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VOL. 12, ISSUE 2 (2025)
The role of local festivals and cultural beliefs in agricultural practices of Himalayan communities: A case study of Tyuni Tehsil, Dehradun, Uttarakhand
Authors
Dr. Anil Dutt, Dr. Paritosh Upreti
Abstract

Agriculture in mountainous regions is deeply intertwined with local traditions, cultural beliefs, and festivals. In Tyuni Tehsil, Dehradun, Uttarakhand, indigenous farming communities follow age-old agrarian customs, where religious and cultural events play a significant role in guiding agricultural activities. This study explores the relationship between traditional festivals and farming practices, examining how rituals, seasonal celebrations, and sacred beliefs influence sowing, harvesting, and resource management.

Through qualitative research, including interviews with local farmers, community elders, and cultural practitioners, this paper investigates key agricultural festivals such as Makar Sankranti, Basant Panchami, Boodhi Diwali, Jagra and Shivratri or Gauntra highlighting their impact on crop cycles, soil fertility, and livestock management. Additionally, it examines how local deities and animistic beliefs shape farming decisions, ensuring ecological balance and food security.

Findings reveal that while these traditions have historically contributed to sustainable agriculture and biodiversity conservation, modernization, migration, and climate change pose significant threats to their continuity. The study emphasizes the need for preserving and integrating indigenous knowledge with contemporary agricultural practices. By recognizing the cultural dimension of mountain farming, policymakers, agricultural scientists, and rural development organizations can work toward sustainable and culturally sensitive agricultural development in the Himalayan region.
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Pages:94-100
How to cite this article:
Dr. Anil Dutt, Dr. Paritosh Upreti "The role of local festivals and cultural beliefs in agricultural practices of Himalayan communities: A case study of Tyuni Tehsil, Dehradun, Uttarakhand". International Journal of Multidisciplinary Research and Development, Vol 12, Issue 2, 2025, Pages 94-100
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