Enriching Unification through Ethnicity: a Quest through the Culture and Tradition of Mana Village

Abstract

Ethnicity has always been an aspect of multiculturalism that can destroy as well as unify any nation or community. But when ethnicity unifies, it creates a silver lining even to the most rough and topographical region. Mana Village, also known as the 'Last Village of India' is a perfect example for this as this is a land where culture and tradition bridges the gap between the conflicting lifestyle and beliefs. Mana is a village located in the Chamoli district of Uttarakha6nd. Mana is a land where the natives resemble more to the Tibetan and Chinese people rather than Indians. This paper tries to explore how the unifying power of religion merges with the culture (clothing, construction, body physic) of another nation. The paper will aim to trace the various traditions and practices of Mana people. The paper also explores how India as a nation of multitude of cultures maintains balance and unity amongst its citizens. The diversity of India has always made the onlookers awe stricken. The paper tries to establish ethnicity as a unifying factor than a destructive one by concentrating on aspects like multiculturalism, religion, mythology and nature by reflecting it through the life of the inhabitants. Mana also serves as a region of cultural identity and a hub of Hindu culture through the famous places like Vyas Gufa, Ganesh Gufa, Badrinath etc. On the whole, the paper is a journey through the greatness of a not much popular Himalayan Valley.