“The Kumaon Himalayas, unlike the neighbouring mountain valleys, are more intimate and less indicative of the ‘high religion of Garhwal’. “The craft is executed by woodcarvers from the shilpkaar caste — a term adopted in the early 20th century. Likhai was once abundantly found on chaukhats (doorways) of village homes. “There is a huge sense of regret I feel because the vision of those who actually worked for statehood got left behind. The same illnesses plague Uttarakhand — from alcoholism to the plunder by timber mafia, illegal mining and land grabbing.

Source: Indian Express May 17, 2017 18:22 UTC