rule of Bam kings of [[Saur Valley|Saur]]. The Bam kings were feudal to the Raikas of [[Doti]] and was a branch of katyuri kings, and had their capital at Udaipur near Pithoragarh, However, the Rajas used to come down to Rameshwar and Bailorkol during the winter months.<ref name="Gazetteer 1979" />{{rp|24}} The Bam kings, who ruled over Saur were:<ref name="Pande">{{cite book|last1=Pande|first1=Badri Datt|title=History of Kumaun : English version of "Kumaun ka itihas"|date=1993|publisher=Shyam Prakashan|location=[[Almora]]|isbn=81-85865-01-9}}</ref>{{rp|216}} | ||
{{div col|colwidth= | {{div col|colwidth=20em}} | ||
# Karakil Bam | # Karakil Bam | ||
# Kakil Bam | # Kakil Bam | ||
| Line 77: | Line 78: | ||
{{div col end}} | {{div col end}} | ||
In the fifteenth century, King [[Chand kings#List of Chand Kings|Bharti Chand]] of [[Champawat]] amassed a huge army, and started plundering and killing in the regions ruled by the Doti Kings. This resulted in a war, which lasted for 12 years, and ended with a victory for the Chands.<ref name="Pande" />{{rp|213–214}} After the death of Bharti Chand in 1462, Nagmalla, the king of Doti attacked his son, Ratna Chand who was successful in defending himself.<ref name="Pande" />{{rp|213–214}} Nagmalla was killed in the war and the Bams became feudatories of the Chands.<ref name="Pande" />{{rp|215–216}} The pargana of Saur came under direct control of the [[Kingdom of Kumaon]] in the sixteenth century during the rule of King Balo Kalyan Chand, when it was | In the fifteenth century, King [[Chand kings#List of Chand Kings|Bharti Chand]] of [[Champawat]] amassed a huge army, and started plundering and killing in the regions ruled by the Doti Kings. This resulted in a war, which lasted for 12 years, and ended with a victory for the Chands.<ref name="Pande" />{{rp|213–214}} After the death of Bharti Chand in 1462, Nagmalla, the king of Doti attacked his son, Ratna Chand who was successful in defending himself.<ref name="Pande" />{{rp|213–214}} Nagmalla was killed in the war and the Bams became feudatories of the Chands.<ref name="Pande" />{{rp|215–216}} The pargana of Saur came under direct control of the [[Kingdom of Kumaon]] in the sixteenth century during the rule of King Balo Kalyan Chand, when it was given to him by the Raika king of Doti as dowry for marrying his Daughter.<ref name="Pande" />{{rp|226}} | ||
In 1790, the Chand kings built a new fort on the hill where the present Girls Inter College is situated. This fort was destroyed by the Indian government in 1962 after China attacked India.<sup>[<nowiki/>[[wikipedia:Please clarify|why?]]]</sup> The Chand rule, at its zenith, is seen as one of the most prominent empires in Kumaon. Their rule also coincides with a period of cultural resurgence. Archeological surveys point towards the development of culture and art forms in this period. | In 1790, the Chand kings built a new fort on the hill where the present Girls Inter College is situated. This fort was destroyed by the Indian government in 1962 after China attacked India.<sup>[<nowiki/>[[wikipedia:Please clarify|why?]]]</sup> The Chand rule, at its zenith, is seen as one of the most prominent empires in Kumaon. Their rule also coincides with a period of cultural resurgence. Archeological surveys point towards the development of culture and art forms in this period. | ||
A Branch of [[Indian National Congress]] was established in the region in 1912, and in 1916, many people from Pithoragarh attended the Lucknow session of Congress. The [[Non-cooperation movement]] was started in the region in 1921 and in 1930, 10 people from Pithoragarh participated in the [[Civil disobedience movement]]. Subsequently, the Congress won the Pithoragarh seat in the [[1937 Indian provincial elections|Provincial Elections in 1937]]. The [[Quit India Movement]] of 1942 found greater support in Pithoragarh and about 150 persons were arrested while several were fined. The Congress won the Pithoragarh seat again in the [[1945 Indian general election|General Elections of 1945]] for the Provincial Assembly, and in 1947, | A Branch of [[Indian National Congress]] was established in the region in 1912, and in 1916, many people from Pithoragarh attended the Lucknow session of Congress. The [[Non-cooperation movement]] was started in the region in 1921 and in 1930, 10 people from Pithoragarh participated in the [[Civil disobedience movement]]. Subsequently, the Congress won the Pithoragarh seat in the [[1937 Indian provincial elections|Provincial Elections in 1937]]. The [[Quit India Movement]] of 1942 found greater support in Pithoragarh and about 150 persons were arrested while several were fined. The Congress won the Pithoragarh seat again in the [[1945 Indian general election|General Elections of 1945]] for the Provincial Assembly, and in 1947, along with the rest of India, this region also won independence from the British Rule.<ref name="Gazetteer 1979" />{{rp|38}} | ||
== Geography == | == Geography == | ||
| Line 87: | Line 88: | ||
Pithoragarh is located at {{Coord|29.58|N|80.22|E|}}.<ref>[http://www.fallingrain.com/world/IN/39/Pithoragarh.html Falling Rain Genomics, Inc – Pithoragarh]</ref> in the district of [[Pithoragarh district|Pithoragarh]], [[Uttarakhand]], India. It lies in the revenue Division of [[Kumaon Division|Kumaon]]<ref>{{cite book|title=Kumaon Himalaya|publisher=Shree Almora Book Depot|isbn=9788190020992|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=pWs-AgAACAAJ&q=almora|language=en}}</ref> and is located 188 km northeast of [[Nainital]], the administrative headquarters of Kumaon. It has an average elevation of 1,627 [[metre]]s (5,338 [[foot (length)|feet]]).<ref name=gazetteer>[http://pithoragarh.nic.in/Gazetteer/gazetter19.pdf A document from official website of Pithoragarh] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090410072247/http://pithoragarh.nic.in/Gazetteer/gazetter19.pdf |date=10 April 2009 }}</ref><ref>[http://pithoragarh.nic.in/ Official website of Pithoragarh]</ref> It is situated in the centre of the western half of the [[Saur Valley]]. The valley is spread across around 50 square kilometers. According to the [[Bureau of Indian Standards]], on a scale ranging from I to V in order of increasing susceptibility to earthquakes, the city lies inside [[Earthquake hazard zoning of india|seismic zone V]].<ref>{{cite book|title=Hazard profiles of Indian districts|publisher=National Capacity Building Project in Disaster Management, UNDP|url=http://www.undp.org.in/dmweb/hazardprofile.pdf|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060519100611/http://www.undp.org.in/dmweb/hazardprofile.pdf|access-date=17 October 2016|archive-date=19 May 2006}}</ref> It lies in the Moderate damage risk (B) area in Wind & Cyclone Zone and is declared a No Flood Zone. | Pithoragarh is located at {{Coord|29.58|N|80.22|E|}}.<ref>[http://www.fallingrain.com/world/IN/39/Pithoragarh.html Falling Rain Genomics, Inc – Pithoragarh]</ref> in the district of [[Pithoragarh district|Pithoragarh]], [[Uttarakhand]], India. It lies in the revenue Division of [[Kumaon Division|Kumaon]]<ref>{{cite book|title=Kumaon Himalaya|publisher=Shree Almora Book Depot|isbn=9788190020992|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=pWs-AgAACAAJ&q=almora|language=en}}</ref> and is located 188 km northeast of [[Nainital]], the administrative headquarters of Kumaon. It has an average elevation of 1,627 [[metre]]s (5,338 [[foot (length)|feet]]).<ref name=gazetteer>[http://pithoragarh.nic.in/Gazetteer/gazetter19.pdf A document from official website of Pithoragarh] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090410072247/http://pithoragarh.nic.in/Gazetteer/gazetter19.pdf |date=10 April 2009 }}</ref><ref>[http://pithoragarh.nic.in/ Official website of Pithoragarh]</ref> It is situated in the centre of the western half of the [[Saur Valley]]. The valley is spread across around 50 square kilometers. According to the [[Bureau of Indian Standards]], on a scale ranging from I to V in order of increasing susceptibility to earthquakes, the city lies inside [[Earthquake hazard zoning of india|seismic zone V]].<ref>{{cite book|title=Hazard profiles of Indian districts|publisher=National Capacity Building Project in Disaster Management, UNDP|url=http://www.undp.org.in/dmweb/hazardprofile.pdf|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060519100611/http://www.undp.org.in/dmweb/hazardprofile.pdf|access-date=17 October 2016|archive-date=19 May 2006}}</ref> It lies in the Moderate damage risk (B) area in Wind & Cyclone Zone and is declared a No Flood Zone. | ||
===Climate=== | |||
Pithoragarh has a monsoon-influenced climate. The summer season from April to mid-June is moderately warm with occasional thunderstorms, whilst the monsoon season from mid-June to mid-September is humid with heavy showers almost daily. This gives way to a warm and sunny autumn season. The winter season brings pleasant afternoons, very cold mornings, and spells of frontal rain accompanied by sparse snowfall. | |||
{{Weather box <!-- Infobox begins --> | {{Weather box <!-- Infobox begins --> | ||
| | | width = auto | ||
| open = yes | | open = yes | ||
|metric first = yes | |metric first = yes | ||
| Line 149: | Line 152: | ||
| Nov precipitation mm =7.3 | | Nov precipitation mm =7.3 | ||
| Dec precipitation mm =16.7 | | Dec precipitation mm =16.7 | ||
| year precipitation mm =1244.5 | | year precipitation mm =1244.5 | ||
| precipitation colour = green | |||
| unit precipitation days = | | unit precipitation days = | ||
| Jan precipitation days =3.4 | | Jan precipitation days =3.4 | ||
| Feb precipitation days =3.8 | | Feb precipitation days =3.8 | ||
| Line 171: | Line 173: | ||
== Government and politics == | == Government and politics == | ||
Pithoragarh is an urban town with a [[Municipal Council (India)|Nagar Palika Parishad]] or Municipal Council<ref>{{Cite web|title=Municipalities {{!}} District Pithoragarh, Government of Uttarakhand {{!}} India|url=https://pithoragarh.nic.in/public-utility-category/municipality/|access-date=2020-09-15|language=en-US}}</ref> spread over an area of 9 square km.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Census of India - Uttarakhand - Town Amenities (Excel Row 53)|url=https://censusindia.gov.in/2011census/dchb/DCHB.html|access-date=15 September 2020|website=Census of India}}</ref> It is divided into 20 wards for the sake of administration.<ref>{{Cite web| | Pithoragarh is an urban town with a [[Municipal Council (India)|Nagar Palika Parishad]] or Municipal Council<ref>{{Cite web|title=Municipalities {{!}} District Pithoragarh, Government of Uttarakhand {{!}} India|url=https://pithoragarh.nic.in/public-utility-category/municipality/|access-date=2020-09-15|language=en-US}}</ref> spread over an area of 9 square km.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Census of India - Uttarakhand - Town Amenities (Excel Row 53)|url=https://censusindia.gov.in/2011census/dchb/DCHB.html|access-date=15 September 2020|website=Census of India}}</ref> It is divided into 20 wards for the sake of administration.<ref>{{Cite web|author=Prem Punetha|date=Dec 18, 2019|title=12 ward members resign over use of Dev Singh Ground for exhibition {{!}} Dehradun News - Times of India|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/dehradun/12-ward-members-resign-over-use-of-dev-singh-ground-for-exhibition/articleshow/72859073.cms|access-date=2020-09-15|website=The Times of India|language=en}}</ref> It is also part of the [[Almora (Lok Sabha constituency)|Almora Lok Sabha Constituency]], thus has BJP MP [[Ajay Tamta]] representing the city<ref>{{Cite web|title=Uttarakhand: BRO constructs 180-feet-long bailey bridge in cloudburst-hit Jauljibi sector|url=https://www.aninews.in/news/national/general-news/uttarakhand-bro-constructs-180-feet-long-bailey-bridge-in-cloudburst-hit-jauljibi-sector20200816233019/|access-date=2020-09-15|website=ANI News|language=en}}</ref> and part of the Pithoragarh Vidhan Sabha constituency, represented by INC's [[Mayukh Mahar]].<ref>{{Cite web|title=MP/MLA {{!}} District Almora, Government of Uttarakhand {{!}} India|url=https://almora.nic.in/mp-mla/|access-date=2020-09-15|language=en-US}}</ref> | ||
Pithoragarh town, before the creation of a Municipal Board, was administered as a Town Area by a committee consisting of 10 members and a chairman. The Municipality of Pithoragarh came into existence on 24 Nov 1962 and the members and the chairman of Town Area Committee became its members. The board was, however, dissolved on 12 Mar 1963, and the town was then administered by the District Magistrate, who was the ex-officio chairman of the board under the U.P. Municipalities Act of 1916. There was no elected body and the affairs were supervised by an Officer-in-charge (a deputy collector) to whom the powers were delegated by the District Magistrate.<ref name="Gazetteer 1979" />{{rp|157}} | Pithoragarh town, before the creation of a Municipal Board, was administered as a Town Area by a committee consisting of 10 members and a chairman. The Municipality of Pithoragarh came into existence on 24 Nov 1962 and the members and the chairman of Town Area Committee became its members. The board was, however, dissolved on 12 Mar 1963, and the town was then administered by the [[District Magistrate]], who was the ex-officio chairman of the board under the U.P. Municipalities Act of 1916. There was no elected body and the affairs were supervised by an Officer-in-charge (a deputy collector) to whom the powers were delegated by the District Magistrate.<ref name="Gazetteer 1979" />{{rp|157}} | ||
== Culture == | == Culture == | ||
[[File:Hilljatra-festival-photos.jpg|thumb|Hiljatra in Pithoragarh]] | [[File:Hilljatra-festival-photos.jpg|thumb|Hiljatra in Pithoragarh]] | ||
=== | === Festivals === | ||
[[Pithoragarh Mahotsav]] has played a significant role in conserving and sharing Pithorgarh's unique culture. It showcases local culture through music and dance, often featuring performances in the [[Kumaoni language]]. | [[Pithoragarh Mahotsav]] has played a significant role in conserving and sharing Pithorgarh's unique culture. It showcases local culture through music and dance, often featuring performances in the [[Kumaoni language]]. | ||
'''Kandali Festival''' A flower called Kandali ([[Strobilanthes wallichii]]) blooms once every twelve years in the Chaudans region of Pithoragarh district, and the people celebrate the Kandali festival between August and October. Local people, known as Shaukars or Rangs, take part in the week-long festival with joy and enthusiasm in various villages throughout the region. The festival begins with the worship of a [[Shiva linga]] made of a flour mixture of barley and buckwheat. During this festival, local liquor is traditionally consumed. It is performed in a decorated corner of the courtyard by each household. People pray for good fortune. The individual Poojas are followed by a community feast. Then, the women and men, in traditional dresses and laden with gold and silver ornaments, assemble around a tree on the sacred ground of the village. Strips of white cloth are tied to the tree and a flag is raised.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://kumaon.gov.in/pages/display/90-kandali-festival|title=Kandali Festival|publisher=Govt of Kumaon}}</ref> | |||
'''Hilljatra''' is a pastoralists' and agriculturalists' festival, which is celebrated in some parts of Pithoragarh districts. The aathon (eight day of bhado) and Gawra Visarjan became part of Hilljatra during the development process. The festival, which originated in West Nepal's Sorar (Mahakali) region, was first introduced to the valley in Kumor village, Pithoragarh.The hiljatra of Urai (Dewalthal)is the most famous.Tha tableau of the Lakhiya bhoot is the main attraction.On the evening of hiljatra,worship of goddess Mahakali is performed tableaux are tajen out.The people of Bajethi, another village near Pithoragarh, accepted the Jatra, and it was modified and introduced as Hiran chital in the Kanalichhina and Askot regions. Hilljatra is linked to ropai (paddy planting) and other rainy-season agricultural and pastoral labours (Hill = mud, Jatra = Jaat). It has also been linked to the [[Champawat]] ruler's victory.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://kumaon.gov.in/pages/display/89-hilljatra|title=Hilljatra|publisher=Govt of Kumaon}}</ref> | |||
=== In popular culture === | === In popular culture === | ||
[[File:pithoragarh Panorama.jpg|center|900px|thumb|A panoramic view of Pithoragarh]] | |||
The small town was extensively described in a novel by American author Bradley Swift, ''From Pithoragarh to Pittsburg''. Major parts of the Bollywood film [[Sandeep Aur Pinky Faraar]] have been shot in the city.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Service |first1=Tribune News |title=Bollywood in Pithoragarh for 'Sandeep & Pinki Farar' |url=https://www.tribuneindia.com/news/archive/bollywood-in-pithoragarh-for-sandeep--pinki-farar-508379 |access-date=20 February 2020 |work=Tribuneindia News Service |language=en}}</ref> | The small town was extensively described in a novel by American author Bradley Swift, ''From Pithoragarh to Pittsburg''. Major parts of the Bollywood film [[Sandeep Aur Pinky Faraar]] have been shot in the city.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Service |first1=Tribune News |title=Bollywood in Pithoragarh for 'Sandeep & Pinki Farar' |url=https://www.tribuneindia.com/news/archive/bollywood-in-pithoragarh-for-sandeep--pinki-farar-508379 |access-date=20 February 2020 |work=Tribuneindia News Service |language=en}}</ref> | ||
== Transport == | == Transport == | ||
[[File: | |||
[[ | [[File:Pithoragarh Naini Saini Airport.jpg|thumb|[[Pithoragarh Airport|Naini Saini Airport]]]] | ||
Pithoragarh is not connected by any direct [[Rail transport in India|train services]], | Pithoragarh is not connected by any direct [[Rail transport in India|train services]]; however, it is well connected by road, and it also has an airport. The [[National Highway 9 (India)|National Highway 9]] passes through Pithoragarh.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://egazette.nic.in/WriteReadData/2015/163579.pdf|title=National highway 9 route substitution notification|date=31 Mar 2015|website=[[The Gazette of India]]|access-date=1 Aug 2018}}</ref> [[Landslides]] and [[cloudburst]]s, caused by heavy rains that fall during the summer monsoon, often interrupt transportation networks.<ref>{{cite news|last1=Singh|first1=Kautilya|title=263 roads across Uttarakhand closed, efforts on to open them for vehicular movement|url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/dehradun/263-roads-across-Uttarakhand-closed-efforts-on-to-open-them-for-vehicular-movement/articleshow/53288408.cms|access-date=18 October 2016|agency=TNN|work=The Times of India|date=19 July 2016|location=Dehradun}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|last1=Singh|first1=Kautilya|title=Heavy rains block 338 roads in Uttarakhand|url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/dehradun/Heavy-rains-block-338-roads-in-Uttarakhand/articleshow/53271509.cms|access-date=18 October 2016|agency=TNN|work=The Times of India|date=18 July 2016|location=Dehradun}}</ref> | ||
The [[Pithoragarh Airport]], also known as the Naini Saini Airport, is located about {{convert|5|km|mi}} north-east of the city. The airport, which was constructed in 1991 for administrative use,<ref name="Chakrabarty">{{cite news|last1=Chakrabarty|first1=Arpita|title=Naini-Saini airstrip awaits flying license|url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/dehradun/Naini-Saini-airstrip-awaits-flying-license/articleshow/52857515.cms|access-date=17 October 2016|agency=TNN|work=The Times of India|date=21 July 2016|location=Almora}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|last1=Chakrabarty|first1=Arpita|title=No commercial flights from Pithoragarh any time soon|url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/dehradun/No-commercial-flights-from-Pithoragarh-any-time-soon/articleshow/54270318.cms|access-date=17 October 2016|agency=TNN|work=The Times of India|date=10 September 2016|location=Almora}}</ref> was previously mainly used by the [[Indian Air Force]] for defence purposes.<ref name ="ER">{{cite web|title=Executive Summary, Expansion of Naini-Saini airport|url=http://ueppcb.uk.gov.in/files/Naini-Saiini-Airstrip-Executive-Summary-English_1.pdf |access-date=20 September 2019|work=[[RITES]]|date=October 2012}}</ref> The airport was upgraded in 2016 at an estimated cost of Rs 64.91 crore.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Chakrabarty |first1=Arpita |title=Regular flights to take off from Naini Saini airstrip from Jan 26 |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/dehradun/Regular-flights-to-take-off-from-Naini-Saini-airstrip-from-Jan-26/articleshow/49806761.cms |access-date=20 February 2020 |work=The Times of India |date=16 Nov 2015 |language=en}}</ref> | The [[Pithoragarh Airport]], also known as the Naini Saini Airport, is located about {{convert|5|km|mi}} north-east of the city. The airport, which was constructed in 1991 for administrative use,<ref name="Chakrabarty">{{cite news|last1=Chakrabarty|first1=Arpita|title=Naini-Saini airstrip awaits flying license|url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/dehradun/Naini-Saini-airstrip-awaits-flying-license/articleshow/52857515.cms|access-date=17 October 2016|agency=TNN|work=The Times of India|date=21 July 2016|location=Almora}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|last1=Chakrabarty|first1=Arpita|title=No commercial flights from Pithoragarh any time soon|url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/dehradun/No-commercial-flights-from-Pithoragarh-any-time-soon/articleshow/54270318.cms|access-date=17 October 2016|agency=TNN|work=The Times of India|date=10 September 2016|location=Almora}}</ref> was previously mainly used by the [[Indian Air Force]] for defence purposes.<ref name ="ER">{{cite web|title=Executive Summary, Expansion of Naini-Saini airport|url=http://ueppcb.uk.gov.in/files/Naini-Saiini-Airstrip-Executive-Summary-English_1.pdf |access-date=20 September 2019|work=[[RITES]]|date=October 2012}}</ref> The airport was upgraded in 2016 at an estimated cost of Rs 64.91 crore.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Chakrabarty |first1=Arpita |title=Regular flights to take off from Naini Saini airstrip from Jan 26 |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/dehradun/Regular-flights-to-take-off-from-Naini-Saini-airstrip-from-Jan-26/articleshow/49806761.cms |access-date=20 February 2020 |work=The Times of India |date=16 Nov 2015 |language=en}}</ref> | ||
Pithoragarh is connected to | [[Bareilly Airport]] is located around 249 km from Pithoragarh is a major airport nearby which is connected to cities like Mumbai, New Delhi and Bengaluru. | ||
Pithoragarh is connected to the rest of [[Uttarakhand]] by all-weather motorable roads. The total road length in Pithoragarh is 80 km.<ref name="dchba" />{{rp|683}} [[Haldwani]] and [[Tanakpur]] are two entry points for entering Pithoragarh by road. Both are connected by railway services, the nearest railway stations being [[Tanakpur railway station|Tanakpur]] (151 km) and [[Kathgodam railway station|Kathgodam]] (212 km). Regular state bus transport services along with private taxi services are available at both places. Buses, which are the most commonly used mode of transport, are run by government agencies and private operators. Agencies operating long-distance bus services include [[Uttarakhand Transport Corporation]], K.M.O.U, and various private operators. | |||
==Education== | ==Education== | ||
| Line 201: | Line 210: | ||
As of 2011, Pithoragarh had 17 primary schools, 20 middle schools, 22 secondary schools, 14 senior secondary schools, and 1 degree college.<ref name="dchba">{{cite book|title=District Census Handbook Pithoragarh Part-A|publisher=Directorate of Census Operations, Uttarakhand|location=Dehradun|url=http://www.censusindia.gov.in/2011census/dchb/0507_PART_A_DCHB_PITHORAGARH.pdf|access-date=11 July 2017}}</ref>{{rp|685}} Before independence, during the middle of the 19th century when Pithoragarh was part of [[Almora district|Almora]], there were only two middle schools in Pithoragarh.<ref name="education">{{cite web|last1=Indusnettechnologies|first1=Goutam Pal, Dipak K S, SWD|title=Education: District of Pithoragarh, Uttarakhand, India|url=http://pithoragarh.nic.in/pages/display/70-education|website=pithoragarh.nic.in|access-date=11 July 2017}}</ref> | As of 2011, Pithoragarh had 17 primary schools, 20 middle schools, 22 secondary schools, 14 senior secondary schools, and 1 degree college.<ref name="dchba">{{cite book|title=District Census Handbook Pithoragarh Part-A|publisher=Directorate of Census Operations, Uttarakhand|location=Dehradun|url=http://www.censusindia.gov.in/2011census/dchb/0507_PART_A_DCHB_PITHORAGARH.pdf|access-date=11 July 2017}}</ref>{{rp|685}} Before independence, during the middle of the 19th century when Pithoragarh was part of [[Almora district|Almora]], there were only two middle schools in Pithoragarh.<ref name="education">{{cite web|last1=Indusnettechnologies|first1=Goutam Pal, Dipak K S, SWD|title=Education: District of Pithoragarh, Uttarakhand, India|url=http://pithoragarh.nic.in/pages/display/70-education|website=pithoragarh.nic.in|access-date=11 July 2017}}</ref> | ||
LSM Govt. Post Graduate College is the only government college in the town providing studies up to post-graduation.<ref>{{cite web|last1=Indusnettechnologies|first1=Goutam Pal, Dipak K S, SWD|title=L. S. M. Government Post Graduate College Pithoragarh (Uttarakhand)|url=http://pithoragarh.nic.in/pages/view/36/37-l-s-m--government-post-graduate-college-pithoragarh-(uttarakhand)-|website=pithoragarh.nic.in|access-date=11 July 2017}}</ref> It | LSM Govt. Post Graduate College is the only government college in the town providing studies up to post-graduation.<ref>{{cite web|last1=Indusnettechnologies|first1=Goutam Pal, Dipak K S, SWD|title=L. S. M. Government Post Graduate College Pithoragarh (Uttarakhand)|url=http://pithoragarh.nic.in/pages/view/36/37-l-s-m--government-post-graduate-college-pithoragarh-(uttarakhand)-|website=pithoragarh.nic.in|access-date=11 July 2017}}</ref> It was previously affiliated to [[Kumaun University]], [[Nainital]]. With the growing impact of [[Information technology in India|I.T.]], the government opened [[Seemant Institute of Technology|SIT Pithoragarh]] in 2011. Almost a dozen of privately owned computer centres opened up later in the town.<ref name="education" /> A few of the IT centres which are in Pithoragarh town are [[NIIT]], Hiltron, [[Aptech]], UpHill Computers, Info. Park, Sri Calculation and Care Computer. | ||
Construction of a medical college is proposed by the state government and it has been allotted a budget of ₹450 crores ($64 million).<ref>{{Cite web|title=पिथौरागढ़ मेडिकल कालेज का कार्य प्रारंभ होने के आसार|url=https://www.jagran.com/uttarakhand/pithoragarh-the-work-of-pithoragarh-medical-college-is-likely-to-start-21867774.html|access-date=2022-02-15|website=Dainik Jagran|language=hi}}</ref> | |||
== Temples== | |||
*[[Haat Kalika Temple]] | |||
*[[Kotgari Temple]] | |||
*[[Patal Bhuvaneshwar]] | |||
*Mahakali Temple Gangolihat | |||
*Ulkadevi Temple | |||
*Mostamanu Temple | |||
*Kamaksha/Kamkhya Temple | |||
*Jayanti Temple Dhwaj | |||
*Ghunsera Devi Temple | |||
*Nagmandir Berinag | |||
== Notable people == | == Notable people == | ||
| Line 207: | Line 230: | ||
* [[Vinod Kapri]] | * [[Vinod Kapri]] | ||
* [[Hemant Pandey]] | * [[Hemant Pandey]] | ||
*[[Pushkar Singh Dhami]] | *[[Pushkar Singh Dhami]] | ||
*[[Unmukt Chand]] | |||
* [[Mary Reed (missionary)|Mary Reed]] | |||
* [[Himanshu_Bisht Himanshu Bisht]] | |||
* [[Prakash_Pant Prakash Pant]] | |||
* [[Prafulla_Chandra_Pant Prafulla Chandra Pant]] | |||
== References == | == References == | ||
| Line 215: | Line 242: | ||
== External links == | == External links == | ||
* [http://pithoragarh.nic.in/ Pithoragarh website] | * [http://pithoragarh.nic.in/ Pithoragarh website] | ||
* [http://wikimapia.org/country/India/Uttaranchal/Pithoragarh/ Pithoragarh] at ''[[wikimapia]]''. | * [http://wikimapia.org/country/India/Uttaranchal/Pithoragarh/ Pithoragarh] at ''[[wikimapia]]''. | ||
| Line 227: | Line 254: | ||
[[Category:Pithoragarh| ]] | [[Category:Pithoragarh| ]] | ||
[[Category:Tourism in Uttarakhand]] | [[Category:Tourism in Uttarakhand]] | ||
[[Category:Cities and towns in Pithoragarh district]] | |||
{{ci|date=October 2022}} | |||
Latest revision as of 22:55, 18 January 2025
Pithoragarh | |
|---|---|
 View of Pithoragarh city, Uttarakhand during Sunrise | |
  Pithoragarh Location in Uttarakhand, India  Pithoragarh Pithoragarh (India) | |
| Coordinates: 29°35′N 80°13′E / 29.58°N 80.22°ECoordinates: 29°35′N 80°13′E / 29.58°N 80.22°E | |
| Country |  India |
| State | Uttarakhand |
| District | Pithoragarh |
| Government | |
| • District collector | Reena Joshi, IAS[1] |
| Elevation | 1,627 m (5,338 ft) |
| Population (2011)[2] | |
| • Total | 56,044 |
| Demonym | Pithoragarhiya (Kumaoni) |
| Time zone | UTC+5:30 (IST) |
| PIN | 262501 |
| Telephone code | 915964 |
| Vehicle registration | UK-05 |
| Website | pithoragarh |
Pithoragarh (Kumaoni: Pithor'garh) is a Himalayan town with a Municipal Board in Pithoragarh district in the Indian state of Uttarakhand. It is the largest and unplanned town in Kumaon hills. It is an education hub of the hilly region as the town has Laxman Singh Mahar Govt.P.G.College, Seemant Institute of Technology, now known as Nanhi Pari Seemant Engineering Institute and a nursing college.
Etymology[edit]
"The district is named after its headquarters town, Pithoragarh. Tradition has it that during the reign of the Chand Rajas of Kumaon, one Piru, also called Prithvi Gosain, built a fort here and named it Prithvigarh which, in the course of time, got changed to Pithoragarh."[3]
History[edit]
Pithoragarh city and its surrounding areas were part of the Manaskhand region, which extended from the Kailash Mountain in the north to Bhabar & Terai in the south, as mentioned in the Skanda Purana.[4]:12 The Asuras and Nagas appear to be the earliest inhabitants of the region, who were later superseded by the Kiratas, Khasas and the Kunindas.[4]:13 The Kuninda Kings of the region may have become the feudatories of The Kushana Kings, who held their sway over the region in the last quarter of the 1st century AD.[4]:16 The region subsequently came under the Kurmanchal kingdom, which had its capital first at Jyotirmath and then at Karikeyapura (Modern day Baijnath) in the Katyur Valley.[5]
Upon the disintegration of the Katyuris and fall of kingdom in 13th century, Pithoragarh came under the rule of Bam kings of Saur. The Bam kings were feudal to the Raikas of Doti and was a branch of katyuri kings, and had their capital at Udaipur near Pithoragarh, However, the Rajas used to come down to Rameshwar and Bailorkol during the winter months.[4]:24 The Bam kings, who ruled over Saur were:[6]:216
- Karakil Bam
- Kakil Bam
- Chanari Bam
- Arki Bam
- Jnani Bam
- Shakti Bam
- Vijai Bam
- Hari Bam
In the fifteenth century, King Bharti Chand of Champawat amassed a huge army, and started plundering and killing in the regions ruled by the Doti Kings. This resulted in a war, which lasted for 12 years, and ended with a victory for the Chands.[6]:213–214 After the death of Bharti Chand in 1462, Nagmalla, the king of Doti attacked his son, Ratna Chand who was successful in defending himself.[6]:213–214 Nagmalla was killed in the war and the Bams became feudatories of the Chands.[6]:215–216 The pargana of Saur came under direct control of the Kingdom of Kumaon in the sixteenth century during the rule of King Balo Kalyan Chand, when it was given to him by the Raika king of Doti as dowry for marrying his Daughter.[6]:226
In 1790, the Chand kings built a new fort on the hill where the present Girls Inter College is situated. This fort was destroyed by the Indian government in 1962 after China attacked India.[why?] The Chand rule, at its zenith, is seen as one of the most prominent empires in Kumaon. Their rule also coincides with a period of cultural resurgence. Archeological surveys point towards the development of culture and art forms in this period.
A Branch of Indian National Congress was established in the region in 1912, and in 1916, many people from Pithoragarh attended the Lucknow session of Congress. The Non-cooperation movement was started in the region in 1921 and in 1930, 10 people from Pithoragarh participated in the Civil disobedience movement. Subsequently, the Congress won the Pithoragarh seat in the Provincial Elections in 1937. The Quit India Movement of 1942 found greater support in Pithoragarh and about 150 persons were arrested while several were fined. The Congress won the Pithoragarh seat again in the General Elections of 1945 for the Provincial Assembly, and in 1947, along with the rest of India, this region also won independence from the British Rule.[4]:38
Geography[edit]
Pithoragarh is located at 29°35′N 80°13′E / 29.58°N 80.22°E.[7] in the district of Pithoragarh, Uttarakhand, India. It lies in the revenue Division of Kumaon[8] and is located 188 km northeast of Nainital, the administrative headquarters of Kumaon. It has an average elevation of 1,627 metres (5,338 feet).[3][9] It is situated in the centre of the western half of the Saur Valley. The valley is spread across around 50 square kilometers. According to the Bureau of Indian Standards, on a scale ranging from I to V in order of increasing susceptibility to earthquakes, the city lies inside seismic zone V.[10] It lies in the Moderate damage risk (B) area in Wind & Cyclone Zone and is declared a No Flood Zone.
Climate[edit]
Pithoragarh has a monsoon-influenced climate. The summer season from April to mid-June is moderately warm with occasional thunderstorms, whilst the monsoon season from mid-June to mid-September is humid with heavy showers almost daily. This gives way to a warm and sunny autumn season. The winter season brings pleasant afternoons, very cold mornings, and spells of frontal rain accompanied by sparse snowfall.
| Month | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | Year |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average high °C (°F) | 13.7 (56.7) |
15.5 (59.9) |
20.7 (69.3) |
25.9 (78.6) |
28.7 (83.7) |
28.5 (83.3) |
25.9 (78.6) |
25.4 (77.7) |
24.9 (76.8) |
23.3 (73.9) |
19.7 (67.5) |
15.8 (60.4) |
22.3 (72.1) |
| Daily mean °C (°F) | 7.8 (46.0) |
9.4 (48.9) |
14.2 (57.6) |
19.2 (66.6) |
22.1 (71.8) |
23.1 (73.6) |
21.9 (71.4) |
21.6 (70.9) |
20.4 (68.7) |
17.4 (63.3) |
13.2 (55.8) |
9.7 (49.5) |
16.7 (62.1) |
| Average low °C (°F) | 1.9 (35.4) |
3.4 (38.1) |
7.7 (45.9) |
12.6 (54.7) |
15.7 (60.3) |
17.7 (63.9) |
17.9 (64.2) |
17.8 (64.0) |
16 (61) |
11.5 (52.7) |
6.8 (44.2) |
3.5 (38.3) |
11 (52) |
| Average precipitation mm (inches) | 37.4 (1.47) |
42.8 (1.69) |
39.4 (1.55) |
34.7 (1.37) |
56.7 (2.23) |
164.8 (6.49) |
317.3 (12.49) |
305.2 (12.02) |
174.4 (6.87) |
47.9 (1.89) |
7.3 (0.29) |
16.7 (0.66) |
1,244.5 (49.00) |
| Average precipitation days | 3.4 | 3.8 | 3.7 | 3.1 | 4.1 | 10.9 | 16.5 | 17.6 | 10.5 | 2.9 | 1.2 | 1.3 | 79.1 |
| Source: Weatherbase[11] | |||||||||||||
Government and politics[edit]
Pithoragarh is an urban town with a Nagar Palika Parishad or Municipal Council[12] spread over an area of 9 square km.[13] It is divided into 20 wards for the sake of administration.[14] It is also part of the Almora Lok Sabha Constituency, thus has BJP MP Ajay Tamta representing the city[15] and part of the Pithoragarh Vidhan Sabha constituency, represented by INC's Mayukh Mahar.[16]
Pithoragarh town, before the creation of a Municipal Board, was administered as a Town Area by a committee consisting of 10 members and a chairman. The Municipality of Pithoragarh came into existence on 24 Nov 1962 and the members and the chairman of Town Area Committee became its members. The board was, however, dissolved on 12 Mar 1963, and the town was then administered by the District Magistrate, who was the ex-officio chairman of the board under the U.P. Municipalities Act of 1916. There was no elected body and the affairs were supervised by an Officer-in-charge (a deputy collector) to whom the powers were delegated by the District Magistrate.[4]:157
Culture[edit]
Festivals[edit]
Pithoragarh Mahotsav has played a significant role in conserving and sharing Pithorgarh's unique culture. It showcases local culture through music and dance, often featuring performances in the Kumaoni language.
Kandali Festival A flower called Kandali (Strobilanthes wallichii) blooms once every twelve years in the Chaudans region of Pithoragarh district, and the people celebrate the Kandali festival between August and October. Local people, known as Shaukars or Rangs, take part in the week-long festival with joy and enthusiasm in various villages throughout the region. The festival begins with the worship of a Shiva linga made of a flour mixture of barley and buckwheat. During this festival, local liquor is traditionally consumed. It is performed in a decorated corner of the courtyard by each household. People pray for good fortune. The individual Poojas are followed by a community feast. Then, the women and men, in traditional dresses and laden with gold and silver ornaments, assemble around a tree on the sacred ground of the village. Strips of white cloth are tied to the tree and a flag is raised.[17]
Hilljatra is a pastoralists' and agriculturalists' festival, which is celebrated in some parts of Pithoragarh districts. The aathon (eight day of bhado) and Gawra Visarjan became part of Hilljatra during the development process. The festival, which originated in West Nepal's Sorar (Mahakali) region, was first introduced to the valley in Kumor village, Pithoragarh.The hiljatra of Urai (Dewalthal)is the most famous.Tha tableau of the Lakhiya bhoot is the main attraction.On the evening of hiljatra,worship of goddess Mahakali is performed tableaux are tajen out.The people of Bajethi, another village near Pithoragarh, accepted the Jatra, and it was modified and introduced as Hiran chital in the Kanalichhina and Askot regions. Hilljatra is linked to ropai (paddy planting) and other rainy-season agricultural and pastoral labours (Hill = mud, Jatra = Jaat). It has also been linked to the Champawat ruler's victory.[18]
In popular culture[edit]
The small town was extensively described in a novel by American author Bradley Swift, From Pithoragarh to Pittsburg. Major parts of the Bollywood film Sandeep Aur Pinky Faraar have been shot in the city.[19]
Transport[edit]
Pithoragarh is not connected by any direct train services; however, it is well connected by road, and it also has an airport. The National Highway 9 passes through Pithoragarh.[20] Landslides and cloudbursts, caused by heavy rains that fall during the summer monsoon, often interrupt transportation networks.[21][22]
The Pithoragarh Airport, also known as the Naini Saini Airport, is located about 5 kilometres (3.1 mi) north-east of the city. The airport, which was constructed in 1991 for administrative use,[23][24] was previously mainly used by the Indian Air Force for defence purposes.[25] The airport was upgraded in 2016 at an estimated cost of Rs 64.91 crore.[26]
Bareilly Airport is located around 249 km from Pithoragarh is a major airport nearby which is connected to cities like Mumbai, New Delhi and Bengaluru.
Pithoragarh is connected to the rest of Uttarakhand by all-weather motorable roads. The total road length in Pithoragarh is 80 km.[27]:683 Haldwani and Tanakpur are two entry points for entering Pithoragarh by road. Both are connected by railway services, the nearest railway stations being Tanakpur (151 km) and Kathgodam (212 km). Regular state bus transport services along with private taxi services are available at both places. Buses, which are the most commonly used mode of transport, are run by government agencies and private operators. Agencies operating long-distance bus services include Uttarakhand Transport Corporation, K.M.O.U, and various private operators.
Education[edit]
Temporary campus of Seemant Institute of Technology
Schools in Pithoragarh are run by the state government or private organisations, Hindi and English are the primary languages of instruction. Schools in Pithoragarh follow the "10+2+3" plan.
After completing their secondary education, students typically enroll in Inter Colleges that have a higher secondary facility and are affiliated with the Central Board of Secondary Education, CISCE or the Department of Education of the Government of Uttarakhand. They usually choose a focus on liberal arts, business, or science.[citation needed]
As of 2011, Pithoragarh had 17 primary schools, 20 middle schools, 22 secondary schools, 14 senior secondary schools, and 1 degree college.[27]:685 Before independence, during the middle of the 19th century when Pithoragarh was part of Almora, there were only two middle schools in Pithoragarh.[28]
LSM Govt. Post Graduate College is the only government college in the town providing studies up to post-graduation.[29] It was previously affiliated to Kumaun University, Nainital. With the growing impact of I.T., the government opened SIT Pithoragarh in 2011. Almost a dozen of privately owned computer centres opened up later in the town.[28] A few of the IT centres which are in Pithoragarh town are NIIT, Hiltron, Aptech, UpHill Computers, Info. Park, Sri Calculation and Care Computer.
Construction of a medical college is proposed by the state government and it has been allotted a budget of ₹450 crores ($64 million).[30]
Temples[edit]
- Haat Kalika Temple
- Kotgari Temple
- Patal Bhuvaneshwar
- Mahakali Temple Gangolihat
- Ulkadevi Temple
- Mostamanu Temple
- Kamaksha/Kamkhya Temple
- Jayanti Temple Dhwaj
- Ghunsera Devi Temple
- Nagmandir Berinag
Notable people[edit]
- Pushkar Singh Dhami
- Unmukt Chand
- Mary Reed
- Himanshu_Bisht Himanshu Bisht
- Prakash_Pant Prakash Pant
- Prafulla_Chandra_Pant Prafulla Chandra Pant
References[edit]
- ↑ "सीमांत जिले पिथौरागढ़ में पहली बार महिला जिलाधिकारी तैनात, बागेश्वर में भी महिला डीएम, देखें किसे मिली कमान". Dainik Jagran (in हिन्दी). Retrieved 29 October 2022.
- ↑ "Census of India Search details". censusindia.gov.in. Retrieved 10 May 2015.
- ↑ 3.0 3.1 A document from official website of Pithoragarh Archived 10 April 2009 at the Wayback Machine
- ↑ 4.0 4.1 4.2 4.3 4.4 4.5 Uttar Pradesh District Gazetteers: Pithoragarh. Government of Uttar Pradesh. 1979. Retrieved 21 February 2020.
- ↑ Kaṭhoca, Yaśavanta Siṃha (2010). Uttarākhaṇḍa kā navīna itihāsa. ISBN 978-81-86844-91-5. OCLC 948116582.
- ↑ 6.0 6.1 6.2 6.3 6.4 Pande, Badri Datt (1993). History of Kumaun : English version of "Kumaun ka itihas". Almora: Shyam Prakashan. ISBN 81-85865-01-9.
- ↑ Falling Rain Genomics, Inc – Pithoragarh
- ↑ Kumaon Himalaya. Shree Almora Book Depot. ISBN 9788190020992.
- ↑ Official website of Pithoragarh
- ↑ Hazard profiles of Indian districts (PDF). National Capacity Building Project in Disaster Management, UNDP. Archived from the original (PDF) on 19 May 2006. Retrieved 17 October 2016.
- ↑ "Monthly Weather Averages Summary, Pithoragarh, India". Retrieved 17 October 2016.
- ↑ "Municipalities | District Pithoragarh, Government of Uttarakhand | India". Retrieved 15 September 2020.
- ↑ "Census of India - Uttarakhand - Town Amenities (Excel Row 53)". Census of India. Retrieved 15 September 2020.
- ↑ Prem Punetha (18 December 2019). "12 ward members resign over use of Dev Singh Ground for exhibition | Dehradun News - Times of India". The Times of India. Retrieved 15 September 2020.
- ↑ "Uttarakhand: BRO constructs 180-feet-long bailey bridge in cloudburst-hit Jauljibi sector". ANI News. Retrieved 15 September 2020.
- ↑ "MP/MLA | District Almora, Government of Uttarakhand | India". Retrieved 15 September 2020.
- ↑ "Kandali Festival". Govt of Kumaon.
- ↑ "Hilljatra". Govt of Kumaon.
- ↑ Service, Tribune News. "Bollywood in Pithoragarh for 'Sandeep & Pinki Farar'". Tribuneindia News Service. Retrieved 20 February 2020.
- ↑ "National highway 9 route substitution notification" (PDF). The Gazette of India. 31 March 2015. Retrieved 1 August 2018.
- ↑ Singh, Kautilya (19 July 2016). "263 roads across Uttarakhand closed, efforts on to open them for vehicular movement". The Times of India. Dehradun. TNN. Retrieved 18 October 2016.
- ↑ Singh, Kautilya (18 July 2016). "Heavy rains block 338 roads in Uttarakhand". The Times of India. Dehradun. TNN. Retrieved 18 October 2016.
- ↑ Chakrabarty, Arpita (21 July 2016). "Naini-Saini airstrip awaits flying license". The Times of India. Almora. TNN. Retrieved 17 October 2016.
- ↑ Chakrabarty, Arpita (10 September 2016). "No commercial flights from Pithoragarh any time soon". The Times of India. Almora. TNN. Retrieved 17 October 2016.
- ↑ "Executive Summary, Expansion of Naini-Saini airport" (PDF). RITES. October 2012. Retrieved 20 September 2019.
- ↑ Chakrabarty, Arpita (16 November 2015). "Regular flights to take off from Naini Saini airstrip from Jan 26". The Times of India. Retrieved 20 February 2020.
- ↑ 27.0 27.1 District Census Handbook Pithoragarh Part-A (PDF). Dehradun: Directorate of Census Operations, Uttarakhand. Retrieved 11 July 2017.
- ↑ 28.0 28.1 Indusnettechnologies, Goutam Pal, Dipak K S, SWD. "Education: District of Pithoragarh, Uttarakhand, India". pithoragarh.nic.in. Retrieved 11 July 2017.
{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link) - ↑ Indusnettechnologies, Goutam Pal, Dipak K S, SWD. "L. S. M. Government Post Graduate College Pithoragarh (Uttarakhand)". pithoragarh.nic.in. Retrieved 11 July 2017.
{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link) - ↑ "पिथौरागढ़ मेडिकल कालेज का कार्य प्रारंभ होने के आसार". Dainik Jagran (in हिन्दी). Retrieved 15 February 2022.
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