1. Puja Ceremony: Before embarking on an expedition, many climbers and teams conduct a puja ceremony at the base camp. This traditional ritual involves offerings to the mountain gods and seeking their blessings for a safe and successful climb. The ceremony is often led by a Buddhist lama or a Hindu priest.
2. Khata Offering: Khata is a ceremonial scarf made of silk or cotton that symbolizes purity, compassion, and good wishes. Climbers often exchange khatas with Sherpa guides, fellow climbers, and local people as a gesture of respect, gratitude, and friendship.
3. Summit Offering: When climbers reach the summit of Mount Everest, they often leave behind small offerings such as prayer flags, personal mementos, or photographs as a symbolic gesture of gratitude to the mountain.
4. Sherpa Hospitality: The Sherpa people, who are indigenous to the Everest region, play a crucial role in supporting mountaineering expeditions. They are highly skilled in climbing, guiding, and providing logistical assistance. As a tradition, Sherpas are treated with respect and gratitude, and their contributions are acknowledged and celebrated.
5. Cleaning the Mountain: In recent years, there has been a growing emphasis on cleaning up the mountain and minimizing the environmental impact of expeditions. Climbers often participate in clean-up initiatives to remove trash and debris from the slopes of Everest.
6. Respect for the Mountain: Mount Everest is considered sacred by many cultures and religions. Climbers are expected to show respect for the mountain by following ethical practices, minimizing disturbance to the environment, and promoting sustainable mountaineering practices.
These traditions on Mount Everest reflect the mountain's cultural and spiritual significance and foster a sense of community and respect among climbers and the local communities.
