In the local Nepali culture, picnics are affectionately known as ban-bhoj (jungle-feast), a term that reflects the connection between these outdoor gatherings and the region’s natural beauty. Whether it was a family outing or a community event, picnics became synonymous with shared meals, laughter, and the joy of being surrounded by nature.
Until the early 2000s, picnics were more than just leisurely outings in the Darjeeling Hills and Sikkim—they were an integral part of life, deeply cherished for their ability to bring people together. For families and communities in the region, picnics were opportunities to bond, celebrate, and create memories. Many of the family albums we’ve digitized contain photographs from these gatherings, capturing moments of joy and togetherness. During winter vacations, with their crisp, cold air and festive spirit, families eagerly planned these outings. National holidays, like New Year’s Day and Republic Day, added to the sense of occasion, turning picnics into widely celebrated events that united people across the region.
The Art of Picnic Planning
Picnics in the hills weren’t just spontaneous affairs—they were carefully planned and meticulously organized. Popular picnic spots included scenic parks, riversides, and breathtaking viewpoints that offered perfect backdrops to showcase the natural beauty of the region. Planning each picnic involved a lot of attention to detail, from deciding the menu and arranging transportation to ensuring there was music, drinks, and enough camera film to capture the day.
Photography, in fact, played a vital role in these picnics. Every picnic was an opportunity to create lasting memories, and the act of capturing moments—whether it was the family gathered around a picnic table, children playing by the river, or candid shots of laughter—became just as important as the outing itself. Each photograph was a time capsule of shared joy, and the process of taking those photographs became a collective memory for everyone involved.
Picnics as a Cultural Cornerstone
More than just a fun activity, picnics were deeply woven into the cultural fabric of the Darjeeling Hills and Sikkim. These gatherings were rare opportunities for families and communities to come together, share stories, and forge deeper connections in the warmth of shared meals, laughter, and the beauty of the outdoors. They weren’t just about the food or the scenic views—they were about the feeling of togetherness and the bonds that were strengthened during these special times.
In an age where busy schedules and modern distractions take precedence, these simple pleasures—being in nature with loved ones—served as an important reminder of the value of slowing down, connecting with others, and celebrating life’s small joys.
A Fading Tradition
As time passed and life became more fast-paced, the picnic culture of the Darjeeling Hills and Sikkim gradually faded. Modern priorities, along with the hustle and bustle of daily life, pushed the once-beloved tradition to the margins of memory. While occasional picnics are still organized, they no longer occupy the central place they once did in the region’s culture.
However, the digitization of old family photo albums offers a beautiful way to preserve these treasured memories. The snapshot aesthetic of picnic photographs—capturing playful portraits, loved ones sharing meals under the open sky, children laughing by the riverside, and the stunning landscapes of the hills—reminds us of the joy and deep connection that picnics once brought to the people of these beautiful regions.
Although picnics may not be as central to life today, there’s still a way to reconnect with this joyful tradition: through the memories captured in old photographs. As we look back on these precious moments, we’re reminded of the sense of unity, happiness, and cultural significance that picnics held in the past. By reviving this tradition—perhaps in small, meaningful ways—we can once again embrace the spirit of togetherness that these gatherings represented.
Through old photographs, storytelling, and a renewed appreciation for the simple joys of life, we can keep the picnic culture alive. Whether it’s gathering a few friends for a day out in nature or simply reminiscing about those old family outings, the picnic tradition can still play a part in helping us reconnect with one another and the beautiful landscapes that have always been part of our shared history.
One of the most remarkable aspects of these early picnics was the respect for the environment. Unlike today’s picnic culture, which often relies heavily on disposable plastic items, people back then brought their own utensils, cookware, and firewood from home. There was no tradition of using "use-and-throw" utensils or packaging. Instead, families and communities carried metal plates, bowls, and cups—items that could be washed and reused for generations. Firewood was often sourced from sustainable places, ensuring minimal environmental impact.
This thoughtful approach to picnicking reflects a time when there was a strong community sense of responsibility toward nature. People understood that the land they were enjoying needed to be protected, and there was no question of leaving behind waste or contributing to pollution. It’s an observation that stands out in the archive of memories we’ve been digitizing: the shared commitment to preserving the pristine beauty of the surroundings.
Sadly, this sense of environmental stewardship has been gradually replaced by the convenience of single-use plastics and disposable items. With the rise of pre-packaged food and disposable cutlery, the natural landscapes that once hosted these gatherings are now burdened with waste. What was once a sustainable tradition has now become part of a larger environmental problem that we need to address. It’s time we begin doing the same with the visual history of the Darjeeling Hills and Sikkim. A wonderful starting point for unlocking memories and retelling stories is with family albums repositories of personal histories, as well as cultural treasures in every sense. What is often considered an ordinary image holds immense potential to generate critical knowledge about people, places, and the broader context in which these stories were lived. These albums offer us an intimate glimpse into the lives of past generations, and in doing so, they allow us to unearth the rich cultural and social fabric of the region.
Through the process of digitizing, cataloging, and preserving these photographs, we aim to make them accessible for academic, institutional, and independent research. This archive will serve as a valuable resource for practitioners, scholars, and anyone interested in exploring the diverse histories of the region.
At The Confluence Collective, our purpose is not only to preserve these visual histories but to engage with the local community and keep the tradition of storytelling alive. After all, the art of guff (storytelling) lies at the heart of the Pahari way of life. It is where we find the rich repositories of our history, culture, traditions, and collective existence. We are dedicated to preserving the history captured in photographs, passed down over time, but at risk of being lost to future generations.
We feel a strong urgency and necessity to create this archive, and we invite you to engage with us in this vital project. If you have old photographs or any relevant materials whether they relate to picnics, family gatherings, or other significant moments in the region’s history we encourage you to contribute to the archive. Together, we can ensure that these memories, stories, and traditions are preserved for future generations.
By contributing to this project, you are helping us safeguard the cultural heritage of the Darjeeling Hills and Sikkim, ensuring that these invaluable histories continue to resonate with and inspire others.
The Confluence Collective is a non-profit organization that needs your support. We rely on each one of you - our patrons and friends to help our organization sustain our work of archiving and documenting histories. Your contribution to the TCC Photo Archive will not only help preserve the stories of the Darjeeling-Sikkim Himalayas but also ensure that the Collective remains a vital space for cultural dialogue, creative expression, and public engagement. Support us - https://www.theconfluencecollective.com/supportus
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