The women keeping Uttarakhand’s native bees alive

PITHORAGARH, Uttarakhand, India — As summer arrives in Himalayan states like Uttarakhand, forests burst with new green leaves and vibrant flowers adorn every trail. Alongside the flora and fauna, bees also awaken, creating a lively ecosystem. Saraswati Devi, an 80-year-old woman, sits in her courtyard with bees coming and going from a wall hive where the colony resides within her home.

"Bees are considered sacred and hold great significance in our lives, as evidenced by the faag songs we sing during joyous occasions like weddings and festivals in the Kumaon region of Uttarakhand," she explains. These melodic hymns are sung by Saraswati and her fellow women, reflecting the deep connection between the community and their native bees.

The bees are drawn to homes where children play; however, without children present, they are unlikely to stay. For centuries, people in this region have shared their lives with the indigenous species, Apis cerana indica, also known as the Indian honey bee or Himalayan honey bee. This unique interdependence has persisted, with many households in rural Uttarakhand coexisting harmoniously with these bees.

Unfortunately, factors such as climate change, the introduction of new bee species for increased honey production, habitat fragmentation, and insufficient nutrition have all contributed to a decline in the population of these crucial pollinators.

Recognizing the importance of bees in maintaining ecological balance, the role of women in their conservation becomes paramount. In Uttarakhand, rearing bees is an integral part of daily life, placing women at the forefront of preserving this species. Saraswati Devi, alongside her family, stands beside their wall hive, symbolizing the ongoing efforts to protect and nurture these invaluable creatures.