National 4 (Spotlight Weekly)

"Festivals Are Determined By The Kind Of Population Living In Certain Area"

— Dr. Ramesh Raj Kunwar

Professor Dr. RAMESH RAJ KUNWAR, an anthropologist at Tribhuwan University Kirtipur - is a well-known person. Kunwar spoke to SPOTLIGHT on various issues on changing mode of festivals. Excerpts:

How do you see the celebration of festivals in the valley?

Our urban elite also celebrates the festivals but most of them are not the forces of cultural change. They are not agents of change rather they keep continue saying that they are following the age-old tradition. Since the elites are well placed, they have money to celebrate them.

What are the determining factors of the festivals?

The festivals and culture are determined by what kinds of population live in certain areas. If a locality has heterogeneous groups, it may perform one kind of festivals. Homogenous groups have other ways to perform festivals. Compared to heterogeneous groups, the homogenous group has unique way of celebrating festivals.

What is needed to reform the practices?

For any change to occur, it requires transformation in ritual performers like priests. People are guided by traditions and there are very strong cultural institutions and cultural elements. So a large number of youths are still following their culture and maintaining the continuity.

How do you see the new generation?

The new generation can play a very important role in celebrating the festivals and rituals. There are always conflicts between the old and young generations. The younger generations are influenced and supported by exogenous forces. When this generation cannot explain and judge change, they are in the transition. Neither they can play a role in modernization nor do they remain in mechanical solidarity. The younger generations are in a very difficult situation at present.

What about the lower middle class and affluent class?

People from lower middle class are also playing important role in preserving the tradition just like the urban elites. Festivals and rituals are safety valve for the lower middle class. For urban elites, this is not a safety valve but just a pleasure. Lower middle class people want to perform festival to show off. They perform rituals and festivals in order to maintain their prestige and identity. His or her actions are accounted by his community members. A lower middle class family also needs entertainment and relaxes by performing the rituals.

How urbanization affects the pattern of culture?

When the society is urbanized and settlement changes, the natives will be in minority. It will affect the way of performing the rituals and culture. In such a circumstance, other cultures will dominate the minority culture.

How do you see the pace of change?

Till a decade ago, we had abundant number of religious performers/priests including Purohit and Pujaris who traveled from place to place. Now their number is declining in urban area. This has also affected the pattern of observing rituals since priests are required in every function.

"Our Culture Is Very Accommodative And Not Rigid"

— Dr. Rishikeshab Raj Regmi

Professor Dr. RISHIKESHAB RAJ REGMI is a well known anthropologist. Dr. Regmi who teaches anthropology at Kirtipur Campus spoke to SPOTLIGHT on various issues. Excerpts:

What is the importance of festivals in the Valley's culture?

Festivals connect the social system and help to continue it. Festivals are important parts of Nepalese culture and lifestyles. From harvesting to planting, it guides society.

At a time when society is gradually shifting from homogenous to heterogeneous composition, how do you see the future of festivals?

Of course, the societies are moving from homogeneous to heterogeneous and the families have become more extended. One of the basic characters of Nepalese festivals is that they play an important role in connecting the society. Unlike other festivals, Nepalese festivals are more flexible and accommodative. Festivals also help to strengthen and renew family as well as individual relations.

How do you see the reforms in the festivals?

The modernization has induced many reforms in the festivals. They are more secularized and we can see a lot of changes. We don't have rigidity as Nepalese festivals are more flexible. This is one of the reasons Nepalese festivals will continue to survive in its symbolic way. Whether one watches MTV or Bollywood movies, there is a certain sense of ideological feeling regarding the importance of his/her tradition. This is a very positive sign.

At a time when society is transforming, there are so many rigid rituals. How do you look at it?

Our culture is very accommodative and not rigid. What we are performing is more or less related to priest culture. When the influence of modernization is growing, the old rituals are bound to change.

How do see the trend in society?

The trends are positive. People are now more symbolic and ideologically strong.