Jaunsari Culture and Traditions Chakrata Hills

The Chakrata hills area of Dehradun district is home to the Jaunsari community, an ancient tribal group maintaining distinctive cultural practices. Jaunsari architecture features multi-storey wooden houses with intricately carved balconies and facades demonstrating exceptional woodworking skills. The community practices polyandry as a traditional social arrangement unique in the region. Harul folk dance performed during Bissu festival involves intricate footwork and is accompanied by Ransingha and Turturi wind instruments. Traditional weaving produces distinctive woollen fabrics with bold geometric patterns. Jaunsari shamanic practices (Bajgi) involving spirit mediation continue alongside mainstream religious life.