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This one-of-a-kind festival invites audiences to immerse themselves in the cultural richness of the Himalayas, fostering a deeper connection to its communities and landscapes.
The festival will host interactive sessions on responsible tourism, climate resilience, and human-animal harmony. (Photo: Royal Enfield)
Royal Enfield’s Social Mission is hosting the first-ever edition of ‘Journeying Across the Himalayas’ from 5th to 15th December 2024, at Travancore Palace, New Delhi.
This unique 10-day festival celebrates the spirit of the Himalayas with art, conversations, music, cuisine, and stories from the region’s communities. The festival was officially launched by Shri Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, the Union Minister for Tourism and Culture, who praised the brand’s efforts to preserve the Himalayas’ rich heritage.
As part of its mission to support 100 Himalayan communities, the festival brings together more than 50 communities, 100 partners, 150 experts, and 200 artists, aiming to inspire collective action and a deep connection with the region.
“This 10-day celebration presented by Royal Enfield Social Mission showcases the region’s rich cultural and natural heritage through the lens of sustainable exploration,” says Bidisha Dey, Executive Director of Eicher Group Foundation.
Key highlights of the festival include
Exhibitions and Installations:
- Where the Wind Tastes of Forgotten Songs: Artist Raghava KK showcases vibrant visuals of the Himalayas, reflecting the region’s fragility and resilience.
- The Long Road: Featuring models of Green Pit Stops, community-led eco-friendly traveller facilities across Himalayan routes.
- An Ode to the Snow Leopard: A VR experience by filmmakers Doel Trivedy and Gautam Pandey, highlighting snow leopard conservation.
- From Folk to Fabric: Displays of Himalayan textile traditions, myths, and craftsmanship.
- Evolution of Ice Hockey in Ladakh: A look at the sport’s six-decade journey, curated by Ladakh Arts and Media Organisation (LAMO).
- Helmets for India, Art for Change: Helmets transformed into art pieces to promote road safety.
Interactive Workshops, Discussions & Film Screenings:
The festival offers panel discussions on topics like cultural heritage, responsible tourism, and climate resilience, with speakers from conservation, arts, and filmmaking communities. It also features workshops on modern storytelling and climate change, and a programme of films showcasing conservation and community efforts.
Music Performances and Food Lab:
The festival’s music lineup includes acts like Taba Chake, Alif, and Bipul Chhetri, bringing the region’s musical traditions to life. The Food Lab offers a culinary journey across the Himalayas, with chefs like Pankaj Sharma and Shalini Philip highlighting the region’s flavours.
Festival Shops:
The festival also features a retail space showcasing Himalayan artisan products, with brands like The Woolknitters and Aagor Bodo Weaves.
