Himachal Pradesh and Haryana were formerly part of Punjab. In 1971, a new state called ‘Himachal Pradesh’ was formed.
The requirement for a separate state was unavoidable. To preserve Pahari culture and give its people a distinct Pahari identity, the concept of Himachal was born.
Himachal’s population is ethnically diverse. We have people who migrated from the plains, such as the Sen and Chandels; we have people with Mongoloid characteristics (people from Kinnaur, Lahaul, and Spiti); and we have people with Aryan traits, such as those who live in the upper part of Kullu. There are numerous additional tribes.
Punjabi identity is a powerful force that exerts a significant influence on the people of Himachal Pradesh. The areas bordering Punjab are more familiar with Punjabi culture than the Pahari are. However, as we ascend into the hills, the Pahari identity becomes stronger. Pahari culture is one-of-a-kind. Hinduism is practiced in its most fascinating manifestation. The dialects vary significantly as we travel from one location to the next. Himachal Pradesh is divided into four major geographical regions.
Upper Himachal Pradesh: Areas surrounding Hamirpur, Mandi, Chamba, Kullu, and Manali, i.e., central and western Himachal Pradesh.
Lower Himachal Pradesh: Areas surrounding Solan, Shimla, Kangra, and Sirmaur, i.e., central and eastern Himachal Pradesh.
Kinnaur and Spiti valleys: These are the areas that are inaccessible for the majority of the year due to their high elevation/snowfall. HP in the north
Plains: Doon (Nalagarh-Baddi region), Una (till Amb), portions of Kangra, and portions of Sirmaur (Poanta, etc.) HP in the South
All but one of the areas mentioned above are now hilly. All of these individuals are Pahari.
The majority of the plains are connected to Punjab, and the Punjab government-administered this area until a few decades ago. The majority of people snakes in this region Punjabi and adhere to Punjabi traditions. These areas’ residents are more familiar with Punjabi culture than with Himachali traditions. Historically, Kangra was primarily kangri-speaking. Kangri, Chambeali, and Dogri were all Phari languages with their own script known as tankri.
The things that bind the entire Himachal Pradesh together are the Dham, the Himachal cap, and so on.
Dham: Dham is consumed in the majority of Himachal Pradesh. However, Dham is classified as Kangri Dham, Mandiyali Dham, and Bilaspuri Dham. Una district is referred to as the “plains of Himachal” and is heavily influenced by Punjab. However, Dham is consumed in the majority of this district.
Himachali cap: This item is worn throughout Himachal Pradesh, from Chamba to SirMaura and from Kangra to Lahaul Spiti.
When our Prime Minister MODI visited Israel, he wore a Himachali cap and made the entire Himachal Pradesh proud.
The people of upper Himachal are genuine Pharies. However, we Himachalis are not Punjabi.