Friends, here is a very interesting site: it has put up transcripts of interviews of common (but very AUTHENTIC) people from remote villages of Indian Himalayas on diverse topics. I sampled some and found them to be quite good; don’t seem to have undergone any loss during translation or transcription.
http://www.mountainvoices.org/india.asp (see local themes on left column like- Culture & customs, Spiritual beliefs, Health etc)
For example this excerpt, I find quite interesting. I realize that same (as below) explains reluctance on the part of local (Jaunsari) people to talk about polyandry. Outsiders’ adverse reactions have changed their perception of their customs and practices. They have become wary. Jaunsar is the region, you will be visiting.
".years ago people used to [wash the feet of their guests].the guest was also given a foot massage. Nowadays a bucket of warm water is given [to a visitor] to wash their hands and feet by themselves. No one does the massage anymore. People from outside spoke badly about the people of Jaunsar because of this custom. Now we offer hospitality, but not by washing the feet."
Prabha, F/54, India 36
http://www.mountainvoices.org/Summary.asp?id=30 (summary of one interview)
Look at some of the health testimonies. This can help you to decide what questions to ask, when you are in the region two months hence.
http://www.mountainvoices.org/i_th_health.asp (health testimonies)
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