How Is Tourism Affecting Sky Burials In Tibet?

Sky Burials of Tibet, also known as sky funerals, are a unique and sacred death ritual that involves allowing vultures to consume the body of the deceased. This practice is deeply embedded in Tibetan culture and represents an intricate blend of spiritual beliefs and environmental practices. The process typically takes place on a mountaintop, where the deceased is laid out in a celestial burial (Jhator) or Jhator in Tibetan language.

The traditional sky burial is a practice of Vajrayana Buddhism, where flesh is offered. Despite threats from reduced bird populations, competition from cremation facilities, sanitation challenges, and an influx of tourists, sky burials continue to be widely practiced in Tibetan areas of China. The Chinese government declared unwanted sky burial viewing illegal in 2016, stating that visitors coming to Tibet are now banned from viewing sky burials.

The history and origins of the sky burial ritual, preparation, and its significance are discussed, along with the controversy surrounding the practice. Sky burials are endemic to Tibet, Qinghai, Sichuan, Inner Mongolia, Mongolia, Nepal, Bhutan, and parts of India such as Sikkim and Zanskar. The modernization of Western China and the expansion of tourism in Tibet have led to the inclusion of burial sites on tourist maps and local media.

However, there is no taboo for tourists watching and taking photos at the sky burial site, which is considered disrespectful to the culture. The “Interim” bill passed by lawmakers in the Tibet Autonomous Region aims to better protect sky burials, highlighting their importance as an ancient eco-friendly burial practice.