Resilience of Traditional Ritual Practices in Bhutanese Mountain Farming Systems Amid Climate Change and Anthropogenic Activities

Abstract

Indigenous mountain people are often marginalized from mainstream development and are not able to express their concerns over the impacts of ecosystem changes on their livelihoods. Living in geographically difficult terrains, they engage in traditional ritual practices concerning their livelihoods that build on generations of deep-rooted beliefs. Yet, the availability of literature on traditional rituals practiced in the context of farming systems is scant. We conducted an exploratory study, through structured survey questionnaires, to document the traditional ritual practices observed in farming across the country of Bhutan. The study revealed the continuing practice of diverse and unique traditional rituals being propitiated to local deities for the welfare and wellbeing of individuals and communities across all ethnic groups in Bhutan. This study documented various tangible and intangible cultural values adopted in farming practices in Bhutan that are at risk of disappearing due to anthropogenic pressures.

Keywords

• farming practices
• local deities
• traditional rituals