Description
About the Village:
Panchari is a village and municipality in Udhampur district of the Indian union territory of Jammu and Kashmir. As the 5 routes meet there , that's why it got the name pancheri i.e panch rahen.
The town is located 40 kilometres from the district headquarters Udhampur.
The village of pancheri is situated on a mountain akin to patnitop or natha top and is surrounded by small peaks of shivalik range of Himalayas . The village is almost 700 years old and some villagers mentioned maharaja gulab singh.
The village of pancheri used to be the trade route for lucrative trade of Kashmir it used to be an international trade route and along with it , it used to be the resting point for the pedestrians, merchants and other people as the present day routes weren't there back then.
How to reach Pancheri
Visitors can reach Pancheri in Udhampur district by taking a train to Udhampur Railway Station, followed by a taxi or bus ride of about 40 kilometers. Alternatively, fly into Jammu Airport and then travel by road (approximately 71 kilometers) to Udhampur and onward to Pancheri.
Brief history of the Pancheri
Pancheri region is historical important due to its strategic location and connection to various historical events and figures in the Jammu and Kashmir region. Historically, it has been influenced by different dynasties and rulers that governed the area.
Pancheri’s history is intertwined with ancient Indian history. It has been influenced by various historical periods, including the Maurya and Kushan empires. However, specific ancient records about Pancheri itself are sparse. ( Even I was not able gather significant information about their history from the locals)
During the medieval period, Pancheri came under the influence of the Dogra rulers. The Dogra dynasty, which ruled over the princely state of Jammu and Kashmir, played a significant role in the region’s history. The Dogra rulers, particularly Maharaja Gulab Singh and their son Maharaja Ranbir Singh , contributed to the administrative and infrastructural development of Jammu and Kashmir.
Cultural Heritage of the Village
The culture of Pancheri is rich and deeply rooted in tradition, reflecting the unique blend of its historical and geographical significance.
Language and Ethnicity
The primary languages spoken in Pancheri is mostly Dogri and Pahari with Hindi. The people of Pancheri are predominantly of Dogra ethnicity, and their culture is a blend of Dogra traditions and local customs.
Festivals and Celebration
A significant fair celebrated in the Udhampur district, also finds its way into Pancheri. It is dedicated to the local deity, Baba Sankri , Baba sabor , baba Lal Dayal which involves cultural performances,religious activities and wrestling ( locally called as shinj).
Religious Beliefs
Hinduism is the predominant religion in Pancheri, with various temples dotting the region. The people are deeply religious, and pilgrimages to local shrines are common.The region also respects and practices secularism, with different communities living in harmony.
Pancheri is home to many Devtas (family deities) , and these Devtas are the important part of the culture of the pancheri people , and along with this there are lots of interesting and engrossing stories of the local deities
One of the most famous and interesting story is of the local deities, as per elderly there were two Devtas (local deities ) sankpal and sankri , and there was a rivalry in between both of them due to which both of them got seperated and there is a fascinating event related to them that is - Temple of both the local deities is located at the apex / top of the mountain of two different peaks facing one another and during the religious fair surprisingly / astonishingly clouds cover the gap in between both the peaks making the visibility zero , so that if a person is standing temple of sankpal devta he cannot see the view of the temple of sankri devta and vice versa.
Music and Dance
Traditional music forms such as Dogri folk songs and Bhajans (devotional songs) are prevalent in Pancheri. Instruments like the "Chimta," "Dhol," and "Algoza" are commonly used. Folk dances, including "Kud" and "Dogri Bhangra," are performed during festivals and celebrations.
Lifestyle and Occupation
The people of Pancheri largely lead a rural lifestyle, with agriculture being the primary occupation. The terraced fields and apple orchards are a common sight in the region. Livestock rearing, particularly sheep and goats, is also an integral part of the local economy.
But now average occupation in the village is masters degree (according to a local adult aged around 25 to 30 years ).
Best times of year to Visit
Summer (March to June): The best time to visit Pancheri is during the summer months when the weather is pleasant, and the landscapes are lush and green.
Winter (October to February): Pancheri experiences cold winters with snowfall in the higher reaches. It’s a good time for those who enjoy the winter chill and snow-covered landscapes.
Avoid going during rainy season or rains and peak winters cause it’s very landslide prone area and road is very likely to get blocked by various natural reason .
The main attractions of the village:
The main tourist attraction is dyaari jungle (large forest spread over a mountain with Deodar cedar trees, Hindi name of that tree is deodar).
Other main tourist attraction of the village is sankri temple.
Local Accommodation
Yes, there is local accommodation. Pancheri has 3 hotels and many homestays , and huts. For breakfast there are very few basic places to eat but hotels and home stays offer breakfast, lunch and dinner .
Famous local dishes
Kalari is the most famous dish locally present & Khatta meat
Lifestyle of the Village
Simple and Traditional Living,the lifestyle in Pancheri is simple, with people following traditional customs and practices. the houses are made of wood and mud, reflecting the traditional Himalayan architecture but village also has plenty of concrete houses .
The villagers lead a modest life, relying on local resources and community support. People of pancheri follows a simple and traditional lifestyle, they rely on local resources and they pet cows , goats and sheeps
Healthcare Facilities
Pancheri village has one primary healthcare centre with an emergency ward located near bus stand in Pancheri and village also has a block medical store and dispensaries in various parts of village.
Many health awareness programmes are organised by the government and even schools also organise health awareness rally throughout the year
Occupations or Industries in the Village
There are no common occupation as maximum of the population is educated so they are occupied in different job sectors, but in general many households are indulged in agriculture activities.
The common occupation is graduation and master (as per the adults aged between 20 to 30 years that I interviewed).
Thereare no common industries, but the village of pancheri have apple orchard to and plum orchards to offer to locals. But there is no export of these goods
Educational facilities available in the Village
The town/village of Pancheri has a sufficient number of schools accessible to everyone. The village has one private primary school and many government primary schools (around 10-15), 5-6 middle schools, and three higher secondary schools. However, there is currently no college in Pancheri, so residents must travel to Udhampur for higher education. An ongoing dispute exists between Pancheri and Mongri regarding the location of a new college. Both villages, located on different mountains, want the college to be built in their respective areas.
Flora and Fauna
Flora
Deodar Trees (Cedrus deodara): These majestic conifers are prevalent in the region, contributing to the village’s lush, forested landscape. Even pancheri has tourists attraction called (dayri jungle).
Wildflowers: The area is home to a variety of wildflowers that bloom seasonally, enhancing the region’s natural beauty.
Fauna
Himalayan Monal (Lophophorus impejanus): This colorful pheasant is the state bird of Jammu and Kashmir and can occasionally be spotted in the region.
Himalayan Black Bear (Ursus thibetanus): While not commonly seen, these bears do inhabit the surrounding areas and are part of the local wildlife.
Leopard (Panthera pardus): Leopards are known to inhabit the forests around Pancheri, although sightings are rare.
Various Bird Species: The region supports a diverse avian population, including species like the Eurasian Jay and various types of warblers and finches.
Photos
Videos
Location Map
Contact Information
| Address |
Udhampur,J&k |
| Phone Number |
9419191561 |
| Email Address | |
| Website | https://jkpanchayat.jk.gov.in/homeview.php?panchayat=Chulna&block=Panchari |
Reviews (3)
Great website showcasing the beauty of Pancheri. Clear details and stunning visuals make it appealing. Highly recommended!!!
The author transformed this simple village profile into an enchanting portrayal of a hidden Himalayan gem through his impressive writing. Highly impressed by the author's writing style !!!
Good attempt