The traditions, customs, rituals or habits formed and practiced over generations, normally take the form of an unwritten law, having a profound, positive effect over the people following these and becomes a subject of inquisitiveness for others observing these. Historical traditions, however have often a substantial foundation and are of great value in tracing human experience and progress. For the purpose of this thesis, ignoring common traditions like hand shakes or bar mitzvahs, I have selected some unusual traditions which have a definite meaning and purpose for its practitioners.
The first tradition is the "Chalisa" of Lahul. Lahul is a small valley stuck between India's Himachal Pradesh and ladakh, the northern portion of Jammu and Kashmir. Its base is at ten thousand feet and peaks surrounding it range from thirteen to sixteen thousand feet. River Chenab flows through the valley. The inhabitants of the valley profess Buddhist religion, have a distinct language, very hardy and enterprising. There main professions are agriculture and trading, including trans-border trade with Tibet. During severe winter conditions, both these professions come to a naught. Generations ago their elders developed a tradition of usefully spending the forty coldest day of the winter, known as "Chalisa", between Christmas and the first week of February. Whole commune of forty to fifty families, in rotation, get together in one house; food is cooked there for all of them for the day. Constant fire is burning there, keeping the place warm. They lavishly indulge in drinking, a locally brewed beer like drink dancing, singing and other indoor games. The harshest of winter is thus spent with complete relaxation. When I read about this in detail I visualized that in such a tradition they saved a lot of scarce fuel, allow the boys and girls to mix freely and select their future life partners, enrich the cultural ties, and strengthen the family bond and abundance of care for small children and older people.
