The Relevance of Buddhism in Kinnaur: Faith or Way of Life?
Storyteller : Adit Negi
Himal Prakriti Fellow
Village Kupa, Kamru Panchayat, Kinnaur District,
Himachal Pradesh
Read this story in Hindi
Last year around this time, I started a quest to understand the intricacies and intersections within the cultural and spiritual domain of my region. In doing so, I met a lot of interesting individuals who in this vast and rugged landscape of Kinnaur, reveal a fascinating story of cultural convergence and the intricate interplay of belief systems.
In the lower regions, Hinduism is predominantly practised, while in the upper reaches, Buddhism holds sway. However, in the middle belt, an intriguing fusion emerges, where locals embrace and integrate elements of both traditions into their customs and rituals.
This coexistence is far from a coincidence; it is the result of centuries of cultural exchange along the borders. As an agrarian and shepherding community, the people of Kinnaur often ventured beyond the mountains for trade and sustenance. Along these journeys, they encountered diverse traditions and practices, many of which were absorbed into the region’s unique cultural fabric. This video aims to capture the essence of this fusion, one that unfolds beliefs, stories and traditions passed down since generations. This reminds of a a few lines said by a famous Buddhist Woman Master,
“A western Himalayan community provides the perfect integration of global and regional issues. … the Kanaoras… have been a crucible for infinite social and cultural elements pouring from a vast region spanning from the north Indian plains to the Tibetan plateau”
– R. S. Pirta (2009: 28), A Buddhist woman Master
The remnants of this rich heritage are etched in the ancient monasteries, temples, and forts scattered across the region—silent witnesses to the values and principles that shaped Kinnaur’s identity. These structures are more than architectural marvels; they embody the wisdom and philosophies of the past. Yet, few among us truly understand the depth of the stories they hold—not just in their stone and wood, but in the enduring principles upon which they were built.
In my journey to unravel the layers of the past and present within these two distinct yet intertwined faiths, I travelled through various parts of Kinnaur and beyond. Along the way, I met monks and Kinnauri locals who shared their reflections on history, tradition, and the relevance of these beliefs today—not only for themselves but for all of us. Their insights illuminated how ancient customs and values continue to resonate, offering wisdom and guidance in our modern lives.
As one Lamaji in the film observes, this journey is not just about faith but about exploring the core principles of Buddhism and how they can be woven into our daily lives through mindful practice. This story centres on the people of Kinnaur and their nuanced understanding of these teachings. It is also my personal journey—an attempt to capture, through my travels and the people I’ve met along the way, a deeper insight into the ‘Relevance of Buddhism in Kinnaur.’ Through documentation, I aim to uncover how these age-old beliefs still echo in the lives and values of this community today.
Meet the storyteller
Adit Negi
Adit Negi is a post graduate in Film Studies from Ambedkar University. Having lived most of his young life in the cities of the ‘plains’, he is making his way forward in life by going back to his village Kupa (Kamru) in Kinnaur district of Himachal Pradesh, where he has been living now for the past 4 years. In his quest to engage with the rich cultural heritage of this region, he has chosen to be physically present and live and learn in the moment.
अदित नेगी ने अंबेडकर यूनिवर्सिटी से फिल्म स्टडीज में पोस्ट ग्रेजुएशन किया हैं। अपना अधिकांश युवा जीवन 'मैदानी' क्षेत्र के शहरों में बिताने के बाद, वह हिमाचल प्रदेश के किन्नौर जिले में अपने गांव कूपा (कामरू) वापस जा, वहां पिछले 4 वर्ष से रह रहे हैं। इस क्षेत्र की समृद्ध सांस्कृतिक विरासत के साथ रूबरू हो, वह अपने गांव में रहकर सीखने और खोज करने में अपने आगे की दिशा ढूंड रहा है।
Voices of Rural India
Voices of Rural India is a not-for-profit digital initiative that took birth during the pandemic lockdown of 2020 to host curated stories by rural storytellers, in their own voices. With nearly 80 stories from 11 states of India, this platform facilitates storytellers to leverage digital technology and relate their stories through the written word, photo and video stories.
ग्रामीण भारत की आवाज़ें एक नॉट-फ़ॉर-प्रॉफ़िट डिजिटल प्लैटफ़ॉर्म है जो 2020 के महामारी लॉकडाउन के दौरान शुरू हुई थी, जिसका उद्देश्य ग्रामीण कहानीकारों द्वारा उनकी अपनी आवाज़ में कहानियों को प्रस्तुत करना है। भारत के 11 राज्यों की लगभग 80 कहानियों के साथ, यह मंच कहानीकारों को डिजिटल तकनीक का प्रयोग कर और लिखित शब्द, फ़ोटो और वीडियो कहानियों के माध्यम से अपनी कहानियाँ बताने में सक्रीय रूप से सहयोग देता है।
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