Saving Cultural Rituals

Tradition and culture continue to influence and shape people’s behaviours and actions. A society is largely understood by culture it adopts. Culture carries the collective consciousness of the people. It is a way of life in which multitudes of elements come at play. It is the collective expression of conduct, faiths, habits, customs, symbols, languages, food, festivals, myths and art. It is a common norm shared by a group of people. Culture of one nationality differs from another. It provides identity and a sense of belonging to an individual. It is a source of emotional attachment and communication as it facilitates the people to connect with other members of the same community sharing the same values. No matter how much people adopt modern life style, they hardly forget their root.

There has been also a tendency among the young generation to assimilate into an alien culture. For example, the people from Asia, Africa and Latin America go to settle in the western countries for the better prospects of job, education and social security. Over time, their offspring is likely to be acculturated to a different social and cultural environment, and accordingly develop a different sense of ethnic and religious membership. In order to prevent their descendants from being absorbed into the melting pot of foreign culture, their parents make efforts to get their children familiarised with the native language, food, festivals, rituals, dress and tradition.  By getting connected to own culture, the young people can combat alienation and cultural shocks.

In this way, culture helps promote identity and evoke a feeling of togetherness. And the people from diverse ethnicities, religions and nationalities naturally strive to foster cultural values, traditions and conventions. Against this backdrop, people in Jumla continue to perform traditional Bhailo, a symbol of Khas civilisation, in order to preserve their ancient culture. In Nepal, Bhailo is generally played by females during the Tihar festival. But interestingly, both men and women perform Thuli Bhailo in villages and government offices in the winter season in Karnali region. It has begun from December 30 and is now at the peak of celebrations. The participants sing the traditional songs such as ‘Ae Aunsi Bar Bhailo’, ‘Dar Budhabar Bhailo.’ Clad in traditional attires, the young and the old alike are playing Bhailo, braving the freezing winter cold. The Bhailo players collect rice, lentils and cash, and enjoy ‘Patebhaat’ (a feast in the forest).

It is believed that the winter Bhailo tradition started during the reign of King Baliraja of Jumla in the 12th century and has been passed down from generation to generation. There are two types of Bhailo – Sani Bhailo and Thuli Bhailo. Sani Bhailo is performed during Nepali month of Mangshir and Thuli Bhailo in Poush. This unique form of entertainment carries significant cultural and social value. It gives a sense of community harmony and solace during the solitude of winter.  Karnali is the cradle of Nepali language, culture and civilisation. It is the origin of family names of Khas Aryan people. The version of Bhailo played in the frosty months also gives an insight into the kind of amusement that our ancestors used to enjoy. Practicing in real life preserves culture in real sense and the Jumli people deserve kudos for their zeal and commitment to preserve their culture and tradition.