Ritualistic Modification of Astimki: A Study Of Cultural Hybridization in Tharu Culture
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Abstract
This field-based research paper entitled "Ritualistic Modification of Astimki:
A Study of Cultural Hybridization in Tharu Culture" moves around the impacts of
modernization and the other neighboring cultures in Tharu community. It studies the
continuity and change of Astimki festival and explores how the cultural assimilation,
globalization, development of science and technology affect the Astimki festival
especially to the new generation. The objective of this study is to show how cultural
hybridity is going to be dominant among Tharu people. To support the idea, the
notions of cultural hybridity by Homi K Bhabha, Chris Barker and Ashcroft are used
as theoretical tool. However, Tharu have adopted some traits of other Nepali cultures
and global culture in terms of language, rituals and festivals as well as the impacts of
information and technology, they have also managed to conserve and promote some
tribal cultural patterns of their own cultural identity.