PRACTICING CHILD BIRTH RITUALS: REPRODUCING MOTHERHOOD AND PATRIARCHY

Abstract

This paper seeks to investigate the birth rituals described in Hindu scriptures and the indigenous birth rituals performed by the Bengali community in order to comprehend the implicit value system they embody. The rituals’ ingrained value system is viewed primarily in two categories- first, the conditioning of women for motherhood through birth rituals and, second, the extent to which these rituals sustain patriarchy. This socialisation through birth rites contributes to a woman’s social and self-identification as a mother. To analyse these processes, attempts are undertaken to examine birth rites in the social life of Bengali folk culture and in Hindu scripture sources. This study will concentrate solely on Hindu birth rites found in scriptural texts and folk birth rituals performed by Hindus. A field study was also conducted in order to provide a comprehensive understanding of traditional ceremonies.