Preserving Intangible Cultural Heritage: The Role of Tourism in Traditional Revitalization

The recent initiative by the Department of Archaeology, Museums, and Heritage in Mysuru to facilitate heritage tonga rides as part of the Dasara festival serves as a critical case study in the institutional preservation of cultural identity. By encouraging participants to wear traditional attire while engaging with historically significant modes of transport, the state government is not merely organizing a tourist attraction; it is actively curating a platform for the intergenerational transmission of intangible heritage. In the era of rapid urbanization and globalization, traditional lifestyles often face the threat of becoming obsolete. Such initiatives function as 'living heritage' projects, where historical architecture and traditional transport are re-contextualized within the modern social framework. This approach aligns with the UNESCO-backed philosophy of safeguarding heritage not as static monuments, but as dynamic processes that remain relevant to contemporary society. By incentivizing traditional attire and cultural engagement, the administration effectively bridges the gap between the past and the present, fostering a sense of civic pride and local identity.