In the lead-up to International Intangible Cultural Heritage Day, UNESCO, UN India and Royal Enfield came together at UN House, New Delhi, to spotlight the “living heritage” of the Indian Himalayas. The event showcased the latest chapter of the collaborative initiative The Great Himalayan Exploration, which documents and promotes cultural traditions across Himalayan states.
Launched in 2022, the project has traversed 11 Himalayan geographies, including Ladakh, Himachal Pradesh, Sikkim, Arunachal Pradesh, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Manipur, Tripura, Nagaland, Assam, and North Bengal, engaging with more than 250 communities and documenting over 100 intangible cultural heritage (ICH) practices.
Short videos about the revival of the Mon-Shugu paper-making craft in Arunachal Pradesh and traditional wool spinning and weaving in Ladakh were among the event's highlights. These included illustrations of how Himalayan communities maintain traditional customs while adjusting to contemporary issues.
At the event, UN Resident Coordinator Shombi Sharp emphasised that these communities remind us “that sustainable development begins with respect for people, culture and nature.” He highlighted how documenting living heritage connects cultural identity with environmental stewardship and livelihoods.
Tim Curtis, Director of UNESCO’s Regional Office for South Asia, said that intangible heritage is not static—it evolves with communities, their environment and history. He added that the partnership with Royal Enfield helps give voice to Himalayan traditions and ensures they inspire future generations.
The event also saw the launch of the second edition of Royal Enfield’s Sustainability Journal (2024-25), featuring photography, rider journals and stories from the Himalayas. Additionally, Royal Enfield announced the second edition of its multidisciplinary festival, Journeying Across the Himalayas (4-10 December 2025 at Travancore Palace, New Delhi), which will explore Himalayan culture, craft, cuisine and storytelling through immersive experiences.
The partnership showed how culture, exploration, and community efforts can come together to promote responsible tourism and protect cultural heritage.
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