Hurkiya

In fact, there are two distinct communities that go by the name Hurkiya, those of Uttarakhand, who are Hindu by religion, and those found in western Uttar Pradesh, who are Muslim.

The community were employed by the Johari Bhotia as singers and entertainers, and most Hurkiya are still found in the Johar Valley.

There are also a tradition, that the Hurkiya were invited from the plains of Uttar Pradesh by the Khas Rajput clans of Chougarkha in Allmora District.

In terms of distribution, the Hurkiya are mainly found in the towns of Munsiyari, Didihat and Baram, all in Pithoragarh District.

Traditionally, the Hurkiya used to entertain their Bhotiya and Khas Rajput clients, with the men playing the hurka drums and the women dancing.

However, almost all the Hurkiya have abandoned their traditional occupation, and are now involved in selling fancy items such as bangles, combs, mirrors and toys.