On my recent trip to Mussoorie, the queen of hills, I couldn’t help but notice the threat lurking around to the indigenous languages and culture of Uttrakhand. According to estimates, till last century over 80% of the population used to speak these languages which have now reduced to 40–50%, followed by the disappearance of culture and tradition.
Due to the increasing settlements of urban investors termed as “plain people”, Devbhoomi is crumbling under rising population, rapid infrastructure development at the cost of ecologically sensitive areas, worsening of water bodies, poor waste management and loss of tradition. Once local markets flooded with Himalayan spices and Pahadi savouries are now replaced by processed and refined food, the folk dances and Dhol-dhamau have lost their charm to western dance forms.
With the hike of locals marching out the Himalayan foothills for better opportunities, the fading of culture and traditions are vanishing from the site.
Written By,
