BOOKS

2. Preserving Ecology through Folklore: A study of the Folk Traditions of Himachal Pradesh,
Usha Bande,
Indus Publishing Company,
New Delhi
Price Rs. 350

Ecology is a Natural Science and folklore, a Social Science, but when positioned together for the purpose of study the "folklore-ecology" duo covers a vast field, comprising natural sciences like zoology, botany, geology and others, and social sciences like geography, sociology, anthropology, local history, natural history, and folklore. Together they make, what might be called the "ecosystem" in which life and nature function together as an integrated system. Folklore-ecology thus interact between cosmic elements and life. This report owes its origin and growth to our need as academicians, environmentalists and folklorists to understand the folk prudence, which has preserved the ecosystem over the centuries. Life in Himachal Pradesh is lived in close proximity with nature and its folklore shows the people's immense and innate love, awe and wonder for natural forces. Introductory part of report gives a bird's eye view of geographical features of Himachal Pradesh. The report deals also with eco-friendly aspects of various components of folklore like reverence for trees and groves, the ecological significance of water and animal worship, the significance of temples and the associated legends, myths and magico-religious practices in the preservation of environment and the role played by folk theatre, folk tales, riddles and sayings in drawing attention to the all-too vital issues concerning the natural surroundings.

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