Discover the fascinating cultures of Central Himalaya
From the sacred history of the Char-Dham pilgrimage, to the haunting mystery of Skeleton Lake, this book delves into the essence of the magnificent state of Uttarakhand.
A beautiful book on Uttarakhand. I am sure it will find many readers.
Ruskin Bond
Award-winning Author
A visually stunning book. Each page tells the story of our rich Pahadi culture.
Jubin Nautiyal
Playback Singer
Endorsement
Thank you for sending me your beautiful book on Uttarakhand. I am sure it will find many readers. My best wishes and please continue writing about our mountain state.
Ruskin Bond
Award-winning Author
A visually stunning book. Each page tells a story of our rich Pahadi culture, capturing the essence of the land that holds a special place in my heart. A must read for everyone eager to discover the cultural richness that defines our Uttarakhand.
Jubin Nautiyal
Playback Singer
Neha Mittal’s ‘Devbhoomi Uttarakhand’ fills a significant gap by bringing the cultural richness of the mountain state onto the literary map. Through meticulous research and interesting narratives, Mittal makes the diverse cultures of Uttarakhand come alive. The book’s use of colorful illustrations, maps, and images enhances the storytelling, offering readers an immersive journey into the sacred landscapes of Uttarakhand. Whether you are history buff, a nature lover or simply someone in search of understanding the vibrant cultures of Uttarakhand, the book is sure to leave you enlightened and enriched.
Lt Gen Gurmit Singh
Hon’ble Governor, Uttarakhand
PVSM,UYSM,AVSM,VSM (Retd)
Dev Bhoomi Uttarakhand: The Fascinating Culture of the Central Himalaya’ is an eminently readable and wonderfully illustrated collection of twelve offerings from debut author, Neha Mittal, a young civil servant who was inspired by the picturesque settings of her training institutions at Mussoorie and Shimla. Fortuitously for her, as well as the readers of this book, her first job was also in the Himalayas. The text is embellished with pictures which nudge the reader to form a visual imprint in his mind and the maps are a spur to travel on routes that are both enchanting and challenging.
Shri Sanjeev Chopra
IAS (retd)
Festival Director, Valley of Words
It’s a wonderful book. Well researched and well written it gives the reader a very deep peep into the Devbhoomi Uttarakhand. The best part of the book is the illustrations and pictures and maps that make the book a visual delight to the readers. The book also gives readers a good insight into the Chardham circuit and various local tribes and communities of Uttarakhand.
Shri Ashok Kumar
Former DGP Uttarakhand
Neha Mittal’s Devbhoomi Uttarakhand unveils the cultural tapestry of Uttarakhand with meticulous research and captivating narratives. Through engaging storytelling, vibrant illustrations and insightful visuals, Neha takes us on a journey into the diverse cultures of Uttarakhand, offering readers an immersive experience of its sacred landscapes. Whether you’re a seasoned traveler or a curious enthusiast of Himalayan culture, this book promises to enrich your understanding and appreciation of the region’s rich heritage.
Anoop Nautiyal
Founder, Social Development for Communities (SDC) Foundation
Endorsement
Thank you for sending me your beautiful book on Uttarakhand. I am sure it will find many readers. My best wishes and please continue writing about our mountain state.
Ruskin Bond
Award-winning Author
Sneak Peek
Kedarnath: The Abode of Lord Shiva
Kedarnath, nestled in the heart of majestic Himalaya, is one of the holiest places of Lord Shiva, steeped in a mystical aura, natural beauty and local traditions. One of the best known legends of Lord Shiva is his burning of Kamadeva, the God of passion, for daring to interfere in his meditation with his love inducing darts. Discover the connection of this tale with Kedarnath along with other spiritually and culturally rich narratives that breathe life into this divine sanctuary.
Meadows: The Natural Wonder
Step into the realm of natural wonder that are Himalayan meadows which come alive during monsoons with hundreds of rare and ethereal flowers. Explore these enchanting meadows, foraged once by Pandavas in search of a divine lotus blooming in a heavenly meadow guarded by the fearsome creatures of the night. Trek to these alpine vistas, and spot the rare blooming of Brahmakamal, travel with the local shephards to their summer dwellings or offer the sacred ban-tulsi to the local deities.
The Pahadi ballad of Rajula-Malushahi
In the enchanting world of folk ballads, where legends like Heer-Ranjha and Sohni-Mahiwal have long held sway, there exists a lesser known love story waiting to be unveiled. As you delve into the Pahadi saga of Rajula-Malushahi where love defies boundaries and the human spirit endures, uncover the world of Bhotias – the nomadic tribes living in the cold heights of Greater Himalayas bordering Tibet. Explore how this industrious community not only survived in the harsh terrain but also thrived with their distinct cultural adaptations.
About the Author
A civil servant of 2018 batch, Neha Mittal loves to write about the Himalayas, its legends and the culture of its people. Her debut book, Devbhoomi Uttarakhand, delves deep into the Himalayan state and uncovers the stories behind its sacred centres and celebrates the culture of its diverse communities.
Neha’s sojourn with the mountains began with training at the prestigious institutes of LBSNAA in Mussoorie and NAAA in Shimla. Her posting in Dehradun allowed her to intimately experience the culture of Uttarakhand, which served as a profound source of motivation for this book. Readers can reach out to her on authornehamittal@gmail.com
