A study on Paradox of Ihi and Single Womanhood with Respect to Myths and Symbolic Meaning in Newar Community

Abstract

Newars, the traditional inhabitants of Kathmandu, distinguish themselves from the dominant Brahman-Chhetri culture in the performance of two rituals of Girls namely Ihi and Barha. Both of these ceremonies are related to marriage of girls with mortal god so that she never becomes single woman in her life.

The study aimed to explore the symbolic meaning of Ihi and assess the real status of single women. Panga Des of Kathmandu district was selected as a study area because Newar community dominates this residential area.

A multi stage sampling was carried out to select respondents. Key informants were consulted to find out the targeted groups. Among Newar women, single women were considered as targeted respondents. Single-woman includes widow, divorcee, unmarried (age over 35 years) and woman abandoned by her husband. The sampling size was taken as 28 % of the total single-woman of the study area (i.e. 62).

The structured questionnaire was carried out to interview the respondents. Different questionnaires were used for different group of single-woman. The study was conducted in a small Newar settlement so its findings should not be generalized with whole Newar community. The study revealed that most of single women perceive these social customs as symbolic practice. So, the discrimination against divorced woman and widows also prevailed in Newar community. The study recommended adopting the social custom in the spirit of its cultural norms. Further, the study suggested for more comprehensive analysis in this social custom.