Kalimpong, Aug. 12. - After serving as a home for 300
years, a timeless piece of Lepcha architecture at Kashyone village,
about 6 kms from Pedong, is set to graduate to a heritage haunt.
The Damsang Environment Conservation
Eco Tourism Organisation, which works for the promotion of eco-tourism
in Pedong and its outskirts, has chalked out plans to convert the
homestead into a museum that will also provide accommodation to
tourists visiting the area. `Maintaining the age-old structure
is an expensive proposition and the owners are not up to it. Every
three years, the roof has to be changed. This costs around Rs. 10000
and the owners can not afford to spend such a large amount.`
said Sebastian Lepcha, director of the organisation. `So, we
have planned to convert the house into a museum and also provide
lodging for tourists. This way, the owner of the house con sure
that the Lepcha heritage is preserved. As for the visitors,
they can also taste traditional Lepcha cuisine, delicacies that
are gradually dying out.`
The museum, which will show the culture of the Lepcha community,
will be another attraction for the tourists who come here. `We
will be putting different items, like the mortar and stone grinder
and the clothes that the Lepchas used to wear earlier, on show in
the house to give visitors an insight into the rich cultural heritage
of the tribe` he said.
Work has already begun on the facelift. `We will try to complete
the makeover by October, after which, it will be opened to the public`
Lepcha said.
Courtesy
The Telegraph |
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