Traditions and Culture Marriages among the Kinnauras are based on khandans, or economic units. Traditionally, any breach of the system of khandan was considered a serious threat to the deep-rooted values of their society. An intra-khandan marriage is believed to annoy the local deity and bring evil to the couple, their family and the village as a whole. Members of a superior khandan do not marry those of an inferior khandan. However, these traditions are no longer strictly followed by the present younger generations of the Kinnauras, owing to the influence of modern civilization.

Credit: Unknown

From the cultural viewpoint, three distinct "zones" are found in Kinnaur. TheNichar zone, which is influenced by Hindu cultural values; theKalpa zone, which is influenced by both the Hindu and Buddhist way of life; and finally the Pooh zone, which is influenced primarily by Mahayana Buddhism.

Livelihood
The main sources of livelihood for the Kinnauras are animal husbandry and agriculture. Those involved in animal husbandry follow a nomadic or semi nomadic way of life. Alongside agriculture, horticulture is also practised in the region. Extensive vineyards, thriving crops and orchards of apricot, apples and grapes are to be found in the entire region. Many Kinnauras seek employment on a daily wage basis in government projects, while others are in regular government service. The rest are engaged in business and in weaving and other cottage industries.

Kinnaur has also developed a fine tradition of brewing. Almost every house distills its own brews from the apricots, apples and grapes grown in the area. This activity is legal since Kinnaur is a tribal area.