Leh: A World within a World

India is a treasure house of diverse traditional, geographical and cultural embellishes as reflected in its rich scenic beauty from tough terrains of breathtaking Himalayas to spell bounding beaches of Rameshwaram. It has been a spiritual guru of the world from the time immemorial and is emerging as a popular tourist destination now.

Away from the cities, lives an India where nature is still worshiped, people still live a very simple life; visitors are welcomed with open arms and where it is so easy to be happy!  In the northernmost tip, weaved between the Karakoram and Himalaya mountains, for centuries a vibrant yet compassionate Tibetian- Buddhist Community has existed in the Indian state of Jammu and Kashmir as the proud epitome of one of the nature’s most harsh displays of beauty, better known as Ladakh. I had the good fortune of visiting this wonderful place in August 2014. 

The Ladakhi economy was traditionally self-sufficient with conventional agriculture and herding till tourism became popular in the late 70s after first accessibility of motor vehicles to this part of the world. Tourists around the world adore it for its unspoiled, authentic and exotic charm.  It is an ideal destination, away from modernization and any kind of disturbance from the outer world. Unfortunately, tourism has the potential of commoditizing its serenity.

All those villages which are frequently visited by tourists are completely changed or are in the process of transformation. For instance, Ladakhi denizens are inherently very hospitable and it was in their culture to invite people into their homes and offer them tea along the lines of an ancient Indian tradition of  “Atithi devo bhavah”, which means that a guest should be treated in the highest regard  like a God. However, having realized the profits which could be made by commercializing traditions and with the encroachment of a materialistic mindset in their attitudes, the tea is no more offered for free unless somebody is really lucky to have an authentic encounter.Even the monks are changing their traditionally austere customs and turning into entrepreneurs by establishing businesses like restaurants, food stalls, shops, hotels etc around sacred monasteries. Also, prayer halls in monasteries are being turned into museums for visitors and an additional fee is charged to show around during special occasions. They now tweak the dates of their traditional festivals to coincide with the tourist season from June to September which traditionally has had no historic connection with their culture whatsoever.  With the advent of tourism, people have become overly ambitious and their simple values and integrity are eroding with time. 

Tourism has its own pros and cons. Every society grows and evolves with time albeit at the loss of authenticity which is carried forward from the past, but expecting it to not change would be utopian and unrealistic. However, I feel that a delicate balance needs to be maintained so that cultural and traditional values are preserved and passed onto the future generations. I am still relishing the memories of one of the best journeys undertaken by me and the wonderful local inhabitants I met on my way. Their emotional state and sense of security is an inspiration for whole human race. Ladakh’s picturesque places have lasted an unforgettable impact on my mind.