Uttarakhand State Symbols: Animal, Bird, Flower, Tree

Kajal, 2 months ago, 4 min read, 15 Views

Overview

Uttarakhand, located in the northern part of India, is known as the Land of Gods (Devbhoomi) because of its deep spiritual roots, ancient temples, and sacred rivers. Surrounded by the mighty Himalayas, the state is rich in biodiversity, natural beauty, and cultural heritage.
To preserve and represent its unique identity, Uttarakhand has officially declared several Uttarakhand state symbols such as the state animal, bird, tree, flower, and even a state butterfly.

This article covers all major state symbols of Uttarakhand, along with their scientific names, importance, and cultural significance.

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State Animal of Uttarakhand

Common Name: Himalayan Musk Deer

Scientific Name: Moschus chrysogaster

Local Name: कस्तूरी मृग (Kasturi Mrig)

The Himalayan Musk Deer is the official State Animal of Uttarakhand. It is a rare and endangered species found in high-altitude Himalayan regions between 2,500–5,000 meters.

Key Features:

• The male musk deer has a special gland called the musk pod, which produces musk.
• Due to excessive hunting for musk, the species is listed as Endangered by the IUCN.
• The species is protected under Schedule I of the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972.
• These deer are shy, solitary, and active mostly at dawn and dusk.

Importance:

The musk deer represents Uttarakhand’s rich wildlife and fragile Himalayan ecosystem.

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State Bird of Uttarakhand

Common Name: Himalayan Monal

Scientific Name: Lophophorus impejanus

Local Name: मोनाल

The Himalayan Monal is one of the most beautiful birds of the Himalayas and is recognised as Uttarakhand’s State Bird.

Key Features:

• The male monal has iridescent (rainbow-like) feathers that shine in blue, green, purple, and orange.
• Found between 2,100–4,500 meters.
• It is also the national bird of Nepal.
• They are often seen digging in the soil for insects and roots.

Importance:

The monal symbolizes the vibrancy and natural diversity of Uttarakhand.

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State Flower of Uttarakhand

Common Name: Brahma Kamal

Scientific Name: Saussurea obvallata

The Brahma Kamal is a sacred Himalayan flower and holds great religious and medicinal importance. It grows at high altitudes, mostly above 3,000 meters.

Key Features:

• The flower blooms at night, making it rare and mystical.
• It is offered in temples of Kedarnath and Badrinath.
• Used in traditional Ayurvedic medicine.
• Found in regions like Chamoli, Uttarkashi, and Rudraprayag.

Cultural Significance:

The flower is named after Lord Brahma, the creator in Hindu mythology.

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State Tree of Uttarakhand

Common Name: Buransh

Scientific Name: Rhododendron arboreum

The Buransh tree is known for its bright red flowers. The flowers are used to prepare juices and herbal drinks that are very popular in the state.

Key Features:

• The tree grows at altitudes of 1,500–3,600 meters.
• Flowers appear during February–April.
• The juice made from Buransh is good for heart health and immunity.
• It is also the national flower of Nepal.

Cultural Importance:

Buransh is associated with love, vitality, and the Himalayan way of life.

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State Butterfly of Uttarakhand

Common Name: Common Peacock Butterfly

Scientific Name: Papilio bianor

Uttarakhand declared the Common Peacock Butterfly as its state butterfly in 2016.

Key Features:

• Beautiful green and blue patterns on wings.
• Found in forested valleys and river areas.
• Known for its long migration routes in Himalayan regions.
• Symbolizes beauty, transformation, and environmental balance.

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State Fruit of Uttarakhand

Common Names: Kafal, Kaaphal

Scientific Name: Myrica esculenta

Kafal is a delicious wild berry found in Uttarakhand during summer.

Key Features:

• Sweet and tangy taste.
• Grows naturally in mid-Himalayan regions.
• Used to make juices, jams, and local delicacies.
• A popular folk song “Kafal Pako, Maile Ni Chakhyo” is dedicated to this berry.

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State Song of Uttarakhand

The State Song of Uttarakhand is “Uttarakhand Devbhoomi, Matribhumi Hamari”, which celebrates the beauty, culture, bravery, and spiritual identity of the state.

Details:

• Lyrics By: Ranjan Dattatrey Kandpal
• Music By: Narendra Singh Negi
• Adopted In: 2016

The song is sung on state functions, cultural events, and government ceremonies.

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State Emblem of Uttarakhand

The state emblem features:

• Four streams symbolizing the Ganga River
• Ashoka Emblem at the top
• The words “Satyameva Jayate” written below

This emblem represents purity, strength, justice, and spirituality.

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State Languages of Uttarakhand

Uttarakhand has two official languages:

1. Hindi

2. Sanskrit (Declared official in 2010)

Apart from this, the state has rich regional languages such as:

• Garhwali
• Kumaoni
• Jaunsari
• Ranglo

These languages reflect the cultural diversity of the state.

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Uttarakhand: A Land of Culture, Nature, and Divinity

Beyond its official symbols, Uttarakhand is known for:

• Char Dham Yatra (Badrinath, Kedarnath, Yamunotri, Gangotri)
• Jim Corbett National Park
• Valley of Flowers
• Nanda Devi Biosphere Reserve
• Kumaoni & Garhwali culture
• Traditional festivals like Harela, Phool Dei, and Pandav Nritya

The state is a blend of breathtaking scenery, rich wildlife, and strong cultural traditions.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)