Pahari is a term used in South Asia to refer to people or things of the mountain region. The word is pronounced as /pəˈhɑːri/ in IPA phonetic transcription, with the stress on the second syllable. The first syllable "pa" is pronounced as "puh," while the second syllable "ha" is pronounced as "hah." The third syllable "ri" is pronounced as "ree." The spelling of Pahari may differ from language to language, but its phonetic pronunciation remains the same.
Pahari is an adjective that refers to the people, culture, and language associated with the Pahari region in South Asia. The term "Pahari" literally translates to "hill" or "mountain" in the Hindi language.
In geographical terms, Pahari is commonly used to describe the hilly or mountainous areas found in northern India, particularly in the states of Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, and Jammu and Kashmir. These regions are known for their picturesque landscapes, rich biodiversity, and tranquil environment.
The culture of Pahari people is deeply rooted in their indigenous traditions and customs. They have a distinct way of life, influenced by their mountainous surroundings. Pahari culture encompasses various aspects such as music, art, dance, and festivals. Pahari music is popular for its melodious tunes and soulful lyrics, often accompanied by traditional instruments like the dholak, flute, and harmonium.
Pahari is also used to describe a group of languages that are spoken in the Pahari region. These languages belong to the Indo-Aryan language family and are predominantly spoken by the Pahari people. Examples of Pahari languages include Garhwali, Himachali, and Pahari-Pothwari.
Overall, the term "Pahari" encapsulates the diverse aspects of the hilly regions of northern India, including their people, culture, and languages.
The word "pahari" has its origins in the Hindi language, specifically in the Northern Indian dialects. "Pahar" in Hindi means "mountain" or "hill". Therefore, "pahari" refers to something or someone from the mountains or hilly areas. The term is commonly used in India and Pakistan to describe the people, culture, language, and landscapes of the mountainous regions in the Himalayas.