Online Encyclopedia
Kangra
Kangra is the most populous district of the state of Himachal Pradesh (H.P.), India.
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Geography
Physical Location
Located in the western part of H.P. in the low foothills of the Himalayan mountain s. The Dhauladhar range adjoins the district on one side. The Beas is one of the larger rivers of this district and contributes to the fertility of the land here. Due to the hilly terrain, not very much of the land is cultivated. The region is covered with uniform patches of barren land, as well as small forests.
Climate
The winter lasts from mid-December to mid-Feburary , during which the temerature ranges from 0 º Celsius to 20 º Celsius. The winds from the Mediterranean Sea causes winter rains. Summers run from April and until June, and are hot (temp 25 º Celsius - 38 º Celsius) and dry. They are generally followed by a wet monsoon which ends in autumn.
Society
Language
The native people are the Kangri people and the native language is Kangri , which is very similiar to Punjabi.
Religion
The majority of the people are Hindu although many Tibetan people that follow Buddhism have also settled here recently.
Dress
The traditional dress for men was Kurta, pyjama and a woolen jacket used in winters. Women generally wear salwar kameez.
Political Map
Dharamshala is the capital town of this district, which is also the headquarters of Tibetan government in exile headed by the Dalai Lama. Other important towns are Kangra, Jwalamukhi , Dehra and Ranital . Jwalamukhi, also known as Jwala ji, is famous for an ancient temple of the goddess of the same name that features holy flames that run on natural gas. Pragpur and Garli, heritage villages of India, are also located here.
Districts adjoining to H.P. are Chamba, Mandi, Hamirpur and Una. The district shares a border with the state of Punjab.
There is a reasonably good network of roads across the district.
Population
It is estimated that there are one million people residing in this region.