Folklores of Sacred Khecheopalri Lake in the Sikkim Himalaya of India

Abstract

Although locals regard all lakes in the Himalayan mountains as sacred, Khecheopalri Lake in the Sikkim Himalaya of India is considered the most sacred. There are many folklores associated with it-it is famous as a "wish fulfilling lake." The pristine setting of the lake combined with its huge biodiversity attracts a large number of tourists, and it is also a pilgrimage site. However, the lake's sacredness is limited to the water only and it faces immense anthropogenic and other biotic pressures in the watershed, such as those relating to the collection of firewood, the felling of trees for timber, fodder collection, free livestock grazing, and various agricultural practices. The impact of tourism, with consequent garbage management issues and impact on wildlife, adds another dimension to the lake's fragile ecosystem. This has led to environmental and cultural changes of the area that all pose a threat to the ecosystem and its surrounding resources, thus raising questions over the lake's longevity and economic viability.