A nation’s cultural diversity is the true depiction of its historical heritage as well as the spirit of harmony that exists between different religions, castes, and creeds. The cultural diversity of a country is what imparts different colors, flavors, and personalities to the different states. Every village glows vibrantly in the brilliant hues of the traditional attire of the region, and the melodious folk songs that celebrate the wisdom and valor of the forefathers resound from each corner of the map. Unfortunately, one of the most damaging effects of urbanization is the migration from one’s cultural roots towards a robotic lifestyle. In the face of this threat to the survival of our cultural diversity, agritourism plays a crucial role in conserving and promoting the traditional heritage of the different communities that inhabit the planet.

The rural parts of a country are the most priceless gems of cultural diversity. Surrounded by vast, green fields and fruit orchards, these villages are the hot-spots of cultural tourism. These agritourism centers have preserved the traditional way of living and are excellent places to explore the intriguing culture of the region.

Supporting and visiting these cultural hubs helps to keep the candle of cultural diversity burning because these destinations showcase the local cuisine, the rustic lifestyle, and the regional arts and crafts.

Here are some of the ways in which agritourism plays a crucial role in promoting the diverse culture of any country.

1. A Glimpse Of The Local Culture

Cultural tourism offers a chance to enjoy the simple lifestyle of the villages. It is an opportunity to break away from the vicious lure of digital devices and spend a day enjoying life like our ancestors. Be it the numerous festivals with fun filled rituals or the recreational activities such as puppet shows and traditional games, there are various options to keep the entire family entertained at an agritourism centre. Interaction with the locals and understanding their daily routine helps realise what we are missing out due to our hectic and monotonous lifestyles.

2. A Taste Of The Local Cuisine

It is believed that the food from two kitchens can never taste the same. This adage aptly describes the food diversity on the planet. Even within India, each region offers a unique cocktail of flavors, from the sweet notes of Jaggery in a Gujarati Thali to the spicy curries of Konkan that tickle the taste buds. As the climate and geographical attributes vary across the landscape, so does the food. Food tourism is an excellent way to keep the traditional recipes alive and to pay homage to the grandmothers who have passed them from one generation to another for centuries.

3. The Notes Of The Local Language

There are more than 6000 different languages in the world and India alone has around 22 official languages and over a 1000 different dialects! Different villages add their special touch to the regional language with a unique accent. Upon travelling just a few miles in any direction, you will notice a significant variation in the local dialect. If we are blessed with such wonderful diversity, it is our duty to preserve it. Thankfully, the agritourism centres have taken up this responsibility to celebrate the regional languages and literature. They promote the songs and plays in the local tongue and visitors can also acquire fluency in a new language!

4. An Exhibition Of Local Arts & Crafts

Long before the advent of fancy machinery, our ancestors were creating beautiful pieces of art that can put the mass produced articles of the modern age to shame. The craftsmen and artists of different regions excel in different forms of art, such as the Madhubani paintings of Bihar and the colourful Bandhini work of Rajasthan. The agritourism centres not only display the finesse of these artworks but also offer a chance for the guests to buy these pieces and support the local craftsmen. This is a very commendable initiative to keep the small scale handicrafts industries alive and flourishing.

Agritourism not only helps in protecting and promoting the cultural diversity of India, it also plays a global role in preserving the heritage of different parts of the world. It is time to join hands and promote agritourism on all public forums, to strengthen the spirit of cultural diversity and inclusion at an international scale.