The Himalayas are a multi-ethnic region with diverse cultural, religious, and economic interactions. This event (complemented by a small photo exhibition) will use selected case studies to discuss the preparation, sharing, and consumption of food that plays an important role in the relationships between the members of our society and the „other“ world inhabited by gods, spirits, demons, and ancestors.

16.00 – Lectures:

Welcome and introductory words | Verena Widorn and Ute Wallenböck (University of Vienna)

Tsampa – Food for gods and humans | Ute Wallenböck (Masaryk University Brno, University of Vienna)

Divine diets: a menu of the preferred food and drink of Tibetan protector deities | Charles Ramble (Ècole Pratique des Hautes Études, Paris)

The Last Great Meal before going to the ancestors‘ – Death ritual among the Tamangs | Gabriele Tautscher (Vienna)

Trinksitten bei den Lepchas in Kalimpong, West Bengalen | Uwe Niebuhr (University of Vienna)

18.00 – Opening of the photo exhibition & Reception