Ringal: Uttarakhand's Himalayan Bamboo Sustains Rural Livelihoods, Culture

• Ringal, also known as Himalayan bamboo, is integral to Uttarakhand's culture and daily life, growing naturally in high-altitude Kumaon and Garhwal.
• It provides livelihood for thousands, with artisans crafting essential household items like baskets, winnowing fans, and storage containers entirely by hand.
• The strength and durability of Ringal products made them crucial for the historic Tibet trade, used for transporting goods across mountain journeys.
• The Uttarayani Fair in Bageshwar remains a key market for Ringal products, where artisans sell their handmade goods to locals and tourists.
• Despite challenges from modern goods, there's hope for Ringal's revival through government support for training, better markets, fair prices, and online sales, promoting its eco-friendly nature.

Why It Matters: Ringal bamboo is vital for Uttarakhand's rural economy and culture, needing support for its eco-friendly revival.