Paper short abstract:

Survival of Tibetan spiritual heritage which has paramount importance in Tibetan culture and identity is at stake in exile due to socio-cultural and political reasons that can be revived through the application of `Pro- migrant tourism approach` in contemporary era.

Paper long abstract:

Tibetan art includes gtor ma, maṇḍala, thangka painting and khatag reflect their spiritual creative identity.

A study was conducted in Dharamsala, India. It was revealed that the donation and sponsorship by the tourists has changed Tibetan economy. However, exposure of other culture, mass media and restricted job opportunities influence them to immigrate abroad.

Age- old Tibetan New Year ceremony lo gsar helps to reinforce Tibetan identity. In India this tradition has become a low key affair. That causes a serious threat to religious tradition of mantra recitation and instrumental play including music, dance and opera.

Effects of migration and lack of interest for lengthy apprenticeship in Tibetan arts, crafts (which have low market value) pose significant challenge on inheritance of traditional knowledge and skills which are struggling for existence.

Most pressing issue is that Tibetan `spiritual art of well-being` has become commercialised into `cosmopolitan art of living` and has flourished as `fast life identity marker`.

It is argued that the application of `Pro- migrant tourism approach` which encompasses utilisation of donations from the tourists for the improvement of indigenous technology, training and financial support to monastic teachings, can help digitize monastic lineage based arts/ crafts techniques and broadcast recorded performances including gesar epic in order to safeguard Tibetan cultural world view. In addition, service to tourists as guides, selling of traditional cuisine, encouraging utilisation of Tibetan art/craft products, including Tibetan medicine, may generate job opportunities. That in turn, can revitalise intangible cultural heritage and ameliorate identity crisis.