Kangra is the most populous district of the state of Himachal Pradesh (H.P.), India.

Geography

Physical Location

The district is located in the western part of Himachal Pradesh, in the low foothills of the Himalayas. 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-February, during which the temperature 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 similar 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 woollen 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.

Economy

This consists of mostly agriculture and farming.

External Links

• 123himachal.com 's tourist overview

• 1905 Earthquake photgraphs