“Pahari” refers to a group of Indo-Aryan languages spoken in the northern regions of India and parts of Pakistan, particularly in the Himalayan foothills. The term “Pahari” is a generic name used to describe several closely related languages and dialects within the region. These languages are often spoken in the states of Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, and Jammu and Kashmir in India, as well as in parts of Azad Jammu and Kashmir and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa in Pakistan.

The Pahari languages are part of the larger Northwestern group of the Indo-Aryan language family. Some of the prominent Pahari languages include Himachali, Garhwali, Kumaoni, and Pothwari. Each of these languages has its own distinct features, vocabulary, and grammar.

While Pahari languages have a strong oral tradition, efforts have been made to promote literacy and education in these languages. In recent years, there has been a growing recognition of the importance of preserving linguistic diversity, and initiatives have been undertaken to document and sustain Pahari languages. However, the linguistic landscape is diverse, and the status and vitality of individual Pahari languages may vary.