Suruwa as site of Rajbanshi Identity

Abstract

This dissertation explores the significance ofSiruwa, a traditional festival, in the construction and reinforcement of Rajbanshi identity in Nepal. The Rajbanshi community, an indigenous ethnic group primarily residing in thesouth-eastern Terai districts, celebratesthis festivalwith unique cultural practices that are integral to their social and cultural fabric. By examining the historical roots, rituals, and contemporary adaptations ofSiruwa, thisstudy aims to understand how thisfestival serves as a dynamic platform for expressing and preserving Rajbanshi identity. Through participant observation and interviews, the dissertation investigates the ways in which Siruwafunctions as a site of cultural continuity and change, reflecting broader themes of ethnicity, heritage, and identity politicsfrom the perspective of performance developed by Richard Schechner, Victor Turner, Clifford Geertz, Richard Bauman and Diana Taylor. The findings highlight the resilience of the Rajbanshi community in maintainingtheir cultural distinctiveness amidst external influences and socio- political changes. This research contributes to the broader discourse on indigenous identity and cultural preservation in Nepal, offering insights into the complexities of cultural practices as mechanisms for sustaining identity in a rapidly changing world.