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Exploring the folk religion of India and the role of girls and women within it, author June McDaniel focuses on the brata (vrata) ritual in which moral lessons are taught and goddesses are revealed. Bratas are performed to gain such goals as a healthy family, a good husband, and a happy life. They are also performed so that the performers (bratinis) develop such virtues as devotion, humility, and compassion.This book presents data from fieldwork, along with brata stories, songs, poems, and ritual activities. It discusses Bengali folk religion, offers an example of ritual worship in folk Hinduism, and surveys a variety of bratas. The author analyzes the similarities and differences among these rituals in low-caste village life and in high-caste Hindu tradition, and notes that the development of these rituals involves a form of continuing divine revelation with women as the primary transmitters. Bratas act to maintain traditional Hindu values, but also emphasize the power of women, whose virtues can save their husbands from hell worlds and their families from disasters.
The Indian state of West Bengal is home to one of the world's most vibrant traditions of goddess worship. The year's biggest holidays are devoted to the goddesses Durga and Kali, with lavish rituals, decorated statues, fireworks, and parades. In Offering Flowers, Feeding Skulls, June McDaniel provides a broad, accessibly written overview of Bengali goddess worship. McDaniel identifies three major forms of goddess worship, and examines each through its myths, folklore, songs, rituals, sacred texts, and practitioners. In the folk/tribal strand, which is found in rural areas, local tribal goddesses are worshipped alongside Hindu goddesses, with an emphasis on possession, healing, and animism. T...
Records publications acquired from Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Maldives, Nepal, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka, by the U.S. Library of Congress Offices in New Delhi, India, and Karachi, Pakistan
Explorations In Anthropology: P.K. Bhowmick And His Collaborative Research Works Provides An Accessible And Comprehensive Introduction To The Vast Subject Matter Of Social Anthropology. This Book Is Not Merely A Collection Of Several Articles But Also An Exploration Of Diverse Discourses Arising In Socio-Political, Economic, Cultural, Religious And Administrative Disciplines That Constitute The Defining Characteristics Of Today S Social Ethos. Scholars With Their Adequate Skilled Knowledge And Scientific Bent Of Mind Have Tried To Explore The Real Truth Of Anthropological Science Dealing With The Problems Related To Man, Society And Culture, Which Are Unique, Versatile And Are Of Lasting Rel...
On social life and customs of Savara (Indic people), with reference to Midnapore District.
Ethnological study.
An index of names of persons who are described in various biographical dictionaries.