BML Munjal University students explore Himachal’s traditional knowledge, crafts

Spread the news

In all, 31 students attend field course in Naggar and Lahaul, learning Kath-Kuni architecture, wool crafts, natural dyeing and pastoral life

Naggar, September 18

Thirtyone students of BML Munjal University, Gurugram, explored Himalayan life, traditional knowledge, architecture, crafts and local livelihoods during an interdisciplinary field course in Naggar and the Lahaul region of Himachal Pradesh.

The students participated in the field course titled Living Lightly in the Himalayas, which focused on understanding the relationship between Himalayan communities, their environment, traditional practices and livelihoods.

During their visit to Chandratal and the Lahaul valley, the students interacted with shepherd communities and learned about the traditional lifestyle of Gaddi pastoralists and the links between sheep, grazing grounds and the Himalayan environment.

In Naggar, a one-day workshop on Kath-Kuni architecture was organised in collaboration with Himalayan Brothers Adventure. The students learned about the traditional construction technique and built models in the Kath-Kuni style.

The students also participated in a two-day workshop with local women artisans associated with Kullvi Whims. They were introduced to traditional processes including spinning, weaving, knitting, and natural dyeing using local wool.

The field programme was coordinated locally by Bhrigu Acharya and Akanksha of Himalayan Brothers Adventure, Naggar. It gave students the opportunity to interact directly with local shepherds, artisans, and people with traditional knowledge.

Filmmaker Payal said the course aimed to help students understand nature, traditional knowledge, local livelihoods, architecture and culture in the Himalayas. She said the programme began with Kullvi Whims, where the students worked with the artisans and learned about their processes.

Meanwhile, Kullvi Whims co-founder Bhrigu Acharya said in all, 31 students visited the area and learned about local lifestyle, food, traditional knowledge, pastoralism, the environment, culture, crafts and livelihoods. He said the students were also introduced to houses built in the Kath-Kuni style.