Celebrating Himalayan Living Heritage🏔

The collaboration between UNESCO and Royal Enfield brings the vibrant spirit of Himalayan living heritage to life,

as recently showcased during International Intangible Cultural Heritage Day.

One was fascinated to learn about  

 
"The Great Himalayan Exploration" 

event at UN House in New Delhi, a joint celebration of the rich traditions of the Indian Himalayan region. 

It is notable how this project, launched in 2022, has already documented over 100 Intangible Cultural Heritage (ICH) practices across 11 geographies, collaborating with more than 250 communities. 

The four-part docuseries on National Geographic, now available on JioHotstar, is highlighted as essential viewing.

​The event featured screenings from The Great Himalayan Exploration, including films on the revival of Mon-Shugu papermaking in Arunachal Pradesh and traditional wool spinning and weaving in Ladakh. 

These stories powerfully underscore the importance of preserving living cultural practices and their deep connection to the natural environment.

​Shombi Sharp, UN Resident Coordinator in India, aptly noted that "Safeguarding living heritage is essential to advancing the Sustainable Development Goals and building a more inclusive future for all."

Tim Curtis from UNESCO added that intangible heritage is a dynamic expression of identity, constantly recreated through interaction with nature and history. 

Bidisha Dey from Eicher Group Foundation highlighted how the exploration connects artisans and storytellers with new audiences, fostering appreciation among younger generations.

​The fireside conversation with Sharp, Curtis, and Dey, along with community representatives Dorji Chhoijom and Tashi Dolker, truly explored the vital links between living heritage, climate change, and sustainable livelihoods. 
 

It is clear that documentation and storytelling are key to strengthening identity and fostering resilience in remote mountain communities.

​In addition, Royal Enfield released the second edition of its Sustainability Journal, filled with field narratives and photography from the Himalayas.
 

Furthermore, an important date to note is the second edition of "Journeying Across the Himalayas," a festival celebrating Himalayan culture and creativity, set for December 4-10, 2025, at Travancore Palace in New Delhi.

​What aspect of Himalayan culture does one find most compelling or important to preserve?

​#HimalayanHeritage #UNESCO #RoyalEnfield #CulturalPreservation #IntangibleCulturalHeritage #SustainableDevelopment #India #TheGreatHimalayanExploration #LivingHeritage