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Page 1: Report on Himachal Pradesh

Himachal Pradesh: the Land of Gods.

10/7/2011ROSHNI RAMCHANDANI

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Himachal Pradesh: History and Geography

Pre History & Early History

The history of Himachal Pradesh dates back to around two million years. At this point of time, people lived in the foothills of Himachal Pradesh. These original inhabitants of Himachal, the Kols and the Mundas, were forced by the people of the great Indus valley civilization to move up to the hills. The Indus valley civilization prospered here between 2250 and 1750 BC. The second wave of migrants to the state saw Mongoloid, like Bhota and Kiratas coming in. However, the most important lot of people entered the area only afterwards in the third wave of migration. These were Aryans from Central Asia. The Aryans contributed immensely in making the culture of the Himachal as it is today.The Mauryans

In earlier times, as per the great epic of Mahabharata, small republics called Janapadas constituted the area of Himachal Pradesh. These Janapadas belonged to the Audumbras, Trigarta, Kuluta, Kulindas, Yugandhar and Gobdika. Later, the Mauryans came into prominence with Chandragupta capturing most of the small republics. His grandson, Ashoka, not only increased the boundaries of the kingdom but also introduced Buddhism. Numerous stupas were constructed during his reign. Out of these, the one in Kullu valley even found a mention in the chronicle of the Chinese traveller Hiuen Tsang (630-45AD).

Rule Of Harsha

With the collapse of the Gupta Empire, the entire area fell into the hands of small local chieftains known as the thakurs or ranas. However, in the seventh century Harsh rose to power and brought almost all the small kingdoms under his control.

The Rajputs

In the middle of the 7th century, after the death of Harsha, political upheaval again took over in the most of the area. The Rajputs of Rajasthan fought amongst themselves and drove the defeated party up to the hills. Here, the Rajputs established small principalities for themselves. Principal amongst these were the states were Kangra, Nurpur, Suket, Mandi, Kutlehar, Baghal, Bilaspur, Nalagarh, Keonthal, Dhami, Kunihar, Bushahar, Sirmour.

Foreign Invaders & The Mughals

These newly established states functioned independently till the time foreign invaders set their eyes on the area. Mahmud of Gaznavi ransacked the fort of Kangra in 1009. Soon, other invaders like Muhammad Tughlaq, his son Firoz Shah Tughlaq, Timur and Sikander Lodi marched in and captured many other fort. This period

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saw the rise of the Sen dynasty of Mandi which became powerful owing to its great king Ajbar Sen. 

The Mughals too made their presence felt in the early 16th century but finally broke up giving way to other rulers of the hill to establish themselves.

Rise of Sansar Chand

Seventeenth century saw more fight between the hill rulers. However, it was Sansar Chand of the famous Katoch dynasty who became extremely powerful by the second half of the 18th century. Sansar Chand plundered many places, nonetheless, he was a great patron of arts and crafts. He ruled Kangra for around half a century and had the states of Chamba, Suket, Mandi, Bilaspur, Guler, Jaswan, Siwan and Datarpur.

 This period also saw the rise of the Gurkhas, Sikhs and the East India company. The Gurkhas took over areas under the control of Sansar Chand forcing him to hide in his own fort. Sansar Chand remained there for around four years till Maharaja Ranjit Singh came to his rescue.

Anglo Gorkha War & Anglo Sikh War

The might of Ranjit Singh was tremendous for the Gurkhas and hence they moved their attention towards the south. This movement brought them into direct conflict with the British. The British further moved the Gorkhas out of the hill states east of Sutlej. 

After the Anglo Gorkha war, the border demarcating the area of the British and the Sikh became highly sensitive. For a time, both the British and the Sikh avoided an encounter with each other, however, after the demise of Ranjit Singh, the Khalsa army walked into the territory of the British.

This resulted into a war wherein a number of hill rulers supported the British to take revenge from the Sikhs. But even at the end of the first Anglo Sikh war, these rulers did not get back their kingdom (which was taken over by the Sikhs).

The British Period & Struggle For Independence

The revolt of the 1857 did not see much participation from the people of the hill. They preferred to stay away from the revolt and infact some of the rulers even extended help to the Britishers. Few exceptions here included the ruler of Bushahr. 

Between the year 1858 and 1914, the hill states of Chamba, Mandi and Bilaspur

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prospered under the British rule and even supported the latter during the first world war. The important states that contributed their men and money for the first world war included Kangra, Siba, Nurpur, Chamba, Suket, Mandi and Bilaspur. After 1914, things began to change and the people came out to participate in the freedom movement of India.

Post Independence

Himachal Pradesh became a part C state on 26th January 1950 and a Union Territory on 1st November, 1956. In between, Bilaspur was made a part of it in 1950. Kangra and other hill states were merged into the Union territory of Himachal Pradesh in the year 1966. Finally, four years later, in 1970, through the the State of Himachal Pradesh Act, Himachal Pradesh became the eighteenth state of India.

GeographyHimachal situated in the heart of the western Himalaya, identified as "Dev Bhumi" and is believed to be the abode of Gods and Goddesses. The entire State is punctuated with stone as well as wood temples. The rich culture and traditions have made Himachal unique in itself. The shadowy valleys, rugged crags, glaciers and gigantic pines and roaring rivers and exquisite flora and fauna compose the symphony that is forever Himachal.

The word 'Hima' actually means snow in Sanskrit terminology. Acharya Diwakar Datt Sharma, an eminent Sanskrit Scholar from Himachal Pradesh named the state. 

Himachal Pradesh came into being as a Union Territory in April 1948 as a result of integration of 30 princely States spread over 27,000 sq.km. In 1954, when another C"class state of Bilaspur merged in Himachal Pradesh, its area increased to 28,241 sq.km. The position remained unchanged till 1966. On re-organisation of the State, the hilly areas of Punjab were merged with the State, increasing its size to 55,673 sq.km. Himachal Pradesh today is quoted as a successful model of not only hill area development but also for having realized development in education, health and social services.

Himachal Pradesh borders Jammu and Kashmir to the North and Northwest, Punjab to the Southwest, Haryana and Uttar Pradesh to the South and Uttaranchal to the. Shimla is the state capital and other major towns are Dharamshala, Kangra, Mandi, Kullu, Chamba, Hamirpur, Dalhousie and Manali.

The soils of Himachal Pradesh can be divided into nine groups on the basis of their development and physio-chemical properties. These groups are alluvial soils, Brown hill soils, Brown earths, Brown porests soils, Grey wooded or Podozolic soils, Grey brown podzolic soils, Plansolic soils, Humus and iron Podzols and Alpine hunus mountain skeletal soils.

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Five perennial rivers Satluj, Beas, Ravi, Chenab and Yamuna flow through its territory. The utility of these rivers though restricted considerably by the rugged and undulating terrain of the State, nevertheless, these rivers posses immense potential for the generation of hydro-electricity

The twelve Districts of Himachal Pradesh are listed as below

Bilaspur Chamba Hamirpur Kangra Kinnaur Kullu

Lahul and Spiti Mandi Shimla Sirmaur Solan Una

The head of each of the Districts in Himachal Pradesh is a Deputy Commissioner also known as Deputy Magistrate. For administrative purposes, the districts are further divided into sub-divisions, which are controlled by the sub-divisional magistrates. The sub-divisions are further divided into blocks. Blocks comprise panchayats that is the village councils and town municipalities. The law and order in the district is maintained by the Superintendent of Police.

Demographics

Himachal Pradesh's GDP is $9.140 billion. Its per capita income is Rs 58,493.

It is rich in agriculture and hydroelectric resources. Agriculture contributes to

over 45 per cent to the net state domestic product.

It has been estimated that about 20,300MW of hydro electric power can be

generated in the state.

Himachal is also the first state in India to achieve the goal of having a bank

account for every family.

Male Literacy 90.83%*Female Literacy 76.60%*Districts 12Sub-Division 53Tehsils 82Sub-Tehsils 35Developmental Block 77Towns 59Panchayats 3,243Panchayat Smities 77

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Zila Parishad 12Nagar Nigam 1Nagar Parishad 25Nagar Panchayats  23Census Villages 20,690*Total No.of Villages 20,690*Health Institutions 3,866Educational Institutions 17,000Motorable Roads 33,722 Kms.Identified Hydroelectric Potential 23000.43 MWPotential harnessed 6726 MWFood grain production 15.79 lakh tonnes

Climate

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The Himalaya constitutes the highest mountain system of the world. There is great diversification in the climatic conditions of Himachal due to variation in elevation (450-6500mtrs). It varies from hot and sub-humid tropical (450-900mtrs) in the southern Low tracts, warm and temperate (900-1800mtrs), cool and temperate (1900-2400mtrs) and cold alpine and glacial (2400-4800mtrs) in the northern and eastern high mountain ranges.

There are three main seasons in Himachal Pradesh:

1. Cold - October to February

2. Hot - March to June

3. Rainy - July to September

By October, nights and mornings are very cold. Snowfall at elevations of about 3000mtrs is about 3mtrs and lasts from December to March. About 4500mtrs, is perpetual snow. The main season is the spring from mid- Feb to March-April. The air is cool and fresh. Colourful flowers adorn the valleys, forest slopes and meadows. In the hill stations, the climate is pleasant and comfortable.The rains start at the end of June. The entire landscape becomes green and fresh. Streams begin to swell and springs are replenished. The heavy rains in July and August cause damage to erosion, floods and landslides.

Dharamshala has the highest rainfall of 3400mm. Spiti is the driest area (below 50mm rainfall) being enclosed by high mountains on all sides.

CultureThe people of Himachal Pradesh have a rich culture which is very much apparent in their day to day lives. The colourful dresses of Himachalis will strike you instantly as you make your way through the state. However, more than the dresses or even the notable physical features of the people, it is their warm and friendly nature that will draw you towards them.

People & Lifestyle

The population of Himachal Pradesh is a mixed one though Hindus are definitely in majority. The Hindu communities residing in Himachal include the Brahmins, Rajputs, Kannets, Rathis and Kolis. There are also tribal population in the state which mainly comprise Gaddis, Kinnars, Gujjars, Pangawals and Lahaulis. In some area, like Lahaul & Spiti, there is a majority of Buddhist population. A percentage of people are also Tibetans. Muslim, Christian and Sikhs are in relatively small numbers. The physical feature of most of the people resemble the Aryans however, there are still many with prominent Mongoloid feature. 

Though Hindi is the state language, many people speak Pahari. Pahari itself has

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many dialects and all of them trace their origin to the Sanskrit language. A majority of the population is engaged in agricultural work, however the more educated of them are now moving towards farming and other newer profession. 

Traditional dress of the Brahmin male includes dhoti, kurta, coat, waistcoat, turban and a hand towel while that of the Rajput male consists of tight fitting churidar pyjamas, a long coat and a starched turban. The female of these two caste have kurtas, salwars, long skirts (ghaghri), embroidered tops (choli) and red head scarves (rahide) as their traditional attire. The dress up of the people has now become a mixed one with traditional blending gracefully with the modern. 

The typical house in Himachal Pradesh is constructed of clay bricks and the roofs are of slate. The hilly areas have their own kind of house which is made of stone. The slate roof is replaced by timber. The houses are pucca and cattle shed is nearby. The tribals usually have two storied houses wherein the cattle house occupies the ground floor while the first floor is meant for personal use. Labourers have thatched roofs house for themselves.

Music and Dance

Music and dance in Himachal Pradesh revolves around religion. Through their dance and music, people entreat gods during festivals and other special occasions. There are also dances that are specific to certain regions and are best performed by the people of that area. 

Some of the dance forms of Himachal are Losar Shona Chuksam (Kinnaur), Dangi (Chamba), Gee Dance and Burah dance, (Sirmour), Naati, Kharait, Ujagjama and Chadhgebrikar (Kullu) and Shunto (Lahaul & Spiti). As for the music of Himachal Pradesh is concerned, there is no classical form though there plenty of folk music to listen to. The folk stories of mountainous regions often find a mention in this music.

The stories range from romance, chivalry and changing seasons. Musical instruments that are quiet frequently used by the artists here Ranasingha, Karna, Turhi, Flute, Ektara, Kindari, Jhanjh, Manjara, Chimta, Ghariyal, and Ghunghru.

Fairs & Festivals

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Apart from the festivals that are celebrated on an all India basis, there are numerous other fairs and festivals that are the high point of Himachal Pradesh. These festivals are time when the religious and cultural faith of the people can be seen and felt clearly. These festivals are also the time for them to adorn colourful dress and accessories and mingle with the rest of their kins freely. Amongst these fairs and festivals are the Kullu Dussehra, Shivratri Fair (Mandi), Minjar Fair (Chamba), Mani Mahesh Chhari Yatra (Chamba), Renuka fair (Sirmaur), Lavi Trade Fair (Rampur), Vrajeshwari fair (Kangra), Jwalamukhi Fair (Jwalamukhi), Holi Fair (Sujanpur), Shivratri Fair (Mandi) and Naina Devi Fair (Bilaspur).

Famous Fairs & Festivals

Kullu Dussehra

It is the famous festival celebrated in the northern India. It is called Dusshera all over but here it is called Kullu Dusshera. The actual festival begins here when it ends elsewhere. It marks the return of Lord Rama to his homeland Ayodhya. A seven day celebration marks it with the Gods of Kullu, Rupi and Seraj gathering here. For seven days dance and music fill the air. A trade fair is also held simultaneously.Shivratri

This festival comes in February - March and a fair is held alongwith for 7-8 days. Many Gods and Goddeses are brought to Mandi town and taken to Mahadev temple. Dance, drama and music follow. A similar celebration of Shivratri is carried out in

Baijnath temple in Kangra district.

Pori Festival

The festival is celebrated in Lahaul with remarkable jest. A proper tradition of worshipping where the idol of lord Triloknath is bathed in milk and yogurt, the conchshells ring, and many other rituals are performed, and none is without reason. A butter lamp is lighted up and it burns all day and night. The devotees add butter to the lamp. A procession with a horse is carried out and it is believed that god sits on the back of the horse.

Phulaich

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Locally known by the name of 'Ookayand ', meaning the festival of flowers, Phulaich is mainly celebrated in Kinnaur district. On the 16th day of the month of September, 10 men of Rajput clan go to the higher hills to collect flowers and return two days later and then the festival is celebrated. The people gather to see flowers and then the merrymaking begins. The flowers are so intoxicated that at times people feel giddy in their scent. On the twentieth day of the month, the idol local God 'Deota' is decorated in fine clothes and men, women and children all dressed beautifully dance under the deodar trees. On the twenty third day, the festival ends when the image of deity is brought back to the temple and animals are sacrificed and offered to god.

Holi

A popular festival of northern India, Holi is also very popular in Himachal Pradesh. However, different tradition and rituals are carried out here. Small twigs of Kamal tree are painted and women carry bamboo baskets with thread, kukkum, jaggery and roasted grams to a village elder. A lot many rituals are followed then, like going to an elderly person and offering him these. 

At night, a Holi bonfire is lighted. A contest is then held among the village youth that who will touch the Holi flag first. The next day Holi is celebrated with colours and all. In many areas Holi meals are an equally important tradition and attraction like in Palampur, Ghughar, Paprola, Baijnath, Jaisinghpur and Sujanpur. A fair is organised in Sujanpur on Holi which dates back to the time of King Sansar Chand. The fair is for five days and during this time lots of folk dance and music is presented. Folk songs of Holi fill the air. To sum up it is the fair and festival combination that swings the state during this time.

Cuisine

The day to day dishes of the people of Himachal Pradesh is very similar to the rest of north India in the sense that they too have dal-chawal-subzi-roti (lentil broth, rice, dish of vegetables and bread). However, one difference is that non vegetarian items are more in famous here than other north Indian states. Till recently, all that Himachal knew of vegetables were potatoes and turnips. However, now gradually, green vegetables are making their importance felt more and more. Some of the dishes that are unique to

Himachal include Pateer, Chouck, Bhagjery and chutney of Til. Apart from these Nasasta is a sweetmeat of the Kangra region, Indra is dish prepared of Urad dal and Bada/Poldu is cooked in the Shimla reg

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Arts & Craft

The arts and crafts of any region are a reflection of its environment, people and traditions. So it is in Himachal. Weaving, as carving , painting, or chiselling – are such an intrinsic part of the Himachal life! The scenic beauty of the region transfers into the creations, as it were, and the result is colourful pashminas, exquisite wooden doors, rhythmic sculptures. From the upper reaches of Lahaul and Spiti down to the lowlands of Kangra – life and its shades are woven in, painted on, felt in soulful rhythms or celebrated with joyous abandon, carved in, engraved… whether it is the miniature paintings of Kangra, the thangka artefacts of Spiti, or the beautiful shawls of Kullu. As you move through the state, an enchanting and colourful tapestry unfolds – the architecture, objects, shops, museums, galleries and craftsmen charm with the variety and mastermanship perfected through the ages. If you happen to be in Kangra town, walk into the narrow winding lane called Kumhar Gali, linked to the bazaar leading to the Kangra Devi temple in the heart of the town. You will find a row of double storeyed houses surrounded by large courtyards and entire families bent over potters` wheels, beating the clay or applying a coat to the finished pots. 

While women take an active part in pottery, when it comes to carpentry, it is an exclusive male domain. For centuries, wood has been used in Himachal in the construction and ornamentation of temples, homes, idols and so on. The skill is hereditary and is passed on from father to son. The master wood carver of Chamba, Malik Lateef, for example, belongs to a family of traditional carpenters. His father Ali Baksh worked in the courts of the Chamba king and his artefacts are still preserved in the Bhuri Singh Museum in Chamba. The districts where you are likely to find the most exquisite woodcraft are Chamba, Kulu, Mandi, Mahasua and Bilaspur

Famous Art & Crafts

Woven Craft

It is the extreme cold winters of Himachal that necessitated wool weaving. Almost every household in Himachal owns a pit-loom and it is not unusual to find men and women spinning yarn on a spindle walking down the roads of Himachali villages. Wool is also regarded as pure and is used as a ritual cloth. The best-known woven object is the shawl, ranging from extremely fine pashmina to the coarse desar. Kullu in particular has been famous for its shawls with striking geometrical patterns and vibrant colours – the distinctive feature being stripes running along the edges.

Himachali topis or caps are of distinctive styles and are different for every region. In Kinnaur, not only shawls, but also saris, trousers and pyjamas are woven in wool. The shawls woven in Rampur, known as Rampur chaddar, are famous for their soft texture and durability. In Chamba district, the weaving assumes a chequered pattern. Besides shawls, carpets and blankets are an essential part of the Himachali

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lifestyle. Carpets in brilliant colours are woven with a variety of traditional motifs – there are garudas on flowering trees, dragons, swastikas, flutes symbolising happiness or lotus blooms signifying purity.

Wood Craft

Himachal is the only area in India, besides Kerala, where wood has played an important role as a structural material. The most abundant wood in Himachal`s forests is the pine and deodar, besides walnut, horse chestnut and wild black mulberry. Villages famous for woodcraft are Chamba, Chhatrarhi, Brahmaur, Koonr, Tisa (Chamba); Kalpa, Thangi, Rarang, Sapni, Batseri, Shaung, Bari and Bhaba (Kinnaur); Dungri, Banjar and Saraj (Kullu). Earliest wooden temples in Himachal date as far back as sixth century AD and are located in Brahmaur and Chhatrarhi in Chamba. Many other temples sculpted in wood lie scattered all over Himachal. Village homes too are extensively ornamented with carvings – on doors, windows, balcony panels etc – some exquisite examples may be found in villages as remote as Kamru, Sangla, Chitkul, villages in Kinnaur and Jagatsukh, Vashishta and villages around Manali and Kullu. The craft also translates into wooden idols of gods and goddesses in classical as well as rural styles. Utilitarian objects crafted in wood can be often found in Pahari homes – these may include rectangular boxes to store grains or ornaments: the extent of carving indicates the social strata of its owner.

The Gaddi households in Chamba and Brahmaur were famous for their attractive wooden utensils. Kinnauri villages still use wooden household utensils extensively. The nobility in the state brought in European influences and employed craftsmen to create chairs, tables, cabinets, picture frames, cigar boxes, screens, walking sticks etc. Wood is used in rituals by way of temple chariots, low settees, sandals, wooden pipes etc. Intricately carved wooden spinning wheels were used in the past – the ornamentation has faded of late. However, at large, wodcarving is still a living tradition in Himachal. 

Stone Craft

The Shivalik hills abound in fine sandstone, which is eminently suited for carving, and has played a vital role in perpetuating the stone carvers’ craft. Numerous stone temples still dot the Himachal landscape. Kangra, Mandi, Bilaspur, Sirmaur, Chamba and Kullu have been traditional centres for stone carving. The capital towns of feudal states often had large stone temples – the monolithic temple of Masroor, Baijnath temple in Kangra, Shiva and Devi temples at Jagatsukh, Naggar, Nirmand and elsewhere in Kullu, the numerous shrines along the banks of the river Beas in

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Mandi, the temples at Brahmaur, Chhatrahi, Chamba, Bilaspur and Sirmaur date from the 7th and 13th century AD.

Himachali topis or caps are of distinctive styles and are different for every region. In Kinnaur, not only shawls, but also saris, trousers and pyjamas are woven in wool. The shawls woven in Rampur, known as Rampur chaddar, are famous for their soft texture and durability. In Chamba district, the weaving assumes a chequered pattern. Besides shawls, carpets and blankets are an essential part of the Himachali lifestyle. Carpets in brilliant colours are woven with a variety of traditional motifs – there are garudas on flowering trees, dragons, swastikas, flutes symbolising happiness or lotus blooms signifying purity.

Metal craft

Objects crafted with metal fulfil religious, ritualistic and everyday needs of the people of Himachal. Even in AD 600, the courts of the Himachali kings had master craftsmen who specialised in metalware, and antique metal statuettes are a feature in many temples of the state. There are fine examples of freestanding metal statues at temple entrances in Brahmaur, Chamba and the Vajreshwari Devi temple in Kangra. Gods and goddesses also appear as mohras or in metal plaques – which are used during processions and festivals. In fact, metalcraft in Himachal grew around temples and palaces. Repousse technique was used to create beautiful temple doors – temples of Vajreshwari Devi, Jwalamukhi in Kangra, Bhimkali in Sarahan and Chandika Devi in Kinnaur employ this technique to perfection. Bronze figurines particularly that of goddess Durga killing the demon Mahisha is a common sight in most households. Low settees made of silver or brass are another common ritual artefact used in homes as well as temples, besides bells, incense burners, lamps, jars, flasks, tridents, fly whisks, and canopies. 

A famous canopy made of gold is the one at the Jwalamukhi temple, believed to have been gifted by Emperor Akbar. The metal artifacts of Kinnaur represent a unique synthesis of Buddhism and Hinduism. There are ritual cups, daggers, kettles, jugs, prayer wheels, conch trumpets and so on. Brass is often used in the hills for fashioning household utensils. The Kinnaur metalsmiths also specialise in the repousse worked door handles fashioned in the form of crocodile, dragon or lion-head. All sacred buildings display these handles. Another interesting item is the dongbo or tea churner, as common as the intricately carved hookah bases in these parts. Some of the towns where good metal work may be found are Bilaspur, Chamba, Kupa, Rekong Peo, Rohru, Sarahan and Jogindernagar.

Jewellery

Pahari jewellery is artistic and elaborate. It has the vigour and sturdiness of style that comes from nature itself. The designs are borrowed from simple motifs like seeds, flowers and leaves and developed into exquisite patterns. While different communities wear jewellery

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unique to their traditions, some ornaments are worn all over. These include the hemispherical boss or chak – worn on the crown and both sides of the head. Neck ornaments are important in all districts – from collar like hansli or small pendants called toke. The Pahari variant of the torque is a long necklace of numerous chains linked together by silver plaques. Chandanhaar is a necklace comprising five or seven rows of facetted gold beads. One of the most cherished neckpieces is a coin necklace. The choker worn here is called kach and consists of silver beads and triangular plaques. Earrings are often worn with drops or granulations, nose studs are embedded with precious and semiprecious stones and often, an ornament of pendants is strung to it. Chiri tikka is a flat piece of silver, enamelled or embedded with pearls and suspended from the centre of the forehead while several chains hang along the hairline on both sides. 

The jutti is a heavy bunch of silver tassels or flowers, attached to the plait while a smaller ornament, beshtar is tied to the plait ends. Men, women and children often wear silver amulets to ward off evil spirits – a tradition carried to the hills from the plains. In lower Himachal, there is a marked preference for gold ornaments while deeper in the villages, silver is more common. While there is a basic homogeneity in the jewellery and style of adornment, each community has ornaments distinct to it. Some important towns for buying hill jewellery are Moti Bazaar in Mandi, Chaugan bazaar in Chamba, Kangra town, Sultanpur and Kullu. There is also a village called Sunarion ki Gaon near Rohru, where many families are engaged in jewellery fashioning.

Tribes

Tribes Himachal Pradesh has a considerable percentage of tribal population in the state. These tribal include the Kinners or Kinnaure, the Lahules, the Spitians, the Pangwalas, the Gaddis and the Gujjars. By nature, these people are highly sociable and like to make friends. This is despite the fact that they do not stay at one place and continue to move around. The tribal population of Himachal Pradesh follows their own set of traditions and customs. They even have their own dress up, music and dance to make them a unique lot.

Famous Tribes of Himachal Pradesh

Kinnaure

These people occupy the areas of the border district of Kinnaur. Some of these people believe that they belong to the Kinners of Mahabharata while others consider themselves the descendants of the Kirats. Kirats were the people who were overpowered by the Aryans and Khasaa and forced to recede into the remote trans Himalayan region. 

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The physical appearance of the Kinnaures is quiet similar to that of the Aryans, however, there are also people with Mongoloid features. These people are soft spoken and indulge mainly into occupation like rearing of sheep and raising of wool. Other occupation of these people include agriculture and horticulture. The Kinnaure male adorns a long coat (chubha) and woolen pyjama (chamu sutan) while the women have a woolen sari called Dhoru as their dress. Their feet are protected by shoes that are made up of wool and goat hair. 

One interesting aspect about the Kinnaure is their marriage system. All brothers in one family marry a single girl. This is what they call the Pandava marriage since the five Pandava brothers too had one wife for them. This custom has also left many of the girls unmarried. These girls who finally find it difficult to get a good match for themselves convert into a Buddhist nun or Jomo.

Lahule

The denizens of Lahaul are called by the name of Lahauli. These people trace their origin to the native Munda tribe and the racially intermixed Tibetans. The tribal population of the Lahaulis segregate themselves into higher and lower classes and mainly follow Buddhism. There is a shrine with an image of Buddha in the house of every well off Lahauli. Lahaulis are also liberal as far as their marriages are concerned. Women can marry more than once and divorce is extremely normal affair. However, marriages have to be within the tribe. 

The Lahaul valley is situated on the traditional trade routes to Ladakh, Sinkrang and further. This is the reason why trade also forms a major occupation of the people here apart from farming. In earlier times, traders from Lahaul carried on trade with Tibet. With that route being closed now, people export a herb, kuth to Kolkata from where it is send forward to foreign destination.

Gaddi

These people normally reside in the Mandi, Kangra and Bilaspur district though a majority of them live in the Kangra district. 

Gaddis are not nomadic in strictest of sense since they have villages where they reside. However, they do make their way to the higher pastures in the summer season with their flocks. The origin of the Gaddis is rather unclear. The Gaddis themselves believe that their ancestors fled from the plains of India due to the lack of security for them. At that point the persecution of the Mughal emperor Aurangzeb forced them to leave for a more protected area. The most attractive aspect about the Gaddi is their attire. The women wear splendidly colourful dresses that are spun at home. A thick scarf over their head serves both as a decorative and protective purpose. The black sash on their back is also useful since it carries their little child. Ornaments of the Gaddi women include semi precious stones, little mirrors in their necklace and peacock feather. 

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The main occupation of the Gaddi tribals is shepherding. There are farmers, weavers and tinkers ( a mender of metal household utensil) also. In earlier times, many people indulged into crushing of millets and carrying of loads to make a living for themselves. Gaddis have strict moral values to which they try to stick in even worst of circumstances. The women are plain and simple here.

Pirals

These people are essentially goatherds and it is this occupation of theirs that takes them from one place to another. During winter, these people descend to Kangra and the forest of Hoshiarpur while summer is the time put up along the banks of rivers Chandrabhaga in Lahaul. 

The Pirals are fun loving and traditional people and love to celebrate their festivals. Marriages of Pirals are very similar to that of Hindus.

Gujjars

Gujjars are the Muslim tribals of the Himachal Pradesh. Most of the historians believe that Gujjars came to India all the way from central Asia during 6th century. 

Gujjars are mostly vegetarian and are shepherd and goatherd by occupation. Search for better pastures take them to lowland plains in the winter and to the upper reaches of the Himalaya during the summer.

Occupation and Industries

Agriculture

Agriculture being the main occupation of the people of Himachal Pradesh has an important role in the economy of the State. It provides direct employment to about 69 per cent of the main working population. Income from agriculture and allied

sectors accounts for nearly 22.1 per cent of the total State Domestic Product. Out of the total geographical area of 55.673 sq. km., area of operational holding is about 9.79 lakh hectares owned by 9.14 lakh farmers. The marginal and small farmers possess 86.4 per cent of the total land holdings. The cultivated area in the state is only 10.4 percent. About 80 per cent of the area is rain fed and

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farmers depend on weather gods for rains. The food grain production in 2006-2007 was around16 lakh metric tonnes.

Horticulture

Nature has endowed Himachal Pradesh with a wide range of agro-climatic conditions, which have helped the farmers to cultivate large varieties of fruits ranging from temperate to sub-tropical. The main fruits under cultivation are apple, pear, peach, plum, apricot nut and citrus fruits like mango, litchi, guava and strawberry. The total area under fruits, which was only 792 hectares in 1950, has increased to 2.23 lakh hectares now. Similarly, the fruit production has also increased from 1200 MT in 1950 to 6.95 lakh tonnes in 2007 seven lakh tonnes is the new target fixed for fruit production for year 2006-07. Horticulture generates gross domestic income of about Rs.2200 crore annually.

The Horticulture Technology Mission for the integrated development of horticulture is being implemented with a total outlay of Rs.80 crore during the tenth five-year plan period. This Mission is based on the end to end approach taking into account the entire gamut of horticulture development with all backward and forward linkages in a holistic manner. Under this scheme, four centers of excellence are being created in different Agro-Climatic Zones with common facilities like water harvesting, vermicompost, greenhouses, organic farming and farm mechanisation.

Roads

Roads are the lifelines and major means of communication in the predominantly hill State of Himachal Pradesh. Out of its 55,673 sq. km area, 36,700 km is inhabited out which 16,807 inhabited villages are scattered over slopes of numerous hill ranges and valleys. Realising the importance of construction of roads for connecting production areas with market centers, Himachal Pradesh Government has decided to connect every panchayat with roads in the next two years. When the Pradesh came into existence in 1948 there were 288 km. of roads. This number had gone up to 30,264 km by 15 August 2007.

Hydro-power Generation

Himachal Pradesh has immense hydro-potential in its five river basins. Chenab, Rabi, Beas, Satluj and Yamuna which emanates from the western Himalayas pass through the State. The strategy of development in the power sector comprises expeditious actualization of the Hydro Electric Potential and introduction of power sector reforms to bring efficiency in the sector and provide high quality power to the consumers at reasonable rates besides availability of abundant power to industrial and tourism sectors. The total identified potential in the State stands at 21000 M.W which is one fourth of India’s total hydro-power potential. Presently out of this 6,067 M.W has already been harnessed by various agencies. Projects aggregating to 7,602 M.W are under execution. It is on the cards that State will have about 11,000 M.W actualised potential by the end of 11th Plan.

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There is no denying this fact in view of the way the Government has embarked upon an accelerated Power Development Programme. The State is speedily moving towards becoming a “Power State “of the Country. All the census villages in the State have been electrified and now left out hamlets are being covered.

Industrial Growth

Industrial development has been given big boost in the State. Pollution free environment, abundant availability of power and rapidly developing infrastructure, peaceful atmosphere, and responsive and transparent administration are some of the added attractions and advantages that the entrepreneurs get in Himachal Pradesh. 349 large and medium and about 33,284 small-scale industrial units with an investment of about Rs.4822.54 crore have been set up in the State generating employment for 2 lakh persons. The sector is contributing 17 per cent to the State Domestic Product and the annual turnover on this account is about Rs.6000 crore.

The State has formulated a new Industrial Policy and Incentive Rules- 2004, which provides attractive packages to the entrepreneurs for setting up Industrial Units in the State. 42 industrial areas and 15 Industrial Estates with all basic amenities have been developed in the State.

With a view to provide umbrella support to existing and new ventures, the State Government has set up a State Level Single Window Clearance and Monitoring Authority ( SLSWCMA) in Himachal Pradesh under the Chairmanship of Chief Minister to give permission to the entrepreneurs to set up industrial units in the State. This also solves all industry related and inter-departmental issues, monitors and reviews the progress of units already approved and proposed to be set up. This Authority is also focusing its attention on the development of quality infrastructure. Presently 7040 industrial units with an investment of about Rs.27,380.99 crore envisaging employment to about 3 lakh persons have been approved. A proposal is also underway for setting up Special Economic Zone in Kangra,Una and other districts with an estimated cost of Rs.7580 crore.

The Central Government has also given attractive package for setting up of Industrial Units. The State Government is also giving several attractive incentives including exemptions in excise duty.

Information Technology

The Government of Himachal Pradesh has developed an IT Vision-2010 in collaboration with NASSCOM to make Himachal Pradesh an IT destination. Under the IT policy, it has been decided to accord the status of industry to all IT projects including IT related services and educational institutions. As such, all the incentives available for industrial units are also being given to all IT units, and IT related services.

The use of IT in governance is aimed at having SMART (Simple, Moral, Accountable, Responsive and Transparent) government. The State Government official website at http://himachal.nic.in is a web portal providing citizen centric service to the

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citizens and it has got interfaces for getting inputs from the grassroots level. The first phase of the H.P. State wide Area Network (HIM SWAN) which has been completed has been connected to internet. In the PhaseI of HIMSWAN, H.P. Secretariat Local Area Network has been established with a provision to provide LAN connectivity to every third person. In the Phase-II of HIMSWAN all the districts headquarters will be connected with state headquarter. Software Technology Park and High Speed Data Connectivity Facility in Shimla has started its activities. All IT units in the State have been given Income Tax holiday up to year 2007. Information Technology Park is proposed to be set up in the State in Solan district.

Bio-Technology

Keeping in view the importance of bio-technology, special emphasis is being laid on exploiting the vast bio-technology potential available in the State. A separate Department of Bio-technology has been set up in the State. States own bio-technology policy has been formulated. All bio-technological units are entitled for incentives which have been allowed for industrial units. The State Government proposes to set up Bio-technology Park in Solan District.

Irrigation and Water Supply

Net sown area in the State was 5.83 lakh hectares till 2007.Villages have been provided with the facility of drinking water. Over 14,611 hand pumps have been installed in the State so far. For better reform in water supply and irrigation sector, the State Government has taken up a WASH project with the total cost of Rs.339 crore for irrigation as well as for drinking water supply schemes with Gesellschaft for Technische Zuoammeuorbeit (GTZ).

Forestry

The total geographical area of the state is 55,673 sq km. As per record, the total forest area is 37,033 sq. km. Out of this, 16,376 sq. km. area is not fit for tree growth comprising alpine pastures, area under permanent snow, etc. The cultivable recorded forest area is only 20,657 sq. km.Efforts are being taken to bring maximum area under green cover by implementing States own projects, Government of Indias projects and also through external aided projects. The World

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Bank has also sanctioned a Rs.365 crore Integrated Watershed Development Project for the Mid Himalayas. 545 panchayats of 42 developmental blocks in 10 districts would be covered during the next six years.

There are 2 National Parks and 32 wild life sanctuaries in the State. Total area under wild life sanctuaries is 5562 km area under National Parks is 1440 Km and total area of Protected Area Network is 7002 km.

Tourism

Tourism Industry in Himachal Pradesh has been given very high priority and the Government has developed an appropriate infrastructure for its development which includes provision of public utility services, roads, communication network, airports, transport facilities, water supply and civic amenities, etc. The State Government is poised to transform the State into "A Destination for All Seasons and All Reasons".

The State Tourism Development Corporation contributes 10 per cent to the State exchequer. The corporation contributes more than Rs.2.00 crore per annum by way of Sales tax, luxury tax and passenger tax. In the year-2007, tourist arrivals in the State were 8.3 million of which 2008 lakh were foreigners.

The State has a rich treasure of places of pilgrimage and of anthropological value. The State has also the pride of being the home to rishis like Vyas, Parashar,Vashist, Markandey and Lamas, etc. Hot water springs, historic forts, natural and man-made lakes, shepherds grazing their flock are sources of immense pleasure and joy to the tourist.The State Government is aiming at promoting sustainable tourism, encouraging private sector to develop tourism related infrastructure in the State without disturbing the existing ecology and environment. The main thrust is on employment generation and promoting new concepts of tourism in the State. In order to increase the duration of the stay of the visitors/tourists, a special emphasis is being laid on the development of activities-based on tourism.

For the promotion and development of the State from the tourism point of view, the Government is focusing on the following areas:

History related tourism

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Improvement of infrastructure,

Pilgrimage tourism

Tribal tourism

Ecotourism

Health tourism

Promotion of adventure tourism

Wildlife tourism

Cultural tourism.

For the year 2006-07, there was an allotment of Rs.6276.38 lakh for the development of tourism in the State. A sum of Rs.8 crore for the development of Kullu-Manali-Lahaul and Spiti and Leh Monastic circuit, Rs.21.00 crore for Kangra, Shimla and Sirmaur circuit, Rs.16.00 crore for Bilaspur-Mandi and Chamba circuit and Rs.30.00 lakh for construction of tourism information centre at Manali has been sanctioned by the Government of India. Rs.6757 crore of central financial assistance have been received for 1545 projects in respect of festivals and other major events.

Eco Tourism

Eco Tourism first came into existence in the early 1980s and since then it has started to develop pretty well around the world. Eco tourism or ecological tourism is a multi faceted term. Ecology here refers not only to the environment, or the wildlife and forest reserves, but it also has social connotations to it. Ecological tourism is "responsible travel to natural areas that conserves the environment and improves the well-being of local people" (by international eco tourism society). Accordingly, an important aspect of eco tourism is also safeguarding nature, which locals and tourists both have to ensure. 

Eco tourism is a relatively new term and concept and has been acknowledged in India off late only. Himachal Pradesh is one such beautiful state in India where eco tourism is developing in its pure form. Himachal Pradesh is undoubtedly blessed with everything that makes it a first choice of eco tourists. 

Eco Tourism Attractions

The Greens

Nature comes alive in its every possible form here. Green forests spread over miles of hilly terrains. Oaks, maples, birdcherry, hazelnut, walnuts and many other beautiful trees lend Himachal a beauty that is beyond words. There are 3240 species of plants in the state. National Parks in Himachal Pradesh are a perfect place for eco tourists. Great Himalayan National Park in Kullu is one of the prime protected lands and is a perfect place to enjoy nature at its best. Himalayan Nature Park near Shimla has over 100 hectares of Western Himalayan temperate forests that are rich with floral varieties. Another famous spot in Himachal is Potter's Hill Van Vihar. It covers around 100 hectares of Western Himalayan temperature forest that are rich with floral diversity.

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These are just few of the many places in Himachal Pradesh where one can enjoy the oneness with nature. Sangla valley and Chamba valley are such other places.

The Wildlife

Wildlife in Himachal Pradesh is another big draw in its ecotourism chart. Its different types of terrain, pleasant climate and vegetation are very suitable for wildlife to sustain, survive and flourish. Snow leopards, Himalayan brown beer, Ibex, Yak, the beautiful manal bird and Western tragopan, Musk Deer and many more. Himachal Pradesh has 32 wildlife sanctuaries with 64 species of mammals, 43 reptiles and 516 varieties of aquatic fauna. The facts speak volumes about the richness of state in terms of its wildlife reserves. Renuka wildlife sanctuary, Churdhar sanctuary, both in Sirmour, Chail Sanctuary in Solan are some of the more popular names with tourists. Maharana Pratap Sagar is the state's famous wetland and is angler's delight.

The Tribes

Another crucial link in eco tourism are the local people who help preserve the nature trails. The tribals in Himachal Pradesh are a major component of eco-tourism. The entire areas of Lahaul, Spiti and Kinnaur near Ladakh and Tibet were once full of different tribal groups. However, over a period of time, the tribal population of the state has decreased since more and more tribals have migrated to other places and have raised separate families. A prominent tribe of Himachal is that of the Shepherds (known as Gaddis here) who rear goats and sheep and keep moving with them to higher pastures in summers and lower, warmer regions in winters. 

Economic Development

The era of planning started in Himachal in 1948 along with the rest of India. The first five year plan allocated Rs.5.27 crore to Himachal. More than 50% of this expenditure was incurred on road construction since it was felt that without proper transport facilities, the process of planning and development could not be carried to the people, who mostly lived an isolated existence in far away areas. Efforts were also made to involve people more in the process of economic and social advancement.

The community development programme launched in 1952, in certain selected areas of Himachal was later extended nthe entire rural area. New ideas and forming techniques suitable to different areas and climatic zones were introduced bringing a new awareness amongst the people about the production possibilities of there respective lands which for centuries were using the ancient time worn methods. In

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Mandi and Kangra districts package programmes were undertaken in collaboration with the West German government for popularising modern techniques of cultivation among the farmers. Suitable agricultural machinery and good breeds of cattle, sheep and poultry were introduced in these areas. Well equipped soil testing laboratories, dairy farms and agricultural workshops were established at various centres, besides an Agriculture University at Palampur.

Himachal is one of the classic examples of rapid transformation from the worst form of feudalism to democracy and from the most backward part of the country to one of its most advanced states. Himachal, now ranks fourth in respect of per capita income among the states of the Indian Union.

Himachal has an impressive record to look back upon and there are wide opening vistas ahead. Its education system is well established, its agriculture reaching near self-sufficiency, its horticulture making a name in the country and even abroad, its road system having emerged as the best in the hills, the infrastructure for its industrial development well laid out, its rich forests being augmented and above all, the increasing attention of the nation towards exploiting its hydel resources are the guarantees for its bright future. It has already become the ideal in respect of development for the hill areas of the country

Hospitals

During the last 40 years there has been tremendous increase in the public health facilities, both preventive and curative.  In 1989, the public health institutions numbered 899, including a state hospital,12 district hospitals,189 primary health centres, besides a number of allopathic and Ayurvedic dispensaries and specialized medical institutions. To meet the shortage of doctors, a medical college also started functioning in 1967, which now has post-graduate teaching facilities in some branches.

Death rate has come down by 70 percent due to various public health measures.  The incidence of venereal disease, which was about 17 percent in 1951, came down to 2 percent in 1989. Malaria and small pox have been eradicated. The T.B. control programme has been a great success. People have taken enthusiastically to the family planning programme and its interesting feature is that women have out-numbered men in its acceptance.

Water supply

Drinking water supply poses a big problem in Himachal.  In the absence of wells due to high altitude terrain, drinking water is mainly obtained from springs and streams.  Being unhygienic, it contributes to pollutions and spread of disease like hill dysentery. The village being sparsely populated and distantly located, the

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arrangement of clean drinking water poses the problem of high costs.  In 1948, excepting four towns, no other habitation in the Himachal had piped water supply. By 1989, drinking water through pipes was made available in about 15,000 villages covering about 75 percent of the population.

Education

Himachal Pradesh has one of the highest literacy rates in India next to Kerala. Hamirpur District is among the top districts in the country for literacy. Education rates among women are quite encouraging in the stateThe standard of education in the state has reached to a considerably high level as compared to other states in India The state has several reputed educational institutes for higher studies.

The Indian Institute of Technology Mandi, Himachal Pradesh University Shimla, Institute of Himalayan Bioresource Technology (IHBT, CSIR Lab), Palampur, the National Institute of Technology, Hamirpur, the Central University Dharamshala, the Jaypee University of Information Technology Waknaghat, The Chitkara University Solan are some of the pioneer Universities located in the state. CSK Himachal Pradesh Krishi Vishwavidyalya Palampur is one of the most renowned hill Agriculture Institutes in world. Dr. Yashwant Singh Parmar University of Horticulture and Forestry has earned a unique distinction in India for imparting teaching, research and extension education in horticulture, forestry and allied disciplines.

The government is working constantly to prepare various plans and projects in order to strengthen the education system of the state. Recently, the State Government has decided to start three nursing colleges to develop the health system in the state. There are over 10,000 primary schools, 1,000 secondary

schools and more than 1,300 high schools in Himachal. The state government has decided to start up with 3 major nursing colleges to develop the health system in the state. In meeting the constitutional obligation to make primary education compulsory, Himachal has now became the first state in India to make elementary education accessible to every child in the state.

The State has got '''Solan Homoeopathic Medical College & Hospital''', Barog Bye-pass, KUMARHATTI, Distt. Solan, Indira Gandhi Medical College and Hospital. Besides that there is Himachal Dental College which is the first recognised Dental Institute in the State.

Himachal also has institutions to revive fading traditional skills such as those in art. The Chitera School of Art teaches the delicate style of Kangra Miniature Paintings.

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Media & Communication

Though situated in a remote part of the country, Himachal Pradesh has an active community of journalists and publishers. Several newspapers and magazines are published in more than one language, and their reach extends to almost all the Hindi speaking states. Radio and TV have permeated significantly. Judging by the number of people writing to these media, there is a very large media-aware population in the state.

The Telegraph, The Statesman, Asian Age, Hindustan Times, Punjab Kesari, Amar Ujala, Divya Himachal and The Times of India are the newspapers published here. Vernacular newspapers such as those in Hindi, Punjabi and Nepali VOICE of PRESS (www.voiceofpress.com) are also read by selected readership. A leading print electronic web and digital media Himachal's 1st PR and Promotion agency PRAGATI MEDIA SERVICES, a joint venture of 'Pen' (Print Electronic Network) running No.1 among the Hindi Monthly Magazine PEN NEWS (www.crimewing.com).

Doordarshan is the state-owned television broadcaster. Multi system operators provide a mix of Nepali, Hindi, English, and international channels via cable. All India Radio is a public radio station. Private FM stations are also available in few cities like Shimla. BSNL, Reliance Infocomm, Tata Indicom, Tata Docomo, Aircel, S Tel, Vodafone, Idea Cellular and Airtel are available cellular phone operators. Broadband internet is available in select towns and cities and is provided by the state-run BSNL and by other private companies. Dial-up access is provided throughout the state by BSNL and other providers.

CITY CHANNEL is one of the leaders in the production and broadcasting of comprehensive news and entertainment programs in Himachal Pradesh. It is a Hindi news channel that covers an entire gamut of news and beyond news encompassing recipes, travel, entertainment, shopping, books, health, gadgets and special features. It delivers information across all platforms: TV, Internet and Mobile, offering round-the-clock coverage of latest news and has a mix of news bulletins, current affairs, talk shows, and general interest and entertainment programs. It is operated by BVBN Pvt. Ltd. BRIDGE VIEW BROADBAND NETWORKS PVT. LTD.


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