Description
Uttaranchal has a cultured and colorful society. The religious, social and cultural urges of the people of Uttaranchal find an expression in various fairs and festivals, which are in turn closely linked to the social and economic activities of the region. The Bhotias are businessmen and born mountaineers. The Bhoitas of Uttaranchal claim descent from the Rajputs, who came from Kumaon and Garhwal and settled in the highter valleys. Those living close to the Mana pass near Badrinath and those by the Niti pass are known as Tolchas and Marchas respectively.