The Changing Rituals of Magar A Sociological Study of Magars of Oraste VDC, Syangja

Abstract

This thesis is about the changing rituals of Magars of Oraste VDC, Syangja. The main objectives of the study were To analysis the ways of observing the birth, marriage and death rituals practiced and their symbolic meaning. To explore the changing forms of birth, marriage and death rituals and its causes among the Magars of Oraste VDC Syangja.

Both the primary and secondary data were used for the study. The primary data were collected from the questionnaire and interview schedule from the respondents and the secondary data were collected from the published and unpublished sources, such as books, articles, magazines, newspaper and from different libraries and institutes.

Since the study is focused on changing rituals of Magars of Oraste VDC, Syangja. So their rituals from birth to death are observed in the study area to find their symbolic meaning and the changing pattern of the rituals.

Finding and Conclusion The research is about the changing rituals of the Magars of Oraste VDC, Syangja. This study couldn't be regarded as the detailed study of Magar because of its limitations. The study has found that there is a close relation among the Magars of Oraste VDC. They share their help in birth, marriage and death rituals which shows the dependency with each other. The rituals like birth, marriage and death have their own specific meanings which are explained in the related chapters.

However, the Magars of this study area have changed their ritual practices which is influenced by Hinduitazation. Celebrating other festivals of Hindu, using Brahman priest, Sataya Narayan Puja, 'Brata' in Teez, final death rites observing for 13 days is the influence of Hinduism.

In the study area changing in the practices of the rituals in birth, marriage and death is find out which is due to the influence of different factors like modernization, Sanskritization, westernization, acculturation and communication facilities which are mentioned and explained in the respective chapters.