On 9 November 2000, Uttarakhand was officially formed as the 27th state of the Republic of India, carved out from Uttar Pradesh. Nestled in the northern part of the country, Uttarakhand shares its borders with Uttar Pradesh and Himachal Pradesh, while also touching international boundaries with Nepal and Tibet (China).
Most of Uttarakhand is dominated by the majestic Himalayan ranges, ancient glaciers, dense forests, and pristine rivers. Due to its deep spiritual roots and the presence of numerous temples and sacred sites, the state is affectionately known as Devbhoomi – the Land of the Gods.
In this article, we explore the state symbols of Uttarakhand, including its official animal, bird, flower, tree, and a few culturally important yet unofficial symbols that truly reflect the soul of this Himalayan state.
Uttarakhand State Symbols: Animal, Bird, Flower, And Tree
Uttarakhand is rich in natural resources such as fresh water and forests, glaciers, rivers, dense forests, and snow-clad mountain peaks. The four most sacred Hindu temples of Badrinath, Kedarnath, Gangotri, and Yamunotri are located in Uttarakhand.
To represent its unique biodiversity and cultural heritage, Uttarakhand has officially declared several state symbols.
State Animal of Uttarakhand: Alpine Musk Deer (Kasturi Mrig)
The Alpine Musk Deer, locally known as Kasturi Mrig, is the state animal of Uttarakhand. This rare and shy animal is famous for the musk sac (kasturi) found in male deer, which has historically been used in medicines and perfumes.
- Habitat: Alpine and sub-alpine forests
- Altitude: 3,000 to 5,000 meters
- Status: Endangered due to illegal hunting
Because of excessive poaching for musk, the Alpine Musk Deer is now a protected species, and hunting it is strictly illegal.
Scientific name: Moschus chrysogaster
State Bird of Uttarakhand: Himalayan Monal
The stunning Himalayan Monal is the state bird of Uttarakhand. Often called the Himalayan Peacock, it is known for its vibrant, metallic plumage.
- Habitat: Upper temperate oak-conifer forests
- Altitude: 2,500 to 5,000 meters
Male monals display brilliant shades of blue, green, copper, and gold, along with a distinctive crest, while females are more subdued, brown in colour. Interestingly, the Himalayan Monal is also the national bird of Nepal, where it is known as Danphe.
Scientific name: Lophophorus impejanus
State Flower of Uttarakhand: Brahma Kamal
Brahma Kamal is one of the most sacred and symbolic flowers of the Himalayas and the state flower of Uttarakhand. It naturally grows in extremely high-altitude conditions.
- Altitude: Around 4,000–4,500 meters
- Blooming season: July to August
This rare flower blooms amidst rocks and alpine grasslands during the monsoon. Named after Lord Brahma, the god of creation, Brahma Kamal holds immense religious significance and is often offered at high-altitude temples.
Scientific name: Saussurea obvallata
State Tree of Uttarakhand: Burans (Rhododendron)
The Burans tree, also known as Rhododendron, is the state tree of Uttarakhand. This evergreen tree transforms the hills into shades of red and pink during spring.
Local communities use Burans flowers to prepare the famous Burans ka Sharbat, a refreshing drink believed to have medicinal benefits.
- Burans is also the state flower of Nagaland
- In Nepal, it is called Gurans
- Sikkim’s state tree is a different rhododendron species
Scientific name: Rhododendron arboreum
State Butterfly of Uttarakhand: West Himalayan Common Peacock
The West Himalayan Common Peacock butterfly represents the vibrant insect life of Uttarakhand and is its state butterfly.
- Habitat: Himalayan foothills
- Altitude: Up to 2,000 meters
It is commonly spotted in forested areas but can also be seen near towns if host plants are present. This butterfly is also known by names like East Himalayan Common Peacock and Indo-Chinese Common Peacock.
Scientific name: Papilio bianor polyctor
Unofficial but Popular State Symbols of Uttarakhand
Apart from the above-mentioned official Uttarakhand state symbols, there are a few other unofficial state symbols of Uttarakhand. People used to refer to these as state symbols, but officially, these are not Uttarakhand state symbols; however, these are also very famous and unique things you can find in Uttarakhand.
Uttarakhand State Fruit: Kafal (Kaphal)
Kafal is often referred to as the state fruit of Uttarakhand, though it is unofficial. Found in the Himalayan hills, this seasonal fruit holds a special place in local folklore.
- Taste: Sweet and slightly sour
- Season: Summer
- Colour: Green when raw, red to black when ripe
Kafal is considered nutritious and is affectionately called the “fruit of the gods.”
Scientific name: Myrica esculenta
Uttarakhand’s Nickname: Devbhoomi (Land of Gods)
Uttarakhand is widely known as Devbhoomi, owing to its countless temples, sacred rivers, and mythological importance. The presence of the Char Dham further strengthens its spiritual identity.
State River of Uttarakhand: River Ganga
The holy River Ganga originates from the Gangotri Glacier (Gomukh) in Uttarakhand, where it is known as Bhagirathi. After meeting the Alaknanda River at Devprayag, it becomes the Ganga.
Revered as a goddess, the Ganga is one of the most sacred rivers in Hinduism.
State Sweet of Uttarakhand: Bal Mithai
Bal Mithai is the most loved traditional sweet of Uttarakhand. Made from roasted khoya and coated with sugar balls, it resembles brown chocolate and is especially popular in the Kumaon region.
FAQs About Uttarakhand State Symbols
Q1. What is the state animal of Uttarakhand?
The Alpine Musk Deer (Kasturi Mrig) is the state animal of Uttarakhand. It is an endangered species found in high-altitude Himalayan forests.
Q2. Which bird represents Uttarakhand as the state bird?
The Himalayan Monal, known for its colourful feathers, is the state bird of Uttarakhand.
Q3. Why is Uttarakhand called Devbhoomi?
Uttarakhand is called Devbhoomi because it is home to the Char Dham and thousands of ancient temples linked to Hindu mythology.
Q4. What is the state flower of Uttarakhand?
Brahma Kamal is the state flower of Uttarakhand. It blooms at high altitudes and holds great religious significance.
Q5. Which tree is the state tree of Uttarakhand?
Burans (Rhododendron arboreum) is the state tree of Uttarakhand and is widely used in local culture and traditional drinks.
Q6. Is Kafal officially the state fruit of Uttarakhand?
No, Kafal is not officially declared, but it is widely considered the cultural fruit of Uttarakhand.
