<P> The Himalayan population belongs to four distinct cultural groups, who throughout history have systematically penetrated the isolated indigenous Himalayan population . Those migrating cultures--Hindu (Indian), Buddhist (Tibetan), Islamic (Afghanistan--Iran) and Animist (Burmese and south - eastern Asian)--without any doubt have created here their own individual and unique place . Their current arrangement, though with a few exceptions, is linked to specific geographical regions, and the relative altitude at which they occur . </P> <P> There are many cultural aspects of the Himalayas . For the Hindus, the Himalayas are personified as Himavath, the father of the goddess Parvati . The Himalayas is also considered to be the father of the river Ganges . The Mountain Kailash is a sacred peak to the Hindus and is where the Lord Shiva is believed to live . Two of the most sacred places of pilgrimage for the Hindus is the temple complex in Pashupatinath and Muktinath, also known as Saligrama because of the presence of the sacred black rocks called saligrams . </P> <P> The Buddhists also lay a great deal of importance on the mountains of the Himalayas . Paro Taktsang is the holy place where Buddhism started in Bhutan . The Muktinath is also a place of pilgrimage for the Tibetan Buddhists . They believe that the trees in the poplar grove came from the walking sticks of eighty - four ancient Indian Buddhist magicians or mahasiddhas . They consider the saligrams to be representatives of the Tibetan serpent deity known as Gawo Jagpa . </P> <P> The Himalayan people's diversity shows in many different ways . It shows through their architecture, their languages and dialects, their beliefs and rituals, as well as their clothing . The shapes and materials of the people's homes reflect their practical needs and the beliefs . Another example of the diversity amongst the Himalayan peoples is that handwoven textiles display colors and patterns unique to their ethnic backgrounds . Finally, some people place a great importance on jewelry . The Rai and Limbu women wear big gold earrings and nose rings to show their wealth through their jewelry . </P>

How have the himalayan mountains affected the development of culture in south and east asia