|
 Himachal
is a land of magnificent traditions and colorful
festivals. Right from food to dresses everything
includes a part of cultural living. Though village
life in various parts of Himachal is also affected
by the constant speed and sudden changes with
lifestyles yet they maintain their cultural
integrity.
The
customs and rituals practiced in this region of
Himachal depict the lifestyle of the natives
living in harmony with Nature. Himachal is known
as DEV BHOOMI where there is tradition of
people to honor deities, holy spirits, sages,
snake gods and other powerful gods and goddesses
mentioned in ancient Indian scriptures. Almost
every village has beautiful temples dedicated to
these deities.
The Himachali's hold well known gods and goddesses
of the Hindu traditions, but
their ties with local deities are more close.
The institution of
village gods is common factor in Himachal. All
customs revolve around local deities.
Right from the origin
of manifestation of a particular god or goddess,
the Gur, the oracle who is the interpreter of the
divinity, relates the whole story of the powers,
miracles and curses inflicted by him from time to
time. Filled with the power (Shakti) of the deity,
the Gur shakes his body and goes into a trance
before the audience uttering something in an
unusual manner, sometimes in an unknown language,
as if the deity itself is speaking.
 Buddhism
in Himachal Pradesh holds considerable influence
in Manali,
Kullu, north-eastern parts of
Lahaul And
Spiti
and Kinnaur. The Buddhist Monasteries has
assured an era of socio-cultural resurgence in the
region
Most
people in the Himalayas sustain themselves by a
combination of agriculture and animal husbandry.
Until very recently, tourism and other
developmental activities have started taking
important aspect in Himalayan life.
The life and social
values of Himachal people are in harmony with
nature. They practice a lifestyle in which
concepts like equity, sustainability, community
participation etc. are deep rooted. They do not
only understand but also implement these concepts
in their day to day activities |
