Himachal Pradesh, a land known for its snow-capped mountains and spiritual serenity, also carries a rich cultural heritage rooted in centuries-old customs. However, as modernization seeps into its valleys and villages, many of its unique traditions are fading. This article explores the top 5 Himachal Pradesh cultural practices that are about to extinct, shedding light on practices that once defined the region’s identity but now teeter on the brink of disappearance.
1. Jagars: The Dying Oracle Ritual of Western Himachal
Jagars are ritualistic ceremonies practiced mainly in the districts of Chamba and Kangra, where local oracles (known as Gur or Bhootas) are believed to become possessed by village deities to offer guidance or healing. Accompanied by rhythmic drumming and chanting by the Malis (ritual singers), Jagars were not just spiritual ceremonies but also vital community events.
However, due to increasing skepticism, religious conversions, and social stigmas associated with possession practices, Jagars are declining rapidly. The younger generation considers them superstitious, and very few trained Malis remain to carry forward this oral tradition.
2. Pahari Miniature Painting: The Decline of Basholi and Kangra Schools
The Pahari miniature painting style, especially from the Basholi and Kangra schools, once flourished under royal patronage in the 17th to 19th centuries. These intricate paintings depicted themes from Hindu epics like the Ramayana and Mahabharata and were characterized by vibrant colors and delicate brushwork.
Today, the lack of patronage, commercialization, and absence of institutional support has made this art form nearly extinct. Only a handful of master artists continue the practice, often in isolation, without enough apprentices to preserve or evolve the tradition. Mass-printed replicas and cheap tourism-oriented versions have further devalued the original craftsmanship.
3. Naati Variations: Lesser-Known Folk Dance Forms Facing Disappearance
Naati, the traditional folk dance of Himachal Pradesh, is still performed in festivals and weddings. However, its regional variations—such as Barada Naati (Kullu), Losar Shona Chuksom (Lahaul), and Shunto (Spiti)—are fading away. These dances were once performed to celebrate harvests, seasonal changes, or community unity, each with its own unique choreography and rhythm.
Modern entertainment options, migration, and a shift in youth interests toward urban culture have led to the homogenization of Naati. Instead of learning their ancestral forms, many young performers now engage in generalized Naati performances that lack the cultural specificity and traditional essence of the originals.
4. Kul Devta Worship: Eroding Village Deity Traditions
Kul Devta worship is central to Himachali spiritual identity, where each clan or village reveres a specific local deity. These deities are consulted before major decisions—marriage, house-building, or even travel—and have their own temples, processions (Shobha Yatra), and oral legends.
However, with the rise of mainstream temple culture, urbanization, and religious standardization, the reverence for Kul Devtas is diminishing. Many ancestral temples lie abandoned, and rituals associated with them—like devta dances and jagran—are no longer performed. The loss of these deities marks the erosion of hyper-local belief systems unique to each Himachali valley.
5. Traditional Wool Weaving of Kinnaur and Lahaul: Vanishing Handloom Skills
The handloom weaving tradition of Kinnaur and Lahaul, particularly known for pattu, chubas, and intricate shammas (shawls), is facing extinction. These woolens were not just garments but symbols of status, marital identity, and ritual importance.
Today, machine-made textiles and imported fabrics have displaced handwoven products. Moreover, due to reduced sheep rearing, high yarn prices, and migration of younger generations to urban centers, traditional looms are falling silent. The remaining weavers are mostly elderly women, with little incentive or infrastructure to pass on the skill.
The cultural heritage of Himachal Pradesh is intricately woven into its geography and community life. The top 5 Himachal Pradesh cultural practices that are about to extinct represent not just lost customs but the vanishing of indigenous knowledge systems, artistic mastery, and spiritual depth. Without conscious preservation efforts—through education, community engagement, and state support—these traditions may soon survive only in archives and documentaries.