Abstract ID: 3.9356 | Reviewing | Talk/Oral | TBA | TBA

The Manimahesh Yatra, an annual pilgrimage to the sacred Manimahesh Lake, holds deep socio-cultural significance for the people of Himachal Pradesh, especially of Chamba district. Situated in the Pir Panjal Range of the Greater Himalayas, this pilgrimage intertwines religious beliefs with the region’s rich cultural heritage, drawing devotees from across Himachal Pradesh. This paper aims to explore how the Manimahesh Yatra helps not only in preserving century-old traditions but also helps in maintaining sustainable community tourism in the Pir Panjal Range since ages and impacting the socio-economic conditions of the local communities and the environment. Utilizing primary survey techniques such as structured interviews, participant observation, and focus group discussions, the research explores and documents the experiences and perceptions of pilgrims, local residents, and officials involved in organizing the Yatra. The findings highlight the Yatra’s role in preserving rich cultural practices, promoting social cohesion, and sustaining the local economy and environment. However, the study also points to environmental challenges that arise from increased footfall of devotees, tourists’ vehicles, and changing climatic conditions in the Himalayan ranges.