Hidden amidst the serene folds of Uttarakhand’s Almora district, the village of Sukna (सुकना) sits quietly, surrounded by lush green fields, terraced farms, and the soothing rhythm of mountain life. Tucked away in the Bhanoli Tehsil, this small village may not be known to many, but it holds within it the soul of Kumaon pure, humble, and deeply connected to nature.
Life here moves at its own pace slow, gentle, and beautifully uncomplicated. The chirping of birds replaces the noise of traffic, and the crisp mountain breeze (ठंडी पहाड़ी हवा) carries the fragrance of pine and soil.
Sukna is home to a close-knit community where every household feels like part of one big family. With a population of just a few hundred people (कुछ सौ लोग), everyone knows everyone their joys, their worries, and their stories. The homes are mostly built in the traditional पहाड़ी (pahadi) style sturdy stone walls, wooden doors, and sloping slate roofs that withstand the changing moods of the Himalayas.
The people of Sukna are known for their simplicity and warmth. A passerby is always greeted with a smile and an invitation “आओ भैजी, चाय पी लो (Come brother, have some tea).” Hospitality here isn’t a gesture; it’s a way of life.
Agriculture is the heartbeat of Sukna. The villagers cultivate crops like mandua (मंडुवा), jhangora (झंगोरा), wheat, and pulses in the terraced fields carved gracefully along the mountain slopes. These fields are not just a source of food but a symbol of resilience showing how people have learned to live with nature rather than against it
In the early hours of dawn, women can be seen walking toward the fields carrying डोका (baskets) or heading to the forest to collect firewood and fodder. Men tend to the cattle or work in the fields, while children make their way to small local schools, their laughter echoing through the valleys.
The day in Sukna flows like a quiet song simple, rhythmic, and full of meaning.
Sukna’s beauty lies in its natural surroundings. The village is wrapped in a blanket of greenery for most of the year. During गर्मी (summer), the fields shimmer in shades of green and gold, while the sky glows clear and blue. In बरसात (monsoon), clouds descend upon the hills, covering the rooftops in mist, and the air fills with the scent of rain and earth.
Winters (सर्दियाँ) bring a different charm chilly mornings, smoky hearths (चूल्हा), and evenings filled with stories told under warm blankets. On clear nights, the stars shine so bright that the entire sky seems alive something that people from cities rarely get to experience.
The villagers of Sukna celebrate festivals with heartfelt enthusiasm. Harela (हरेला), Makar Sankranti (मकर संक्रांति), and Diwali (दीपावली) are not just religious occasions but moments that bring the community together. Fields are decorated, songs are sung, and everyone young and old joins in the joy.
Weddings, too, are a grand affair filled with laughter, folk music (लोकगीत), and the beats of traditional instruments. The sense of belonging and togetherness here is what truly defines Sukna’s spirit.
To reach Sukna, one must travel through winding mountain roads that pass through forests and tiny hamlets. The nearest major town is Almora, from where local transport or private vehicles can take you to the Bhanoli region. The journey itself is breathtaking with panoramic views of valleys, pine forests, and faraway snow-clad peaks.
Though small, the village has basic facilities like a primary school (प्राथमिक विद्यालय), a few shops, and access to nearby markets for daily needs. Mobile connectivity is improving, but the real connection that matters here is still between people and their surroundings.
Sukna may appear modest on the map, but its soul is vast and rich. It reminds us that happiness doesn’t come from luxury it blooms in togetherness, gratitude, and peace. The villagers live close to nature, respecting every season, every tree, and every drop of water.
For anyone seeking an escape from the noise of modern life, Sukna (सुकना) is not just a destination it’s an experience of शांति (peace) and अपनापन (belonging).
As the sun sets behind the hills and the sound of temple bells (घंटी की आवाज़) echoes through the valley, Sukna whispers softly reminding you that sometimes, the smallest places hold the biggest lessons.
Uttarakhand is not simply another country. People here name it Devbhoomi (देवभूमि), the Land of the Gods. And it feels that way. Rivers begin right here. Old temples sit on mountain tops. Morning dayl...