Ashtimki as the Site for the Performance of Tharu Identity

Abstract

This research explores how Ashtimkifestival has become a site for the performance of Tharu identity in their one of the biggest festivals—Ashtimki. This research exposes the conception of liminality, a state of transformation of identity, and employs identity construction and reconstruction of people while celebrating this festival. The co-construction is done in the interaction between an individual identity and their group-identity. By taking theoretical insights on performance theories proposed mainly by Richard Schechner and Victor Turner's concept of liminality, and Catherine Bell's concept of ritual and practice, this research unfolds that the Tharu people go through the process of identity construction, transformation, in-between-ness, reconstruction, and fluidness between identities that co-exist in a person during Ashtimki celebration.