Sikkim's cultural heritage takes center stage in third 'Great Himalayan Exploration' edition

The third edition of The Great Himalayan Exploration, an initiative focused on preserving and documenting the Intangible Cultural Heritage (ICH) of the Himalayan region, was launched by UNESCO and Royal Enfield. 
 

This year, the expedition aims to highlight Sikkim’s rich cultural traditions, with two groups of motorcyclists set to explore and document ten unique practices across the state.
 

Sikkim Legislative Assembly member, Aditya Golay (Tamang) flagged off the event in Gangtok, on March 3. Speaking at the event, he spoke about the importance of preserving Sikkim’s cultural heritage and promoting sustainable tourism.
 

"It is my pleasure to be present here today to flag off the third edition of The Great Himalayan Exploration in Sikkim, a joint collaboration between the Royal Enfield Foundation and UNESCO. This unique initiative aims to document and preserve the living cultural heritage of the Indian Himalayas, including practices, skills, performing arts, rituals, and craftsmanship," he said.
 

Golay highlighted that the ride would explore ten cultural traditions across Sikkim, with researchers documenting them through video and immersive participant observation. He stressed that the project would not only help protect Sikkim’s and India’s Intangible Cultural Heritage but also support sustainable tourism while uplifting local communities.
 

"Sikkim is known for its rich biodiversity, culture, and traditions, as well as for hosting the mighty Kanchenjunga. Our state has immense potential to become a leading eco-friendly sustainable tourism destination, provided the right support, guidance, and policies are implemented. I am glad that the Royal Enfield Foundation and UNESCO have already started working towards this goal. We look forward to many more such collaborations, and I assure you that the Government of Sikkim would be delighted to be a part of them," he added.
 

He also extended his gratitude to the organisers for inviting him to be part of this initiative. Wishing the riders and researchers a successful journey, he expressed hope that they would enjoy the hospitality of Sikkim’s hills and villages.
 

As defined by UNESCO, Intangible Cultural Heritage includes traditions, practices, knowledge, and skills that communities recognize as part of their identity. The expedition will document significant traditions such as the Bhumchu Festival, Lepcha healing practices, cardamom cultivation, traditional weaving, churpi cheese making, Sikkimese mask-making, and the unique Dzumsa system of governance in Lachen and Lachung. Other highlights include the rituals honoring Mount Kanchenjunga, yak grazing traditions, and the intricate butter sculptures used in Buddhist ceremonies.
 

This initiative, which began in 2022, has already documented over 60 cultural practices in the Eastern Himalayas and 12 in Ladakh. The goal is to record 200 heritage traditions over multiple years, strengthening efforts to preserve Himalayan cultures amid modernization.