RITTI

Description

Introduction

Ritti is a small, serene village in the Udhampur district of Jammu and Kashmir, known for its deep-rooted Dogra cultural heritage and strong sense of community. The villagers lead a sustainable and simple lifestyle, closely connected to their land, traditions, and one another. Hinduism is the predominant religion, and village life is spiritually guided by local temples and the worship of family deities, or kul devtas. The strong sense of community is evident in cooperative practices during farming seasons and social events. Though small and remote, Ritti retains elements of traditional Dogra craftsmanship, including handmade woolen items and wooden tools used in daily life. Together, these customs and values form the vibrant cultural fabric of Riti village.

Population

According to census data, Ritti has a population of 1,553 residents, including 818 males and 735 females, with a sex ratio of 898 females per 1,000 males. There are about 261 households, with 218 children aged 0–6 years, reflecting a young population. The community includes 185 residents from Scheduled Castes (SC) and 7 from Scheduled Tribes (ST). The literacy rate is 61.62% overall, with 67.85% among men and 54.69% among women.

Cultural Heritage

Ritti’s cultural heritage reflects the traditions of the Dogra community, where daily life is deeply intertwined with customs, faith, and local art forms. Villagers have successfully conserved their age-old practices, ensuring that rituals, music, and festivals continue to shape their identity. Folk songs, dhol beats, and dances are an integral part of gatherings, often performed during festivals, marriages, and community events. Religious traditions also play a central role, with local deities and temples serving as focal points for worship and collective activities.
Over the years, even with modernization, the people of Ritti have preserved their customs through language, attire, food, and festivities. This balance of tradition and simplicity makes the village a living example of how heritage and lifestyle can remain deeply connected.

Local Cuisine

Ritti is renowned for its hearty Dogra cuisine, often prepared during festivals and shared in community feasts. Some signature dishes include:

Khameere – a fermented wheat bread, puffed and golden when fried, often eaten with curries or served during festive occasions.

Kaladi – a traditional cheese made from buffalo milk, pan-fried until golden brown and slightly crispy outside, yet soft inside. It is commonly enjoyed with kulcha bread.

Ambal – a sweet, sour, and spicy curry made with yellow pumpkin, flavoured with jaggery, tamarind, and dry spices.

Rajma Chawal – red kidney beans slow-cooked with onions, tomatoes, and local spices, served with steamed rice. This dish is a staple of Dogra households and is especially popular during family gatherings.

Recipe for Khameere:

Ingredients: 2 cups wheat flour, 1 tsp. yeast (or fermented starter), 1 tsp. sugar, a pinch of salt, warm water as needed, ghee/oil for frying.

Method: 1. Activate yeast with sugar in warm water until frothy.
2. Mix with flour and salt, knead into soft dough.
3. Cover and rest 4–6 hours until doubled.
4. Divide, roll into thick discs, and fry in hot ghee/oil until puffed and golden on both sides.

Attractions

Ritti offers a range of natural and cultural attractions for visitors:
Scenic Trails: Walking routes around the village provide panoramic views of fields, terraces, and distant hills.
Forested Areas: Just 10–15 minutes away, the surrounding forests are ideal for peaceful walks, bird watching, and experiencing local biodiversity.
Tawi River: Flowing between the hills near Ritti, the river is a tranquil spot where visitors can enjoy the calm of nature.
Agricultural Landscapes: Wheat and corn fields surrounding the village add to its charm, especially during harvest seasons, offering a picturesque countryside setting.

Festivals

Here are some festivals that reflect Riti's way of life :
Ghargel Festival: A local Dogra festival where village deities are carried in a grand procession accompanied by folk music and dancing. Villagers join in the celebration, and by evening, offerings are made to the deity followed by a communal meal shared by all.
Koo Mela: A local fair held nearby in the early summer months, attracting people from neighbouring villages. The fair includes rides, music, food stalls, and artistic displays. Its main highlight is the wrestling competition (dangal), a traditional sport that draws large crowds and embodies the spirit of local entertainment.

Economic Activity

The village economy is mostly rooted in agriculture, cattle rearing, Around 60–70% of households rely on farming, producing wheat, maize, pulses, and vegetables for both household use and local markets. Cattle rearing supports milk production and dairy trade, while sericulture provides seasonal income for some households. Around 30-40% Non-farm livelihoods include tailoring, carpentry, and small retail shops and service sector workers. Some youth seek employment in nearby towns in service and military sectors.

Education Facilities

Education in Ritti is gradually improving, with government support and community involvement helping to make learning accessible to children in the village. At present, Riti has two government-run schools: one middle school and one secondary school, providing education up to Class 10. These institutions play a vital role in laying the foundation of literacy and basic education for the younger generation. To promote regular attendance and reduce dropouts, the schools are supported by government schemes such as the Mid-Day Meal Program, distribution of free textbooks, and scholarships for students from disadvantaged backgrounds.

For higher secondary education (Classes 11 and 12) as well as college-level studies, students usually travel to nearby towns such as Udhampur and, in some cases, further to Jammu.The nearest higher education institutions include the Government Degree College (Boys) and the Government College for Women in Udhampur, both located about 40 minutes from Ritti. These colleges provide a variety of undergraduate courses and serve as the main hubs for students aspiring to continue their studies beyond secondary school.

Health Facilities

The village is served by an Ayushman Arogya Mandir, where four doctors provide primary healthcare, treating common ailments, prescribing essential medicines, and carrying out simple diagnostic tests. In addition to medical care, the center frequently conducts health awareness drives on important issues such as nutrition, sanitation, maternal and child health, and the prevention of drug abuse. These initiatives play a crucial role in promoting healthy lifestyles and preventive care within the community.

For emergencies and advanced treatment needs, residents depend on the Government Medical College (GMC) Udhampur, located about 23 kilometers away and reachable within 40 minutes.

Lifestyle

Life in Ritti is peaceful and community-centred, with strong ties to nature and traditions. Most families rely on farming, cattle, and self-grown food. Villagers practice sustainable habits such as composting, reusing materials, and conserving water. Social life is centred on religious gatherings and festivals, where music, folk songs are shared strengthen community bonds. Gender roles are shared, with both men and women contributing to agriculture and household income.

Best Time to Visit

The best time to visit Ritti is:
Festival Season – The best time to visit Ritti is during its lively festival season, when traditions, music, and community spirit transform the village into a place of celebration. The Ghargel Festival and Koo Mela are the highlights of the year, drawing people from neighboring areas to join in processions, folk dances, feasts, and wrestling matches. These festivals provide visitors with an authentic glimpse into the cultural soul of the village, where hospitality and joy are shared by all.

Spring – Spring is another wonderful season to explore Ritti. During this time, the fields are blanketed with lush green wheat, turning the landscape into a carpet of vibrant colours and making the countryside especially scenic. The pleasant weather and flourishing crops create the perfect backdrop for village walks, photography, and experiencing the calm pace of rural life. Together, these moments—whether festive or serene—offer the most memorable experiences for anyone visiting Riti.

Connectivity

Ritti is well-connected by road and can be easily accessed from nearby towns. From Jammu, the village lies at a distance of about 65 kilometres, which takes roughly two hours by car or bus. From Udhampur, it is situated around 20 kilometres away, with a shorter travel time of 30 to 45 minutes. Within the village, public bus services operate regularly, providing convenient routes to nearby areas and cities. In addition, private bus services are available near the Gol Mela stop, located less than 10 kilometres from the village, ensuring further connectivity for residents and visitors alike..

The nearest railway stations are:
Ramnagar Railway Station – about 20 minutes away by road.
Udhampur Railway Station – well connected to major cities, located around 45-50 minutes from the village.