Day-11 Answer Writing Challenge : Model Answer

Question: Critically analyse the various ceremonies practiced in Himachal Pradesh and their social implications.

Answer:

Himachal Pradesh, known for its rich cultural heritage, is home to various ceremonies and rituals that play a significant role in the social fabric of the state. These ceremonies often reflect the cultural, social, and religious beliefs of the local communities.

Himachal Pradesh is one of the few states of India, which have got less influence of outside world and hence its culture reflected through various ceremonies is still observed.

MARRIAGE CEREMONIES

1. A middle man act as a match maker and known as Roovary, Dhamu or Majomi.
2. Betrothal -first step in a marriage ceremony. There are two kinds of betrothal in practice.1) Barni : observed in upper classes.2) Sagai or Sotha – adopted by middle class and low class.

• Dheir –Nominal payment which boy’s father pays to girl’s father for defraying expenses of marriage.

1. Sotha -offering to girl’s parents by a priest or relative, on behalf of boy’s father. Called “Bandha Dena” in Chamba.

Social implication: All these ceremonies shows that:

1. Society of H.P is more flexible and open as compared to other states.
2. Status of women is not that derogatory as compared to other states.

• Custom of Dheri has positive and negative role as it leads to less instances of female foeticide because financial burden of marriage is not with girl’s family but it leads to selling of girls in name of marriage.

Eg.  Kinnaur Marriage Customs:

• Ceremony: Kinnauri weddings are elaborate affairs with unique customs, including traditional music, dance, and rituals such as exchanging garlands and tying sacred threads.
• Social Implications: These ceremonies reinforce social hierarchies, kinship ties, and community solidarity. Marriages serve as a means of strengthening alliances between families and villages, ensuring social stability.

BIRTH CEREMONIES

• Mother is housed in a separate room usually in lower storey of house at the time of child birth.This is done to protect her from cold and wind of hills.
• Due to lack of professional midwives, any of the several experienced village women assist at the birth showing the existence of traditional society.
• The first twenty days are called “Sootak” and during this period, the family observes all religious rituals.
• The ceremony of “Ghutti” shows that women are given secondary importance.
• The birth of son is great occasion in village showing the preference of son in villages.

FUNERAL CEREMONIES

• Main method is burning of body, though there are some strange practices in H.P.
• When death approach, the sick person’s body is lowered on the ground smeared with coadunate the death, conch shell are blown to indicate the relative to approach the house of deceased.
• Adhmargi: Custom of laying down the dead body for few minutes after reaching the half way.
• Garuda Purana is recited by Purohit.
• Sapindi: special ritual performed, if one dies an untimely death.

Social implications

The funeral ceremonies shows that society is deeply religious and follow traditions and customs. Though the customs vary regionally and districtwide too but there are some major practices which are followed throughout the state connecting the society as one.

Festivals

1. Dussehra Festival:

Ceremony: Dussehra is a major Hindu festival celebrated with great fervor in Himachal Pradesh, especially in Kullu. The highlight is the grand procession and idol immersion of Lord Raghunath.

Social Implications: Dussehra fosters a sense of community and religious unity. It strengthens social bonds, as people come together to celebrate the triumph of good over evil. The festival also boosts the local economy through tourism and trade.

2. Fagli Festival:

Ceremony: Fagli is a traditional festival celebrated in various parts of Himachal Pradesh. It involves colorful processions, folk dances, and the smearing of colored powder.

Social Implications: Fagli fosters a sense of belonging and shared identity among the communities. It promotes social harmony, and the lively celebrations provide an outlet for people to come together, share joy, and strengthen social bonds.

3.Lavi Fair:

Ceremony: Lavi Fair in Rampur Bushahr is one of the oldest trade fairs in Himachal Pradesh. It involves the exchange of goods, cultural performances, and religious rituals.

Social Implications: The fair promotes trade and commerce, leading to economic development. It also serves as a platform for different communities to interact, fostering cultural exchange and understanding.

The ceremonies of H.P are the blend of culture and tradition of Pahadi region. Most of the ceremonies are performed through community participation and have deep social impact on the overall social structure of the state.