Lungta : Social, Cultural and Environmental Consciousness 

Lungta is a multi-faceted trans-Himalayan social, cultural, and spiritual concept denoting good fortune and success. Lungta is an intangible inner life force that influences the wellbeing of a person. It is a common social and cultural belief that when one’s Lungta is flying high, one is healthy, lucky, successful, and prosperous. Likewise, when one’s Lungta is running low or diminished, one is likely to encounter obstacles and misfortunes.  The flags are considered sacred, and it is taboo to disrespect or desecrate them—such as by trampling, discarding in unclean areas, or using them for unintended mundane purposes. They are required to be hoisted on high mountain tops or over rivers and water bodies, allowing the positive energy or blessings to flow freely in all directions, ushering in peace, prosperity, and happiness.

The Lungta also represents the progress of spiritual practitioners. As they continue on their spiritual path, the Lungta serves as a steadfast companion, guiding them forward on their quest for awakening. Additionally, our Lungta is also how we respond and react to the air, water, earth, wind, and fire— the environment we live in. In the spirit of loving-kindness, the festival advocates, raises awareness, and deepens the understanding of basic human goodness, and the ethical responsibility that can literally unite all beings – seen and unseen. 

At the heart of LAF is the desire to address an emerging environmental concern: the increasing presence of synthetic micro-plastic polluting the pristine mountain ecosystems of the Himalayan region.  Synthetic micro-plastics take centuries to decompose, and are increasingly contaminating the region’s natural resources, including its glaciers, snow, air and water sources, posing significant health risks to animals, people, and the environment as a whole. The lack of organic and sustainable alternatives for carry bags, flags, etc is  a current challenge. However, the choice is ours and it is also our responsibility to be conscious and aware. The festival offers a visual with the aspiration to adopt sustainable practices for our shared world.