A Study of the Death Rituals of Rupakot VDC (Kaski District) Migrated Gurung Community in Pokhara

Abstract

Gurungs have their unique cultures and custom. They celebrate many customs and rituals. This study is concentrated on Death Ritual of Gurungs. It is attempted to describe multi aspects of Gurungs Death ritual i.e. economic, religious, social, cultural, importance of kinships. Gurung rituals are becoming expensive day by day in expenditure of pae (Arghun) and going to be deformed of cultures and customs. This study has described influences of Modernization, Urbanization, Migration, Hinduization, etc. in death ritual The broad objectives of this study has been to explore about Gurungs death ritual and specific objectives which are as below. • To find out the cultural, economic and social aspects of death ritual in Gurung culture. • To explore the importance of social relations in Gurungs death ritual • To trace the changing process out and to describe the general role (son and daughter) in death ritual in Gurung society. This study is framed theoretical with in the concept of structural functionalism, symbolic interpretation and diffusions. This research study is designed with exploratory, descriptive and used from primary and interview, observation, schedule etc. This study is concentrated with 'Rupa Samaj' who are migrated Gurungs in Pokhara from Rupakot VDC and the research sampling has been taken on the basis of census with selection of all 60 households. Gurungs are followers of 'Bonism'. They practice their cultures and customs according to Bon. Their priests are Pachyu, Ghepren, Bon Lama and Paindi. They are influenced by Mahayani Lamas who are Tibetan Buddhist. In the death ritual, there are innovative changes in many parts i.e. process of doing Syaisyai, rules to manage death ceremony etc. The priests do not have also plenty of knowledge about meaning of their death ritual. There is lack of knowledge with new generation about cultures and rituals. There are developments of some deformed usages and ostentations. But there is very important element of unity, cooperation, sympathy and we feeling. Death rituals have been a means of co-ordination for Gurungs, creating solidarity although the ritual of Syaisyai is similar to an institution same to that as referred by Malinowski in his study on Trobrianders.