Research Article | Published: 31 October 2024

Unveiling sacred and ceremonial plants of Kinnaur, Himachal Pradesh: Role of tribal community towards sustainable management of biodiversity in the NW Himalaya

Monika Chauhan, Vaneet Jishtu, Gurinder Singh Goraya, Raj Kumar Verma, Sher Singh Samant and Brij Bhushan

Indian Journal of Forestry | Volume: 47 | Issue: 3 | Page No. 139-150 | 2024
DOI: https://doi.org/10.54207/bsmps1000-2024-6H9LV9 | Cite this article

Abstract

Kinnaura tribe, residing in the rugged terrain around the majestic Kinner Kailash range in Himachal Pradesh, is well known for their diligent nature, warm hospitality, vibrant culture, and deep-rooted religious practices, influenced by both Hinduism and Buddhism. Their socio-economic and religious life revolves around the resident deity, relying on the rich biodiversity of their surroundings for performing rituals and ceremonies. Hence to explore the sacred and ceremonial plants that play essential roles in their beliefs, traditions and attire, an extensive field surveys were conducted from 2020 to 2023. A total of 51 plant species in 25 families were documented for their utilization in various religious ceremonies and festivals. Besides, these plants are also used to adorn their characteristic headwear, which can be referred to as the "The Crown of Kinnaur". Recognizing and respecting cultural practices that involve the sustainable use of plants fosters a strong sense of belonging, encouraging local communities to actively conserve species for future generations. This research delineates the interconnectedness between communities and their environment and contributes to achieving SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being), SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities), SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production), SDG 15 (Life on Land), and eventually SDG 13 (Climate Action).

Keywords

Ethnobotany, Himalaya, Local deities, Religious plants, SDGs, Tribal community

Access Options

250/-

Buy Full Access in HTML Format

Instant access to the full article.

Get access to the full version of this article. Buy Full Access in HTML Format

References

1. Anthwal, A., Gupta, N., Sharma, A., Anthwal, S. and Kim, K.H., 2010. Conserving biodiversity through traditional beliefs in sacred groves in Uttarakhand Himalaya, India. Resources, Conservation & Recycling, 54(11), pp.962-971. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.resconrec.2010.02.003

Google Scholar

2. Arie, E., Rosen, B. and Namdar, D., 2020. Cannabis and frankincense at the Judahite shrine of Arad. Tel Aviv, 47(1), pp.5-28.  https://doi.org/10.1080/03344355.2020.1732046

Google Scholar

3. Aswal, B.S. and Mehrotra, B.N., 1994. Flora of Lahaul-Spiti (A cold desert in north west Himalaya). Bishen Singh Mahendra Pal Singh, Dehradun

Google Scholar

4. Bagartee, D. and Swain, M., 2024. Study of some medico-religious plants in the tribal localities of Bargarh District, Odisha, India. Asian Journal of Research in Botany, 12(7), pp.84-93.

Google Scholar

5. Beyene, B., Beyene, B. and Deribe, H., 2016. Review on application and management of medicinal plants for the livelihood of the local community. Journal of Resource Development and Management, 22(1), pp.33-39.

Google Scholar

6. Buck, E.J., 1862. Simla, past and present. Internet Archive.

7. Chhetri, G., Bhujel, D. and Rai, Y.K., 2020. Socio-cultural and religious use of plants by ethnic communities of Darjeeling and Sikkim Himalayas. Journal of Traditional and Folk Practices, 7(1&2), pp.64-79.

Google Scholar

8. Dalasingh, B.K., Mahalik, G. and Parida, S., 2018. Study on the use of plants and plant parts in Durga Puja for worshipping of the Goddess Durga in Odisha, India. International Journal of Management, Technology and Engineering, 8(12), pp.2911-2918.

Google Scholar

9. Dash, S., Mandal, U., Parida, S. and Mahalik, G., 2019. Studies on the use of plants and plant parts in Ganesh Puja for worshipping of the Lord Ganesha in Odisha, India. International Journal of Advanced Science and Technology, 28(13), pp.63-71.

Google Scholar

10. Devi, S.K. and Dhal, N., 2020. Socio-economic initiative of the government and its efficacy on tribal women. International Journal of Recent Technology and Engineering, 8(5), pp.22-35.  https://doi.org/10.35940/ijrte.E5010.018520

Google Scholar

11. Geng, Y., Hu, G., Ranjitkar, S., Shi, Y., Zhang, Y. and Wang, Y., 2017. The implications of ritual practices and ritual plant uses on nature conservation: a case study among the Naxi in Yunnan Province, Southwest China. Journal of Ethnobiology and Ethnomedicine, 13, pp.1-11.  https://doi.org/10.1186/s13002-017-0186-3

Google Scholar

12. Gupta, S.M., 1971. Plant myths and traditions in India. Brill Archive.  https://doi.org/10.1163/9789004611542

Google Scholar

13. Haq, S.M., Khoja, A.A., Waheed, M., Siddiqui, M.H., Alamri, S., Alfagham, A.T., Al-Humaid, Latifah and Rainer, B., 2024. Food ethnobotany of forest resources in the high-altitude Himalaya Mountains: Enhancing the food sovereignty of ethnic groups. Forest Policy and Economics, 164, 103247.  https://doi.org/10.1016/j.forpol.2024.103247

Google Scholar

14. Herrera, B., Franck, A.R. and Rockwell, C.A., 2021. Sacred weeds: Common ritual plants from the urban botánicas of Miami-Dade County, Florida. Ethnobotany Research and Applications, 22, pp.1-15.  https://doi.org/10.32859/era.22.07.1-15

Google Scholar

15. IPBES. 2018. Summary for policymakers of the thematic assessmentreport on land degradation and restoration of the Inter governmental Science-Policy Platform on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services. In R. Scholes, L. Montanarella, A. Brainich, N. Barger, B. ten Brink, M. Cantele, B. Erasmus, J. Fisher, T. Gardner, T.G. Holland, F. Kohler, J.S. Kotiaho, G. Von Maltitz, G. Nangendo, R. Pandit, J. Parrotta, M.D. Potts, S. Prince, M. Sankaran, & L. Willemen (eds), IPBES secretariat, Bonn, Germany (44).

Google Scholar

16. Jishtu, V., Bhondge, S.W., Bhushan, B., Chauhan, M. and Chauhan, A. 2021. Threatened ethnomedicinal plants of Dodra-Kwar region of Himachal Pradesh, NW Himalaya. Journal of Medicinal Plants, 9(2), pp.151-159.

Google Scholar

17. Jishtu, V., Chauhan, A. and Bano, H., 2022. Ethnomedicinal and ceremonial plants of Kukshow-Veiled village of the Trans-Himalayan cold desert of Ladakh. Journal of Plant Resources, 20(2), pp.180-189.  https://doi.org/10.3126/bdpr.v20i2.57037

Google Scholar

18. Kadiri, M., Ojewumi, A.W., Aniola, T.O. and Musa, A.H., 2014. Ethno-botanical survey of plants commonly used for ceremonial activities among Yoruba tribe of South West Nigeria. Direct Research Journal of Health and Pharmacology, 2, pp.1-5.

Google Scholar

19. Kien, N.D. and Harwood, C., 2017. Timber demand and supply in northwest Vietnam: the roles of natural forests and planted trees. Small-scale Forestry, 16, pp.65-82.  https://doi.org/10.1007/s11842-016-9343-0

Google Scholar

20. Lata, S., Negi, P.S., Samant, S.S. and Seth, M.K., 2020. Indigenous uses and traditional practices of endemic and threatened Chilgoza Pine Pinus gerardiana Wall. ex D.Don by tribal communities in Kinnaur District, Himachal Pradesh, northwestern Himalaya. Journal of Threatened Taxa, 12(13), pp.16891-16899.  https://doi.org/10.11609/jott.6117.12.13.16891-16899

Google Scholar

21. Lata, S., Negi, P.S., Samant, S.S., Seth, M.K. and Shrama, S., 2021. Documentation of traditional alcoholic beverages and their indigenous utilization pattern by Kinnaura tribes of Himachal Pradesh, North Western Himalaya. Indian Journal of Traditional Knowledge, 20(4), pp.1002-1013. https://doi.org/10.56042/ijtk.v20i4.34760

Google Scholar

22. Lata, S., Samant, S.S., Paul, S. and Negi, P.S., 2024. Festival of flowers (Fulaich): Unique traditional culture and custom of Kinnaura tribes in Himachal Pradesh, North Western Himalaya, India. Indian Journal of Traditional Knowledge, 23(7)

Google Scholar

23. Maikhuri, R.K., Nautiyal, S., Rao, K.S., Saxena, K.G. and Ramakrishnan, P.S., 2008. Analysis and resolution of protected area-people conflicts in Nanda Devi Biosphere Reserve, India. Environmental Management, 42(2), pp.254-266.  https://doi.org/10.1017/S0376892900000060

Google Scholar

24. Nair, N.C., 1977. Flora of Bashahr Himalayas. International Bioscience Publishers

Google Scholar

25. Negi, V.S. and Maikhuri, R.K., 2017. Forest resources consumption pattern in Govind Wildlife Sanctuary, western Himalaya, India. Journal of Environmental Planning and Management, 60(7), pp.1235-1252.  https://doi.org/10.1080/09640568.2016.1213707

Google Scholar

26. Pandey, D. and Pandey, V.C., 2016. Sacred plants from ancient to modern era: Traditional worshipping towards plants conservation. Tropical Plant Research, 3(1), pp.136-141.

Google Scholar

27. Pandey, H.P., 2019. Socio-religious plants of Terai region of UP, India. International Journal of Biological Innovations, 1(1), pp.18-24.  https://doi.org/10.46505/IJBI.2019.1104

Google Scholar

28. Rowkith, S. and Bhagwan, R., 2020. Honoring tribal spirituality in India: An exploratory study of their beliefs, rituals and healing practices. Religions, 11(11), pp.549.  https://doi.org/10.3390/rel11110549

Google Scholar

29. Samant, Pant, S., Singh, M., Lal, M., Singh, A., Sharma, A. and Bhandari, S., 2007a. Medicinal plants in Himachal Pradesh, north western Himalaya, India. The International Journal of Biodiversity Science and Management, 3(4), pp.234-251.  https://doi.org/10.1080/17451590709618177

Google Scholar

30. Samant, S.S. and Shreekar Pant, S.P., 2003. Diversity, distribution pattern and traditional knowledge of sacred plants in Indian Himalayan Region. Indian Journal of Forestry. 26. pp.222-234.  https://doi.org/10.54207/bsmps1000-2003-2M0D2C

Google Scholar

31. Samant, S.S., Devi, K., Puri, S. and Singh, A., 2020. Diversity, distribution pattern and traditional knowledge of sacred plants in Kanawar Wildlife Sanctuary (KWLS), Himachal Pradesh, Northwestern Himalaya. Indian Journal of Traditional Knowledge (IJTK), 19(3), pp.642-651.  https://doi.org/10.56042/ijtk.v19i3.40812

Google Scholar

32. Samant, S.S., Singh, M., Lal, M. and Pant, S., 2007b. Diversity, distribution and prioritization of fodder species for conservation in Kullu District, Northwestern Himalaya, India. Journal of Mountain Science, 4, pp.259-274.  https://doi.org/10.1007/s11629-007-0259-1

Google Scholar

33. Schaal, B., 2019. Plants and people: Our shared history and future. Plants, People, Planet, 1(1), pp.14-19.  https://doi.org/10.1002/ppp3.12

Google Scholar

34. Sharma, U.K. and Pegu, S., 2011. Ethnobotany of religious and supernatural beliefs of the Mising tribes of Assam with special reference to the 'Dobur Uie'. Journal of Ethnobiology and Ethnomedicine, 7, p.16.  https://doi.org/10.1186/1746-4269-7-16

Google Scholar

35. Sharma, U.K., Pegu, S., Hazarika, D. and Das, A., 2012. Medico-religious plants used by the Hajong community of Assam, India. Journal of Ethnopharmacology, 143(3), pp.787-800.  https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jep.2012.06.053

Google Scholar

36. Sharma, V.K., 2017. Incredible traditions and amazing cultural practices of Kinnauras. Vestnik Kemerovo Gosudarstvennogo Universiteta Kul'tury i Iskusstv, 41(2), pp.13-18.

Google Scholar

37. Singh, G.S., 2004. Indigenous knowledge and conservation practices in tribal society of Western Himalaya: A case study of Sangla Valley. Studies of Tribes and Tribals, 2(1), pp.29-35.  https://doi.org/10.1080/0972639X.2004.11886501

Google Scholar

38. Sutrisno, I.H., Akob, B., Navia, Z.I., Nuraini, N. and Suwardi, A.B., 2020. Documentation of ritual plants used among the Aceh tribe in Peureulak, East Aceh District, Indonesia. Biodiversitas: Journal of Biological Diversity, 21(11), pp.4990-4998.  https://doi.org/10.13057/biodiv/d211102

Google Scholar

39. Tali, B.A., Khuroo, A.A., Nawchoo, I.A. and Ganie, A.H., 2019. Prioritizing conservation of medicinal flora in the Himalayan biodiversity hotspot: an integrated ecological and socioeconomic approach. Environmental Conservation, 46(2), pp.147-154. https://doi.org/10.1017/S0376892918000425

Google Scholar

40. Thakur, S.D., Kapoor, K.S. and Samant, S.S., 2011. Diversity and indigenous uses of sacred plants in Tirthan Wildlife Sanctuary, Himachal Pradesh. Journal of Non-Timber Forest Products, 18(2), pp.123-128.  https://doi.org/10.54207/bsmps2000-2011-4WL2RG

Google Scholar

41. Thapa, C.B., 2015. Some socio-religious flora of Rupandehi district, western Nepal. International Journal of Applied Sciences and Biotechnology, 3(1), pp.123-126.  https://doi.org/10.3126/ijasbt.v3i1.12217

Google Scholar

42. Thaplyal, V., 2011. Studies on plant use resource management among the tribal communities in Kinnaur District of Himachal Pradesh. Ph.D. Thesis, HNB Garhwal University, Srinagar.  https://doi.org/10.3126/ijasbt.v3i1.12217

About this article

How to cite

Chauhan, M., Jishtu, V., Goraya, G.S., Verma, R.K., Samant, S.S. and Bhushan, B., 2024. Unveiling sacred and ceremonial plants of Kinnaur, Himachal Pradesh: Role of tribal community towards sustainable management of biodiversity in the NW Himalaya. Indian Journal of Forestry, 47(3), pp.139-150. https://doi.org/10.54207/bsmps1000-2024-6H9LV9

Publication History

Manuscript Received on 30 July 2024

Manuscript Revised on 23 October 2024

Manuscript Accepted on 25 October 2024

Manuscript Published on 31 October 2024

Share this article

Anyone you share the following link with will be able to read this content: