Cultural change in the HimalayasPosted by: Admin Pragya |
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The communities living in the Himalayas have various ethnic affinities and display a variety of social systems, religions and customs. Over the centuries, the Himalayan people have witnessed invasions, migrations, political unrest and several wars. The culture of the people in this region has been shaped as a result of all these factors and has resulted in the intermingling of various tribes, often of different religious affiliations. The topographical and ecological factors of the area have also played an important role in shaping the culture because of the heavy dependence of people on natural resources for their livelihood and sustenance. Thus, the culture has evolved into an interesting amalgam of various social customs and traditions and is clearly visible in the rich variety of languages, clothes, festivals and rituals followed in the region.
Thus, it is necessary to understand that in today’s day and age mountain communities are undergoing cultural changes and are slowly being re-oriented towards the outer world. The Himalayan culture, comprising of dynamic and vibrant communities, is changing. This change, like all changes, has both negative and positive aspects. Hopefully, a healthy balance will be struck between traditional customs and modern influences, so the new develops, but not at the cost of the old.
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4 Comment(s) |
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Leave a comment... | |
* By: Dorje Tondup - Spiti, India
Posted on: 15-Oct-2012, 15:21 pm |
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Worrying indeed. No point blaming the young generation. We have failed to hand them down the lessons. Change has come so fast, we have not dealt with it effectively. | |
* By: Sumitra Devi - Kinnaur, India
Posted on: 08-Sep-2012, 13:02 pm |
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This is what we are dealing with. We are scared to think of the future when our grand children or their children will not recognise our culture. It is very sad. We are doing the best we can. But if the children are away most of the time for work and study, we cannot do much. They bring culture from the areas they visit. It is nice to know about outside worlds. But I wish they would respect and know more our practices. | |
* By: Tsering Angmo - Ladakh, India
Posted on: 18-Aug-2012, 12:46 pm |
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Yes it is true. Keeping balance is a challenge. | |
* By: Ankita Hazarika - Assam, India
Posted on: 13-Aug-2012, 12:36 pm |
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As a traveller is is sad to know about such changes in the Himalayas. It is true that these regions need to develop, but not at the cost of losing their heritage. This is happening in many areas in the north-east as well. | |
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