In the South Uttarakhand Region, villagers value community, and many live in large group homes of up to 150 residents. These “longhouses,” as they are known, are built out of mud with lattice walls. It is a traditional art form for women to decorate the walls and verandahs of their homes with colorful murals dedicated to local deities.
Agriculture is the predominant industry in the South Uttarakhand Region, with farmers growing barley, wheat, corn and rice. People also raise animals such as chickens, ducks, pigs, goats and water buffaloes. Still others use nets to catch fish from the big rivers that run throughout the area.