Scripting the religious- cultural practice of “Gouri” of Manipur: An Overview
| Authors |
| Binata Nongmaithem |
| Date of Publication: December, 2024 |
| Volume: XXIII, No.- XXVI |
| Abstract |
| This paper is an ardent desire to unearth a dying religious- cultural practice known as ‘Gouri’ in Manipur. Realizing this depleting religious- cultural practice, this paper is an attempt to study it as a text of ‘cultural vulnerability’ in contemporary Manipur. Cultural vulnerability occurs in many contexts and in many forms. The concept of culture- sometimes becomes a ‘segregating’ episteme as well. This religious- cultural practice of ‘Gouri’ is performed by womenfolk when they gather together in the nearby temple to sing songs and hymns to God, and this gathering happens in the evening. This paper will examine the multifaceted dimensions this gathering of women has in Manipuri society. This practice will gravitate towards the myriad local, cultural, religious, indigenous knowledge systems of Manipuri society. There will be a great differentia of worldviews evident in this practice but attempt will be made to foreground the context of cultural vulnerability, cultural memory and cultural resilience when faced with erasure. This paper will try to highlight that this form of women’s congregation for singing hymns in the locality temple is dynamic. Spirituality is a deep redefinition of one’s identity. This paper raises a concern to foster critical awareness of this practice which is depleting in Manipuri society nowadays. |
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