INCREDIBLE TRADITIONS AND AMAZING CULTURAL PRACTICES OF KINNAURAS
UDC index:
008.009:39
DOI:
Article ID in the RSCI:
Article file: Download
Information about authors: Dr. Vijay Kumar Sharma, Member of Kalp Foundation, Institute of Integrated Himalayan Studies, Himachal Pradesh University (Shimla, India). E-mail: vijaysml39@gmail.com
Annotation: Himalayan region has long been known for its mysterious ritualistic performances and traditions. The cultural ritualistic practices can be linked with religion and spirituality, healthcare, childcare, artistic expression, dietary preferences and gastronomic traditions, social institutions, natural resource management, architecture, governance, or it can be practices linked with “Everyday life.” The rituals and festive occasions often take place at particular time and place and are closely linked to a community’s insight of its history and reminiscence. Some villages in Kinnaur have legendary cultural history, which has been passed on from one generation in a form of oral traditions. An institution of a local deity is one of the significant components of socio-cultural life of Kinnaur. The local deity is not a statue but is a supreme authority, who behaves like common human beings with sentiments and sense of pride. An institution of a local deity is not a matter of chance, but there has been a legend behind each one of these deities and this practice has its roots in the midst of primeval time. Thus, a deity is the main monarch and symbol of indigenous culture in Kinnaur, one of the most archaic regions of the Indian Hymalayas.
Keywords: Himalayan region, Kinnaur, tradition, indigenous culture, ritualistic practices, local deity.
DOI:
Article ID in the RSCI:
Article file: Download
Information about authors: Dr. Vijay Kumar Sharma, Member of Kalp Foundation, Institute of Integrated Himalayan Studies, Himachal Pradesh University (Shimla, India). E-mail: vijaysml39@gmail.com
Annotation: Himalayan region has long been known for its mysterious ritualistic performances and traditions. The cultural ritualistic practices can be linked with religion and spirituality, healthcare, childcare, artistic expression, dietary preferences and gastronomic traditions, social institutions, natural resource management, architecture, governance, or it can be practices linked with “Everyday life.” The rituals and festive occasions often take place at particular time and place and are closely linked to a community’s insight of its history and reminiscence. Some villages in Kinnaur have legendary cultural history, which has been passed on from one generation in a form of oral traditions. An institution of a local deity is one of the significant components of socio-cultural life of Kinnaur. The local deity is not a statue but is a supreme authority, who behaves like common human beings with sentiments and sense of pride. An institution of a local deity is not a matter of chance, but there has been a legend behind each one of these deities and this practice has its roots in the midst of primeval time. Thus, a deity is the main monarch and symbol of indigenous culture in Kinnaur, one of the most archaic regions of the Indian Hymalayas.
Keywords: Himalayan region, Kinnaur, tradition, indigenous culture, ritualistic practices, local deity.
