Singalila National Park is situated on the extreme northwestern border of the Darjeeling district in West Bengal, India, adjacent to Nepal and the state of Sikkim. The area is home to 20 small settlements and hamlets, from Chitrey to Phalut, along the Indo-Nepal border and the Singalila Ridge. Within the park, there are five settlements, each with unique significance for festivals, cultural practices, and food habits. The population of these settlements is mainly comprised of Nepalis and Tibetans. The Nepalese community celebrates festivals such as Dashain, Tihar, Meghe Sankranti, Shree Panchami, Gaijantantri, and Buddha Purnima, while Tibetan festivals, like Losar, are celebrated on different days by different communities. Different festivals are associated with diverse traditional food culture. Various ethnic groups consume various traditional foods, including fermented and non-fermented items and preserved and fresh food. This diversity encompasses dairy products such as cow or yak milk, which are used to make Churpi (processed hard cheese) and ghee (clarified butter). Additionally, many alcoholic beverages are popular, including Tongba, made from fermented millet; Roxy/Rakshi, a distilled spirit typically made from grains like millet, rice, or barley; and another type infused with Rhododendron flowers for their pink and red coloring. Local wines and beers from wild strawberries and kiwi fruit are also popular. Pickles are made from young bamboo shoots and Dalle Khursani. The diverse array of hot foods includes staples like Daal Bhat (rice and lentils), various vegetable and meat fillings of Momo, Thukpa, Selroti (bread), Saak, and more. Some communities also have the food tradition of consuming beef and yak meat, as well as its dried form known as Sukuti. The significance and preference of tea vary among different communities, and tea is popular for its health benefits. Extensive field studies are currently being conducted in 23 settlements and hamlets within the Singalila National Park (SNP) to gain a deeper understanding of the cultural practices and dietary habits of the indigenous people. The preliminary investigation and observations have unearthed a remarkable commitment among the local communities to preserve their rich cultural heritage and traditional festivals, despite their diverse ethnic backgrounds. These time-honored traditions are not only cherished by the locals but also capture the interest of intrepid tourists. This comprehensive study underscores the significance of acknowledging and appreciating the diverse cultural facets found within the SNP, including its festivals, culinary practices, and architectural heritage. Moreover, it underscores the indigenous people's innovative cultural preservation methods and their ability to adapt to the modern world. By fostering a sense of pride and ownership among community members, this approach fortifies their dedication to safeguarding the SNP's cultural and environmental treasures for generations to come.

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Resilience and Sustainability Practices with Local Communities in Singalila National Park (SNP), India: Exploring Traditional Food, Festivals and Culture in a Globalized World

  • Antara Sanyal,
  • Arindam Sarkar

摘要

Singalila National Park is situated on the extreme northwestern border of the Darjeeling district in West Bengal, India, adjacent to Nepal and the state of Sikkim. The area is home to 20 small settlements and hamlets, from Chitrey to Phalut, along the Indo-Nepal border and the Singalila Ridge. Within the park, there are five settlements, each with unique significance for festivals, cultural practices, and food habits. The population of these settlements is mainly comprised of Nepalis and Tibetans. The Nepalese community celebrates festivals such as Dashain, Tihar, Meghe Sankranti, Shree Panchami, Gaijantantri, and Buddha Purnima, while Tibetan festivals, like Losar, are celebrated on different days by different communities. Different festivals are associated with diverse traditional food culture. Various ethnic groups consume various traditional foods, including fermented and non-fermented items and preserved and fresh food. This diversity encompasses dairy products such as cow or yak milk, which are used to make Churpi (processed hard cheese) and ghee (clarified butter). Additionally, many alcoholic beverages are popular, including Tongba, made from fermented millet; Roxy/Rakshi, a distilled spirit typically made from grains like millet, rice, or barley; and another type infused with Rhododendron flowers for their pink and red coloring. Local wines and beers from wild strawberries and kiwi fruit are also popular. Pickles are made from young bamboo shoots and Dalle Khursani. The diverse array of hot foods includes staples like Daal Bhat (rice and lentils), various vegetable and meat fillings of Momo, Thukpa, Selroti (bread), Saak, and more. Some communities also have the food tradition of consuming beef and yak meat, as well as its dried form known as Sukuti. The significance and preference of tea vary among different communities, and tea is popular for its health benefits. Extensive field studies are currently being conducted in 23 settlements and hamlets within the Singalila National Park (SNP) to gain a deeper understanding of the cultural practices and dietary habits of the indigenous people. The preliminary investigation and observations have unearthed a remarkable commitment among the local communities to preserve their rich cultural heritage and traditional festivals, despite their diverse ethnic backgrounds. These time-honored traditions are not only cherished by the locals but also capture the interest of intrepid tourists. This comprehensive study underscores the significance of acknowledging and appreciating the diverse cultural facets found within the SNP, including its festivals, culinary practices, and architectural heritage. Moreover, it underscores the indigenous people's innovative cultural preservation methods and their ability to adapt to the modern world. By fostering a sense of pride and ownership among community members, this approach fortifies their dedication to safeguarding the SNP's cultural and environmental treasures for generations to come.