INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF RESEARCH CULTURE SOCIETY

Abstract:   Himachal Pradesh, a wonderland located in the Western Himalayas is a state of beautiful landscapes, mighty rivers, holy shrines and is also known as ‘land of the Gods’ has historic as well as cultural significance. With a population of 7.56 million or 75.5 lakh people, youth contributes the most. The study investigates the holistic role of youth in Himachal Pradesh as custodians of cultural change. This change is set against the backdrop of rapid urbanisation, modernisation and the universal influence of social media. It also effect the traditional socio-cultural fabric of the state and faces significant challenges. The primary object of this research is to critically analyse how the younger generation navigates the complex relationship between preserving their inherited traditions and adapting them to the contemporary world. The study employs a qualitative and ethnographic approach by utilising related literature of Himachal Pradesh that examines the cultural domain, including indigenous script/languages such as tankri, kharoshti, dogri, brahami, and folk music/theatre like naati, jhoori/karyala, banthana and dhaja. Simultaneously, it highlights the rituals of the state and traditional attire of the people with local practices.  The result of the study unveils a dual role played by youth, one side they act as a preserver by leveraging modern tools such as social media platforms used to promote the folk culture of Himachal and on the other side they can act as a changer, consciously or unconsciously modifying traditions. It means the youth of Himachal Pradesh are not mere spectators rather as an active agent in the process of cultural change.