Royal Enfield Social Mission, in collaboration with UNESCO, has announced the premiere of the fourth edition of 'The Great Himalayan Exploration'. The four-episode docu-series, which captures the living heritage of Himachal Pradesh, airs on National Geographic India and streams exclusively on JioHotstar every Sunday at 8 PM.
Journey Across Himachal
Selected from over 550 applicants, the series follows 20 rider-researchers on a transformative journey through the culturally rich landscapes of Chamba, Kangra, Kinnaur, Kullu, Mandi, and Spiti. Notable voices including Chef Gresham Fernandes, Architect Rahul Bhushan, and Designer Suket Dhir, along with creators Candida Louis, Maral Yazarloo Pattrick, and Marc Engel, join the expedition. They delve into the region's lifestyle, art, culture, and traditions, documenting immersive engagements between riders and local communities.
Voices from the Partners
Bidisha Dey, Executive Director of Eicher Group Foundation, stated, 'Safeguarding living heritage is a shared responsibility that extends beyond academic research. We aim to bring new voices into the fold, and our collaboration with National Geographic India is key to making these stories accessible to a broader audience. This builds on our groundwork with UNESCO, through which we have documented over 100 Intangible Cultural Heritage (ICH) practices across the Eastern and Western Himalayas.'
Tim Curtis, Director of UNESCO Regional Office for South Asia, commented, 'Intangible cultural heritage is the living fabric of communities, shaping identity and social cohesion. What makes this exploration distinctive is how it brings together riders and local communities in a shared act of discovery, creating a renewed sense of pride. Through storytelling, these practices become accessible while remaining rooted in their communities.'
A spokesperson from National Geographic India added, 'With this returning season, we continue to spotlight experiences that celebrate culture, community, and exploration. Through authentic storytelling, the series brings meaningful narratives from far-flung Himalayan corners to life, highlighting cultures and traditions rarely seen.'
Cultural Highlights
The series spotlights the architectural genius of Kathkuni buildings, a centuries-old style engineered for high-altitude earthquakes. It captures the delicate artistry of Chamba Rumaal, Kangra paintings, and the ceremonial Chamba Thaal, while celebrating the spirited Haran and Nati dances. Iconic symbols like the Himachali Topi, Spiti jewellery, the sacred Sanchok ceremony, and traditional Mandiyali Dham are featured. Viewers also meet the Chamurthi horse, a rare high-altitude breed shaping Spiti's culture and economy. At the heart is the Kullu Dussehra, a festival transforming an entire valley into a living expression of devotion.
About Intangible Cultural Heritage
As defined by UNESCO, Intangible Cultural Heritage (ICH) includes practices, expressions, knowledge, and skills recognized by communities as part of their heritage. It is expressed through oral traditions, performing arts, social practices, rituals, knowledge about nature, and traditional craftsmanship.
Royal Enfield's 'The Great Himalayan Exploration' is a unique motorcycling expedition to safeguard ICH in the Indian Himalayan region. Launched in 2022 in the Eastern Himalayas and continuing through the Western and North Eastern Himalayas, it is a multi-year partnership with UNESCO aiming to document 200 ICH practices.
