Vanishing cultural identities: A Himalayan reality?

The Himalayan region is unique and the generations of relative seclusion of the valleys amidst these high mountain ranges have helped nurture a multiplicity of cultures with distinctive arts, architecture, traditional knowledge, and ways of life. However, these traditions are fast eroding. 

With development initiatives aimed at mainstreaming the communities and the changing environment engulfing the region, how often do we pause to ponder what impact are the associated stresses having on Himalayan heritage? 

The withering of the cultural identities of the Himalayan communities has not gone unnoticed and there are significant efforts being made by various indigenous and other stakeholders to enhance the valorisation and diffusion of Himalayan cultures. 

Through this forum, we invite you to share your views on: (a) eroding cultural distinctiveness - the experience; (b) initiatives/best practices for enhancing cultural participation and management; (c) preserving cultural identities - the obstacles and way ahead in context of the Himalayas.

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Here everyone is talking about protecting Himalayan culture, but how? it's a question. In my openion, if we talk about our culture then we should talk about its roots. How can we preserve our culture if we don't know about the root of our culture? Thats why i think we have to bring awareness about culture in young people. If we know the roots better, then we can understand our culture in a better way and can do something to preserve it.

The himalayan region is abode of god. The history of this place is also realted with local culture, local language and customs. This central Himalayan region has its own rich culture (e.g. Bhotia Culture). But migration is one of the main factors these days which is influencing the loss of cultural identities.

The Himalayan region has its vibrant cultural society. The religious, social and cultural urges of the people of Himalayas find their expression in various fairs and festivals as well as in their lifestyle, which in turn are closely linked to the social and economic activities of the region.

The Himalaya is one of the holy heritage on this earth. The culture, history, language, environment, social beliefs and customs of Himalaya are so unique. Every lover of Himalaya know that these things should be protected and preserved. But what are we doing? I think if we want to preserve The Himalaya and its culture, we have to do something new. The High Himalaya Forum is a stage from where we can do something for the  heritage of the Himalayas.

Culture of peace is getting lost. Socio economic problem is at its peak. An alternate development model is the need of the hour.

The richness and diversity of the complex socio-cultural elements in the Himalayan context have been preserved due to the relative isolation and tough geographic conditions of the region. The opening up of the region to outside cultural influences mimics a well understood phenomenon in the natural sciences, where 'exotic species' sometimes overpower native species that have no defence mechanisms in place to withstand the assault.

I visited rural remote areas in Himalayas and was amazed by their culture and living pattern. In recent times, bulk migration from these habitations is posing threat to the culture. It is very likely that in due course much of the learning will be lost. I appeal to everyone to take time and explore these areas and help in keeping the culture alive.

The culture and folk art has its own unique identity. But the traditional customs, folk songs and music, traditional dress and traditional architecture of this region are on verge of extinction today. Even traditional enterprises are hardly visible and people are migrating out of the Himalayan region. Therefore it is extremely important today to protect the local heritage, which would only be possible through responsible tourism and enhancing livelihood and marketing opportunities, and essential trainings. 

This culturally rich area can attract the youth only if we can enhance the visibility of the vibrant culture and address the ongoing issues. This rich cultural heritage therefore needs adequate attention towards promoting tourism, enterprise, folk music, adventure sports and marketing.

Himalayas have one of the oldest and colorful rich culture, but has not yet got an appropriate platform. So the culture of high himalaya is out of reach for many people. Presently I hope this discussion on high Himalayan culture helps it become popular internationlly. Folk culture is our oldest heritage. We must preserve it for next genrations!!!

Himalayas have a history of rich culture, with diversity in language, attires and food patterns across the central, eastern and western parts are at the state of depletion. In order to preserve the culture for the future generations a different integrative process needs to be thought of wherein to begin with one could identify the existent cultural practices and with support from the communities the extinct cultural forms could be revived using the key members of the society.

Vanishing cultural identities: A Himalayan reality?

The Himalayan region is unique and the generations of relative seclusion of the valleys amidst these high mountain ranges have helped nurture a multiplicity of cultures with distinctive arts, architecture, traditional knowledge, and ways of life. However, these traditions are fast eroding. 

With development initiatives aimed at mainstreaming the communities and the changing environment engulfing the region, how often do we pause to ponder what impact are the associated stresses having on Himalayan heritage? 

The withering of the cultural identities of the Himalayan communities has not gone unnoticed and there are significant efforts being made by various indigenous and other stakeholders to enhance the valorisation and diffusion of Himalayan cultures. 

Through this forum, we invite you to share your views on: (a) eroding cultural distinctiveness - the experience; (b) initiatives/best practices for enhancing cultural participation and management; (c) preserving cultural identities - the obstacles and way ahead in context of the Himalayas.

Download Report

A good starting point would be to document the current state and if possible track the evolution, i.e., the pattern of change in select culture elements.

Several arts and crafts have lost their functionality as a consequence of changing values, lifestyles, and hence lie threatened today. This has resulted in a permanent state of anxiety for the Himalayan communities. Mountain regions are perceived as peripheral and suffer from policy and development neglect. Investments continue to be low and there are stark gaps in development.

The Himalayan region may be considered to be a cultural complex, a composite of several cultural cosmoses rolled into one, each little valley or plateau with its distinctive cultural forms. Every mountain slope is, from the anthropo-geographical standpoint, a complex phenomenon. The settlement patterns, occupations and ways of life of populations in the Himalayas are a reflection of human interaction with and adaptation to climate, relief and ecology.