The central Indian Himalayas - " Uttarakhand"

In the Puranas, Uttarakhand was the ancient term for the central Indian Himalayas. The region is mentioned in early Hindu texts as the combined region of Kedarkhand and Manaskhand. Its peaks and valleys were referred to as the Svarga loka: a temporary abode of the righteous The culture of Uttarakhand still revolves around its traditional ethics, moral values, the simplicity of nature and a rich mythology. People are divided into regions and are thus better recognized as Kumaoni (Inhabitants of Kumaon Region) and Garhwali (Inhabitants of Garhwal Region)The Aipan and Peeth art is practiced and propagated by the women of Uttarakhand. Their knowledge of this art is passed from one generations to the next. The sacred geometric patterns of Aipan and Peeth are divinely simplified complexity. Aipan is done on all special occasions and household ceremonies and rituals.