Jaunsari Culture: The Unique Traditions of Jaunsar-Bawar
Learn about the fascinating Jaunsari people — their Mahasu Devta worship, polyandrous customs, and unique position in Uttarakhand's cultural mosaic.
Who Are the Jaunsari People?
The Jaunsari people inhabit the Jaunsar-Bawar region in the western part of Dehradun district, Uttarakhand. Believed to be descendants of the Pandavas from the Mahabharata, the Jaunsari have maintained a distinct cultural identity that sets them apart from other communities in Uttarakhand.
Mahasu Devta: The Supreme Deity
The Jaunsari people worship Mahasu Devta, a deity unique to this region. The Hanol temple dedicated to Mahasu Devta is the most important religious site for the community.
Legend says that Mahasu Devta arrived from Afghanistan riding a horse and chose Hanol as his abode. The deity is worshipped in four forms: Botha Mahasu, Pavasi Mahasu, Vasik Mahasu, and Chalda Mahasu.
Marriage Customs
The Jaunsari community is known for its unique marriage customs:
- Reet — the most common form, a negotiated marriage
- Dhyantar — marriage by elopement
- Haar — bride price marriage tradition
Historically, polyandry (one woman married to multiple brothers) was practiced, though this has largely faded in modern times.
Festivals
Bissu Mela
The most important Jaunsari festival, Bissu Mela, is celebrated during Baisakhi (mid-April). It marks the beginning of the new year and involves:
- Animal sacrifice rituals
- Traditional wrestling competitions
- Folk dances like Rasa and Harul
- Community feasting
Nuwala
Nuwala is a festival of lights celebrated after Diwali, unique to the Jaunsar-Bawar region.
Architecture
Jaunsari homes are built in a distinctive style using slate, stone, and timber. Multi-story structures are common, with the ground floor used for livestock, the middle floor for living, and the top floor for grain storage.
Cuisine
The Jaunsari diet is based on local grains and dairy:
- Bajra rotis (pearl millet bread)
- Siddu (steamed stuffed bread)
- Patande (rice pancakes)
- Local honey and seasonal fruits
Preserving Jaunsari Heritage
With modernization and migration, many Jaunsari traditions are at risk. Cultural organizations are working to document oral histories, folk songs, and traditional practices before they are lost.
