Prelims: Current events of national and international importance | Art and Culture
Why in News?
Recently, Sikkim hosted its first-ever Himalayan Yak Festival at Gnathang Valley on October 28, 2026.
- Location – Gnathang Valley, Sikkim, situated near the India–China border.
- Organised by – Department of Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Services, Government of Sikkim.
- In collaboration with
- Ashoka Trust for Research in Ecology and the Environment (ATREE).
- Sikkim Inspires.
- G.B. Pant National Institute of Himalayan Environment (NIHE).
- Objectives
- Advance the conservation of indigenous yak populations.
- Acknowledge and support yak herders and their traditional practices.
- Enhance sustainable livelihoods within high-altitude communities.
- Foster the development of high-altitude tourism and yak-based products.
- Facilitate collaboration to advance sustainable yak husbandry.
Himalayan Yak Herders’ Network 2026 – Yak herders from Bhutan, India, and Nepal launched the first Himalayan Yak Herders’ Network at Bhutan’s 9th Royal Highland Festival.
- Key highlights
- Sikkimese Yak – It recognised as an indigenous breed, strengthening conservation of its genetic resources.
- One Calf, Nine Trees Programme – It integrates yak rearing with tree planting to promote sustainable livelihoods and environmental conservation.
- Yak-based Products – SLDB launched Siri Ghee (A2 milk) and Yak Churpi prototypes to promote value addition and yak-based livelihoods.
- Other Initiatives – Awareness and conservation efforts strengthened through documentaries, ecosystem management publications, and yak-product exhibitions.
- Significance
- Ecological & Environmental – Conserves indigenous yaks and Himalayan ecosystems while integrating livestock rearing with environmental sustainability.
- Economic, Cultural & Social – Supports livelihoods and tourism, preserves pastoral heritage, and empowers yak-herding communities through knowledge sharing.
Reference
HT | First Himalayan Yak Festival
Govt of Sikkim | Himalayan Yak Festival
