Digital Documentation of Cultural Narratives, Rituals and Processions: A Study of Mahasu Maharaj Traditions in Uttarakhand using AI and IoT

Abstract

The use of artificial intelligence (AI) with internet of things (IoT), is proposed as a way to document and preserve the Mahasu Maharaj traditions of Uttarakhand. Traditions are a source of historical information and also provide evidence of what makes a culture or community. However, it has been documented that many traditions have lost their importance and have become less practiced by youth. The AI-IoT based system proposed would include five layers: Data collection from cultural activities, Sensing and recording using IoT technology, Analyzing and processing cultural data using AI, A digital store of all cultural data collected, Access to the digital cultural data via user interface. These layers will allow the documenting of all aspects of the tradition using IoT enabled devices (e.g., Smart Cameras, Audio Sensors, Wearable Devices, Location Based Sensors). AI techniques (Natural Language Processing, Speech Recognition, Computer Vision, Machine Learning) can be used to analyze, classify and organize the cultural data. The proposed methodology provides a structure for the organization and management of cultural digital assets, but allows the continued participation of the community members in the development of the digital assets, maintains the authenticity of the cultural items and preserves the cultural context.