Mountain Festival in KSL-India: A Reflection of Mountaineering Culture

Abstract ID: 3.12765 | Not reviewed | Requested as: Talk | TBA | TBA

Tushar Singh (1)
Deepanshu, Parashar (2); Sarita, Palni (3); Arvind, Pandey (4); Ajit Pratap, Singh (5)

(1) Soban Singh Jeena University Almora, Mall Road, 263101 Almora, IN
(2) Map Earth Educational Society, Dhar, Pithoragarh, Uttarakhand, India-262541
(3) Department of Remote Sensing and GIS, Soban Singh Jeena University, Mall Road, Almora, India- 263601
(4) Global Tiger Forum, E-18, First Floor, East of Kailash, New Delhi, India-110065
(5) Civil Engineering Department, Birla Institute of Technology and Science, Pilani, Rajasthan, India – 333031

Categories: Culture, Economy, Remote Sensing, Tourism
Keywords: KSL-India, Mountain Festivals, Sacred Landscapes, Cultural Heritage, High-Altitude Pilgrimage

Categories: Culture, Economy, Remote Sensing, Tourism
Keywords: KSL-India, Mountain Festivals, Sacred Landscapes, Cultural Heritage, High-Altitude Pilgrimage

Abstract

The Kailash Sacred Landscape (KSL-India), covering an area of 7,120 square kilometers in Uttarakhand, represents a rich tapestry of various human cultures and natural ecosystems, intricately linked to mountaineering traditions. This region, featuring ten prominent hill stations, five major rivers, over 382 glaciers, and numerous sacred sites, acts as a central hub for cultural and spiritual festivities that highlight the profound relationship between local communities and the mountainous terrain. Traditional mountain festivals, including Nanda Devi Raj Jat, Jauljibi Mela, and Losar (Tibetan New Year), embody both the cultural legacy and the resilience of the local populace in adapting to environmental shifts. These celebrations pay tribute to sacred mountains, deities, and natural forces, often characterized by extensive pilgrimages, rituals, and communal gatherings. The essence of mountaineering culture is deeply woven into these events, as high-altitude trekking paths, sacred journeys, and glacial landscapes significantly influence the spiritual and social dynamics of the area. Nevertheless, the effects of climate change on glaciers such as Milam and Panch Chuli present significant challenges to the region’s biodiversity, water resources, and traditional customs. To safeguard both the mountain festivals and the mountaineering culture that are integral to the identity of KSL-India, it is crucial to promote sustainable tourism, conservation initiatives, and the revitalization of traditional ecological knowledge.